Kevin: (Come on… come on!)
His hand starts to hurt, and he’s forced to stop.
Kevin: *frustrated grunt* (Dammit!)
A nurse walks into Kevin’s room.
Nurse: Kevin, are you alright? I thought I heard a noise.
Kevin: I’m okay, ma’am, thank you.
Nurse: Alright, I’ll be back in a few minutes to change your bedpan. Would you like me to turn on the TV if you’re bored?
Kevin: No, thanks… I’m fine.
Nurse: Okay.
The nurse leaves.
Kevin: (If they find out I’m trying to push myself, they’ll monitor me all day.)
Kevin looks out his window with a somber expression.
Kevin: (I know it’s only been a few days, but it’s hard feeling trapped like this… I feel so useless…)
Hayze arrives at the hospital’s front entrance and catches his breath.
Hayze: (Alright, I’ll visit Ivy first since the information she has is so vital. Then I’ll go see Justus, Zach, and Kevin. I’ve gotta make this trip quick, though. I could get into a lot of trouble being off-campus by myself.)
Hayze looks over his shoulder.
Hayze: (Not to mention this is precisely how Jace wound up creating the Vanguard. I have no clue if the mastermind behind all of that is watching me right now… hmm… whatever, I just have to keep my guard up.)
Hayze enters the hospital; however, Karma is watching him from afar, unbeknownst to him.
Karma: (I’ll have to pay close attention to him and be very careful. Hayze could make this whole operation a real headache. I need to be successful. Bringing Zach or Justus into the Vanguard would be monumental for our success. I will not fail.)
Hayze enters the hospital and walks up to the front desk.
Hayze: Hi, I’m here to visit-
Receptionist: The U.A. kids, right?
Hayze: Y- yeah? How did you know?
Receptionist: I’ve seen you on TV plenty of times; I know who you are.
Hayze: Oh… right.
Receptionist: Here, let me get you a visitor sticker.
Hayze: Okay, thanks.
The receptionist gives Hayze the sticker.
Receptionist: Do you know where their rooms are?
Hayze: Yes, unless they were moved in the last few days.
Receptionist: Nope, they’re in the same spots. Enjoy your visit.
Hayze: Thank you.
Hayze starts walking through the hospital.
Hayze: (I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being recognized…)
Inside Ivy’s room, she’s holding her mask, looking at it.
Ivy: (It feels strange to say that this era of my life is behind me… simply because I never thought it would be. After all those years I spent on my own or training under Maste-... under Iota’s guidance. I figured that was all my life was going to be. I’m happy it’s not, but… I have no idea what to do next or where I’ll go. It’s like I don’t know how to be… alive. I know I could rely on Hayze to take care of things for me, but what was the point of him granting me a second chance at life if I just became dependent upon him? I need to-)
There’s a knock on the door.
Ivy: C- come in?
Hayze enters the room.
Ivy: Hayze!
Hayze: Hey Ivy, how have you been doing?
Ivy: Pretty good… they finished the healing process for my arm today, so once the doctors say it looks good, I’ll be discharged.
Hayze: Can I see?
Ivy: Y- yeah, sure.
Ivy removes her bandages and reveals her wrist; it’s perfectly healed.
Hayze: Wow…
Ivy: They said it was good that it was cut off at an angle, so they had skin to flap over.
Hayze: I’d love to say that was intentional, but…
Ivy laughs.
Ivy: Please don’t feel bad at all for this… I would have gladly given up both hands to finally be free. I don’t miss it at all.
Hayze: That makes me feel a little better, but it’s difficult to feel anything but remorse for maiming someone.
Ivy: That’s okay; I guess that’s why you’re a hero.
Hayze: Yeah… I guess you’re right.
Awkward silence.
Hayze: Anyway, I brought you some gifts.
Ivy: Hm?
Hayze takes off his backpack and reaches into it.
Hayze: They’re both from my friend, Tara. She’s one of the best engineers you’ll ever meet.
Hayze pulls out a hand.
Ivy: Wh- what is that?
Hayze: A mechanical prosthetic hand. Once attached to your wrist, it will stick like glue and interface with your brain through your nerve endings. That allows it to act as a natural hand would.
Ivy: R- really?
Hayze: Yeah, it’s crazy what science can do nowadays.
Ivy: B- but…
Hayze: Hm?
Ivy: If it acts like my regular hand would… does that mean-
Hayze: Don’t worry; your quirk won't come back. Trust me, I asked her that too.
Ivy smiles.
Hayze: Wanna try it out?
Ivy: Of course.
Hayze attaches the hand to Ivy’s wrist.
Hayze: Try giving me a thumbs up.
Ivy stares at the hand for a few moments trying to move the device… and eventually, she’s able to give a thumbs up.
Ivy: Wow! And you’re saying a girl from your school made this?
Hayze: Yeah… it’s crazy what a mad genius can do with a ton of resources and unlimited free time…
Ivy: It’ll take some getting used to, but thank you. I really appreciate this. (I think this is the first present I’ve received since before…)
Hayze: Oh, and here’s the other thing.
Ivy: Huh?
Hayze pulls out a change of clothes for Ivy.
Hayze: A girl named Verity was nice enough to give you these. I thought you might want to wear something different. Especially considering you don’t own any other clothes…
Ivy stares at Hayze.
Ivy: Th- thank you. I- I hadn’t thought of that…
Hayze: You can stay at my house if you’d like. I’m currently living at U.A., so nobody is even using it. I’ll try to come to visit as much as I can.
Ivy: Can… Can we talk about this later?
Hayze: Huh? Yeah, sure… why?
Ivy: I just… I want to determine what I want to do with my life first… I can’t get a job without an education, and I have no idea how to interact with anyone besides you. I feel like I’ll just end up being a burden on you.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: You know you’re talking to a guy with five alter egos, right?
Ivy: Huh?
Hayze: As long as I have to deal with those jokers, nobody can be a burden to me.
Calm, Impulse, Wrath, and Gale appear.
Impulse, Wrath, and Gale: Hey!
Hayze: Ivy, I still want to help you; that didn’t stop after I saved you from your dark path. I promised you a normal life, and I plan to stay true to that promise until it’s fulfilled. So, don’t ever think you’re a burden to me, okay?
Ivy smiles.
Ivy: Okay.
Hayze: Good, now I need to ask you a question…
Ivy: Huh? What is it?
Hayze: The gem you took from me that night on the rooftop… where is it?
Scarlett awakens to a blinding red light in her eyes.
Scarlett: *annoyed grunt*
Scarlett sits up and looks around. She’s inside a prison cell with heat lamps beating down on her.
Scarlett: What is this?
Mara: Your new home, hag.
Scarlett: Huh?
Scarlett turns to see Mara standing guard outside her cell.
Scarlett: Wait… you’re one of Iota’s goons.
Mara: Good memory.
Scarlett: What are you doing here? Where am I?
Mara: You have a lot of information that Master Iota would rather not have shared with the police and heroes. So, he decided to take your fate into his hands.
Scarlett stands up and storms towards Mara.
Scarlett: I want to speak with him!
Mara: Master doesn’t have time to waste on you.
Scarlett: “Waste!” Bring me that coward right n-
Scarlett touches the bars of her cell and gets electrocuted.
Scarlett: AHHH!
Mara: The heat lamps and electrified steel bars will make you completely unable to use your quirk to escape. So, I’d get comfortable if I were you.
Mara sits down in a chair near the exit to the dungeon.
Scarlett: Let me speak to that bastard! I am The Vampire Queen, and I demand his respect!
Mara: No.
Scarlett screams at the top of her lungs. The sound echoes throughout Iota’s hideout. Zaire, Blaine, and Khold are walking toward Iota’s office.
Khold: Oh boy, it sounds like the vampire bitch is awake. I hope she’s enjoying her new home!
Khold starts laughing.
Blaine: Silence, brother. You sound like an idiot.
Khold: Hey! Who are you calling an idiot! Idiot!
Blaine: You clearly, but I’m not surprised you needed me to repeat that due to your low intelligence.
Khold: I’m gonna kick your ass!
Blaine: Do you need me to point you to it?
Khold: *frustrated grunt* I’ll-
Zaire: Quiet down, now!
Blaine and Khold both shut up.
Zaire: Stand outside.
Khold: Fine.
Blaine: Yessir.
Zaire enters Iota’s office. He’s sitting at a desk.
Iota: I see your mission was a success.
Zaire: You could tell by the noise, I assume.
Iota: Yes, but it’s alright. I’m sure she’ll quiet down eventually.
Zaire: She is immortal, so there’s no timetable on that.
Iota chuckles.
Zaire: May I ask why you didn’t kill her, Master? What purpose does keeping her alive bring you?
Iota: Under lock and key, she presents no threat. And there’s still something I can gain from her.
Zaire: And that is?
Iota: In due time, Zaire. For now, there’s something important I need you to do.
Zaire: Hm?
Iota opens his desk drawer and pulls out the Sigma Ring Fragment.
Iota: Take this.
Zaire: Is it time?
Iota: I want you to scour the globe for the ring this belongs to.
Zaire takes the fragment and admires it.
Zaire: You know this could take… months, right?
Iota: Yes, but I’m a patient man. I’m willing to wait for as long as it takes.
Zaire: But sir… you know-
Iota: I’m aware of my expiration date, Zaire. You don’t need to remind me.
Iota stands up and walks over to a safe inside his office.
Iota: When I set out on this quest to collect the rings once again, I knew it could take me to my grave. I’m not afraid of dying before my objective is complete.
Zaire: I know, Master, but that doesn’t mean all of us aren’t.
Iota smiles.
Iota: I appreciate that sentiment, but I trust that you all will continue the movement in my stead.
Iota walks over to Zaire and places his hand on Zaire’s shoulder.
Iota: With you at the helm, Zaire.
Zaire: Yes, Master.
Iota sits back down at his desk.
Iota: Now go and find that ring.
Zaire: Yes, Master.
Zaire starts walking to the exit.
Iota: Oh, and Zaire?
Zaire: Yes, Master?
Iota: Kill the guardian when you find them.
Hayze has a concerned look on his face.
Hayze: Not good…
Ivy: I- I’m sorry.
Hayze: It’s okay. I understand why you did it.
Ivy: Do you think he’d have found the Guardian already?
Hayze: No, I know exactly where they are, and there’s no chance he’s found them in this short time; however… he’s going to eventually. I’ll make sure they get a warning.
Ivy: Right.
Hayze takes a deep breath.
Hayze: Anyway, I’ve gotta visit my classmates. I’ll swing by later and we can leave together.
Ivy: O- okay.
Hayze: Cya later.
Hayze leaves.
Ivy: Cya…
Zach is doing pushups beside his bed.
Zach: 98… 99… One… Hundred!
Zach catches his breath.
Zach: (Come on… I’ve gotta recover faster than this. I should be able to do 100 pushups in my sleep. My friends are counting on me, I have to get back to full strength as soon as possible.)
There’s a knock on his door.
Zach: (Oh shit! The nurses will have my head if they see me exercising again!)
Zach leaps into his bed.
Zach: Come in!
Karma enters the room.
Karma: Hello, Zach.
Zach: Karma! Man, am I glad to see you!
Karma: I didn’t know you liked me that much.
Zach: Well… if I’m being honest, anything is better than the nurses at this hospital. They can be really naggy.
Karma laughs.
Zach: So, is anyone else here?
Karma: No, it’s just me.
Zach: Oh- oh, okay. Have you seen Kevin or Justus yet? Kevin’s actually just across the hall from m-
Karma: I brought something, Zach.
Zach: Huh? What?
Karma pulls out a bottled soda.
Zach: Ah, man! Sweet! I’ve only been able to have water this whole time!
Zach takes the soda and removes the cap.
Zach: Huh, the cap came off really easily.
Karma: That’s strange; I’m sure it’s alright.
Zach takes a sip.
Zach: Ah… so, how is everything back at school?
Karma: It’s all fine. There’s actually a new tournament going on.
Zach: Wh- what?! And I’m missing it? Alright, now I know I have to get out of here asap!
Karma: Oh, don’t you worry about that.
Zach: Hm? What do you mean by that?
Zach starts to get woozy.
Karma: Oh, you’ll see.
Zach: Wh- huh? *groans*
Zach passes out.
Karma: (Hayze is probably with Justus right now, so I only have a limited time to work with.)
Karma points her hand at Zach; a translucent black chain emerges from her palm and connects with Zach’s head.
Karma: The Moon!
Zach starts having vicious nightmares.
Zach: AHHHHH!
Karma: Soon, you’ll join the Vanguard…
At U.A., the sky is orange from sunset. The girls have made progress on their tasks, but all look physically drained.
Eve: This was one of the worst days of my life…
Alexis: Ditto…
Ash: And we have to do this again tomorrow…
Grace drops the ball and gets shocked.
Grace: *purrs* 10 minutes that time! Making progress! What about you, short stuff?
Verity: I’ve actually reached the halfway point, I believe.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Blair: After a full day? At least I got to three ice cubes covered in lava at once.
Ash: You should be happy to have made that much progress with your late start. I only got Alden about a quarter of the way today.
Saige stands up and cracks her back.
Saige: I got to the point where I could still stand after breaking one of my constructs, but I won’t write home about that…
Alexis: I was able to fold the paper for the 8th time, so at least I know that’s possible… yay…
Eve: I got to where attempting to steal from Ms. Fatal didn’t immediately land me in Recovery Girl’s office, so I guess that’s something.
Alexis: We should all just be happy we’re not her…
They all look at Sydney; she loses her balance on the platform and falls into the water.
Sydney: *screams*
Ash: Yeah…
Eve: Agreed.
Fatal walks outside.
Fatal: Good work today, girls! I can’t wait to see you back up and at ‘em tomorrow at 6 a.m. sharp!
All of the girls groan.
Fatal: That’s the spirit!
Fatal hops the fence and starts walking away.
Alexis: Well… that sucked…
Ash: I can’t wait for tomorrow…
Eve: Yay…
Gus is preparing dinner inside the dorm as Aaron, Wes, and Silver sit on the couches together. Aaron is visibly pissed.
Silver: I assume you’re still caught up on Hayze, Aaron?
Aaron: Are you not? I can’t believe the nerve of that guy. How could he do that? It’s like he doesn’t give a fuck about any of us.
Wes: I wouldn’t say that, but-
Aaron: Oh, you wouldn’t, huh, Wes? Because you know a lot about not giving a fuck about your friends.
Wes: Okay, fuck you! I’m just trying to-
Aaron: Just trying to what? Justify Hayze getting the girl who’s tormented our class off the hook for dozens of crimes?
Wes: W- well… when you put it like that…
Aaron: When I put it any way, it sounds terrible because it is. The guy betrayed the trust of every one of us, and he had the audacity to try and hide it. He would have never told us if we didn’t stop him and asked what happened.
Wes: W- well… yeah, but-
Aaron: But nothing. That guy is dead to me.
Awkward silence for a few moments.
Silver: I get how you feel, Aaron. Trust me, it was shocking news to hear. After all, I watched that girl kill him.
Aaron: I think those personalities of his finally started driving him crazy because there’s no way a sane person would do that.
Silver: Maybe, but Hayze has earned the benefit of the doubt from us.
Aaron abruptly stands up.
Aaron: The hell he has! I’m not giving him the benefit of anything for this! That chick is the enemy, Silver! And where I’m from, YOU DON’T HELP THE ENEMY GET OFF FEDERAL DOMESTIC TERRORISM CHARGES!
Silver stares at Aaron.
Silver: Then why didn’t you turn him in?
Aaron: That’s none of your business.
Silver: Whatever you say, Aaron.
Aaron: The hell did you just say?!
Silver stands up.
Silver: Your anger is coming from Hayze putting you in your place. It’s obvious, so just admit it.
Aaron: Are you looking for a fight?
Silver: You and I both know how that would turn out.
Wes stands up.
Wes: Guys, let’s not start beating the shit out of each other when we’re in the middle of a cult crisis.
Aaron scoffs.
Aaron: You’re lucky.
Silver: Of course I am.
The eight girls enter through the backdoor, drenched in sweat and exhausted.
Gus: Hey girls… you all look… good.
Eve: Gus, I’m gonna break your legs if you don’t shut up.
Gus: Understood.
Ash: It was really tough training…
Saige: And we’re gonna be back it at tomorrow.
Blair: So don’t expect to see us lounging around much the next few days…
Alden walks in behind them.
Alden: Oh god, does that mean your periods will sink up!
Blair, Sydney, and Eve’s eyes turn red as they face Alden.
Alden: I- I- I mean… uh… You all look pretty!
The three girls begin beating the everlasting shit out of Alden.
Alden: NOT MY ARMS! I NEED THOSE!
Grace laughs.
Grace: Well, this was fun, but I could use a shower. Come on, Verity, let’s head back to our dorm.
Verity: Okay, you too, Sydney.
Sydney finishes shoving both of Alden’s feet into his mouth.
Sydney: Ugh… fine.
Grace, Sydney, and Verity all head for the front exit. As Verity passes by Wes, she doesn’t even look at him.
Wes: (That was strange…)
Saige notices the tension between Aaron and Silver.
Saige: Did we interrupt something?
Aaron and Silver: No.
Saige: I doubt that.
Alexis stares at Silver and has a strange feeling in her chest.
Alexis: (Something’s wrong…)
Alexis starts walking towards Silver.
Alexis: (I can’t control my feet!)
Blair and Eve toss Alden outside.
Blair: Silver, do you mind calling Recovery Girl for us?
Silver: Yeah, you guys had a long day, so I can take care of that for y-
Alexis walks right up to Silver.
Silver: Uh… is something wrong, Alexis?
Alexis kisses Silver, shocking everyone, including herself.
Aaron: OH, THAT’S IT!
Aaron charges at Silver and punches him in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.
Aaron: YOU AND ME! RIGHT NOW!
Wes runs up to Aaron and tries to stop him.
Wes: Woah, Aaron! Calm down! We can’t-
Aaron punches Wes in the face and knocks him out cold. Silver gets to his feet as Alexis is paralyzed in shock.
Alexis: (Why did I do that?)
Silver: Look, Aaron, I’ve got no clue why Alexis just did that, so if we want to pick a fight with someone, it’s her.
Aaron: Shut the hell up!
Aaron transforms his arm into an M246 and aims at Silver.
Aaron: I’m gonna-
Suddenly, a pink translucent dome appears around Aaron. Saige steps between the two of them.
Saige: Now, Aaron, what did we say about picking fights in the dorm?
Aaron: Don’t patronize me, Saige!
Saige: Aaron, you’re going to walk away and not interact with Silver for the rest of the night, got it?
Aaron: The hell I am!
Saige: Aaron, this bubble shield is airtight, and all I need to do is wake Wes up, and you’re going to have a real hard time getting out of there. So, I’d recommend agreeing to my terms and walking away.
Aaron grinds his teeth.
Aaron: Fine, whatever!
Saige lowers the bubble shield, and Aaron storms out of the dorm.
Silver: I could have handled that myself, you know.
Saige flips around and faces him.
Saige: Oh, don’t give me that, casanova. You need to go straight to your room!
Silver: W- what did I do!
Saige: I don’t know, but until we figure that out, you need to be in the one place I know Aaron isn’t!
Silver: *frustrated grunt* Fine.
Silver heads upstairs. Ash, Saige, Eve, and Blair gather around Alexis.
Eve: Okay, Lex, what was that about?
Blair: Yeah, you know Aaron has an explosive personality. So why the hell would you do that in front of him?
Saige: And why with Silver?
Alexis: I… I don’t know…
Eve: What do you mean you don’t know?
Alexis: I… I couldn’t control my body. It just… moved on its own.
Saige: Don’t tell Aaron that because I think he’ll blow the entire dorm up.
Blair: Well, I’m glad you chose to get horny for Silver at the worst possible moment because now two of our best fighters hate each other.
Alexis: Wh- that’s not-
Saige: I’ll go talk to Silver and see what he says. You three should run Wes and Alden to Recovery Girl.
Blair: Alright…
Eve: Fine…
The girls disperse.
Alexis: W- wait! I-
Everyone ignores Alexis.
Alexis: *groans*
Gus: Dinner’s ready!
Alexis: NOT NOW, GUS!
Gus: *sobs*
Hayze enters Justus’ hospital room.
Justus: Well, well, I see you’re back already.
Hayze: Hey, I made you a promise and intend to keep it.
Justus: Hm?
Hayze pulls out a small hearing aid for Justus.
Justus: You got it that quickly?
Hayze: Yeah, that’s Tara for you. It’s built like an earbud, so it’s small and unintrusive, and it should make it so you can hear like normal until your ears recover completely.
Justus: Well, let’s give it a try.
Justus puts the aid in his ear.
Hayze: How does it sound?
Justus: Perfect, thank you.
Hayze: Don’t thank me, thank the lunatic who made it.
Justus: You’re the one who had it made, so I’ll thank you as well.
Hayze: Ha.
Justus: So, how is everyone back at school?
Hayze is quiet for a moment.
Hayze: There’s uh… a lot you need to be caught up on.
Justus: Hm?
Back at U.A., Adrian is running through campus.
Adrian: (I hope with everything weird going on with Ewing that he’s still sensible regarding the rings. Vargas should be alerted immediately.)
Adrian reaches the main U.A. building.
Walker: Stop right there.
Adrian: Huh?
Walker emerges from behind a tree.
Walker: I had a feeling you’d eventually show up.
Adrian: Damien? What are you doing here?
Walker: Waiting for you.
Adrian: W- why?
Walker: Because you and I are gonna take an impromptu trip.
Adrian: Huh? What? A trip?
Walker opens a portal beneath Adrian’s feet.
Adrian: Wh- AHH!
Adrian falls out of the portal by the front entrance of U.A.
Adrian: Huh? Wh- What the hell!
Walker: I said we were going on a trip, didn’t I?
Adrian: I need to talk to Ewing, Damien, it’s important!
Walker: Talking to Ewing about anything right now is useless. He’s clearly under someone’s control.
Adrian: Are you sure of that?
Walker: No, but that’s why we’re going on this trip. We need to figure out exactly what’s wrong with him, and it can’t wait.
Adrian: W- then where are we going?
Walker: I don’t know.
Adrian: HUH?!
Walker: Don’t worry; I’ve already informed Rachel of everything. She knows what’s going on.
Adrian: Damien, you just told me you don’t know where we’re going.
Walker: I don’t, but you do.
Adrian is taken aback.
Adrian: Wait… are you saying…
Walker: Yes, we’re going to check on the Alpha Ring.
Adrian: I already told you it’s safe.
Walker: I want to see it for myself.
Adrian: *grunts* Really?
Walker: Yes, and I’m not taking no for an answer.
Adrian: *sighs*
Adrian thinks for a moment.
Adrian: Fine, but you’re gonna feel really foolish when everything turns out alright.
Walker: I doubt that.
Adrian: Which part?
Walker: Both.
Ivy finishes changing her clothes. Then, she starts staring at her prosthetic hand, moving each finger individually.
Ivy: (It feels so… real.)
Ivy looks at the door.
Ivy: (I wonder if Hayze would mind if I went looking for him? No, I can be independent, I don’t want to sit around in this room any longer.)
Ivy exits the room and starts walking through the hallways. She passes by multiple nurses, patients, and visitors, with none reacting to her.
Ivy: (It’s like I’m just some random passerby to them. They have no idea who I am or what I’ve done. Is this what it’s like to just be… ordinary?)
Ivy passes by a window and notices her reflection.
“ Zaire: You’re beautiful, Ivy. “ - Chapter 107
Ivy: (Maybe…)
Ivy turns down a hallway that’s completely empty of people.
Ivy: (This hospital is a lot bigger than I thought… I guess you can get a false perspective from being in one room all d-)
Ivy hears Zach’s screams down the hall.
Ivy: Huh?
Ivy runs down the hall until she reaches the room where the noise is coming from.
Karma: *frustrated grunt* Keep it down; I don’t want any intruders!
Zach: *sleep talking* I’ll… I’ll never join you!
Karma: Yes, you will!
Ivy: (Aren’t those two of Hayze’s friends?)
Kevin: *across the hall* Zach?! Are you alright!
Zach: AHHHH!
Kevin can hear Zach’s screams from his room across the hall.
Kevin: (Something’s wrong!)
Kevin tries reaching for his nurse call button but physically can’t.
Kevin: *frustrated grunt* Dammit!
Karma smiles.
Karma: (With Kevin in the condition he’s in, he’s of no use to the Vanguard, but it also means he isn’t a threat. Once I’m done with Zach, we’ll visit Justus.)
Karma starts laughing.
Ivy: What’s going on here?
Karma abruptly stops laughing and turns around swiftly.
Karma: (Who is this?!)
Ivy: What are you doing to him?
Karma: (She looks like an ordinary girl. If I use my quirk, I can knock her out quickly.)
Ivy: Answer me now.
Karma: Why don’t you go to sleep!
Karma accelerates toward Ivy in an attempt to punch her. However, Ivy uses her extreme reaction speed to point her palm at Karma in time for a counter.
Ivy: Push.
Karma gets sent flying backward and slams into the wall. Her chain connection to Zach is severed.
Karma: *pained grunt* I’ve seen that before… you must be...
Ivy: I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t think you were up to any good.
Karma rises to her feet.
Karma: Why are you here?
Ivy: I heard a scream. Do you want to explain why you were making him do that?
Karma: (This girl could be trouble, I need to take care of her now.)
Ivy: Should I throw you against the wall again to get you to talk?
Karma: No!
Karma pulls out a knife and throws it at Ivy, who easily dodges it. However, Karma uses the distraction to accelerate toward Ivy and punch her in the chest.
Ivy: *pained grunt* (She’s smart. I wasn’t expecting her to have a weapon.)
Karma: Bringing someone like you into the Vanguard would be a nice consolation prize.
Ivy: (Vanguard?)
Karma rips her knife from the wall and prepares to stab Ivy.
Karma: But first, I need you to go to sleep!
Ivy: Push!
Ivy sends herself and Karma flying into the hallway. They slam against the wall outside Kevin’s room and fall to the floor.
Ivy: *groans*
Karma: *frustrated grunt*
Kevin: Hey! What’s going on out there?!
Karma rewinds herself in time and approaches Ivy with her knife.
Karma: I guess you made a mistake now, didn’t you?
Ivy: (So she’s fast and can recover quickly. Interesting…)
Karma: You’ve wasted enough of my time. So, let’s end this skirmish!
Karma lunges at Ivy with her knife.
Ivy: (I can stop her!)
Ivy points her left palm at Karma and tries to use her push force.
Ivy: (Wait! No!)
Karma: Take this!
Suddenly, Zach grabs Karma from behind and throws her down the hallway.
Karma: *frustrated grunt*
Zach: Are you alright?
Zach offers Ivy his hand.
Ivy: Y- yeah.
Ivy stands up on her own.
Zach: I can’t believe they got you, Karma. How did you let that happen?!
Karma: I saw the light, Zach, and soon you will too!
Zach: *sighs* Poor Karma…
Zach turns to Ivy.
Zach: Thanks for your help, by the way. And uh… Who are you?
Ivy: (Right, he’s never seen my face before.) Just uh… another patient at this hospital. I heard your screams and came to help.
Zach: I appreciate that, and I apologize for my friend. She’s brainwashed by this organization called “The Vanguard.”
Ivy: She mentioned that before.
Zach: Yeah, they go on and on about showing people “the light,” Their goal is to brainwash everyone else to be just like them. We’ve gotta be careful.
Kevin: *from his room* Zach? Are you alright?
Zach: Yeah, Kev, don’t worry, I’m all good. Unfortunately, though, Karma isn’t. The Vanguard got her.
Kevin: What?!
Zach: It’s alright; I’ll knock some sense into her.
Zach extends his bone claws.
Kevin: (I’ve gotta help!)
Kevin attempts to move but can’t.
Kevin: AHHHH!
Karma gets to her feet.
Karma: (So… Now we’ve got a real fight on our hands. I guess I’ll have to start taking this seriously.)
Karma reaches for her back and pulls out a blowgun.
Zach: Huh?
Ivy: (Darts?)
Karma: Let’s see how you handle this!
Karma loads in a sleep dart and fires it at Zach.
Karma: Let’s make you pray to The Moon!
Zach blocks the dart with his bone claws.
Zach: I ain’t ever going to sleep again on your watch!
Karma: We’ll see about that!
Karma loads another dart as Zach charges toward her.
Ivy: No, don’t!
Zach: (Huh?)
Karma: (Fool!)
Karma accelerates forward, closing the gap between herself and Zach instantly.
Karma: Now you can’t dodge!
Zach: (Aw, man!)
Karma fires the dart at Zach.
Ivy: Pull!
Ivy uses pull force to rip Zach backward and save him from the dart.
Karma: *frustrated grunt* Annoying bitch!
Zach: Huh… What the heck?
Ivy: (That should be a big enough hint for him.)
Zach: Oh man! You’ve got a magnet quirk like Eve!
Ivy: (Is this guy for real?)
Karma: That’s it! I’m taking you both down!
Karma accelerates towards them, she winds back a punch on Ivy, but Zach quickly gets in front of her and blocks with his bone claws.
Zach: Sorry, Karma, but this fight is between you and me!
Karma: That’s fine! You’re weak!
Zach: No! I’m n-
Zach starts to feel pain in his arm muscles.
Zach: (Ah, crud… I hate the recovery process!)
Karma overpowers Zach and knocks him back; she then grabs his face and slams the back of his skull into the ground.
Zach: *groans*
Karma: Dammit! He’s still conscious!
Ivy: Hey! Get off him!
Ivy tries to punch Karma, but she leaps back and avoids the attack.
Karma: You can’t handle my speed.
Ivy: That’s what you think.
Inside Justus’ room, Hayze finishes explaining the situation at U.A.
Justus: So it’s that bad, huh?
Hayze: Yup, Angel and Karma both got assimilated while we were fighting The Vampire Queen. I just hope nobody else falls victim to them while we’re gone.
Justus gets out of bed.
Justus: Well, it’s time for me to leave this hospital.
Hayze: Are you sure you’re ready?
Justus: I can’t afford not to be. If you’re not in our class anymore, Hayze, someone must take charge of everything. I can’t trust Silver or Aaron to do that.
Hayze: Huh…
Justus: What? Is something wrong?
Hayze: Why do you think it matters that much that I’m not in 2-A anymore? You guys are all really talented and intelligent. Surely my absence isn’t that big of a deal.
Justus: Hayze, you’ve made an impact on almost every single member of our class. You’ve surpassed our expectations and defied the impossible before our very eyes. We have faith in you, and that’s something hard to earn. Not even Silver or I have that. It’s easy to rally behind someone you believe in and trust implicitly. I wouldn’t take that for granted.
Hayze: I already did once…
Justus: Yeah, so don’t do it again.
Hayze and Justus smile.
Hayze: Come on, let’s go visit Zach and Kevin.
Ivy helps Zach sit up.
Ivy: Are you alright?
Zach: Just 5 more minutes, Mom…
Ivy: I’m gonna take that as a no…
Karma: Just give up!
Karma loads a blow dart.
Ivy: (Wait a second, I have an idea!)
Karma fires the dart at Zach; Ivy blocks it with her left hand, causing the dart to insert into it. She keels over.
Karma: Eh, whatever. I can start with her.
Karma approaches them and points her hand at Ivy.
Karma: It’s time for The Moon!
A translucent black chain emerges from her palm and extends towards Ivy’s head. However, it bounces right off.
Karma: Wh- what?!
Ivy instantly lunges toward Karma and uppercuts her.
Karma: AH!
Ivy: Push!
Ivy launches Karma into the ceiling. She then smashes into the floor.
Karma: *frustrated grunt* HOW?!
Ivy removes her hand, revealing its prosthetic.
Karma: NO!
Hayze and Justus turn the corner and see the commotion.
Justus: Karma?
Hayze: Ivy!
Ivy: Hayze!
Zach: Zach!
Zach passes out.
Karma: (Dammit! Hayze AND Justus are here! I need to retreat!)
Karma runs into Zach’s room, opens the window, and jumps out of the building.
Ivy: Hey! Get back here!
Hayze and Justus run to Zach and Ivy’s aid.
Hayze: Are you alright?
Ivy: Yeah… that girl was trying to do something to Zach in his sleep. When I tried to stop her, she started fighting me.
Hayze: She was probably using her new Moon quirk to try converting Zach using his dreams. She must have followed me here. Justus, is Zach okay?
Justus: Yeah, he’s just concussed. He’ll be fine.
Hayze: You did good, Ivy. You saved Zach from the Vanguard.
Ivy: Th- thanks.
Justus: (How does Hayze know this girl?)
Kevin: *from his room* Hayze, is that you?
Hayze: Kevin?
Justus carries Zach on his back as he, Hayze, and Ivy enter Kevin’s room.
Kevin: What the hell was going on out there?
Hayze: *sighs* I guess I’ve gotta explain everything to you now, too, huh?
Hayze explains the situation at U.A. to Kevin.
Kevin: What? They’ve really got almost the whole school?
Hayze: Yeah, and we’re gonna do everything we can to fix that.
Kevin: Damn… I wish I could help. Hearing all that commotion with Karma and Zach really put my situation into perspective for the first time. I couldn’t do anything.
Hayze: Maybe not now, but you said you’d work hard to get back to that point. Don’t tell me you’ve already given up.
Kevin: Hell no! But that doesn’t mean it’s not gonna drive me nuts until I get there… promise me you’ll save Karma, Angel, Jace, Lilith, Isaiah, and everyone else from that stupid “Vanguard.”
Hayze: We will.
Justus: Count on it.
Kevin smiles.
Hayze: By the way, Kev… since the tournament was planned while you were still… healthy. This belongs to you.
Hayze pulls out Kevin’s SS Badge. Kevin stares at it for a moment.
Hayze: What do you want me to do with it?
Kevin: Keep it. I’d rather you have it than me.
Hayze: But… you’re a part of the tournament nonetheless.
Kevin: I know, but I trust you’ll do more with my 3 points than I would. I have faith in you, Hayze.
Hayze is taken aback.
Kevin: Go knock the Vanguard on their asses.
Hayze: Will do.
Justus: Good luck with your recovery, Kevin.
Kevin: I don’t need luck; I’ve got determination.
They all smile.
Hayze: Alright, let’s head back to U.A.
Justus: Right.
Ivy: Am I able to tag along?
Hayze: Of course, Ivy.
Ivy: Thank you.
Hayze, Justus, and Ivy depart for U.A. with Zach.
Kevin: (Good luck, guys… I wish I could be there.)
Kevin lies in his bed in silence for a few moments before he hears a knock on his door.
Kevin: C- come in?
The door opens. Kevin’s eyes widen.
Gundam: Well, well, well, if it isn’t my old intern.