Khaos takes control of Hayze’s body.
Khaos: Put me down.
Black Hollow: Huh? What?
Khaos: I said, put me down!
Black Hollow: You’re in no shape to be standing on your own, Hayze.
Khaos: *frustrated grunt* Whatever, then let me do this.
Khaos drags Black Hollow into his shadow world.
Exciton: What?
Vulcan: Huh?
Khaos’ hand appears inside Lust’s shadow; he grabs her ankle and drags her into the shadow world. He then does the same with Exciton, Aster, Vulcan, and Scarlett. Finally, the hallways begin filling with nerve gas.
Khaos: (Ugh… I hate this.)
Back on the surface, everyone has a somber expression and tone.
Walker: (First mission back, and another one gone.)
Suddenly, Khaos, Lust, Vulcan, Scarlett, Black Hollow, Aster, and Exciton appear in Walker’s shadow.
Big Tank: What?!
Walker: Huh?!
Exciton: Well, that was trippy.
Walker: You’re all alive!
Lust: Yeah, thanks to Hayze.
Khaos: Yeah… Hayze.
Khaos passes out.
Khaos: (This is the beginning… of the end.)
Exciton places Aster beside Hayze, and EMTs rush over to help them.
Exciton: Hey, take good care of these kids, alright?
EMT7: Will do, Mr. Exciton.
Vulcan carries Scarlett over to a hanging piece of debris and places her in the shade.
Vulcan: We need to secure her now!
A group of police officers come running towards Vulcan with a tanning bed.
Exciton: What’s that for?
Officer 1: It’s how we can secure the vampire. Artificial sunlight won’t kill her, but it will weaken her significantly to the point where she isn’t a threat.
The officers bind Scarlett’s hands inside a metal lock and put a metal-face mask on her. Next, they strap her inside the tanning bed, chaining it shut. Finally, they start wheeling it to an armored truck.
Officer 1: Thank you, heroes, for apprehending this villain.
Vulcan: Be sure to give a thorough interrogation. There’s a chance she knows precisely where Iota is.
Officer 1: I’ll relay that information to the prison. For now, I recommend you head to the hospital; that’s where the rest of your team is.
Vulcan: I can’t; I must return to my agency and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Exciton: *under his breath* Micromanager…
Officer 1: Uh… with all due respect, Vulcan, two heroes are under your direct management. And they are in terrible conditions. Shouldn’t you-
Vulcan: I’ll check on them later.
Vulcan starts walking off.
Officer 1: Damn… that’s tough.
Exciton: Eh, that’s just how he is.
Black Hollow: What are the conditions of Tyson Ross, Ryne Verdugo, and Alexis Meadows?
Officer 1: None of them were seriously injured. Meadows was fine; Verdugo had an easy-fix leg wound, and Ross had a concussion.
Black Hollow: I see. Then I should return to my agency as well. I’ll head to the hospital later.
Black Hollow leaves.
Exciton: Big Tank, Lust, why don’t you two head to the hospital and make sure everyone is alright.
Lust: And what about you?
Exciton: I’m going to head out with the officers and make sure nothing bad happens with the transport of our prisoner.
Big Tank: Good idea; we shouldn’t trust the officers to safely get her to the prison.
Officer 1: I’m standing right here, sir.
Exciton: Yeah, it’s incredible how smart a young brain can be, but you wouldn’t know anything about that now, would you?
Big Tank: Why you little!
Exciton starts walking to the armored car.
Exciton: Cya, nerds!
Big Tank: I hate that guy.
Lust: I know, but we must focus on the injured heroes right now.
Aster and Hayze are being loaded into ambulances. Big Tank, Lust, and Walker get in the back with them.
Lust: What are we looking at for casualties?
Big Tank: We already confirmed the deaths of Timber Man, Everyman, Silver Dollar, Doorman, and Fishface, and with Paperboy nowhere to be seen, I can only assume he died to one of the villains or the nerve gas.
Lust: Dang, he was with Exciton and me for a while too, poor guy.
Big Tank: I’ll contact their families once we find out the status of our heroes. I just hope those are the only phone calls I have to make.
Walker: The medical staff at the hospital will make sure of that.
Big Tank: I sure hope so.
At U.A., Ewing, Houston, Adrian, Boom, Madame Mummy, Multi, Spectre, and Vanguard are gathered in a conference room.
Adrian: Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t know if this is the best choice with everything that’s been transpiring.
Vanguard: What are you referring to, Adrian? This event has great potential.
Adrian: I’m aware, but I don’t think some of the rules you’re suggesting should be implemented.
Vanguard: And why is that?
Adrian: I think you know why. We should be wary about this whole “Vanguard” business that’s been going around class 2-A. I saw Lilith Weber completely change personalities after engaging in combat with Jace Neil, who recently suffered a change in character himself. It was as if he had passed along a virus of some sort. And now Isaiah Ware is acting similarly. We shouldn’t allow these students to do any-
Ewing: Adrian, we talked about this.
Vanguard smiles.
Adrian: We did, sir, but I wasn’t satisfied with our “talk.” We have a big problem, and we’re doing nothing about it, and this idea Mr. Butler is proposing may cause more harm.
Everyone else in the room is silent.
Vanguard: Adrian, we’ve already decided that these students are merely partaking in club activities, and they are only young adults. This could just be a phase for them.
Adrian: A phase? They’re like completely different people! Lilith was one of the most innocent and sweet girls I’ve ever met, and now she’s a narcissistic brat. Principal Ewing, I can’t believe you’re okay with all this!
Everyone turns to look at Ewing.
Ewing: Adrian, I think you should step out.
Adrian: Wh- but sir!
Ewing: Adrian, we’ll have a talk later. This meeting is about the school’s replacement for the Sports Festival, and Mr. Butler has brought up a great solution. So unless anyone else objects to the idea, that’s what we’re moving forward with.
Boom: I personally think it’s a lot of fun.
Madame Mummy: The Sports Festival is an important time for the students, removing it this year without a suitable replacement is unfair to them. I agree with Mr. Butler.
Adrian: *frustrated grunt*
Ewing: Alright, then we’ll move forward with the idea and announce everything to the students tomorrow. Adrian, you’re welcome to be at the opening ceremony if you wish.
Adrian: Yeah… I’ll be there.
Walker, Big Tank, and Lust arrive at the hospital and enter the waiting room. Yul, Daniele, Tyson, Verity, Alexis, and Ash are all sitting there. Tyson is holding an ice pack to his head.
Walker: How are you kids doing?
Ash: We’re all fine. We’re just waiting for updates on everyone else.
Alexis: Recovery Girl arrived not too long ago. I think she’s making her rounds.
Big Tank: That’s good; the doctors probably need all the help they can get.
Daniele: Are Aster and Hayze alright?
Lust: They made it out alright.
A nurse walks towards them, holding a clipboard with many papers.
Tyson: That’s not a good sign…
Daniele elbows Tyson in the stomach.
Tyson: Oh, come on!
Big Tank: How is everyone?
Nurse: We’re up to 14 admissions. I obviously don’t have an update on the two that just arrived, but I can tell you that 9 of them will be alright. Those are Aaron Zamora, Wes Zunino, Impact, Sydney Bowers, Ryne Verdugo, Femme Fatal, Saige Neidert, Blair Maddox, and the Jane Doe villain. After that though… the news gets grim. Justus Grey has severe trauma to his eardrums, and hearing loss is almost definite. We’re unsure of the severity at this point. Zach Crawford and Kevin Baldwin both sustained catastrophic injuries in their respective battles. The damage is extensive, and we’re doing our best, but… you should prepare yourselves for the possibility that their hero careers are over.
Everyone is shocked.
Walker: What are the odds?
Nurse: The odds they’ll be able to continue being heroes?
Walker: Yes.
The nurse hesitates.
Nurse: I’ll be honest with all of you, Zach Crawford has a slight chance, but Kevin Baldwin might never walk again.
Everyone gasps.
Walker: Thank you for the update.
Nurse: I’ll come back if there’s any further information I can give you.
Big Tank: Please do.
The nurse leaves, and everyone is silent.
Walker: I know what he said was difficult to hear, but remember that nothing is final. They could both still be alright.
Tyson: (That sounded final to me…)
Yul: (I tried my hardest, Zach… please be okay.)
Ash: (Justus… I wish I could have been there for you.)
Lust takes a seat beside Daniele.
Lust: I’m sure we’ll be able to visit some of them soon. Let’s all keep our chins up for now.
Daniele: Okay, Ms. Lust.
Lust: I’m glad you made it out alright, Daniele. Of course, I wish I could say the same for the rest of our team, but the doctors will take good care of them.
Daniele: Yeah, they will.
Big Tank and Walker both sit down.
Walker: *sighs* This was a long day.
Big Tank: Yes, and it’s only going to get longer.
Alexis: Uh… Mr. Walker?
Walker: Yes, Alexis?
Alexis: I know this might not be the best time, but do you think I could get a change of clothes from school? It’s kind of a little chilly here.
Walker: I meant to ask about that; what happened to your and Ash’s costumes?
Alexis: They captured us and took them away to weaken us. We were used as bait to lure Hayze and Blair away from Exciton and Lust.
Lust: So that’s how that happened.
Walker: Right, I’ll tell Adrian to swing by with a change of clothing for everyone.
Lust: Hm? Why everyone? You look perfectly fine, Walker.
Everyone gets awkward.
Walker: Just… reasons.
Walker walks off with his cell phone.
Big Tank: By the way, you students won’t be heading back to U.A. tonight.
Ash: Huh?
Alexis: Why?
Big Tank: We need a full report of everything that occurred inside the facility during the mission. A lot of that information will come from you and your injured peers. We don’t want anything to happen to you until then, so we’ll have you stay here for a few nights. Besides, I’m sure you’ll want to keep your ailing friends some company.
Tyson: More vacation? Sweet.
Daniele elbows Tyson.
Tyson: Ow…
Verity: That’s alright. I’m okay with staying here.
Alexis: Yeah, I don’t really have a problem with it.
Ash: I hope our classmates back at school won’t miss us too much.
Big Tank: They might, but this is important. There were many moving pieces on this mission, so we can’t allow any information to go undocumented.
Yul: Understood, sir.
Inside Class 2-A’s dorm, Angel, Karma, and Eve are all sitting in the common area.
Eve: *yawns* Man, it’s boring around here…
Angel: I hope everyone is doing okay on the mission.
Karma: I’m sure they are; they’re all so talented. I can’t imagine they’d fail.
Eve: *nasal grunt* I just wish we didn’t have to sit around waiting for them to come back. Between them being gone and the cultists, it’s just us and Gus left.
Angel: Hey, what about Demetri?
Eve: You mean Raggedy Ann herself? I’m glad he’s not doing perverted shit anymore, but now all he does is sit in his room doing god knows what. And don’t even get me started on our doormat.
It’s raining outside, and Alden is using a pizza box as cover.
Alden: *sobs*
Eve stands up abruptly.
Eve: WHO THE HELL GAVE HIM THAT!
Angel whistles nonchalantly.
Eve: He doesn’t even know your name.
Angel: Yeah, but… he looked so sad and pathetic, I couldn’t just ignore him.
Eve: Yes, yes, you should have.
Karma: Eve, maybe we should let him inside for a few minutes… you were just complaining about a lack of people. Perhaps we should allow Alden this chance to redeem himself.
They’re all silent for a few moments before bursting out laughing.
Eve: When did you get funny, Karma?
Karma: I have my moments.
Angel: That was a good one.
Eve: Yeah, you really lightened my mood.
The main door opens, and Jace and Isaiah enter. Isaiah is visibly more muscular, and his voice is slightly deeper than usual. Jace is carrying a large cardboard box labeled “Important.”
Eve: Look what the cat dragged in.
Jace: Eve, you should just join us already; we all know it’s going to happen at some point.
Eve: Bite me, bitch.
Jace scoffs.
Jace: You’ll change your tone eventually.
Jace walks over to them and places the box down on the table.
Karma: What’s that for?
Eve: If it’s more bathrobes, we’re gonna burn them.
Isaiah: First of all, Eve, we wear cloaks. Second, these are very important, as indicated by the box.
Karma: Wow, your voice changed too now, Isaiah?
Eve: It’s amazing what not masturbating five times a day does to you.
Isaiah: Yes, I’ve made strides as a person, and you could, too, as a member of the Vanguard.
Eve: I’m not joining, but that’s how you do a sales pitch, Jace.
Jace: Whatever you say, Eve.
Jace opens the box and pulls out a badge with a screen displaying “3”. He hands it to Eve.
Jace: This is for you.
Eve: What is it?
Jace: It’s apparently a part of the school’s replacement for the Sports Festival this year.
Angel: Oh, right, I forgot that they were planning something for that.
Karma: I think the announcement will be streamed through our television soon.
Eve takes the badge. Engraved on the back is her name, “Eve Avery,” and the letters “SS.”
Eve: What’s the three mean?
Jace: I don’t know, but there’s one for everyone in the class. I already tossed Alden his.
Alden is using his badge toilet paper.
Alden: *sobs*
Angel, Karma, Jace, and Isaiah take their badges.
Eve: Hey, Gus, come over here.
Gus: *from afar* But I’m making dinner!
Eve: This is important!
Gus: *sighs* Fine…
Gus walks over slowly, with his hands behind his back.
Eve: Gus…
Gus: Yes?
Eve: Why are you hiding your hands?
Gus: Because I-
Eve: And if it’s because you didn’t wash your hands before you started cooking, don’t answer.
Gus is dead silent.
Eve: I’m going to give you a five-minute head start. Barricade your door well.
Gus: Thank you, Eve!
Gus books it; his hands are covered in dirt.
Eve: *sighs* I guess we’re ordering pizza again tonight.
Angel: I’ll call the-
The TV turns on. Ewing is standing at a podium with Adrian and Vanguard at his sides.
Ewing: Hello, students. I hope you’re all doing well today. As the 2nd month of this school year comes to a close, I can’t help but feel remorse that we couldn’t hold our annual Sports Festival. That event is significant for all students, regardless of their course of study. It allows the hero students to show off for future employers, general studies students with heroic aspirations to make a case for joining the hero course, support studies to debut new gadgets, and business students to show their marketing chops in vendors. The Sports Festival is an integral part of U.A. So we couldn’t allow it to go without replacement; thus, the faculty have come together to develop a new event special for this year.
Ewing holds up one of the badges.
Ewing: It’s time for the Sole Survivor Tournament.
Angel: A tournament?
Eve: We just did one of those…
Karma: Yes, but it seems this one will be different if Principal Ewing says it’s “special.”
Ewing smiles.
Ewing: I will now turn over the explanation of this event to our newest faculty member, Mr. Lewis Butler.
Vanguard and Ewing trade places.
Vanguard: Hello, students. I’m so glad Principal Ewing has allowed me to take the helm of planning and organizing this event. It’s an honor to make an impact on this fine establishment so early on in my tenure. You should have received your SS Badges by now; these are your I.D. for the tournament. Starting tomorrow, you’re required to wear them at all times. The way this works is that you will all start with 3 points, and you’ll wager these points in “matches.” Now, when I say match, I’m sure many of you immediately think “fight,” right? No, these matches could be fights, but they could also be games of chess, academic wagers such as “who will get the highest grade on a test,” pretty much any game you can think of could be a match. The only necessary thing is a points wager in increments of 1. Once you lose all of your points, you’re out of the tournament. The winner will be the person who ends up with every single point. We will now display the distribution of points across the student body.
[https://i.ibb.co/HKSsYSB/1.png]Vanguard: As you can see, we gave the Big Four extra points to start as a reward for their academic achievement. This means there are a total of 2,000 points between all 659 U.A. students. When your badge reads 2,000, you’ll be the victor. A scoreboard will be displayed in the center of the campus so you can know who the leaders are. Of course, you’re probably asking yourself what the prize is for winning this tournament? A week-long field trip for your entire class to any location of your choosing, and I mean any location.
Eve’s eyes light up.
Eve: Any? You mean we could get a trip to France!
Angel: Damn, they’re really playing hardball with this.
Karma: Well, they needed a great prize to encourage students to participate. There isn’t much reason to care otherwise.
Vanguard holds up a rule book.
Vanguard: To add extra fun to each match, we’re allowing additional bets besides points on every game. These can be just about anything, but they must follow the guidelines of the school rules. Some good examples are wagering to swap rooms with someone in your class and of your gender or having them join the club you’re in. Fun stuff like that, we want you students to have an excellent time and enjoy yourselves during this tournament but still keep it competitive. There are also deadlines for how many points you should collect, but I don’t need to discuss them here. Thank you all for your time.
Vanguard and Ewing switch places again.
Ewing: We look forward to seeing how this tournament progresses and hope it will make up for the loss of the Sports Festival. Good luck, everyone.
The TV shuts off.
Eve: This is way better than the Sports Festival! I’m gonna win this whole thing!
Karma: I’m glad to see you’re excited, Eve.
Eve: I think I’ll take down a group of first-years; those scrawny bastards won’t know what hit ‘em!
Jace smiles and turns to Isaiah.
Jace: It’s time.
Isaiah: Yes, it is.
At the hospital, Hayze wakes up in a bed with an IV in his arm.
Hayze: *groans*
Hayze looks around the room.
Hayze: Well, Jake’s not here, so I assume I’m alive.
Nurse: That you are, sir.
Hayze: Huh?
Nurse: Recovery Girl healed you, but you were very exhausted, so we gave you some fluids with the IV. You should be good to go soon.
Hayze: Cool.
Hayze rips the IV out.
Nurse: Wh- what are you doing?
Hayze gets out of bed.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Hayze: I’ve got someone I need to check on, and it can’t wait.
Nurse: Wh- but sir, you can’t-
Hayze walks to the door.
Hayze: Actually… Can you tell me if a girl named Blair Maddox is alright?
Nurse: Hm? Blair? She’s actually in the room next door.
Hayze: Wh- what happened to her!
Nurse: From what I know, she had a bit of a tumble and broke some bones. She’s resting now, but-
Hayze is already gone.
Nurse: *sighs* No respect for nurses…
Hayze enters Blair’s room; she’s out cold. He walks to her bedside.
Hayze: Hey Blair… I’m glad you’re okay. I’m gonna take a guess that Ivy did this to you… sorry about that.
Hayze gets quiet.
Hayze: I’m also sorry for what happened back there. I… I honestly didn’t want it to come to that, but… I knew what I had to do. I knew I could save Ivy from her hellish life, and I wasn’t going to abandon her. I realize that it might have come off that I was leaving you, but I was never gonna do that. If I had to kill Ivy to save myself, I would have. Because that’s what I’d need to do for you, but I didn’t have to kill her. Blair, you’re the most important person in my life, and I mean that, but you have to understand that I won’t give up on people. I’ll always see the good that exists deep inside someone and help bring it to the surface. That’s part of who I am, and I refuse to change that about myself. I want to protect you, but I won’t toss aside a fundamental piece of myself to do it. That’s not fair to me. I… I love you, Blair, but I don’t think this will work if you can’t accept that.
Hayze stares at Blair for a few seconds.
Hayze: Feel better, okay?
Hayze starts walking to the door, and as he does, a tear rolls down Blair’s face, unbeknownst to him.
Blair: (Hayze…)
Hayze enters Ivy’s room. Her wound is bandaged completely, and her other wrist is handcuffed to the bed. She still has her mask on.
Ivy: Hayze! You’re alive!
Hayze: Of course, and your former boss is in custody.
Ivy: I don’t care about her.
Hayze: That’s good; how are you feeling?
Ivy: The nurses gave me a lot of pain medicine, so I actually feel terrific.
Hayze: Wow, terrific, eh?
Ivy: I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Ivy looks at her bandages.
Ivy: I feel… free.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: You are; I promised you would be.
Hayze sits down next to Ivy’s bed.
Hayze: I’m surprised they let you keep your mask.
Ivy: They took it off when I got here, but I was able to get it back. I’m not quite ready to give it up yet.
Hayze: That’s okay. Take your time.
Ivy gets quiet.
Ivy: W- what are we going to do about the-
Hayze: Let’s not worry about that right now. Do you want to see something cool?
Ivy: Hm?
Hayze picks up the remote to the TV in Ivy’s room and turns it on.
Ivy: I’ve seen a TV before...
Hayze: Yeah, but when was the last time you got to enjoy it?
Ivy doesn’t have a response. Hayze places the remote in her hand.
Hayze: You don’t have to worry about training or fighting anymore. You can just enjoy life for what it is. So, what do you want to watch?
Ivy: I… I don’t know.
Hayze: Well, then start surfing through channels.
Ivy stares at the remote.
Ivy: (I can do what I want…)
Ivy smiles and starts flipping through the channels.
Ivy: (And it’s so freeing.)
Aster awakens in his bed.
Aster: *groans*
Aster tries to sit up, but someone stops him.
Aster: Huh?
Daniele: Lie down, Aster; you need to rest.
Aster: Daniele? Wait, does this mean everything is over? Did we get her?
Daniele: Yes, the Vampire Queen was defeated; she’s in custody.
Aster: *sigh of relief* That’s good. I was scared she’d-
Daniele slaps Aster.
Aster: What was that for?!
Daniele: Fighting the Vampire Queen by yourself! Ms. Lust told me you almost died!
Aster: She would have escaped if I didn’t-
Daniele: It wasn’t your job to stop her! You should have escaped with the rest of us! Imagine if the Top 10 didn’t save you in time! Your family and your friends would have been so upset!
Aster: Yeah, yeah, I’m aware, but it worked out so-
Daniele gives Aster a death stare. Aster gulps.
Daniele: I’d like to cash in my reward from our bet now.
Aster: Oh… wh- what do you want?
Daniele: You’re going to call me Dani from now on.
Aster: Huh? But no one calls you Dani!
Daniele: Yup.
Aster: But people will think it’s weird!
Daniele: Yup.
Aster: Ugh… fine…
Daniele: Hooray!
Impact wakes up to see Big Tank and Yul.
Impact: Well… I’m happy to see you guys.
Big Tank: How are you doing?
Impact: Really weak, but I’m still alive, so that’s good. Yul, did Zach make it out okay?
Yul: He’s in surgery, so he’s alive, but… he’s not out of the woods yet.
Impact: I see… so he defeated that big bastard?
Yul: Yes, however, it required every last ounce of strength he had, so his injuries and the damages to his body are extensive. They’re not sure his career will be able to continue.
Impact: Damn…
Impact feebly slams his fist down on his bed.
Impact: It should have been me in that fight…
Big Tank: It’s not your fault, Impact.
Impact: I rushed in to fight without thinking of the consequences. I knew the severity of this mission and the team we had, but I still treated it like any other operation. I got knocked out early and wasn’t able to protect everyone. I could have done more. And that isn’t up for debate.
Big Tank doesn’t have a response.
Yul: (Impact…)
Big Tank: I’ll let you know if we get an update.
Impact: Thanks.
Alexis enters Aaron’s room. Both of his legs are heavily bandaged and elevated.
Aaron: Well, well, well, look who finally decided to visit me.
Alexis: Hey, this is the first time I’ve had a chance, jerk.
Aaron: Right…
Alexis: Oh yeah, I’d totally lie about that. I was worried about you, you know?
Aaron: I’d say I was worried about you too, but I’ve either been fighting for my life or high on morphine since I last saw you, so…
Alexis: It’s okay; I’m just glad you made it out in one piece… relatively.
Aaron: What about you? It’s nice to see you’re not in one of these beds, but why are you wearing a lab coat?
Alexis flashes her underwear to Aaron.
Aaron: Ah… that’s way better than morphine.
Alexis laughs.
Alexis: (It’s so strange for me to care this much about another person… I thought I only wanted to be a hero for the money, but… not anymore.)
Wes wakes up and sees Verity next to him.
Wes: NURSE! NURSE!
Wes frantically searches for the Code Blue button.
Verity: It’s good to see you’re alright.
Wes: Wh- huh?
Verity: I brought you this.
Verity hands Wes an opened Coca-Cola.
Wes: What is it laced with?
Verity: Nothing.
Wes: I don’t trust it.
Verity places the soda on the ground.
Verity: That’s okay.
Awkward silence for a minute straight.
Wes: (This is creepy…)
Verity: You did well in your battle.
Wes: Yeah, I did well at getting my ass kicked, and I’m sure I somehow shot Aaron.
Verity: You did.
Wes: *groans* That’s a beating waiting to happen.
Verity: Probably, but at least you’re alive.
Wes looks around the room.
Wes: (You know, even though she’s a stalker-like weirdo, she is the only person here to visit me.) *sighs* I’ll take the damn soda.
Verity hands it to Wes, and he starts drinking it.
Wes: So, how did everyone do?
Verity: The mission was a success, and only the C-Rank heroes died, for now.
Wes: What does “for now” mean?
Verity: Your classmates Kevin and Zach are in horrible conditions.
Wes: Oh…
Verity: Everyone else is okay, though.
Will: Well, that’s good, at least.
Wes stares at his drink.
Wes: Can you tell me why you’re so obsessed with me? It feels like you’re my shadow sometimes, and I don’t understand why.
Verity thinks for a moment.
Verity: I like tsundere.
Wes: I WANTED A REAL ANSWER!
Verity stares at Wes.
Wes: Oh god… OH GOD! NOOOOO!
Sydney steps out of her room, perfectly healed.
Sydney: *sigh of relief* Thank god that’s over with.
Sydney looks to her side and sees Silver crutching down the hallway.
Silver: I see your face is better.
Sydney: Could Recovery Girl really not help that leg wound of yours?
Silver: She did, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t weak. She said I’d be fine in a few hours.
Sydney: Weak.
Silver: I can’t tell if you’re being ruder than usual because of what happened in the facility or out of it…
Sydney’s face turns red.
Sydney: You will never speak of that moment again, or I will castrate you like I did my father!
Silver laughs.
Silver: I was there too, so trust me, I don’t want to think about it any more than you do.
Sydney: *nasal grunt* Of course, you don’t, pervert.
Silver: Right…
Lust: Sydney! There you are!
Sydney starts sweating bullets. Lust walks up behind her.
Sydney: H- hi, Ms. Lust!
Lust: Look at you all happy and healthy!
Sydney: Yup! I’m really happy! Never had a sad thought in my life!
Lust: Oh, you must still be feeling the effects of Smile World! That’s good to hear!
Silver laughs.
Sydney: I most certainly am not!
Lust: Oh really? Would you like another-
Sydney: Nope! Nope! I’m fine!
Lust: Huh, I thought you would have taken me up on that offer. Saige just told me how you enjoyed Smile World the most out of everyone.
Sydney: SHE DID WHAT?!
Lust: Yes, and I was so glad to hear it! I love putting smiles on everyone’s faces!
Sydney: Which room is Saige’s?
Lust: That one down the hall.
Sydney: I’ll be back.
Sydney storms off.
Silver: (Sometimes I wonder how there are so many fiery girls at U.A.)
Lust: And how are you doing, Silver?
Silver: Huh? I’m alright.
Lust: That’s good; It’s nice for us to formally meet. Saige has told me a lot about you.
Silver: She has?
Lust: Yes, and I hope my agency can work with Black Hollow more in the future. You seem extremely capable, and I’d love to work with you again.
Silver: Yeah… hopefully…
Lust: I must check on Blair now, but I’ll see you around.
Silver: Cya.
Lust walks off.
Silver: (I guess that’s what having friends is for… they’ll say nice things about you behind your back.)
Ash and Tyson are sitting and waiting outside the surgical wing.
Ash: Shouldn’t you be checking on your friend, Aster?
Tyson: Meh, he’s okay; I don’t need to go.
Ash: I’m sure he’d appreciate it.
Tyson: Not really. That’s not how guys work.
Ash: I guess I don’t understand men, then.
Tyson: Guys don’t have to show concern for one another to know they’ve got each other’s backs.
Ash: Then… how do you know?
Tyson: You just do.
Ash looks down at the floor.
Tyson: So, are one of these guys your boyfriend?
Ash: Huh?! What? No!
Tyson: *nasal grunt* Not the vibe I’m getting, but it’s cool. I’m basically a stranger to you; I get you not telling me private things like that.
Ash: Are you staying here to wait for one of them?
Tyson: I dragged that guy Justus around that facility for like two hours. He’d better be alright.
Ash: What uh… what happened to the girl he was fighting?
Tyson: She’s dead as all hell; he made me carry her too. My back’s gonna be killing me in the morning.
Ash: So… he had to kill her…
Tyson: Yeah? The bitch was trying to kill him.
Ash: That was his sister…
Tyson: Well, that explains a lot… and answers my question.
Ash: Huh?
A group of nurses and a doctor come out, wheeling Justus on a bed; his ears are covered by massive bandages.
Ash: Is he alright?
Doctor: We were able to salvage his eardrums, but he’ll need a few days before he can hear anything, though.
Ash: That’s great!
Doctor: Yes, but you can visit him later. Right now, he needs rest.
The nurses wheel Justus away.
Tyson: He seems like the kind of guy who won’t let a setback like this haunt him.
Ash: Yeah… I still wish I could have been there for him.
Tyson stands up.
Tyson: Just my advice, but don’t worry about what you could have done, and start thinking about what you should do.
Tyson walks off.
Ash: (Maybe…)
Fatal exits her room as Walker, and the Chief of Police walk down the hallway with two officers behind them.
Fatal: What’s going on?
Walker: They’re going to interrogate the masked girl and officially place her under arrest.
Fatal: Really? You mean we got her for good?
Walker: Yes, and E.M.D. can finally rest easy.
Police Chief: Come on, Walker, let’s get this done.
Walker: Right away, officer.
They continue to Ivy’s room; Fatal follows behind them.
Fatal: (I can’t miss this.)
The Chief and Walker enter Ivy’s room while the two other officers stand guard; they block Fatal from entering.
Officer: Sorry, Ms. Fatal, but the Chief has asked for only himself and the hero responsible for his capture to be involved.
Fatal: *frustrated grunt* Of course he did…
Hayze is still in the room; Ivy tenses up.
Walker: Hayze? What are you doing here?
Hayze: Hanging out.
Police Chief: Well, son, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a discussion with this girl alone, so-
Hayze: I think I’ll stay.
The Chief is taken aback.
Walker: Hayze, leave this room now.
Hayze: Sorry, Mr. Walker, but I’ll be acting as Ivy’s legal representation, so I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to leave.
Walker: What did you just say?
The Police Chief looks at Ivy.
Police Chief: Do you want this boy to be here for this discussion?
Ivy: Yes, I won’t talk to you otherwise.
Walker: (What?!)
Police Chief: Alright, then you can stay. I’m here to ask you a few questions about a villain you are known to have cooperated with in the past. The man known as Iota. Why were you-
Hayze: Before you continue, we can make this easy for everyone.
Police Chief: Hm?
Hayze: Ivy will tell you everything she knows about Iota: his hideout, his goals, his previous operations, and an entire roster of his known associates. All of which will be accurate to the time of her dismissal from his organization. Any question you ask, she will answer honestly, but only after a few requests have been agreed to.
Police Chief: I’m listening.
Walker: Huh? You can’t be serious?! He’s only a student. He can’t-
Police Chief: Walker, quiet down.
Walker: *frustrated grunt*
Police Chief: Go on.
Hayze: First, Starting from this day back to the day she was born, she cannot be charged, convicted, or sentenced for any crime committed in that period. Essentially, we ask for her slate to be wiped clean and complete immunity to be granted.
Walker: I- wh-
Police Chief: I see...
Hayze: Second, we request her quirk be officially reclassified as an A-Rank quirk, officially removing any rights restrictions placed against her by the law.
Walker: (This is insane!)
Hayze: Third, we’d like her medical bills to be waived. And Finally, she doesn’t consent to a mind-reading search.
The Police Chief stares at Hayze.
Police Chief: Is that all?
Hayze: Yessir.
Police Chief: *turns to Ivy* And you agree those are your terms?
Ivy: Yes.
The Chief thinks for a moment.
Police Chief: *sighs* You’ve got yourself a deal.
Walker: WHAT?!
Ivy: Are you serious?!
Hayze smiles.
Walker: May I speak to you in the hall, officer.
Police Chief: Yes, Walker, you can.
The Chief looks at Ivy.
Police Chief: We won’t start the interrogation until your demands are legally agreed upon.
The Chief and Walker exit the room.
Hayze: *sigh of relief* I told you I’d have everything hand-
Tears are coming from the bottom of Ivy’s mask.
Hayze: Are you okay? Did I-
Ivy removes her mask and reveals her face to Hayze.
Ivy: Thank you… thank you so much…
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: I made you a promise, and I intended to keep it.
Walker punches the wall.
Walker: How the hell could you agree to those asinine terms!
Police Chief: We have no choice.
Walker: Yes, you do!
Fatal: Damien! What happened in there!
Walker: She’s killed people, she’s been a part of major terrorist attacks and-
Police Chief: I know!
The Chief raises his voice, shutting down Walker.
Police Chief: I’m not happy about letting any criminal walk off scot-free, but this is a unique situation. This is the first time we’ve ever had a former accomplice of Iota not drooling and rolling around in a wheelchair. This girl was his former head lieutenant and knows boundless amounts of information that we would otherwise not have access to. This is a goldmine, and that girl is offering us pickaxes for a relatively low price. We can’t pass up this offer.
Walker: Just interrogate her, for Christ’s sake! Get the information yourself! Use a telepath to do it. Hell, we have one in this hospital!
Police Chief: Walker, the 36th amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America protects its citizens from answering questions for a capital or otherwise infamous crime via telepathic invasion of their mind. Unless otherwise consented to, which that boy made it clear she did not.
Fatal: Wait, what boy?
Walker: That bastard Hayze just got that masked girl complete immunity from all her crimes! Including E.M.D.’s murder!
Fatal: Wh- what!
Police Chief: I’m sorry, Walker, but anyone in my position would agree to this deal. The only reason you won’t is because of your personal involvement in this case.
The Chief turns to the other officers.
Police Chief: Don’t let anyone in or out besides the boy with her and me.
Officers: Yessir.
The Chief walks off.
Fatal: I can’t… I can’t believe it…
Hayze exits the room. They both stare at him.
Hayze: Hi, everyone.
Hayze starts walking away.
Walker: Hayze.
Hayze stops.
Hayze: Yes, Mr. Walker?
Walker: I’ve decided to return to U.A. and resume my responsibilities as Class 2-A’s teacher.
Hayze: Yes, sir.
Walker: I’m officially moving you to Class 2-B.
Fatal: *under her breath* What?!
Hayze stares at Walker.
Hayze: I understand, sir.
Walker: That’s all I have to s-
Hayze: Mr. Walker, may I say something?
Walker hesitates.
Walker: Yes.
Hayze: I don’t regret anything.
Hayze walks off.
Fatal: Don’t you think that’s a little harsh?
Walker: I’ll never teach that kid again.
Fatal: Damien!
Walker walks in the opposite direction of Hayze.
Fatal: DAMIEN!
The next day, at U.A., Jace approaches Class 2-B’s dorm wearing his SS Badge.
Jace: Let’s get this party started.
Class 2-B (minus Verity and Sydney) are gathered in the common area.
Filip: Man, this tournament sounds like fun!
Ryan: I’m hyped that this is getting started today!
Killian: Yeah, it’s time for Class 2-B to make our mark on this school!
Everyone cheers.
Killian: Let’s make a pact to-
Jace kicks in the door.
Killian: Huh? What the hell!
Jace enters the dorm.
Jace: Hello there, kids.
Killian: Hey! Where do you get off doing something like that?!
Talon: You shouldn’t barge into our dorm like that!
Romeo: Yeah! We’re gonna teach you a lesson!
Jace smiles.
Jace: I hope so; I’m here to challenge all of you.
Alec: All of us?
Jace: Yes, to a series of one on one fights. Each of you versus me.
The 2-B boys all laugh, minus Bruno and Tobias.
Killian: You really think you can take on all of us?!
Jace: Of course. Each battle, we’ll both place one SS Point on the line. If three of you can beat me, I’m out of the tournament.
Killian: So only three of us need to fight? Great, I’ll go first!
Tobias: What are you wagering besides points?
Bruno: I’m curious about that as well.
Tobias: If you were looking to farm up some points, you’d be better off challenging the first years. So, you must have something you want from us.
Jace laughs.
Jace: Very perceptive, Tobias. I only ask for one thing in return for each fight I win.
Bruno: And that is?
Jace: You join The Vanguard.
Everyone gets apprehensive.
Killian: We’ve heard some weird stuff about you guys, so you’d better have something good to offer up on your end.
Jace: Yes, anyone who defeats me can have a romantic night with Lilith.
Filip: The petite blonde girl from your class? Pass.
Ryan: Yeah… she’s cute, but not worth it.
Lilith walks through the door, her hair is dyed black, and she’s wearing extremely revealing clothing.
Lilith: Are you sure?
Filip: Nope!
Ryan: I agree to those terms!
Desiree: Hey, what about us girls? We don’t swing that way.
Jace: You can have the same offer, but with Isaiah.
Whitney: That pervy guy, no w-
Isaiah enters, looking very buff and well-groomed.
Whitney: Nevermind!
Desiree: We agree too!
Jace: Good, then let’s get started!
Killian steps forward.
Killian: I can’t say I care much for the prize, but I’ll happily kick your butt!
Jace: You say that…
The next day, Eve, Angel, Karma, Gus, and Demetri are walking back to their dorm after classes. They’re all wearing their SS Badges; they all still have 3 points.
Eve: Another dull day down…
Karma: I don’t think it was too bad today.
Gus: Have you guys decided if you’ll have your first match today?
Eve: I don’t think I will today, but maybe tomorrow. I want to see what everyone else is doing first.
Angel: Smart idea.
Gus: What are you thinking, Demetri?
Demetri: I don’t care about this stupid tournament.
Demetri walks off by himself.
Eve: What a fucking loser.
Lilith: Hey, guys!
Lilith approaches them; her SS Badge is covered beneath her hair.
Eve: Oh boy, are you here to spread wisdom about your wonderful Vanguard?
Lilith: Vanguard? What’s wonderful about that?
All of them are shocked.
Lilith: I just fell down the stairs and banked my head… It's super weird because I can’t remember anything since my match with Jace.
Eve: Lilith! You’re back!
Lilith: Back from what? And why is my hair black?
Karma: We have so much to tell you.
Lilith: Okay… but maybe I should go to the Nurse’s office first. My head is hurting. Karma, do you mind taking me there?
Karma: Sure, I’m just glad to see you’re okay!
Eve: We missed you so much!
Lilith: I missed you too! Even though I don’t know where I went!
Lilith and Karma walk off.
Lilith: See you later!
Eve smiles.
Eve: See? I knew everything would be fine, now all we’ve gotta do is knock Jace and Isaiah upside the head with frying pans and watch the magic happen.
Angel: Yeah… you can be in charge of that. I think I’m going to check out the leaderboard and see what’s going on in the tournament.
Gus: Oh okay, I’ll come with y-
Eve grabs Gus by the collar.
Eve: No, you’re coming back to the dorm with me to start dinner because you can’t be trusted by yourself.
Gus: Yes, Ma’am!
Eve: Cya later, Angel.
Angel: Bye, guys!
They head their separate ways.
Angel: (Maybe I should consider challenging someone today to see if I can build up some points before the others return and start stealing the show.)
Angel walks up to the leaderboard display.
Angel: (Let’s see, how is everyone-)
Angel’s jaw drops.
[https://i.ibb.co/vmvyKLJ/2.png]Angel: (No way! How do they have so many points already?! It’s only been two days!)
Voice: Uh… you’re Angel Northcraft, right?
Angel: Huh?
Angel turns around to see a first-year student standing behind him. He’s wearing all black, and his SS Badge has 2 points.
Angel: Uh, yeah! And you are?
Tommy: I’m Tommy Stevens of Class 1-K, and I’m challenging you to a match!
Angel: What? Why?
Tommy: You’re supposedly powerful, so I want to beat you and prove I’m strong too!
Angel: Uh… ah, what the hell! I’m game. What do you want to do?
Tommy: Arm wrestling! One point on the table from both of us! If I win, you’ve gotta join my club!
Angel: Oh, alright, and if I win… uh… you’ve gotta do some jumping jacks!
Tommy: Huh? Why that?
Angel: I don’t really want anything from you, so I thought I’d make it easy on you.
Tommy: Oh, okay! Then let’s get started!
A few seconds later, Angel (4) is the winner.
Tommy: Ah, man… Now I’m almost out of the tournament.
Angel: Hey, it’s alright. I’m sure you’ll-
Voice: Hey, Angel Northcraft!
Angel: Huh?
Angel turns around; it’s another first-year dressed in all black with 2 points.
First-Year 1: I challenge you to an Arm Wrestling match with 1 point on the line; if I win, you join my club.
Angel: Huh? But that’s just what he asked for…
First-Year 1: Do you accept my challenge?
Angel: (Well, he is kind of scrawny…) Sure, I’m game.
A few seconds later, Angel (4) is the winner.
First-Year 1: Dammit!
Angel: Well, guys, this was fun, but-
Voice: Hey, Angel Northcraft!
Angel: Oh, come on…
Suddenly, Angel is surrounded by first-years wearing black with 2 points.
Angel: Uh…
First-Years: We challenge you!
Angel: *sighs* Make a single file line, please…
After a couple of hours of arm wrestling, Angel looks visibly tired. He has 93 points.
Angel: Okay, guys… I think I need a break!
First-Year 90: No way! I’ve waited hours for this!
Angel: But I…
The first-years crowd Angel.
Tommy: You’re not going anywhere until you’ve defeated all of us.
Angel frantically looks around and notices all of their similarities.
Angel: Wait a second… What club are you guys all in?
Tommy: The best club of all, the Vanguard!
Angel’s eyes widen.
Angel: Look, guys… I don’t know if I feel comfortable continuing to-
The first-years get closer and closer to Angel.
Tommy: You accepted all of our matches, so you must see them through per the rules.
Angel: B- b- but I-
Tommy: You’re not going anywhere!
The first-years grab Angel’s wings.
Angel: AHHHHHH!
Jace and Isaiah watch from a nearby rooftop.
Jace: Things are going perfectly.
Isaiah: Soon, everyone in the school will be one of us.
Lilith: Indeed they will.
Lilith and Karma have arrived.
Jace: Karma? So did the plan work?
Lilith: Of course, they fell for it easily.
Karma: Yes, and I’m glad I did!
Karma puts on a black cloak; her badge now has 2 points.
Karma: I’ve seen the light!