Ash, Alexis, Eve, Blair, Saige, Aaron, Silver, and Wes are gathered at the front door of their dorm.
Eve: Okay, guys, remember that the tournament pauses during class hours. So, all we need to do is get to the classroom without being cornered by the cultists.
Wes: Or… why don’t we wait until school starts and THEN leave.
Alexis: Okay, I’m sure Mr. Walker won’t be mad that you’re late to class.
Wes: On second thought…
Aaron: We’re all strong here besides Wes; we can just push through the crowds.
Saige: They may be brainwashed, but they’re still our fellow students. They’re not doing this of their own free will; injuring them would be cruel.
Aaron: *sighs* Fair point.
Eve: All we need to do is stick together, and everything will be fine.
Silver: Eve’s right; they can’t corner all of us.
The students exit the building.
Karma: Good morning, everyone.
Blair: Karma!
Karma is standing at the bottom of the steps with a horde of Vanguard students.
Karma: It’s good to see new faces for the Vanguard to recruit.
Alexis: *under her breath* So, Karma did get converted… damn.
Aaron: There’s no chance you’re getting any of us to join you!
Aaron transforms his arm into an M16 and aims at Karma.
Karma: Is that a challenge?
Alexis grabs Aaron’s arm and pulls it down.
Alexis: Aaron! You can’t fight her!
Aaron: Why not?! It’s just Karma! I can handle her!
Saige: Lilith gained a new quirk when she joined the Vanguard, so there’s a chance Karma did too. Anyone with two quirks is dangerous.
Silver: Plus, even if you beat her, you could be weakened enough to where the rest of these drones swarm and assimilate you. It’s too dangerous.
Aaron: *frustrated grunt* Whatever...
Wes: Uh… are we not going to address the elephant in the room?
Karma is carrying Alden, unconscious, by the back of his belt. His pants are soaking wet.
Ash: Oh, there he is.
Eve: I guess he didn’t join them.
Karma: Not even the Vanguard wants a worm like this in our ranks. I used him as a test subject for my new ability: The Moon.
Blair: (Another tarot card…)
Aaron: What? Did you make him piss his pants? I’m so scared.
Alden wakes up.
Alden: AHHHHHHHHHHH!
Karma: Oh, great, that’s back.
Alden: Guys! Please Help! Karma’s got a new power, and it-
Aaron bean bags Alden in the face, knocking him out cold.
Alexis: Aaron!
Aaron: What? If anyone actually wanted to hear what he had to say, please speak up.
Everyone is silent.
Aaron: That’s what I thought.
Karma tosses Alden to the group.
Karma: Let me give you a demonstration.
Karma points her hand at Alden; a translucent black chain emerges from her palm and connects with Alden’s head.
Karma: The Moon!
Alden starts having nightmares so severe he gets cold sweats and pisses himself again.
Alden: AHHHHHHHHHHH!
Saige: Dream Manipulation…
Alexis: One of the scariest forms of psychological torture.
Ash: I wonder what the little shit is dreaming about.
Inside Alden’s dream, he walks up to a laundry machine, bends over, and sticks his head inside to grab some clothes.
Alden: Ah… this is nice.
Alden tries to get out, but he can’t.
Alden: OH, NO! I’M STUCK! SOMEONE HELP!
Eve: I’ll help, Alden.
Alden: AHHHHHHHHHHH!
In the real world, Alden continues tossing and turning in his sleep.
Alden: I’M NOT STUCK! I’M NOT STUCK!
Eve: He’s probably dreaming of something stupid.
Karma releases her chain.
Karma: Don’t you see? Joining the Vanguard has made me stronger than ever! And being able to torture Alden is a nice plus.
Aaron steps on Alden’s head.
Aaron: You drive a hard bargain, but no deal! We’re not afraid of your bed-wetting power!
Wes starts running for his life.
Wes: I FUCKING AM!
Aaron: WES! YOU BITCH! GET BACK HERE!
Aaron chases after Wes.
Alexis: Aaron! What are you doing! We’re supposed to stick together!
Karma: I think it’s time for you all to join us.
The Vanguard starts converging on the remaining students.
Eve: Shit!
Blair: This isn’t good!
Silver uses a wall of silver dust to block their advance.
Silver: You girls start running; I’ll hold them back.
Alexis: Silver, you can’t fight them!
Silver: I won’t; I’ll use my dust to keep them at bay long enough for you five to escape.
Ash: But, Silver-
Silver: Just go! Now!
Saige: Do what he says!
Blair, Alexis, Ash, Eve, and Saige start running away.
Silver: (Our class is divided and weak… I don’t know how long we’ll last like this...)
Walker, Fatal, and Adrian are gathered inside Class 2-A’s classroom.
Fatal: We were only gone for a few days; how could it have spread to this degree?
Adrian: It’s the tournament; the rules allowed Jace, Lilith, and Isaiah to recruit the other students into their “club” in mass.
Walker: I’ll talk to Ewing about canceling it later today. How could you have allowed them to do something this foolish?
Adrian: Do you really think I let this happen! And don’t even try it with Ewing; he won’t listen.
Fatal: What do you mean, Adrian?
Adrian: When Lilith and Jace’s match wrapped up in the Licensing Exam, I immediately called Ewing and told him about it. He sounded so alarmed and ready to go above and beyond to find a solution… but then, when we got back… he was completely different. It was like he didn’t care at all, and it was all a joke to him. When I pressed him about it, he got defensive and threatened me. The same thing happened during the planning meeting for this tournament.
Walker: So are you saying that you believe he’s being controlled?
Adrian: There’s a chance of that, but I’m starting to convince myself of another possibility.
Fatal: What? What is it?
Adrian: Maybe that isn’t actually Ewing.
Walker and Fatal are both surprised.
Adrian: We don’t know who initially brainwashed Jace Neil, and until we find that out, this problem will be tough to fix. So, maybe the culprit is posing as Ewing.
Walker: It makes some sense. His behavioral change and willingness to enable the growth of this “Vanguard” are entirely out of character.
Fatal: You two can’t be serious? You don’t actually believe Ewing’s been replaced by some doppelganger? Do you?
Walker: Not exactly… Copying someone’s appearance? Brainwashing? Quirk Mimicry? No range limit? Brainwashing virus? That’s way too many quirks for one person. So we’re either dealing with multiple people or someone with numerous quirks…
Walker looks at Adrian.
Fatal: You’re talking about one of those rings, right?
Walker: Adrian, I know Ewing has entrusted you with more information about those rings than any of us for a good reason, so I won’t pry too far, but is there a ring that fits the bill?
Adrian thinks for a moment.
Adrian: The only one I could think of is the Alpha Ring.
Walker: What does it do?
Adrian: It contains the power of “Absolute Command.” The wielder can direct a person to do anything they wish. The victim will have no clue they’re under the Alpha Ring’s influence, and the ring can insert false memories into their mind to satisfy the command. For example, say I used it on you, Walker, and commanded you to buy me a Sandwich at noon every day. To make sure you believe you’re acting of your own free will, the ring would insert a memory of you losing a bet to me.
Walker: I see…
Adrian: It’s considered one of the most powerful rings because it has almost no restrictions. You could command someone to kill themselves or hate the person they love. The only drawback is that you can only use it on any given person once.
Walker: Perhaps our culprit acquired that ring and used it on Ewing.
Fatal: Yeah, and told him to never impede the progress of the Vanguard!
Adrian: One problem, Ewing does check-ins with each of the Guardians often. I’ve sat in a few times, so I know he’s not lying. The Alpha Ring’s Guardian has responded to every check-in on time and without fail. In addition, he’s located in the middle of a desert with no roads, and the nearest piece of civilization is over 12 hours away. It’s strategically positioned among the most challenging rings to steal.
Walker: Hm…
Adrian: Besides, the Alpha Ring doesn’t allow users to spread their commands like a virus, which doesn’t explain the rest of the problem. I think we should-
Ash, Blair, Alexis, Saige, and Eve enter the classroom and catch their breath.
Alexis: Sorry we’re late today, sir...
Adrian: *whispers* We’ll continue this later.
Adrian leaves.
Eve: Huh? Mr. Walker? You’re back!
Blair: Oh, I guess we forgot to mention that…
Walker: Welcome, girls. I’m glad at least some of my students chose to attend class today.
Saige: Silvy’s a little caught up with the Vanguard, but he should be here soon.
Alexis: Yeah, and I’m not sure what happened to Aaron and Wes.
Walker: It’s alright, and before you ask, don’t worry, we’re looking into the situation.
Ash: Do you think the tournament will stop?
Walker: No… I don’t.
The girls look distraught.
Walker: For now, you’ll have to protect each other from falling victim to their grasp.
Blair: Yeah… cause that went so well this morning…
Walker: Hm? What are you talking about? I’ve seen all of you in action; you shouldn’t be having any issues.
Saige: What they’re saying, Mr. Walker, is that despite each of our individual strengths, we’re divided.
Alexis: This time, our enemies are our classmates… and friends. We don’t know how to face them…
Blair: Yeah… and one other thing…
Walker: Hm?
Blair: You took Hayze away from us! He’s basically our leader, the one person everyone in the class trusts. We all know everything will work out if we have Hayze guiding us, but now-
Walker: If you need Hayze for your class to function as a cohesive group, that’s a problem. I understand this situation is difficult, but you must figure it out yourselves. We can’t assist you in this tournament, so it’s up to you to figure out your deficiencies on your own. Now, take your seats; it’s time for class.
All of the girls stare at Walker.
Fatal: Damien… don’t you think that was a little much-
Walker: Class starts in 10 seconds; anyone who doesn’t have their textbook in front of them will do 400 laps around the school.
The girls rush to their seats.
Fatal: (Damien…)
Bruno, Hayze, and Verity are all walking to class with Sydney trailing behind them, brooding.
Bruno: I spoke to Alec and Tobias last night; they’re willing to hear you out.
Hayze: That’s good, and we still have Gavin and Grace, right?
Verity: Gavin just kind of farts around, literally, so he’ll probably join us.
Bruno: And Grace won’t resist being in a large group, so we should be set there.
Hayze: Great, but that was, unfortunately, the easy part.
Verity: Might I ask what your plan is?
Hayze: Well, the bigger goal is finding out who’s in charge of this operation. It’s clear Jace is merely the puppet leader. So, we need to find out who’s pulling the strings.
Bruno: That will be fairly difficult with our extreme lack of information.
Hayze: Yeah, so our current goal is saving the students already in the Vanguard and making sure nobody else joins.
Bruno: But how can we save them?
Hayze: The same way they joined: through one of these tournament matches.
Bruno: I see… so we simply have to make them ante their membership and defeat them.
Sydney: And what happens if you lose? Suddenly they have a new member, and we’re down another.
Hayze: Since when do you care?
Sydney: Shut up.
Hayze: That’s why we have to be careful and pick our battles wisely. This will be a team effort.
Bruno: I see… team effort…
Hayze: Huh? What’s that reaction for?
The four students arrive at Classroom 2-B; Alec, Gavin, Grace, Tobias, and Romeo are already seated.
Alec: So you weren’t lying when you said this guy was joining our class.
Tobias: *nasal grunt*
Bruno: Yes, and he’s a welcomed addition, given our current state!
Alec: Hey, if those jokers decided to leave us, that’s not our problem.
Verity: They’re our friends, Alec.
Alec scoffs.
Alec: With friends like them, who needs enemies?
Sydney: Cheers to that.
Sydney takes her seat.
Romeo: I don’t really see what the problem is? We still have all of the hot chicks.
Sydney begins waterboarding Romeo.
Romeo: *muffled* AHHHHHHH!
Grace: I call going next!
Hayze is dumbfounded.
Hayze: (What is this class…)
Houston enters the room.
Houston: Alright, everyone, welcome to a new week-
Houston notices Hayze.
Houston: Hayze? What are you doing here?
Hayze: Oh, uh… did Mr. Walker not tell you? I’ve been moved to your class, sir.
Houston’s eyes light up.
Houston: YES!
Houston hugs Hayze.
Houston: THE TOP 2ND YEAR STUDENT IS IN MY CLASS! HAHAHAHA!
Hayze: Help… me…
Sydney: *frustrated grunt* (Annoying bastard.)
Houston releases Hayze and regains his composure.
Houston: Anyway, you can take Mike’s old seat.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Hayze: Thank you, sir.
Hayze sits down directly in front of Tobias and beside Bruno.
Hayze: (I kind of forgot that I haven’t seen Tobias since our fight during the Licensing Exam. That could make this a little awkward…)
Houston: Before we start, I should address the number of absences in the room. The faculty is aware of the strange phenomenon occurring, but a decision has yet to be made on the tournament. I recommend not engaging in any matches for the time being, however. It’s the best thing for your safety.
Hayze: (No decision, huh? Something’s going on internally, then. There’s no good reason for continuing this tournament when the adverse effects are plain as day.)
Houston: As for the rest of you, you will not be given any special treatment for actually attending class. We will start our day with 100 laps around the school as per usual.
The students start getting up from their desks.
Hayze: Uh… Bruno, he’s not serious, is he?
Bruno: Nope, we must do these laps every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until we defeat Class 2-A in a major event.
Hayze: Wait… have you been doing these since the Sports Festival last year?
Bruno: Yes, why?
Hayze: No reason… (If Mr. Houston punishes them to this extent, you’d think they would have put up a better effort in the Final Exam and Licensing Exam…)
Aaron searches the campus for Wes.
Aaron: Wes! I swear to god! Where the fuck are you?!
A group of third-year business students approaches Aaron.
Third-Year A: I challenge you!
Third-Year B: Me too!
Third-Year C: Me three!
Aaron bean bags all of them.
Aaron: You guys should brush up on the rules; no challenges right now!
Aaron looks around and spots Wes hiding behind a nearby tree.
Aaron: *under his breath* There’s that little bitch.
Aaron walks up to the tree.
Aaron: Get out here.
Wes: No! You’re gonna bean bag me!
Aaron: Yeah! And it’s what you deserve!
Wes: Just go away! I don’t need to hear it from you!
Aaron goes behind the tree, grabs Wes, and hoists him by the collar of his shirt.
Aaron: Yeah, you fucking do! Look, I usually don’t try to lecture you on crap because I know you won’t listen, but after what you pulled, I have to waste my time!
Aaron chucks Wes against the ground.
Aaron: A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and right now, that’s you.
Wes: Yeah! I fucking know that, asshole!
Aaron: Do you? Because I don’t see you doing anything about it.
Wes: What do you want from me? I trained my ass off over the summer to get better, but ever since this semester started, I’ve been exactly the same as I was before. I couldn’t stop Bruno from beating my ass; I lost to Sydney in the Licensing Exam and couldn’t even stand up to my childhood bully. It doesn’t matter how much effort I put in or how much I try… I’ll never stop being weak.
Aaron: Yup, you’re right.
Wes: *under his breath* Douchebag.
Aaron kicks Wes in the head.
Aaron: But I don’t care if your muscles are made of paper or your bones are made of glass. You don’t abandon your squad!
Wes: And what the hell did you do?!
Aaron: Trying to make up for your mistake! I wasn’t going to let you go off alone and get assimilated by these bastards!
Wes: Yeah?! And you abandoned your squad to do it! Just admit that you only followed me because you wanted an excuse to beat my ass!
Aaron: Yeah, Wes, that’s exactly what you should be doing right now: playing the victim.
Wes doesn’t have a response.
Aaron: Look, Wes, you’re weak, that’s for damn sure, but who the hell cares? Hayze kicked Silver’s ass when he was still learning how to use his fucking quirk! Alexis beat me, Ash had Kevin on the ropes, and Blair took down Saige. Hell, YOU beat Bruno! How many examples do you need before you realize that who’s stronger than who doesn’t fucking matter! The only thing that does is our willingness to improve each day. I won’t lie; I only learned that recently, but still better late than never! If you want to spend the rest of your life being a coward, then I don’t know what you’re doing at this school.
Wes is taken aback. Aaron turns around and starts walking away.
Aaron: I’d say I hope this helps, but knowing you, you’ll probably say, “Aaron’s a jerk and doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” So, next time you run off like that, don’t expect anyone, especially not me, to come after you.
Aaron walks away.
Wes: *frustrated grunt*
Silver arrives at the main class building, carrying Alden.
Silver: *sigh of relief* Thank god I was able to get away from those freaks.
Alden: *groans* Thank you… Silver.
Silver tosses Alden to the ground.
Silver: I only saved you because I have a few questions.
Alden: Aw…
Silver: First, where the hell have you been the last few days?
Alden: I… I…
Silver: Spill it before I force you.
Alden: Okay! I was taking a dump inside one of the garden club’s pots when the girls in charge found me and beat the shit out of me… literally.
Silver: Ugh… I did not need to know that.
Alden: They were Vanguard members, so they took me to Jace and Angel and asked them if they wanted me to join. They said no before the girls even finished their sentence…
Silver: Then what happened?
Alden: Karma decided she wanted to use me as a test subject for her quirk, so they locked me in the pool shed behind their dorm. For the next few days she-
Silver: Wait, “their dorm?” Are you saying the Vanguard has a dorm to itself now?
Alden: Well, not exactly… After they assimilated all of the first-year hero students, the main guys of the Vanguard took over Class 1-A’s dorm and made it their headquarters.
Silver: By “main guys,” you mean Jace, Lilith, Isaiah, Angel, and Karma, right?
Alden: Yeah, and the 2-B guys like Killian.
Silver: (So that explains why I haven’t seen any of them back at our dorm. They must have needed their own headquarters for privacy reasons… like reporting to the mastermind behind all this.) Did you hear them say anything interesting while you were held captive there?
Alden: No… although I once heard Jace say something about reporting their progress to “Master.”
Silver: Okay, thanks, Alden, that’s all I need.
Silver starts walking inside.
Alden: Wait! No! Don’t leave me!
Silver: (With Hayze no longer in Class 2-A, it’s my responsibility to take the helm and guide us through this mess. I don’t question my abilities as a tactician, but I don’t know how I will inspire the same confidence in everyone that Hayze could... It doesn’t matter; I have to try.)
Class 2-B jogs past the main entrance as Silver leaves.
Houston: That’s Lap 56, everyone! Keep going!
Adrian and Fatal watch from the rooftop.
Adrian: I can’t believe Damien really let a personal vendetta get in the way of being a good teacher.
Fatal: Well, to be fair… E.M.D.’s death was tough on him. It would have been terrific for him to finally get some closure.
Adrian: I’m not saying I agree with what Hayze did, but he only did what he thought was right. I can’t fault him for that as a teacher, nor should Walker.
Fatal doesn’t have a response.
Adrian: You still haven’t talked to him yet, have you?
Fatal: Who… Hayze?
Adrian: Yes, him, Rachel, it’s been almost three full months he’s been back. It’s time for you to do something.
Fatal: I know, but… I don’t know what to say.
Adrian: Just tell him the truth: that you don’t blame him for what happened to you or your sister that day. I know it’s eating away at him. That’s why he’s avoided you ever since he returned.
Fatal: I know, but that’s what makes it so hard. I know him well enough to understand that no matter what I say, he’ll always blame himself for everything. I wanted to ask him why he helped that girl, but… I just… I don’t know.
Adrian: Well, you know he’s not going to do anything to fix your relationship, so it’s up to you to put his mind at peace. You both deserve that.
Fatal: Yeah… you’re right…
Adrian smiles and puts his arm around Fatal’s shoulder.
Adrian: Don’t worry about it, though. Hayze looks up to you, and he’ll always admire and respect you for the training you gave him. Everything will work out.
Fatal blushes.
Fatal: Wait a second…
Adrian: Hm?
Fatal: Training… you just gave me a great idea!
Adrian: Wh- huh? What are you talking about?
Fatal starts walking to the stairwell.
Fatal: I’ll fill you in later!
Adrian: Oh… okay? (At least she’s not gloomy anymore.)
After about an hour, Class 2-B finishes their laps. Everyone is catching their breath.
Houston: Good. Now you get a 5-minute break before we head back to the Classroom to start our lesson in psychics. Anyone who is late will have to run another 200 laps.
Houston enters the building.
Hayze: (This is insane… how do these guys do this three times a week?)
Verity: You get used to it.
Alec: What? Was the weakling complaining in his head? Ha, this is why Class 2-B is the best!
Hayze: You’re literally doing this because Mr. Houston believes you aren’t.
Alec: Hey! Shut up!
Grace: I personally love the feeling of my muscle fibers tearing.
Romeo: Yeah, and the only bad part is having to spend the rest of the day with Sydney and her terrible body od-
Sydney dislocates both of Romeo’s ankles.
Romeo: AHHHHHH! RECOVERY GIRL!
Sydney: Good luck doing two hundred more laps like that.
Romeo: NOOOOOOO!
Alec: *under his breath* She’s only mad because it’s true.
Gavin: *under his breath* She smells worse than my ass gas.
Sydney: I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU!
Tobias: But then, who will you call your friends?
Gavin, Alec, and Grace laugh.
Sydney: Since when did you start telling jokes?!
Sydney storms inside.
Alec: Oops, it looks like we upset Princess Sydney again.
Bruno: What a shocker.
Tobias, Gavin, Grace, and Alec head inside as Bruno carries Romeo to the infirmary.
Hayze: Does she always get treated like crap? I mean, I get why, but I’m just curious.
Verity: Very often, but I’ve tried to make her see that she’s treated that way because of her attitude.
Hayze: How’s that been going?
Verity: I think she understands that, but for her being kind to someone is a sign of trust, and she has trouble trusting people.
Hayze: That’s good.
Verity: Hm? How?
Hayze: Not that part, the fact she listened to you. It’s good that there’s someone she trusts.
Verity: I guess you’re right.
Hayze: Tell her to try to befriend the girls from my cla- my former class.
Verity: I thought they didn’t like her?
Hayze: They don’t, but they like Blair and Eve, and she’s kind of like them, so I’m sure she could fit in.
Verity: You really think so?
Hayze starts walking back inside.
Hayze: Yeah, she can bond well with Eve.
Verity: Really? How?
Hayze: Just tell her to talk shit about me.
Verity: R- really?
Hayze: Yeah, it’ll work. Now come on, you don’t want to do any more laps, right?
Verity: Nope.
Jace is in the conference room speaking to Vanguard via video call.
Jace: In my opinion, the next target should be Hayze. He’s the one I’m the most worried about.
Vanguard: Are you sure that’s wise?
Jace: Hm? Master, he’d be a valuable asset.
Vanguard: I agree, but he could be a dangerous foe. I’d rather save him for later and focus on cutting down his forces instead. Weakening him.
Jace: I see… I don’t know if I agree, but I respect your guidance.
Vanguard: Order all members of the Vanguard to avoid engaging in a match with him.
Jace: Yessir, but who do you think I should target instead of him?
Vanguard: There’s a girl that could be dangerous if let alone.
Jace: Who?
Vanguard: 2-B’s mind reader.
Jace: Verity? Her quirk is useful, but is she really that troublesome?
Vanguard: Yes, so deliver her to the light with haste.
Jace: Yes, Master.
Vanguard: I’ll check in on your progress tomorrow.
Vanguard logs off the call. He’s sitting inside his office.
Vanguard: (If Ms. Larson is given access to my mind, she can read my thoughts and discover my deception. I cannot allow her to destroy everything I’ve built.)
Vanguard looks out his office window. He sees dozens of Vanguard students walking around campus.
Vanguard: (With my Vanguard growing at the rate it is, it’s time for me to begin fishing for information about U.A.’s knowledge of the rings.)
Vanguard looks at the Alpha Ring.
Vanguard: (Unfortunately, I was forced to use the power of Absolute Command on Ewing to secure this position. I gave him a straightforward set of commands: Hire me, never question me, always agree with me, never allow yourself to be asked about me, and never fire me. Thus, I became a teacher and organized the tournament that enabled the Vanguard’s mass expansion. But, I came to this school to learn about the potential location of more rings. I must find someone that knows something, but who-)
A janitor opens the door to Vanguard’s office.
Janitor: Oh, sorry, I thought nobody was in here; I was just going to empty the trash-
The janitor notices the Alpha Ring.
Janitor: Uh… what’s that?
Vanguard stands up and starts walking toward the janitor.
Vanguard: Here, let me show you.
Later in the day, Hayze is speed walking down one of U.A.’s hallways.
Hayze: (I hope she’s okay…)
Hayze stops at the door to Tara’s workshop; he slowly creeps open the door.
Hayze: Tara? Are you here?
The lights are off.
Hayze: Tara?
Hayze searches for a light switch and hears a wrench hitting the floor.
Hayze: Tara?!
Hayze’s eyes turn red; he lights up a flame in his hand and approaches the sound.
Tara: Boo!
Tara’s head pokes out from behind a large metal object.
Hayze: Tara!
Tara: Oh hey, it’s you.
Hayze: Oh man, I’m glad you’re okay. What are you doing working in the dark?
Tara: It’s the only way those weirdos will leave me alone.
Hayze: So that’s how you were able to avoid joining them?
Tara: That and the orgasmorator.
Hayze: I didn’t need to know that.
Tara: So anyway, what brings you here? Need more juicy gadgets?
Hayze: Well, I wanted to make sure you were alright, but also, yeah.
Tara: Eh, it’s okay. That’s what I’m here for!
Hayze: Can I turn on the lights?
Tara: No.
Hayze: Why not?
Tara: I’m currently in my birthday suit.
Hayze stares at Tara.
Hayze: WHY?!
Tara: What do you want from me! I’ve been trapped here and haven’t been to my dorm in days!
Hayze: *sighs* Okay, that’s fair, but why aren’t you wearing your old clothes?
Tara: They’re covered in grease and drenched in sweat. Would you want to wear clothes like that?
Hayze: *sighs louder* (I hate that she’s making sense...) Okay, whatever, that’s not important.
Tara: Yeah, so what do you need?
Hayze approaches the large metal object.
Hayze: Huh?
It’s the framework of a car.
Hayze: Are- are you building a car?
Tara: Hm? Oh, that. Yup! I want to make the world’s first mobile noise complaint.
Hayze notices a pile of big speakers.
Hayze: You sure are…
Tara: This bad boy will also be able to go 200 miles per hour in reverse!
Hayze: Why?
Tara: Because it’ll be fun.
Hayze: Also, is that even possible?
Tara: Nope, but I’m gonna make it!
Hayze notices a thruster.
Hayze: Are you going to put an afterburner in this thing?
Tara: Yup!
Hayze: You realize those are built for jet engines, right? Putting one in a car is really dangerous.
Tara: Yup!
Hayze stares at Tara.
Hayze: Anyway, I have a list of things I need.
Hayze pulls out a piece of paper with a long list on it. Tara grabs it.
Tara: Super hearing aid, an upgrade to the E.M.I.L.Y., a female prosthetic hand-
Tara slowly looks at Hayze.
Tara: So, Tiny Tits is bad at handies, huh?
Hayze: Jesus Christ, no! It’s for someone who had their hand cut off!
Tara: So, she’s good at handies?
Hayze stares at Tara.
Hayze: Can you make all of that stuff?
Tara: Of course, but it will come at a price.
Hayze: Oh boy…
Tara: I need you to bring me some fresh clothes.
Hayze: I was going to do that anyway…
Tara: Oh, then it’s free of charge!
Hayze: Also, to make things easier and so you can go back to your dorm, let me take your three points and eliminate you from the tournament.
Tara: Oh right, that would be a good idea. My badge is over on that table.
Hayze grabs Tara’s SS Badge and throws it to her.
Hayze: We need to handle this like an actual match for it to count.
Tara: Okay, we’ll wager three points each.
Hayze: And what will the game be?
Tara: First to get naked loses!
Hayze stares at Tara.
Hayze: Fine.
Hayze’s SS Badge instantly moves up to 6 points as Tara’s drops to 0.
Tara: Hooray!
Hayze: Okay, now that you’re safe, I can focus on the next stage of my plan.
Tara: Hm? And that is?
Hayze: Rallying Class 2-B together.
Elsewhere on campus, Aster, Tyson, and Yul finish defeating 40 Vanguard first-years. Eliminating them all from the tournament.
Tyson: What a bunch of idiots picking a fight with us.
Yul: All first-years seem eager to battle; it’s… alarming.
Aster looks at one of the unconscious students.
Aster: (I’ve seen this getup before…)
Aster flashes back to Jace and Lilith.
Aster: (That freak got himself some new recruits.)
Tyson: So, how many did you get?
Yul (32): 11.
Tyson (32): Ha! I got 13! Which means Aster got-
Aster (43): 16; better luck next time, Tyson.
Tyson: Ah… dammit, I’ve gotta work faster.
Yul notices Aster’s demeanor.
Yul: Is everything alright, Aster?
Aster: Yeah… this place just gives me a bad vibe.
Tyson: What? Do you mean the school? Sure, everyone’s acting a little weird, but-
Aster: They’re not just “acting weird”; they’re acting the same way that Jace kid has been.
Yul: I noticed that, too; perhaps the school waited too long to address him.
Aster: Yeah, I think it’s time we take things into our own hands.
Tyson: Huh? What do you mean?
Aster: Tomorrow, let’s go pay Jace a visit.
Tyson and Yul look at each other.
Tyson: I’m in.
Yul: Let’s go.
The following day, Jace, Lilith, Angel, Killian, Isaiah, and Karma meet in their conference room the next day.
Killian: Why did you gather us, Fool?
Jace: Master sent in a new priority target.
Karma: Who?
Jace: Verity.
Killian: Huh? Her? Why?
Jace: He didn’t give me many details, but he made it clear she’s dangerous to our operation.
Angel: Did he specify who he wants going after her?
Jace: No, that decision is mine.
Killian stands up.
Killian: I’ll go get her right now; I might even get back before this meeting ends.
Jace: You’re not going, Chariot.
Killian: Huh? Why not?!
Jace: With our classmates returning from their mission, there are multiple new and annoying pieces on the board for us to deal with. Empress, you’re in charge of collecting Verity.
Lilith: *sighs* That’s a job that’s beneath me.
Jace: I understand, but it’s essential for my plan. Temperance.
Isaiah: Where do you need me?
Jace: I need you to target and dispose of the weaker members of 2-A and B. Your Temperance quirk should easily overwhelm fighters of their caliber.
Isaiah: Will do. I have a particular first target in mind.
Jace: Right. Chariot, you’re in charge of cleaning up the more vital members of your former class. You know them better than any of us and could easily overpower them with your new ability.
Killian: Yeah… you’re right, I could. I’d love to see what Princess Sydney would be like as a member of the Vanguard. So you can count on me.
Jace: We’ll need to keep them divided to pick them off slowly. We need to tear apart their unity and create discourse and chaos.
Angel: And that’s where I come in?
Jace: Yes, Lovers, your quirk is perfect for that job.
Angel: I know what I need to do.
Jace: I trust that you’ll get the job done.
Karma: And what do you want me to do?
Jace: Oh, you have the most important job of all, Moon.
Karma: Hm?
Jace: Why don’t you take a trip to the hospital?
Aster, Daniele, Yul, and Tyson approach the Vanguard Dorm.
Daniele: So, why are we going to Class 1-A’s dorm?
Aster: These “Vanguard” nutjobs took over this dorm for themselves.
Daniele: Okay… but where are the first-years that are supposed to be living here?
Tyson bursts out laughing.
Daniele: Huh? Wh- Oh…
There’s a bunch of tents set up nearby.
Yul: Well… there’s your answer.
Aster: We need to stop whatever the hell is happening at this school. So we’re gonna have a friendly long “chat” with the source.
Daniele: Why did you say chat like that?
Tyson: I think I know why and I think it’s gonna be fun!
Yul: I don’t know if I agree with taking this to extreme measures, but if it helps fix the other students… I guess I won’t argue.
Aster: Come on, let’s go inside.
The janitor spots The Big Four entering the dorm from afar. He pulls out a walkie-talkie.
Janitor: Four kids are approaching the dorm, Mr. Butler.
Vanguard: *walkie-talkie* Who are they?
Janitor: Looks like the Big Four.
Vanguard smiles.
Vanguard: Good.