Killian stands up.
Killian: Alright, now I’m pissed…
Sydney: Oh boy, I’m shaking in my boots.
Killian: Knock off that snark!
Killian clenches his fists and smiles.
Killian: Or should I do that for you? Once you’ve seen the light, I’m sure you’ll be a much warmer person to be around.
Sydney: You really think you’re in control of this situation, don’t you?
Killian: I am!
Killian reaches down and removes his cumbersome training weights from his legs.
Sydney: I honestly forgot you had those.
Killian: After a while, the speed increase I received from removing them was minimal, but if I’m going to kick your ass, I need every little drop of power I can muster!
Killian throws the weights at Sydney; she blocks them with a wall of ice.
Sydney: Nice try- Huh?
The weights shatter straight through the ice wall and slam into Sydney with weakened force.
Sydney: *grunts* (I also forgot how heavy these things are!)
Killian leaps into the air and careens toward Sydney.
Killian: Take this!
Killian slices at Sydney with his claws, slashing her stomach area. Sydney punches him in the face, sending him sliding across the ice. Sydney falls to a knee as blood drips from her wound.
Sydney: (I ALSO forgot how long his fucking claws are.)
Killian: If you think a little ice will slow me down. You’ve got another thing coming!
Killian gets up on all fours.
Sydney: (Is everything he does forgettable?)
Killian: All Fours Strike: 1,000 Claws!
Killian attacks Sydney, slicing her with his claws in rapid succession.
Killian: Where are your snappy remarks now? HAHAHA!
Sydney: Right next to your liver.
Killian: Wait... wh-
Suddenly, an ice spike forms and skewers Killian’s chest, stopping him completely.
Killian: *pukes up blood* Fuckin’ bitch…
Sydney: Relax, I didn’t hit any vital organs.
Killian: THEN WHY DID I JUST PUKE BLOOD!
Sydney: I said vital, didn’t I?
Killian: AHHH!
Killian slices through the ice spike and leaps back. He reaches to pull the remaining icicle out of his body.
Sydney: I wouldn’t do that.
Killian: Shut the hell up!
Sydney: Okay, but if you were complaining about the little blood from your mouth…
Killian: *frustrated grunt* Fine!
Killian gets on all fours again and charges at Sydney.
Sydney: Yeah, I don’t think we’ll be repeating that.
Sydney creates an ice pillar beneath her feet and ascends 50 feet into the air.
Killian: Ah, what the hell!
Sydney looks down at Killian.
Sydney: I have always been more of a cat person.
Sydney begins firing a wave of 100 icicles at Killian.
Killian: OH SHIT!
Killian starts running away, but the icy ground decreases his initial velocity, causing upwards of 10 icicles to stab into his back and legs.
Killian: *pained grunts*
Sydney: You can rip those out if you want. I imagine it’ll hurt like a bitch, though.
Killian: FUCK YOU!
Ivy watches with amazement.
Ivy: (This girl fights with so much anger behind her attacks; it’s palpable. However, she’s still so level-headed and playing Killian like he’s an amateur. She may have an unfair advantage, but that can't take away from the fact that she’s executing with it brilliantly. Hayze was right to trust her with this task.)
Alec twirls around his scythe.
Alec: So, what’s your “special ability?”
Grace: I hope it’s hitting REALLY hard! Mmm…
Karma: If you think I’ll take all three of you on at once, you’re foolish.
Tobias: We don’t, and we don’t care.
Grace: He doesn’t speak for all of us.
Karma: I’ll fight one of you, placing 2 points on the line and-
Alec: Nope.
Grace: Nah.
Tobias: Not happening.
Karma is shocked.
Karma: Wh- what?!
Alec: I don’t know if we’re giving off the wrong vibe or something, but...
Grace: We’re not interested in a tournament match.
Karma: Wh- why not?! Then what’s the point of surrounding me!
Tobias: That’s for us to know.
Silence.
Karma: And for me to find out?
Alec: Nope.
Grace: Nah.
Tobias: Not happening.
Karma: *frustrated grunt*
Romeo: Guys… can someone get me down?
Alec throws his scythe and slices through Romeo’s underpants, releasing him and causing him to slam into the dirt.
Romeo: *muffled* Ow…
Alec: You can run along, Romeo; your job is done.
Karma: (“Job?”)
Romeo stands up and dusts himself off.
Romeo: Come on! I’m more valuable than that!
Grace, Tobias, and Alec all start laughing.
Romeo: *frustrated grunt*
Tobias: Romeo, head to “you know where,” I’m sure Hayze could… use you?
Romeo: *sighs* Fine...
Karma: (I see…)
Romeo starts to walk away.
Karma: One second, Romeo, would you like a chance to test your mettle?
Romeo: Huh?
Karma: I challenge you to a match, with each of us putting 2 points on the line.
Romeo: W- wait, really?
Karma: Yes, and if I win, you-
Tobias runs over to Romeo and knocks him out.
Karma: Wh- what! Hey!
Tobias: I saw what you were up to.
Alec: *from afar* HA!
Karma clenches her fist.
Tobias: If you were trying to trick Romeo, I assume you’ve figured out part of our plan?
Karma: Yes, you’ve lured Chariot somewhere, haven’t you?
Alec: No.
Tobias: Alec, don’t be rude.
Tobias tosses Grace Romeo’s unconscious body.
Tobias: Grace, bring him back to the dorm.
Grace: Aw… why!
Tobias: I don’t want to keep knocking him out; It will only take five minutes. And If you do it, I’ll hit you with my full force.
Grace: *excited gasp*
Grace runs off.
Karma: (Killian’s caught in some kind of trap, and they’re keeping me here to prevent me from informing the others. I have to fight my way out, but I can’t take them both at once.)
Karma looks at Tobias and Alec.
Karma: (He sent Grace away because he knows I’d have an easier time goading her. He’ll probably shut down any attempts I make with Alec, so I only have one choice.)
Karma attempts to accelerate past Tobias.
Karma: (Run!)
Suddenly, Alec throws his scythe at Karma, and it digs into her back, stopping her completely.
Karma: AHHH!
Karma quickly rewinds herself to recover.
Karma: (H- how did he know?!)
Alec reels his scythe in and licks Karma’s blood.
Alec: It pays to have friends in high places.
Karma: (Verity!)
Tobias: Alec…
Alec: What? Who cares? Not like she can do anything about it.
Karma: (Maybe I can’t… but I know someone who can.)
Angel looks down upon Verity and Bruno.
Angel: (They haven’t spotted me yet, but the question is: why are they here? Meh, who cares. She’s only got Bruno to defend her. I guess it couldn’t hurt for me to make first contact.)
Angel begins descending.
Bruno: Why did Grace run off?
Verity: It looks like Romeo was going to be an issue, so Tobias removed him from the equation.
Bruno: That’s probably for the best.
Angel: From what equation?
Bruno: Huh?!
Bruno and Verity turn around to see Angel standing behind them; Bruno immediately blocks Angel's path to Verity.
Bruno: What are you doing here?!
Angel: Isn’t it obvious? I’m looking for some new recruits for the Vanguard.
Bruno: Over my dead body!
Angel: That can be arranged.
Bruno: *frustrated grunt* *whispers* Verity, stay back and do your job. I’ll handle this guy.
Verity: Would you like my assistance?
Bruno’s entire body turns into diamond.
Bruno: No, I don’t need it.
Angel: Oh boy, you want me?
Bruno: Why wouldn’t I? Last I checked, diamond beats feathers.
Angel: Hm… fair point, but you’re forgetting something.
Bruno: Hm?
Angel takes flight.
Angel: You’re helpless against aerial fighters!
Bruno just stares at Angel.
Angel: Well? No rebuttal?
Bruno: (It doesn’t matter if he’s in the air, it doesn’t change the fact that he can’t hurt me. My only goal is protecting Verity, so I couldn’t care less about defeating him.)
Bruno continues staring at Angel.
Angel: *grunts* (So, he’s really that committed to protecting her… that could be a challenge. Although help should be arriving soon.)
Lilith and Isaiah are running toward the main campus building.
Isaiah: You know, you would get there a lot faster by flying.
Lilith: I need you for the plan, dumbass. It doesn’t matter if I get there without you.
Isaiah: Fair, but Lovers could use your help.
Lilith: If that idiot wants to get into a meaningless fight, he can be my guest.
Isaiah: It may be meaningless for this plan, but-
Gavin: *offscreen* ASS GAS ASS BLAST!
Gavin comes flying toward them, propelled by his seismic farts.
Isaiah: Gavin?
Lilith: *frustrated grunt* We don’t have time for this!
Lilith reaches into her pocket and pulls out a seed.
Gavin: TAKE THIS!
Gavin tries to punch Lilith, but she dodges by leaping over him. She then drops the seed down the back of Gavin’s pants.
Lilith: No, you take this!
Lilith grows a tree in Gavin’s ass, pinning and crushing him against the ground.
Gavin: MY ASS GAS NOOOOOOOOOOO!
Lilith covers her nose and mouth to avoid inhaling Gavin’s gas. She then runs out of the cloud.
Lilith: That was close.
Isaiah: How did he know we were coming this way?
Lilith: Something’s fishy… whatever, we need to keep going.
In the desert, Weaver fires her sniper rifle at Walker and hits him in the right calf.
Walker: AHHHH!
Adrian: What the hell?!
Walker falls to the sand in pain from the massive hole in his leg.
Walker: *pained grunt*
Adrian: Are you okay?!
Weaver watches from her scope.
Weaver: Target down.
Weaver aims at Adrian.
Weaver: (Next.)
Adrian drops his pack and runs to Walker.
Walker: Get down, you idiot!
Walker opens a portal beneath Adrian. Adrian falls into it just as Weaver fires a shot at him.
Weaver: (A portal quirk?)
Weaver goes to aim at Walker, but he opens a portal beneath himself and escapes.
Weaver: Clever…
As Weaver begins repositioning, Walker moves himself and Adrian behind a nearby rock.
Walker: So… about me being wrong?
Adrian: Fuck you, man. How’s your leg?
Walker: Not great; I don’t think I can put any weight on it.
Adrian: Damn…
Adrian peaks out and looks around for Weaver.
Walker: Get down unless you want to die.
Adrian: Fine, but we have to locate this sniper somehow.
Walker: They shot from the north, but I assume they’re on the move.
Adrian: That’s a good bet.
Walker offers Adrian his hand.
Walker: Copy my quirk; this is your battle.
Adrian: Okay, but it won’t be of much use until we pin down their location.
Walker: Well, we have the element of surprise on our side.
Adrian: Hm?
Walker: They shot me in the leg because they wanted you to rush to my aid. If they had killed me, you would have immediately run for cover.
Adrian: Yeah, I figured that out, but how does that mean we can surprise them?
Walker: They wouldn't have attempted that if they knew what my quirk could do.
Adrian: I see… and if they don’t know about your quirk, then they definitely don’t know what mine can do.
Walker: Yes, and it also limits the pool of people this could be. Not to sound like I’m bragging, but I’m relatively well known as an A-Rank Hero.
Adrian: No, I see your point. My first guess is that they’re ex-military of some kind. They don’t keep up with hero news as much as the average citizen, and it would explain their marksmanship.
Walker: That’s my first guess as well.
Adrian: Okay, so we’ve got a vague idea of who we’re up against, but what do we do next?
Walker: They’ll play it safe until they discover your quirk. So, we need to take advantage of that. First, you need to get your pack back.
Adrian: Wh- what? Why?
Walker: It has the explosives.
Adrian: Wh- YOU HAD ME WALKING AROUND WITH BOMBS STRAPPED TO MY BACK!
Walker: Consider it a sign of my trust.
Adrian: *grunts* Whatever, I’ll get them.
Weaver lies down on another dune and scopes in on the rock Walker and Adrian are hiding behind.
Weaver: (They’re formulating a plan of action. I have nothing to fear, though I’m the one holding all the cards.)
Weaver reaches into her backpack, pulls out a yellow-striped ammo clip, and swaps it with her current one.
Weaver: Boom.
Weaver shoots the rock, blasting it away with an explosive round.
Walker: *grunts*
Adrian: What the hell!
Walker and Adrian are sent flying back from the explosion and left in the open.
Adrian: (Shit! I’ve gotta think fast!)
Walker: Adrian! Don’t do anything! I’ve got this!
Adrian: Huh?
Walker reaches into his pack and pulls out a trio of smoke grenades.
Adrian: Where did those come from!
Walker: I always come prepared.
Walker pulls the pins on the smoke grenades and tosses them in three different spots, creating a smokescreen.
Walker: Come on! We’ve gotta move!
Adrian: Right.
Walker removes his pack. Adrian runs over, helps him up, and places Walker’s arm around his shoulder. Then, they move up a dune to hide as fast as they can.
Weaver: (Hm… smoke cover… I guess I have the bullets to spare.)
Weaver begins randomly firing into the smokescreen. Blasts in the sand go off as Walker and Adrian hobble forward.
Adrian: Whoever this is, they mean business!
Walker: And they’re likely not the one who stole the Alpha Ring.
Adrian: Yeah, this is a hand-picked sentry.
Walker and Adrian reach the top of the sand dune and hide behind it just as the smokescreen clears.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Weaver: (No bodies, they’ve found a new cover. It’s time to reposition.)
Weaver begins moving to a new spot.
Adrian: What’s the play here?
Walker: Why are you asking me? You’re the one with two good legs.
Adrian: You’re the one who packed our bags full of weapons and explosives!
Walker: Yeah, and now both packs are guarded by a sniper. You should have used my quirk to secure yours when you had the chance.
Adrian: I was trying to make sure my friend was alright!
Walker: Weak.
Adrian: *frustrated grunt* Look, I can still get the packs.
Walker: Go ahead, peak over this dune; I’ll try to keep the bits of your brain out of the sand.
Adrian: Okay, fair point, but that doesn’t change anything.
Walker: How? Even if they were stupid enough to stay in the same spot after that last attack, we have no way of firing back.
Adrian: That’s what you think.
Walker: Hm?
Adrian: (I only brought it as a precaution, but I didn’t think I would have to use it.)
Killian rips the many icicles from his back.
Killian: You… bitch…
Sydney: What’s that, Lassie? Are you upset?
Killian: Shut the hell up!
Killian stands up slowly as blood drips heavily from his back.
Killian: It’s time for me to put you in your place.
Sydney: I’d love to see that.
Killian smiles.
Killian: Me too.
Killian takes on the Horse Stance from Taekwondo.
Sydney: Hm?
Killian: It’s time for me to unleash the power of the Chariot on your ass!
Killian gets on all fours and charges toward Sydney’s ice pillar.
Killian: You’re going down!
Killian sidekicks the pillar with such force that the entire structure collapses.
Sydney: What the hell?!
Killian: Timber!
As the pillar collides with the ground and smashes, Sydney slams into the ground and slides against the icy terrain.
Sydney: *groans*
Killian: Heads up!
Killian runs at Sydney again; she gets to her feet just as he begins throwing a flurry of punches her way. Unfortunately, his speed is too much for her as she can’t dodge a single blow.
Sydney: (Since when could he hit this hard?!)
Killian uppercuts Sydney, sending her sliding across the ice.
Killian: Where’s all of your big talk now, huh bitch? You thought you were better than me, and now you realize how wrong you are. The Chariot is the strongest quirk in the world! You can’t stop me even with this ice field on your side! Hahaha!
Sydney: Strongest? Pfft, I doubt that.
Killian: Huh? What did you say?
Sydney stands up and wipes the blood from her face.
Sydney: If you’re the strongest, why is that amateur Jace ordering you around?
Killian: He doesn’t order me around!
Sydney: Really? Because to me, it seems like you’ve become his lap dog ever since he kicked your ass that day.
Killian: I’m nobody’s lapdog! I am an elite member of the Vanguard! We will show the whole world the light! I will show the world the light! I am the strongest warrior this world has ever seen!
Sydney: So, you’re saying that you weren’t before?
Killian: No! The old Killian was weak and simple-minded! He could never reach the levels that I have!
Sydney: Okay, so if this new Killian is so great, then why are you taking orders from someone else?
Killian: I JUST TOLD YOU, I- (Wait… why am I taking orders? Jace couldn’t handle me for a single second, and I’ve never seen what Master looks like. He could be a scrawny shrimp for all I know… it doesn’t make any sense. I’ve just listened to what I’ve been told since joining the Vanguard, but why?)
Sydney notices Killian is deep in thought.
Sydney: (I’ve got him now.)
Sydney creates a lance of ice in her hand.
Sydney: (It’s time to end this!) Glacial Lance!
Sydney chucks the lance straight at Killian.
Killian: Huh? What!
Killian reacts quickly enough to block with his right arm, but the lance pierces and impales it.
Killian: AHHHH! YOU BITCH! YOU TRICKED ME!
Sydney: It’s not my fault you were napping on the battlefield.
Killian rips the lance from his arm and smashes it.
Killian: No more tricks! You’re going down!
Killian charges at Sydney with extreme speed and knees her in the jaw, knocking her into the air. He then grabs her lower leg and tosses her to the ground.
Killian: You’re weak compared to me! You couldn’t dream of defeating the mighty Chariot!
Sydney: Oh, I can, but I’m waiting on someone else to help.
Killian: What! Who! This is a one-on-one match!
Sydney: Time.
Killian: Huh?
Sydney: Just look at yourself.
Killian notices he’s sweating profusely and breathing heavily.
Sydney: Your Werewolf form drains your energy. You’ve been battling hard and sustaining significant injuries this entire fight; you’re running out of time and fast.
Killian: (Dammit! She’s right!) *frustrated grunt* Whatever! I’ll just finish you off right here and now!
Killian gets on all fours.
Killian: You’re done!
Sydney begins laughing.
Killian: What? What’s so funny?
Sydney: Has it not dawned on you where we are right now?
Killian: Huh? I’ve already adapted to this icy environment; that no longer matters.
Sydney: No, I mean, what building are we in?
Killian: Th- the U.A. Stadium?
Sydney: Yes, and what event was held here about a year ago?
Killian: The Sports Festival.
Sydney: And what happened to my opponents in the tournament?
Killian: You-
Killian’s eyes widen.
Killian: Shit!
Killian runs for the exit as fast as he can.
Sydney: The point of this battle was to weaken you to the point where you can’t run away, and you fell for it.
Killian: No, I won’t lose!
Ivy reverts the arena back to normal.
Sydney: Now, let’s see if you know the doggy paddle.
Sydney floods the entire arena with water.
Killian: No! No! No! NOOOOOOO!
Killian cannot escape in time and is swept up in the current.
Killian: (SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!)
Sydney puts on her rebreather and pulls out a pair of karambit knives.
Sydney: (Let’s end this.)
Sydney swims past Killian repeatedly, slicing him with the knives in various spots around his body.
Killian: AHHHHHHHHHHH!
Sydney finishes Killian off with a punch to the gut, knocking him out.
Sydney: (Easy.)
Sydney drains the arena.
Sydney: Hey, Ida or whatever your name is, bring this idiot to Recovery Girl.
Ivy stands up and leaves the control room.
Ivy: I see why Killian called her a bitch so much…
Angel clenches his fists.
Angel: Hey! Why the hell aren’t you fighting me?!
Bruno: I can’t do anything to you up there. Isn’t that what you wanted?
Angel: *frustrated grunt*
Angel lands.
Angel: Listen, I get what you’re trying to do, but I-
Bruno clocks Angel in the jaw, sending him flying into the railing on the opposite side of the roof.
Angel: *groans*
Bruno: Happy now?
Verity: Thank you, Bruno.
Bruno: Don’t mention it. I’m sure everything is fine now-
Lilith and Isaiah arrive.
Bruno: *sighs* Nevermind…
Lilith: Lovers! What the fuck!
Angel: I can’t feel my wings…
Isaiah walks over and tends to Angel.
Isaiah: Yeah, he’s got a bad concussion…
Angel: Is 4 a letter?
Isaiah: It sure is, buddy.
Lilith: Well, well, well, so the diamond dummy actually knows how to fight.
Bruno: I’d hardly call what just transpired a fight.
Angel: Yay…
Bruno: So, what do you two want?
Verity: And what happened to Gavin?
Lilith: He’s… preoccupied.
Gavin is sobbing beneath his ass tree.
Gavin: I can feel a root on my prostate…
Bruno steps forward and cracks his neck.
Bruno: If you two are looking for a fight, you’ve got one.
Lilith: Oh, I won’t be fighting. Temperance?
Isaiah stands up and rips off his shirt.
Verity: Jesus Christ, he’s ripped now.
Lilith: It’s incredible how well replacing masturbating and video games with exercise and not masturbating works.
Isaiah steps forward.
Bruno: If you think a few muscles scare me, you’re wrong.
Isaiah: Oh, don’t worry. You’ll have a lot to be afraid of soon enough.
Bruno: Then let’s go!
Bruno and Isaiah run at each other and begin grappling.
Bruno: I won't let you pass!
Isaiah: That’s not up for debate!
Isaiah punches Bruno in the face, but it does nothing.
Isaiah: Damn…
Bruno: *grunts* Nothing’s harder than a diamond. Well, except for one thing.
Isaiah: Huh?
Bruno picks Isaiah up and hoists him above his head.
Bruno: My spirit!
Isaiah: AH! What the hell!
Bruno chucks Isaiah off the roof.
Isaiah: AHHHHHH!
Bruno wipes his hands together.
Bruno: One down, one to-
Bruno turns around to see Isaiah standing there.
Bruno: Wh- what?!
Isaiah: I’m glad we can be alone now.
Bruno: Huh?
Bruno looks around; only Isaiah and he are on the rooftop.
Bruno: Where did Verity go?!
Isaiah: They didn’t go anywhere; we left.
Bruno: No, we didn’t! I haven’t moved from this spot.
Isaiah: You’re inside the Temperance now and will only escape once Verity has joined us.
Bruno: NO!
Bruno punches Isaiah in the face, sending him flying off the roof.
Bruno: I’ve gotta find Verity!
Isaiah: I already told you, you can’t.
Bruno: Damn you!
Back at the “real” rooftop, Verity looks startled.
Verity: Where did Bruno go?
Lilith: That’s none of your concern.
Lilith starts walking towards Verity. Verity backs up against the railing.
Lilith: It’s time for you to join the Vanguard.
Verity: No, I won’t.
Lilith: I’m sorry, but that wasn’t a question.
Verity: You’ve changed quite a lot.
Lilith: Hm? Of course, I have. I’ve seen the light.
Verity: I can see you’ve gained some confidence. You’re not the same girl that peed herself and cried about it during Iota’s attack.
Lilith: Yes, that Lilith is gone. I am the Empress.
Verity: Really? Because you still seem like a little bitch to me.
Lilith: What did you just say?!
Verity: I said you’re a little bitch.
Lilith grabs Verity by the collar and hoists her in the air.
Lilith: Listen here, you- Jesus Christ, I can lift you? How light are you?
Verity: You can only make me join the Vanguard if I accept a challenge, which I refuse to do. So, you’re wasting your time here.
Lilith: Oh, really?
Lilith punches Verity in the stomach.
Verity: *pained grunt*
Lilith: I’m going to beat you into a bloody pulp, then I’m going to drag you back to our dorm. We’ll see how long you’re willing to deny us.
Verity: My friends will save me…
Lilith: Of course, and we’ll be sure to assimilate them. Hayze may be good at making plans, but he’s not perfect. So, we’ll get at least a few of them. But, of course, that could all be avoided if you simply agree to battle me.
Verity: Never.
Lilith: Okay.
Lilith smashes Verity’s face against the railing.
Lilith: Your choice.
Lilith reaches into her pocket and pulls out some seeds.
Lilith: I think I’ll grow out your hair and wrap it around your tiny neck; how about that?
Verity: *grunts*
Lilith feels a sharp poke in the back of her neck.
Wes: Back away, bitch.
Lilith: Am I hearing things, or is that Wes?
Lilith releases Verity and breaks away from her. Lilith turns around to face Wes, holding his sword.
Verity: (Wes…)
Lilith: It is you, wow.
Wes: What’s so surprising?
Lilith: You always struck me as more of the total bitch type.
Wes: Hey, fuck you. I’m a hero, just like everyone else!
Lilith: Yeah, but look around. You don’t have any help.
Wes: And? I don’t need any. I’m here to stop you on my own.
Lilith laughs.
Wes: Quit laughing!
Lilith: Wes, maybe before we were about even strength, but now that I’m a member of the Vanguard, you don’t stand a chance. So why don’t you run along and go play with your pervert poss-
Wes cuts Lilith’s cheek.
Wes: THOSE FUCKERS ARE NOT MY FRIENDS, SO DON’T YOU DARE GROUP ME WITH THEM!
Verity: (That’s what he gets mad about…)
Lilith’s expression turns to anger.
Lilith: You’re gonna regret harming the Empress’ beautiful face!
Lilith punches Wes in the face, then in the stomach.
Wes: Hey! What the fuck! I have a sword!
Lilith: So swing it then, bitch!
Wes attempts to swing at Lilith, but she dodges each slash.
Lilith: You can’t hit me!
Wes: Stand still, and that will change!
Verity: (He’s an inexperienced swordsman, he’d be better off without that blade.)
Lilith leaps up and uses Wes’ face as a springboard to backflip away from him.
Wes: *frustrated grunt*
Lilith: Come on, Wes, put that toy down so I can have a real challenge.
Wes: No!
Lilith: *sighs* Okay, then I guess I’ll be the adult here.
Lilith points her palm at Wes.
Lilith: Let’s stop wasting everyone’s time.
Wes: What are you going to do?
Lilith: Grow your bangs down to your chin to blind you. Then I’ll knock you off this roof and return to what I was doing.
Wes: *grunts*
Lilith: It’s cute that you tried to do something on your own, Wes, but next time… just stay in the corner like the bitch you are.
Lilith launches her invisible growth ray at Wes.
Wes: (Now!)
Wes transforms his sword’s blade into a mirror.
Wes: FUCK YOU, BITCH!
Wes uses the sword to reflect Lilith’s attack back at her crotch. Lilith stands there, shocked for a moment.
Verity: (I see… that’s what the sword is for…)
Wes: HA! IT WORKED! HAHAHAHA!
Verity: (Graceful…)
Lilith screams in anger.
Wes: Uh oh…
Lilith: I JUST GOT WAXED, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! NOW I HAVE TO SUFFER THROUGH THAT AGAIN!
Wes: I could have aimed for your face…
Lilith: YOU’RE GOING DOWN!
Wes gulps.
Wes: (Come on, Wes, you can beat her.)
Sydney and Ivy (carrying Killian) exit the Stadium.
Hayze: All set?
Sydney: Yes, it went as quickly as I told you it would. Next time give me a task that actually requires effort.
Hayze: So, you’re saying you like taking orders from me?
Sydney: Fuck you.
Hayze: Alright, then let’s bring him to Recovery Girl. I’ll tell the others.
Hayze taps on his earpiece.
Hayze: Okay, everyone, Killian’s down. Regroup at the infirmary.
Tobias: *earpiece* Rodger, Alec, Grace, and I are coming.
Gavin: *earpiece* My ass gas…
Hayze: And what about you, Verity?
Verity doesn’t answer; her earpiece fell out of her ear when Lilith slammed against the roof’s railing.
Hayze: Verity? Verity… something’s wrong. You two go ahead; I’ll check on Verity and Bruno.
Ivy: Wait! Hayze!
Hayze runs off towards the main campus building.
Hayze: (They should have been able to see anyone coming, and Bruno should have been able to protect her so she could get away. What could have happened?!)
Lilith slowly approaches Wes with fire in her eyes.
Wes: (It’s okay, Wes, it’s just Lilith. What’s the worst she can do-)
Lilith shrinks down to butterfly size and flies directly at Wes.
Wes: (AH! SHIT, I FORGOT SHE COULD DO THAT!)
Wes tries swatting Lilith with his sword, but she evades each slash and flies down the back of his shirt.
Lilith: I WILL MAKE YOU PAY!
Lilith shoves a seed into one of Wes’ pores and flies away.
Wes: Hey! Get back-
Lilith grows the seed, and a tree forms on Wes’ back, pinning him to the ground.
Wes: Fuck… me…
Lilith reverts to normal size and approaches Wes, knocking his sword away.
Lilith: Not so big now.
Wes: *frustrated grunt* Dammit!
Lilith steps on Wes’ head.
Lilith: I think I’ll have some fun beating you to a bloody pulp. Not like the Vanguard wants someone as pathetic as you.
Lilith starts kicking Wes in the face repeatedly.
Lilith: That’s right! Lick the Empress’ boot, you piece of garbage! I’m not going to let you walk away after you reflected my attack back at my-
Verity: Stop!
Lilith and Wes: Huh?
Verity: If you leave him alone, I’ll join you.
Lilith stops kicking Wes and starts walking to Verity.
Lilith: Fine by me.
Wes: Verity, no! I’m used to getting my ass kicked! Don’t do it!
Lilith: She remembers what I did to Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden during the Beauty Pagent, and she doesn’t want that to happen to you. Isn’t that cute?
Verity: Do we have a deal?
Lilith: Of course, I don’t give a fuck about him if I have you.
Verity: Good, then let’s get this over with.
Lilith: Okay, all you need to do is take my hand.
Lilith offers Verity her hand; Verity stares at it for a moment.
Verity: Wes, I must confess something.
Wes: Huh?
Verity: I was giving you the cold shoulder in a desperate attempt to gain your attention and for no other reason. I’m sorry, I can’t help but feel that you wouldn’t have come here without that.
Wes: No… that’s not-
Verity takes Lilith’s hand.
Wes: Verity!
Lilith: Just look into my eyes, Verity, and you will see the light.
Verity stares into Lilith’s eyes. A purple Alpha symbol appears for a moment before Verity passes out.
Wes: No…
Wes slams his fist against the ground.
Wes: DAMMIT!
Hayze: What the hell’s going on here?!
Wes: Huh?
Hayze has arrived.
Wes: Hayze?
Lilith: Welcome, Hayze. I’m glad to see you, but I hate to be the one to inform you you’re too late.
Hayze notices Verity is unconscious.
Hayze: Verity… did she get her, Wes?
Wes: Yeah… she did… because I fucking suck…
Hayze: You and me, Lilith, right here, right now.
Lilith picks up Verity.
Lilith: No.
Hayze: What!?
Lilith: We’re under strict orders not to battle you. So, I’m gonna have to decline that offer.
Hayze: That isn’t an option.
Lilith: Then I hope one of your personalities can fly.
Lilith extends her wings and takes off with Verity.
Hayze: (One can, but if she doesn’t want to fight me, there’s nothing I can do.)
Hayze notices Angel.
Hayze: (Looks like Bruno knocked him for a loop. Wherever he is…)
Hayze walks over to Wes.
Hayze: You alright, buddy?
Wes: No… no, I’m not.
Hayze: It’s okay, Wes; we’ll get her back. I promise.
Isaiah and Bruno reappear.
Hayze: Huh?
Bruno: Hayze? What are you doing here? And where is Verity?
Hayze: They got her, Bruno…
Bruno: DAMMIT!
Bruno turns to punch Isaiah, but he’s already left with Angel.
Bruno: They won’t get away that easily!
Hayze: Bruno, it’s not worth our time.
Bruno: Wh- but they have to pay!
Hayze: They will, but for now, we need to get Wes, and I assume, Gavin, to Recovery Girl.
Bruno: Wes? What are you doing here?
Hayze: He tried rescuing Verity from Lilith…
Wes: Yeah… “tried.” I fucking couldn’t do anything…
Bruno walks over and puts his hands on the tree pinning Wes.
Bruno: If you were to protect Verity, then I respect you.
Bruno rips the tree from Wes’ back.
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Wes passes out from the pain.
Bruno: Oops…
Hayze: *sighs* It’s okay; I’ll bring him to the infirmary. You go find Gavin.
Bruno: Right.
Hayze: We got Killian back, so hopefully, he has some vital information for us.
Bruno: Hopefully…
Later, Hayze and Bruno arrive at Recovery Girl’s office with Wes and Gavin.
Recovery Girl: Place them down on these beds, please.
Hayze: Will do.
Tobias, Grace, Alec, Sydney, and Ivy are already gathered in the office.
Ivy: What happened to those two?
Hayze: Lilith…
Tobias: Where’s Verity?
Hayze: They got her...
Sydney: What!?
Alec: Are you serious!?
Grace: Jeez…
Sydney: You said your plan was perfect! How could you let this happen!?
Alec: We were supposed to get Killian back, not trade him for Verity!
Hayze: I know, I’m sorry, I-
Bruno: It isn’t his fault.
Alec: Huh?
Bruno: I was responsible for protecting her, and I failed. I was careless and got caught in Isaiah’s trap which enabled Verity to be taken. So, I’m the one who should be blamed.
Everyone goes quiet.
Tobias: None of that matters; if Killian can provide us the information we need, everything will be fine, and we’ll get Verity back soon enough.
Grace: Yeah, he’s got a point. If we remove the man in charge, everyone will be out of the Vanguard in no time.
Vanguard: Quite the party we have here.
Vanguard is standing in the doorway.
Alec: Man, Mr. Butler, you startled us.
Vanguard: I’m sorry. I heard all the commotion in here and thought I’d see what was happening.
Bruno: We’re just waiting for our friend Killian to wake up.
Vanguard: Oh, did something happen to him?
Sydney: I kicked his ass.
Tobias: We freed him from that treacherous Vanguard.
Vanguard: (What!?) Oh… really? You did… how?
Bruno: Hayze came up with a plan to lure and trick him into a situation that was heavily in Sydney’s favor.
Sydney: Pfft, not like I needed the help.
Vanguard: Hm… is that so?
Vanguard approaches Hayze.
Vanguard: I don’t believe we’ve met, Hayze.
Hayze: Yeah… I was off working on the Vampire Queen attack when you started here. So, your name is Mr. Butler, right?
Vanguard: Yes, it’s okay if you know nothing about me. I happen to know a lot about you.
Hayze: Is that so?
Vanguard: Yes, between your performance in the Sports and Showcase Festivals and, of course, cutting off that villain Iota’s hands. You’ve made quite a name for yourself at such a young age. It’s a pleasure meeting you.
Vanguard offers Hayze his hand.
Vanguard: (You little bastard.)
Hayze shakes Vanguard’s hand.
Hayze: You too, sir.
Recovery Girl: Killian’s waking up, everyone.
Hayze: R- really? Already?
Vanguard: (Shit!)
Everyone crowds around Killian’s bed.
Killian: *groans* Wh- where am I?
Tobias: Killian? Is that you?
Killian: Yeah? Why wouldn’t it be?
Hayze: Do you go by Killian or Chariot?
Killian: What the fuck? Killian obviously.
Grace: He’s back!
Hayze: Awesome!
Killian: *grunts* I can’t believe I let that douchebag Jace kick my ass. Now I’ve gotta join his stupid club.
Everyone gets quiet.
Killian: Huh? Is something wrong?
Hayze: Killian, what’s the last thing you remember?
Killian: Uh… what do you mean? I just fought Jace and lost. I assume one of you guys got him, though? Hey! Wait a second, when did Sydney get back, and why are you here, Hayze!?
Hayze: Dammit… he remembers nothing from his time in the Vanguard.
Vanguard: (Phew…)
Killian: What are you talking about?
Hayze: This isn’t good… that means we lost Verity for nothing.
Tobias: Not exactly.
Hayze: What?
Tobias: We now know that defeating a Vanguard member reverts them to normal. Meaning the path to victory is clear. We have to beat a Vanguard member who met the person calling the shots BEFORE they were assimilated.
Hayze: Yeah… you’re right! And there’s only one person who fits that bill.
Bruno: Jace.
Hayze: Okay, I’ll start working on a plan to take down Jace as soon as possible. We need this to end and soon.
Vanguard sneaks out of the infirmary unnoticed.
Vanguard: (Dammit! First, I have Adrian and Walker, and now this! Luckily even if those two can survive Lt. Weaver’s assault, I’ve positioned myself to be completely clear of their radar. Why would I send my personal sniper to take them down and not tell her about their quirks? I should be safe from them regardless of the outcome. This, however, is troublesome; if they take Jace from me, they’ll know my identity! I can’t let that happen! I only have one choice… I must kill Jace.)