Hayze (Naratting): It’s been 3 weeks since Vanguard and Iota obtained the Delta and Sigma Ring, respectively, and since then… there’s been nothing. It’s eerily quiet; life has been going on as if there aren’t two maniacs, each with three of the most powerful objects on the planet. Well… mostly? The public did not respond well to U.A.’s press conference revealing the information about the rings, Vanguard, and Iota. Despite the Top 9 heroes publicly backing the school, no trust was left for them. There have been protests outside the school’s gate every day since then. Parents of Vanguard students are outraged, but since all U.A. students are legal adults, the parents can’t remove the kids without their consent, which obviously none will give. U.A. has offered reduced tuition for all students, but that didn’t quell the flames. S.T.O.R.M. issued a statement saying they’ll place all their resources into tracking down Iota and Vanguard. But that didn’t do much to settle public unrest… after all, Black Hollow died to Vanguard, so why shouldn’t they be afraid? Iota isn’t considered as big of a threat as Vanguard because his hands are gone, but he’s not helping the issue. The world is afraid, and I feel like the longer we wait for Vanguard’s next move…, the closer we get to everyone hitting their boiling point. As for my classmates and me, we’ve been training with Houston and Fatal; I’ve been getting extra training with Adrian, I’ve mastered a few new techniques, but I’m still just a gnat in Vanguard’s eyes. Speaking of… the Vanguard has been entirely silent, and we’ve been able to navigate campus without them harassing us. We don’t know why they stopped, but it has me worried. Blaze lives with Blair’s Mom and sister, and Houston allowed him to train with us. Ivy is still with me at 2-B, but she didn’t want to train with the girls. I think she’s still feeling guilty about everything she’s done, and I understand that. Overall… The world is getting scarier, and now more than ever… the world needs its heroes.
Hayze’s body emits a ton of steam, as his skin is bright red. Fire courses through his body, heating his muscles.
Hayze: *pained grunts*
Adrian: Hold it for as long as you can. The key to mastering Inferno Overdrive is becoming used to your current state; once you do that, fighting will come easy.
Hayze: AHHH!
Hayze reverts to normal and keels over.
Adrian: *sighs* Nice try.
Hayze: I- I’m sorry… Going from 8 hours straight of Houston’s boot camp to this is hard.
Adrian: I understand, but if you want to protect your friends, you need to push yourself further than ever.
Hayze attempts to stand up; Adrian places his hand on Hayze’s head to stop him.
Adrian: I don’t mean right now. That was 52 seconds; that’s better than your previous record by 8 whole seconds. You’ve done enough for today.
Hayze: I… alright…
Adrian sits down next to Hayze and tosses him a water bottle. The two of them are inside of U.A. stadium at night.
Adrian: So, tell me, kid. How’s everything been for you?
Hayze: Huh? Why are you asking?
Adrian: Because I’m interested in your personal life? I consider us friends, you know.
Hayze: Sorry, I just didn’t think you’d care about the ongoings of a young adult.
Adrian: I don’t; I care about your ongoings. I mean, for Christ's sake, you met your son from the future. That’s gotta be weird.
Hayze: It kind of isn’t anymore.
Adrian: Why?
Hayze: I guess because he’s basically his own person. He’s not really a kid that I have to take care of. I mean, it’s a little awkward, but I just treat him like he’s just another guy.
Adrian: Are you sure you should keep doing that?
Hayze: Hm? Why?
Adrian: Because every kid wants to bond with their father. It’s like it’s genetically ingrained in us. So maybe you should have him join us one night, or another thought, try and train with him yourself.
Hayze: I… I guess I could do that.
Adrian: I get it; it’s a weird situation, but just think about what would make him happy and go from there.
Hayze: Okay, I think I will.
Adrian: Right, and what about Blair? Have things been awkward with-
Hayze is in the fetal position.
Adrian: I- uh- wh- I- wh… uh?
Hayze: It’s been very awkward. We haven’t been able to look at each other for weeks.
Adrian: Uh… why?
Hayze: Because Saige brought up that for Blair and me to have a son, we had to have… you know?
Adrian: Oh… you mean the elephant in the room that you raw dogged her and got her pregnant the first time you had sex in Blaze’s timeline like an idiot?
Hayze has sunk even lower in the ground… somehow.
Adrian: Look at it this way. At least the kid you conceived is a pretty damn good one. And also, she probably only had the kid because the apocalypse started a couple of weeks after she got pregnant. You both have careers to consider, and Blair wouldn’t have set that aside to be a 19-year-old mother.
Hayze: Yeah… I guess you’re right. But that’s not really why we can’t look at each other.
Adrian: Huh? Then what is it?
Hayze: Well, I can’t speak for Blair, but having an alternate timeline’s worth of proof that you’re destined for each other is very nerve-wracking. Our future son is walking around and interacting with us, and we haven’t even been on our first date… it just… makes things awkward between us.
Adrian: I can’t say I know how you feel, but just be happy you have someone like Blair in your life.
Adrian gets quiet, and Hayze looks at him.
Hayze: Oh… right… sorry, I forgot-
Adrian: Don’t worry, those seven years I had to spend knowing Rachel hated me are behind me.
Hayze: Oh yeah? Are you guys actually doing well now?
Adrian: Yeah… approaching your 30s is stressful, but rekindling my relationship with her makes me feel like we’re back in the old days. When we were the students.
Adrian reminisces for a few moments.
Adrian: My point is… if you care about Blair like I did for Rachel when I was your age… don’t let this last year and a half go to waste.
Hayze: Yeah… you’re right! I won’t!
Adrian: Good, then let’s get out of here. You deserve some rest before Houston gets you back to work tomorrow.
Hayze: Oh god… thanks for reminding me…
Adrian and Hayze exit U.A. Stadium, but Adrian stops as they walk down the front steps.
Adrian: This is where you and I part ways.
Hayze: Hm? But we’re both heading in the same direction for a bit longer.
Adrian: No… you’re staying here for a few minutes.
Hayze: Huh?
Someone approaches Adrian and Hayze.
Fatal: Hey, Hayze.
Hayze: F- Fatal? It’s uh… good to see you.
Fatal: I think it’s time you and I talked… about what happened that day.
Hayze clenches his fist.
Hayze: I’d rather not…
Fatal: I know, but I think Kelsey would.
Hayze: I… okay… let’s talk.
Adrian walks off.
Adrian: (I didn’t think he’d refuse at first… I guess I underestimated how much that day scarred him. Either way, this will be good… for both of them.)
Zaire is standing before Iota inside the latter’s office.
Iota: Why did you want to see me, Zaire?
Zaire: I need to tell you something about the mission… the one to retrieve the Sigma Ring.
Iota: Hm? I already gave you my appreciation for collecting the ring with ease. What else needs to be said?
Zaire: I don’t deserve all the credit… I wouldn’t have been able to complete the mission without Jagger’s help.
Iota: Jagger? Really?
Zaire: Yes, I know you’ve been keeping Jagger on a short leash ever since you lost the ability to watch over us. But… Jagger showed determination and commitment to the mission I’d never seen from him before. I believe he deserves to be rewarded with more leadership opportunities like he used to have.
Iota thinks for a moment.
Iota: (I’ve always been worried about Jagger’s loyalty since I sent him on that suicide mission for the Theta Ring, but between this and him killing Julio to hide our base’s location. He’s potentially a better soldier than I realized.) I’ll take that under consideration, Zaire; thank you.
Zaire: You’re welcome, Master.
Zaire exits the office. However, Jagger was secretly eavesdropping on the conversation.
Jagger: (Good… if Iota listens, my gamble may actually pay off. I didn’t want to kill Julio or let that jackass Zaire get the ring, but those actions have bought me some major brownie points. They could come in handy in the future. Now I should see if I can make a new “friend.”
Scarlett is lying on her bed inside her heat lamp prison cell. She looks bored while Mara sits outside the bars keeping watch.
Scarlett: (So… this is what hell is like…)
Scarlett sits up and looks at Mara.
Scarlett: Can I get my dinner early tonight? I’m bored.
Mara: No, Master Iota has instructed me of the exact time to-
Scarlett: “Give me food to stay alive, but not strong.” I know, I know, but I’m bored out of my mind right now, and I know you are too!
Mara: Watching you squirm never gets boring for me.
Scarlett: *frustrated grunt*
The door to the dungeon opens, and Jagger enters.
Mara: Jagger? What are you doing here?
Jagger: I’d like to have a quick talk with our prisoner here.
Mara: Okay, go ahead.
Jagger: I want to speak to her alone.
Mara: I’m sorry, Jagger, but I can’t allow that. Master Iota has instructed me to-
Jagger walks over to Mara and caresses her cheek; she blushes.
Jagger: *whispers* If you give me five minutes alone with the vampire here, I’ll reward you far better than Iota ever would.
Mara gulps.
Mara: Okay, but… just five minutes, okay?
Jagger: Okay.
Mara quickly exits the room.
Scarlett: Wow… I’ve had to hear that girl repeat “Master Iota told me” a million times… I can’t believe you got her to abandon her post like that.
Jagger sits down.
Jagger: Manipulation is easy when you know which buttons to push. You know the saying, “women marry their fathers?”
Scarlett: Yes?
Jagger: Women subconsciously develop an attraction towards their fathers’ personality traits and tendencies. It’s strange, but if I had to guess, it’s because of our natural attachment to our parents; even if we don’t like them, we still care what they think of us. They’re essential to us. For example, Mara’s fixation with following the rules came from her father savagely spanking her anytime she did something wrong. Thus, her subconscious developed a kink for spanking. She couldn’t help it, but it’s what gets her rocks off. She likes me because I remind her of her father. She doesn’t know that, of course, but it gives me a fantastic amount of influence over her.
Scarlett looks impressed.
Scarlett: So, what brings you to me today, Jagger?
Jagger: A proposal. One that could benefit both of us.
Scarlett: Hm?
Jagger: I can’t free you from this cell right now. It would cost me my position in the Iota Movement and get me killed in the worst case. But I can give you a taste of freedom if you agree to work with me.
Scarlett: Work with you to do what?
Jagger: Takedown Iota.
Scarlett: Wow… big ambitions for such a young man. Iota’s got treachery amidst his troops.
Jagger: That’s what happens when you treat your loyal soldiers as nothing more than chess pieces. I once was willing to give my life for that man, but when I realized he couldn’t give a damn whether I returned from any given mission, I knew I needed to start looking out for myself.
Scarlett: I can understand that, but what’s your end goal? Surely you have something in mind after you defeat Iota, correct?
Jagger: Of course I do, but that’s not your concern.
Scarlett: Is it now?
Jagger: By working together, we can both get what we want. We have a mutual enemy in Iota, and once he’s gone, we can head our separate ways.
Scarlett: Surely you know my goals; you must realize it won’t be that simple. Eventually, we’d be enemies.
Jagger: Perhaps, but maybe we’ll enjoy working with one another and decide to continue our partnership. All I know is that I could use your help and vice versa. Together we could do great things.
Scarlett thinks for a moment.
Scarlett: (He looks like an idiot, but I can tell he’s intelligent. He gave me that spiel about manipulation, so I’d take him seriously. And judging by his work with that girl, I’m probably not the first piece of his plan to take down Iota. Unfortunately, I have no other options, so I must say yes, but the question is… will I betray him? And does he expect me to?) I’ll take you up on your offer.
Jagger smiles.
Jagger: Good, then let’s begin by giving you a window to the outside world.
Jagger exposes his neck and upper shoulder.
Jagger: Once you’ve bitten me, we’ll be connected spiritually, a power I know you still have access to despite your current situation.
Scarlett: You’re putting a lot of faith in me, Jagger. I could take over your body and do whatever I want with it.
Jagger: I’m aware, but I also know that you’d be a fool to try.
Scarlett laughs.
Scarlett: I think our partnership will be a good one, Jagger.
Jagger: Me too.
Every Vanguard student is gathered in a crowd at the U.A. track field. Lilith, Justus, Isaiah, Tyson, Verity, and Jace stand at the top of the bleachers, with Charlotte, Talon, Fabio, Romeo, Ryan, Hailey, Filip, Ester, Desiree, Whitney, and Reed standing a few rows lower.
Lilith: Vanguard! Tomorrow marks the return of our master!
The Vanguard students cheer.
Lilith: This school is on its knees, and once we wipe out the remaining non-believers, our Master will pave the way for the Vanguard to become global!
Another loud roar from the crowd.
Lilith: Tomorrow, we will gather at the front gate of U.A. and await his return. No one on this planet is stronger than he is, and we will be the first to witness his awe-inspiring power. Don’t listen to anything your former teachers say; they don’t control us anymore. This is OUR world, and they will either join us or be destroyed!
Everyone cheers again.
Jace: (That should be me giving this speech… wait a second… Why do I care? The Vanguard is a collective. It shouldn’t matter to me that I’m no longer the Master’s second in command… So why does it?)
Jace looks up at Lilith.
Jace: (The reason I joined the Vanguard was so I’d stop being a weakling and be the person I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve been demoted because of my weakness, so is the Vanguard really helping me?)
Jace holds his head.
Isaiah: Are you alright, Fool?
Jace: What did you call me!
Isaiah: Wh- I- your designated Vanguard codename.
Jace: Oh… I… right.
Isaiah: Is something wrong?
Jace: No, I’m fine.
Isaiah: Okay…
Jace: (Quit questioning yourself, Fool, you chose to be a member of the Vanguard. R- right?)
“ Vanguard: Good…
Vanguard holds up the Alpha Ring, and it starts to glow.
Vanguard: Then please stare into this ring.
Jace stares into the glowing ring.
Vanguard: And consider this a gift from God. “ - Episode 116
Jace: (Master wouldn’t steer me wrong… I know it.)
Lilith: Get a good night’s rest, everyone. Master will give us a new set of orders starting tomorrow.
Everyone begins departing. The Vanguard members on the bleachers gather together.
Lilith: You all know the drill; we’ll be the first line to welcome Master back to U.A. We’re his most trusted soldiers, so he’ll likely have a meeting with us shortly after his arrival.
Tyson: He didn’t give you a specific time, right, World?
Justus: No, he did not. He just said 21 days.
Tyson: *sighs* So we might be waiting at the front gate for quite a while.
Romeo: I’ll wait any amount of time for Master; I can’t wait to see him.
Romeo passes out.
Verity: I wiped his memories; he won’t know what time we’re gathering.
Lilith: Good that’ll teach him not to suck up.
Filip: I’m still curious why he didn’t want us to take down the rest of our classmates. We could have easily done it in the last three weeks.
Fabio: Yeah, those guys are like a bunch of elephants in the room, and he’s probably gonna send us after them anyway.
Jace: We already lost Killian, Karma, and Angel to them; he didn’t want to risk losing more of us. Besides, he can take care of them himself. We’ll be tasked with more significant issues.
Lilith: Fool is right; those kids aren’t anything we should worry about.
Filip: I guess…
Lilith: We’ll reconvene 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. We need to show the rest of the Vanguard our conviction.
Everyone: Right.
The Vanguard lieutenants begin returning to their dorm.
Jace: (I need to rid these treacherous thoughts from my head. Master will sense my distrust, and I can’t do anything to risk my position in the Vanguard.)
Hayze and Fatal sit down on a campus bench.
Fatal: How long has it been since we last spoke?
Hayze: Not since before the Final Exams, so about 7 months.
Fatal: That long, huh?
Awkward silence.
Hayze: I’m… I’m sorry.
Fatal: You shouldn’t be… it wasn’t your fault.
Hayze: I know… but I still have the memories seared into my brain. Every time I look at you, they flash through my head. It makes me feel guilty regardless of whether I could do anything to stop them.
Fatal: If you’re worried about my eye, it’s okay; I’m fine without it. I mean, I still have my eyeball; it just doesn’t work. I mostly wear the eyepatch to cover the scar. I can stop wearing it if that will help.
Hayze: No, it’s okay; you saying that does make me feel better, though. Honestly, though, the other… “thing” has always worn heavier on my mind.
Fatal: You mean Kelsey?
Hayze: Yeah…
Fatal: Look… I may have wanted more time with her, but she asked Khaos to kill her to protect the world from the serum. The last thing she ever wanted was for it to become a weapon, and if she lived… it would have. I’ll always love her, but I’ve accepted that there was no way she could have lived on without consequences… You know, she was proud of you.
Hayze: Maybe…
Fatal: There’s no “maybe” about it. You far exceeded any expectations we had for you.
Hayze: I… I know, but… well, you weren’t there.
Fatal: There for what?
Hayze: Her death… and the things she said just before it.
“ Dr. Moore: I gave Hayze this serum selfishly; it was a complete breach of ethics. I prayed on his desire for a quirk to justify my own desires to satisfy my curiosity. It killed me to have put so much effort into creating this serum, only to use it twice. I wanted to make the world a better place and learn more, so I gave Hayze the serum. My sister thinks it was because I believed in Hayze, but no… that was just an excuse. I’m a terrible person, and I may have helped Hayze, but I also hurt him… by creating you. This serum is evil, you’re evil, and I can’t allow it to exist anymore. “ - Chapter 98
Hayze: I thought she gave me the serum because she believed in me and the hero I could become. But she said it was because she was curious and selfish…
Fatal: Ever consider that both could be true?
Hayze: Huh?
Fatal: Kelsey rushed everything because she was curious and selfish, but she wouldn’t have done that unless she believed you were someone exceptional. I won’t lie to you and say she never questioned herself, but that was because she was afraid. The last time I saw Kelsey was during your match against Aster, and she was amazed by you. I know it’s tough to hear that from someone who gave you a chance to fulfill your dream… After all, she was the first person to believe in you. But even if she stopped believing along the way, at least you have plenty of others who still do, like Adrian and me. So you’ve got plenty of people in your corner; never forget that.
Hayze is quiet for a moment.
Hayze: Thank you… Fatal.
Fatal smiles.
Fatal: Don’t mention it, Hayze. I know you and Adrian have a tight bond but don’t forget I was your first mentor. I can still teach you some things.
Hayze: Yeah, I’m sure you can.
Fatal: Well, I should let you get back to your dorm. Training starts early tomorrow. Good night, kid.
Hayze: Night.
Fatal walks off, and Calm appears beside Hayze as a spirit.
Calm: (How do you feel?)
Hayze: (Still guilty… but for different reasons.)
Calm: (Hm?)
Hayze: (They care a lot about me, so I feel bad about what’s coming next.)
Calm: (And that is?)
Hayze: (I’ve spent the last 3 weeks trying to piece together a plan… to defeat Vanguard.)
Calm: (But… you don’t know where he is.)
Hayze: (Yeah, but there’s a whole dorm’s worth of people who might.)
Calm: (You don’t mean…)
Hayze: (We’re going to take down the Vanguard.)
The next day, Hayze, Bruno, Killian, Alec, Tobias, Gavin, Angel, Silver, Wes, Aaron, Zach, and Demetri gather behind the 2-B dorm awaiting Houston.
Aaron: Ready for another day of training, Wes?
Wes: If I have to run any more laps… I think my legs are going to fall off.
Killian: *nasal grunt* Amatuer.
Alec: Yeah, if you think these laps are hard, you should see what we have to do almost daily with Mr. Houston!
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Wes: Doesn’t he make you do those laps because your class always sucks compared to us.
Alec and Killian go quiet.
Alec: Shut up.
Zach, Angel, and Demetri are standing away from the rest of the group.
Zach: It’s been great to have you back, Angel.
Angel: Yeah, I can’t believe I acted the way you guys said I did. It’s not really like me.
Demetri: Maybe, but the Vanguard makes you act the way you’ve always wanted, so deep down, that was you talking.
Zach: Hey! Shut up, Demetri, he-
Angel: It’s alright, Zach. He is right, but I think my Vanguard self was an exaggerated version of “what I always wanted.” Sure, I’ve craved to be in the spotlight and less docile, but I’ve never wanted to enjoy messing with other people.
Demetri: I guess that makes sense; this Vanguard guy could have been messing with your mind too.
Zach: Well, it doesn’t matter now cause you’re back! All we need now is to get Jace and Isaiah normal again, and our gang will be back together!
Angel: I can’t believe Jace is still brainwashed… It's been so long since we spoke to the real version of him.
Zach: Yeah… but don’t worry, we’ll get him back! Jace is my buddy, and I won’t rest until he’s his old self again.
Angel: Yeah!
Demetri: Speaking of our gang being back together, I think we’re missing one.
Zach: Huh? Oh, right, where is Gus?
Gus emerges from 2-B’s dorm and runs to the group.
Gus: Guys! Guys!
Aaron: Jesus, Gus, slow down; you’re not even late yet.
Gus catches his breath; he’s sweating profusely.
Gus: Oh god, I shouldn’t have had lasagna for breakfast…
Silver: Gus, what’s wrong? You seem nervous.
Wes: And winded…
Hayze: What happened, Gus?
Gus: There’s… trouble…
Aaron: Trouble? Like what?
Gus: The Vanguard… they’re… they’re all gathered at the front of the school!
Everyone’s eyes widen.
Wes: Oh god… don’t tell me that means what I think it does.
Hayze, Aaron, and Silver look at each other.
Hayze: Let’s go, guys.
Aaron and Silver: Right.
Hayze, Aaron, and Silver run off.
Killian: Hey! Where are you three going?!
Zach: Vanguard must be returning today; I can’t miss this! Come on, Angel and Demetri!
Angel: Right!
Zach and Angel leave as well.
Demetri: Fuck that; last time anyone saw that guy, he killed Black Hollow. I’m staying right here.
Bruno: If there’s trouble, I won’t stand by and be a spectator.
Bruno leaves.
Killian: Hey! If you guys are gonna act all righteous, I’m coming too!
Alec: Yeah, count me in!
Alec and Killian depart. Gus keels over.
Wes: There, there, Gus. Just breathe…
Gus: I hate running…
Gavin: Want me to cheer you up?
Gus: I’m not sure…
Tobias: (So, Vanguard has returned… I don’t know what this will mean for us, but it can’t be good.)
The entire Vanguard is gathered before the front gate, with the lieutenants at the front line.
Lilith: (Soon…)
Ewing and Walker push their way to the front of the crowd.
Ewing: Out of my way! What is the meaning of this?!
Lilith and the others ignore him.
Ewing: Answer me right now, Ms. Weber! You students should be in class! Why are you here?!
Lilith: That’s none of your concern.
Ewing: What?! Of course, it is! I am the principal of this school, and I demand to know what is going on!
Lilith: Your title means nothing to us.
Ewing: How dare you! I-
Walker: Ewing, calm down. Lilith, I-
Lilith: Empress!
Walker: *sighs* Empress, we’re not here to stop you.
Ewing: Wh- yes, we are!
Walker: We just want to know what this is about.
Lilith thinks for a moment.
Lilith: All I’ll say is your first guess is probably right.
Walker and Ewing look at each other.
Ewing: I’ll go call the Top 10.
Lilith: Good luck with that.
Ewing departs.
Lilith: And are you staying?
Walker: Perhaps.
Lilith: Okay, but just so you know, we won’t be responsible for what happens to you.
Walker: Right.
Adrian is watching from the roof of the main campus building.
Adrian: (Vanguard… I always had a bad feeling about you from the moment you showed up at this school. I should have followed my gut… maybe things would have turned out differently.)
The roof door opens, and Hayze, Aaron, Silver, Zach, Angel, Bruno, Alec, and Killian storm out.
Adrian: What are you guys doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Houston?
Hayze: We heard about the Vanguard and had to see it ourselves.
Adrian: Well, you haven’t missed anything.
Zach: Dang… look at all of them…
Angel: They’re almost the whole school now.
Killian: I can’t believe I was a part of that outfit.
Alec: Yeah, it was hilarious.
Killian: Shut up, asshole!
Bruno: Have they said anything?
Adrian: Walker and Ewing just talked to Lilith, I don’t know what she said, but Ewing ran inside in a hurry.
Aaron: You know… I could fire a mortar strike right now…
Silver: I don’t think that’s a good idea, Aaron…
Aaron: What do you mean? Angel set the Vanguard dorm on fire, and he’s only on probation.
Angel: Yeah, and I don’t even remember doing that.
Adrian: We shouldn’t do anything to upset you know who. He could end any of our lives whenever he feels like it.
Aaron: Okay, but he-
Zach: Uh… guys! The gates are opening!
Everyone quickly turns their attention to the entrance. The gates part to reveal Vanguard in his white cloak, wearing the three rings.
Angel: There he is!
Hayze: (Vanguard…)
The Vanguard students cheer in excitement.
Vanguard: Ah… what a warm welcome.
Vanguard approaches Lilith.
Vanguard: I assume all has been well since we last spoke.
Lilith: Yes, Master, we followed your orders to a tee, and we’re ready to serve you once again.
Vanguard: Good, because there’s much to discuss.
Vanguard notices Walker standing idly by.
Vanguard: Hello, Walker. What brings you here?
Walker: *grunts*
Vanguard: That’s not very nice; you should answer someone when they ask you a question.
Walker: You’ve got some nerve waltzing in here like it’s nothing.
Vanguard: Well, that’s because it is. I’m sure you’ve already contacted Vulcan, Exciton, and the others, but what will they do? I’ve already shown that I’m superior to Black Hollow, so that eliminates 7 members of the Top 10 from being threats to me. I guess you can bring Exciton if you’d like; I have a score to settle with him, and now that I think about it, I’d love to humiliate Vulcan. I guess I talked myself into hoping they show up.
Walker: What are you going to do then? What’s next?
Vanguard laughs.
Vanguard: Like I’m going to tell you that, Walker.
Walker: *frustrated grunt*
Vanguard: If you’re worried about me killing anyone, don’t. Nobody will be hurt as long as you stay out of my way. That incident on Easter Island was just a case of me getting a little too excited. I see now that that was a terrible way for me to introduce myself to the world. I am going to be your new God soon; I should be a bit more merciful.
Walker: You’re nobody’s god.
Vanguard: Oh, we’ll see about that. Vanguard, go about your days, Lilith; you can stay here with me.
Lilith: Yes, Master.
All of the Vanguard members disperse, leaving just Vanguard, Lilith, and Walker.
Lilith: We’ve cleared out an entire dorm for you to live in, Master.
Vanguard: A whole dorm? That’s a little generous, Empress.
Lilith: We only want the best for you.
Walker: You’re going to live here?!
Vanguard: It’s where my disciples live, and I want to be close to them. Say… now that I think about it, could you help me, Walker?
Walker: Me? Help you?
Vanguard: I just need you to answer a simple question: were you guys smart enough to relocate the Theta Ring, or should I just go find Adrian right now?
Walker: It was the first thing we did after everything happened. The ring has been passed off to a new Guardian. Our memories have been wiped, so nobody knows their identity or location.
Vanguard thinks for a moment.
Vanguard: *sighs* Let’s see if that’s the case. Justice!
An invisible aura surrounds Walker.
Vanguard: Is everything you just said true?
Walker: Yes.
Vanguard: Good, I’m glad we can be cordial with each other, Walker. Have a good day.
Lilith and Vanguard walk away together.
Adrian: (The Theta Ring can’t fall into his hands. I still have it locked away inside the school; we knew that would be the first thing on Vanguard’s mind, so we sent Walker out there intentionally. Walker just told a lie, but he doesn’t know that. As far as Walker is aware, that’s the truth. We wiped his memory just before he walked out there; all he knows is that our plan worked.) You kids should run back to your dorm unless you want to do 300 laps.
Hayze: But… What about Vanguard? Are we just going to let him walk around here like it’s nothing?
Adrian: The pros are going to discuss what comes next. You guys aren’t involved in those decisions; we’re only training you so you can protect yourselves in case of an emergency. Go back to the dorm.
Adrian leaves.
Killian: Man… I feel like a total schmuck being out of the loop.
Bruno: Well, there’s not much we can do. Hayze, Silver, Zach, and Aaron are provisional heroes, and even they aren’t involved.
Silver: We’re talking about a potentially world-ending threat here… this issue is too delicate for students like us.
Hayze: No… it’s not.
Everyone looks at Hayze.
Aaron: What are you talking about, Hayze? I’m usually the first guy to complain about not getting to fight, and even I agree with Silver.
Hayze: Look, I can’t give you guys the details now, but I’ve been working on a plan for a while to defeat Vanguard.
Silver: What?
Aaron: Uh… Hayze, I respect your strategic abilities, but you didn’t see what we saw. Vanguard made Black Hollow look like a ragdoll.
Hayze: Yeah, then Kevin showed up and put up a real fight… because his quirk is incredible.
Aaron: Yeah… so?
Silver: What are you getting at, Hayze?
Hayze: Get everyone from our classes to the track field tonight. Aaron, tell Blair to get Blaze too, and Bruno, bring Ivy,
Alec: Why the track field?
Hayze: It’s the only place I know we won’t be monitored. I’ve gotta check on a few things; just make sure everyone is there at midnight.
Silver: Okay, we will.
Hayze: Angel, keep an eye on Vanguard for me.
Angel: Alright, I can do that.
Hayze leaves.
Killian: Do you guys think that guy has a plan that could actually work?
Silver: I don’t know, but if anyone could do it… It's him.
Hayze is running through the halls of U.A.
Calm: (Do you actually believe you can defeat Vanguard?)
Hayze: (Well, not me specifically.)
Calm: (What do you mean?)
Hayze: (I have 2 potential ideas to take him down. The first one… involves what happened back in Alaska.)
Calm: (What exactly are you referring to?)
Hayze: (You know, when I started to absorb you guys. Could you imagine the kind of power we could have as one being-)
Calm: (No, absolutely not!)
Hayze suddenly stops running.
Hayze: (Wh- why? You saw the immense energy I was exerting, it was enough to knock Gus off his feet, and he’s not exactly known for being light...)
Calm: (Hayze, Wrath, Impulse, Gale, Khaos, and myself were initially pieces of you, but we’ve developed our own personalities, motivations, and desires since then. If the six of us were to unite as one, the fusion would likely create a new entity, and we’d have no way of knowing if they would be good or bad. On top of that, even if our merged form has immense power, there’s no guarantee he’ll be stronger than Vanguard. There are too many risks.)
Hayze: (But, Calm, isn’t it worth trying?)
Calm: (No.)
Hayze: (But why?! The world is at stake here!)
Calm: (Because there’s one important detail you’re ignoring!)
Hayze: (And that is?)
Calm: (There’s no reason to believe the merger can be reversed!)
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Calm: (If we fuse, all our individual personalities WILL be wiped out, and there’s no way to separate us again. I cannot condone an action that will destroy my existence, Hayze. Especially since you said you have a second idea in mind.)
Hayze: (Hm… I guess you’re right. Okay, then I’ll just go all-in on option 2.)
Hayze resumes running until he eventually reaches Tara’s workshop.
Hayze: Tara? Please tell me you’re decent.
Tara: At what?
Hayze: You know what I mean!
Hayze enters the workshop. Tara is standing atop a supercar.
Tara: How do you like this bad boy? It has enough speakers to make Boom seem like an iPod nano.
Hayze: It’s cool and all, but uh… how are you going to get it out of this room?
Tara looks around the room; there’s only one exit… the door.
Tara: FUCK!
Tara falls to her knees in defeat.
Tara: So much work… down the drain.
Hayze: Just cut it in half and make it two motorcycles…
Tara stares at Hayze.
Tara: That’s genius! AHAHAHAHA!
Hayze: Anyway… the reason I’m here is to see if you finished the devices I asked for.
Tara: Oh yeah, those have been done for a week.
Hayze: What? Why didn’t you tell me?!
Tara: Because I like seeing you mad.
Hayze: *sighs* Can I have them?
Tara: Yeah, sure.
Tara pulls out 4 E.M.I.L.Y. Devices, one in green, yellow, red, and blue.
Hayze: Perfect, thank you.
Tara: I don’t know why you wanted me to create four mini versions of the unit you already have, but whatever.
Hayze: They’re for some friends.
Tara: Okay…
Hayze: I actually have another thing I need from you.
Tara: Hm?
Hayze: Come to the track field tonight; the rest of us will be there. I have a plan, and I want you to be a part of it.
Tara: Depends. Are there boobies to fondle?
Hayze stares at Tara.
Hayze: *sighs* I mean, technically, yes, there will be women there, but I don’t recommend you-
Tara: SOLD!
Hayze: I’m just gonna take the yes and leave.
Hayze gathers the four devices and departs.
Hayze: You see, tonight, Tara, midnight.
Hayze leaves.
Hayze: (Okay… so that just leaves-)
Aster: Hayze, there you are.
Aster is walking down the same hallway as Hayze.
Hayze: Aster?
Aster: I’ve been looking for you.
Hayze: Oh, that’s good because I-
Aster punches Hayze in the face.
Aster: That’s for getting my sister pregnant!
Hayze: THIS ISN’T EVEN THE SAME TIMELINE!
Aster: It doesn’t matter to me.
Hayze: *sighs* Whatever, I was looking for you too.
Aster: Yeah, and I was looking for you.
Hayze: I know, to punch me.
Aster: No, that was the first thing; I need to talk to you about the school.
Hayze: Huh?
Aster: I talked to Exciton yesterday, and he gave me the rundown on the U.A. situation. You know this school isn’t just funded by the student’s tuition, right?
Hayze: Yeah…
Aster: This school is directly owned by the Heroes Association, so the pro-heroes essentially govern its structure and curriculum. Every May, after the academic year ends, there’s a meeting between all hero agencies in the “Central” part of the country to discuss these issues, among others. Typically there isn’t a lot of intervention by the association because heroes are generally happy with U.A.’s status, but after everything that’s happened this last year and a half… it’s probably going to be different.
Hayze: What do you mean?
Aster: For starters, Exciton says Ewing will almost certainly be ousted as the school principal, and his replacement will be selected from outside U.A. In addition, there could be mass firings of current staff, including Adrian, Walker, and Fatal, for their involvement in hiding the secret of the rings.
Hayze: What?! They can’t do that!
Aster: Big changes are coming, Hayze. The whole curriculum for the school could be altered, and things may never be the same. I’m telling you this because I'll be a pro by the time this happens, but you guys… I feel bad if this goes through.
Hayze: We’ve gotta do something!
Aster: There isn’t anything we can do. The general consensus is that U.A. isn’t creating a stable environment for producing heroes anymore. It’s dangerous, and the faculty isn’t trustworthy.
Hayze thinks for a moment.
Aster: Hayze, I’m sorry, I just wanted you to be aware, so it doesn’t come as a shock-
Hayze: There is a way we can stop this.
Aster: Huh? Like what?
Hayze: I need Yul, Daniele, and you to come to the track field at midnight tonight. Everyone not a part of the Vanguard will be there.
Aster: What? Why?
Hayze: Just be there, please.
Aster: *grunts* Okay, we will.
Hayze: Thanks.
Hayze runs off.
Aster: Wait! That’s it?! You’re not gonna tell me more-
Hayze is gone.
Aster: *sighs* I can’t believe that guy will be my brother someday.
That night, everyone gathers at the track field, including:
2-A: Alexis, Aaron, Wes, Blair, Saige, Eve, Ash, Karma, Silver, Zach, Angel, Demetri, Gus
2-B: Bruno, Alec, Killian, Tobias, Gavin, Sydney, Grace, Hayze
The Big Four: Yul, Aster
Extra: Tara, Ivy, Blaze
Silver: Okay, Hayze, we’re ready to hear what you’ve got.
Hayze: We’re missing someone. Aster, where’s Daniele?
Aster: She’s off doing something important; she’ll be here soon.
Hayze: Okay. Everyone, we have a problem, well, problems, and I don’t just mean Vanguard and his cult of our friends. Aster, do you mind telling everyone what you told me earlier today?
Aster: Yeah, Exciton informed me…
Aster explains the U.A. situation to the whole group.
Zach: Are you serious?!
Killian: That’s bullshit! They can’t do that!
Aster: They can, and they will. The hero association owns this school, so they call the shots.
Karma: So, all of our teachers and Principal Ewing could be fired after this year?
Aster: Ewing, 100%... the others, probably around 80.
Ash: There has to be something we can do to prevent that from happening, right?
Aster: That’s why I’m here; Hayze said he had an idea.
Everyone looks at Hayze.
Aster: So, let’s hear it.
Hayze: As we all know, Vanguard is here and living in one of the dorms. Angel kept a close eye on him today, so we know that for sure.
Angel: Yup, they’ve given him the Class 1-C dorm all to himself.
Blair: You mean he’s here right now?
Karma: That’s unnerving…
Grace: We should kick his ass!
Hayze: I’m getting to that, Grace.
Grace: Yay!
Blaze: Wait a second, you want to attack Vanguard? Are you insane?!
Hayze: Maybe, after all, I’ve got 6 minds.
Blaze: You shouldn’t even joke about this! You haven’t seen the future like I have! Vanguard is a tyrant in my timeline, and almost everyone standing here is either dead or a member of his army! He’s beyond powerful with his three rings; nobody stood a chance against him!
Hayze: That may be the case, but there’s one major difference between this timeline and yours.
Blaze: And that is?
Hayze: I still exist.
Blaze is taken aback.
Blaze: You- you can’t be serious! Black Hollow is dead! There’s no way you stand a chance against him!
Hayze: Not me, us.
Blaze: Huh?
Hayze: We can take him down with teamwork and our combined skills.
Blaze: But… we’re just a bunch of teenagers! The pros don’t even have a solid plan for defeating him; otherwise, they would have tried something already! Even with our strengths combined, we can’t-
Aster: Let me interject real quick. I don’t mean to toot my own horn here, but I’ve been a borderline pro hero since last year. Exciton believes I could be a low A-Rank if I graduated today. And Hayze here kept me on my toes.
Blaze: What?
Aster: He created a plan and a formation that made my seemingly unbeatable quirk vulnerable. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. So, when Hayze says he has a plan, I’d listen if I were you.
Blaze gets quiet.
Hayze: (Thanks Aster.) For almost everyone standing here, our education and, by extension, our future careers are in jeopardy. But if we, the students of U.A., were to defeat Vanguard ourselves, the hero association would know that U.A. taught us well, and they shouldn’t intervene in our future. We can save the world and this school at the same time.
Eve: But wouldn’t it reflect poorly on the school if we tried to take down Vanguard ourselves?! It would look like they can’t control their students.
Hayze: Does that really matter? The greatest threat this world has ever seen will have been defeated by the hands of a bunch of students. Do you think anyone is going to pay attention to that?
Eve: Why shouldn’t they? People aren’t just going to gloss over that detail, you idiot!
Hayze: To my 2-A classmates, you remember our first day, right?
Everyone in 2-A nods except Saige.
“ Walker: Exactly. I want you to remember that you aren’t a team unless the exercise or event says otherwise. You should be looking out for yourself; you can't let others drag you down, but remember, heroes must work together to overpower much stronger enemies. It may have been a stretch, but if those five had coordinated more with each other, they might have completed the task. After all, the closest they got was when they used combination attacks. “ - Chapter 7
Hayze: We’ve grown in strength because of our time learning from Mr. Walker, Fatal, and Adrian. Think of all the ways you’ve changed since the start of our time at this school. We are products of the teachings and structure this school gave us. It’s time to harness our lessons and defend our futures… as a team. Maybe people will question U.A. for our disobedience, but the reason we’re strong enough to defeat Vanguard is because of this school, so to those people, I say, fuck you.
Aaron, Killian, Alec, Tobias, Aster, Saige, and Alexis nod in agreement.
Demetri: And what happens if we fail?
Hayze: We won’t.
Demetri: Oh, come on, Hayze! You’ve done some incredible things before our eyes, but this is something else. You can’t seriously believe it will all go perfectly! We’re just students… Even if we combine our strengths, there’s still a slim chance we’ll win.
Hayze: Says who?
Demetri is taken aback.
“ Hayze: Justus... when I was very young, a hero told me, “Kid, the hardest part about this job is that you can’t save everybody.” and I told him: “says who?” “ - Chapter 26
Hayze: I understand if you don’t want to believe, but I’m not asking you to. All I want is for you to trust me when I say: We. Will. Win.
Everyone is quiet for a few moments.
Aster: This has been a good speech, Hayze, but I think before anyone commits. We need to hear how you plan to kill someone with over 20 quirks, infinite healing, and an army of brainwashed warriors.
Hayze: Easy, we have one person who can stand up to Vanguard.
Angel: Who could that be? There’s nobody here stronger than Black Hollow was.
Hayze: Maybe right now, but with enough help, there’s a possibility someone can eclipse his power.
Killian: Enough with the suspense! Who is it!
Hayze points at Grace.
Everyone: Grace?
Grace: YAY!
Hayze: Grace’s power can grow potentially endlessly; she gets stronger and stronger with each hit. So the end goal is simple, we hit Grace until she powers up beyond Vanguard’s strength.
Grace starts drooling.
Sydney: Ugh…
Bruno: But the amount of hits that would take is enormous!
Silver: Not to mention, she’d probably be too heavily injured to fight Vanguard if she reached that plateau of power.
Hayze: First, we have two men suitable for administering many hits quickly. They’ll act as the springboard for Grace’s power.
Killian: Well, I’m obviously one of them, but who’s the other? You?
Hayze: Sort of.
Hayze glows a blue aura, and Impulse appears.
Impulse: Howdy, folks!
Impulse zooms over to Saige and kisses her hand.
Impulse: M’lady?
Saige: Hi, Impulse!
Hayze: Second, we have a way of healing Grace to perfect health. That should be enough to get her to where she needs to be.
Zach: But we don’t have Recovery Girl to heal us anymore!
Hayze: Yeah, but we have help… from the future.
Hayze looks at Blaze.
Hayze: That medicine you brought with you… it saved Demetri and Ash’s lives. You still have some, right?
Blaze: Yeah… I have the two remaining tablets in a safe place.
Hayze: Good, then Impulse and Killian can fuel Grace’s quirk three times; that should be more than enough to boost her beyond Vanguard.
Grace: I love this plan!
Sydney: But Vanguard isn’t the only issue. His army and the teachers and pros will attempt to stop us.
Hayze: I know; that’s why multiple teams will be assigned to different tasks. We have our win condition lined up; I just need to know who’s on board to make the groups and formulate our final strategy. So, who’s with me?
One by one, the students step forward.
Aster: Our battle changed my life, Hayze, so I trust you with it.
Aaron: Even when you do things I disagree with… They somehow work out. Plus, there’s no way I’m missing out on this fight.
Silver: I was a different person when I arrived at U.A. I treated you like an insignificant fool. But… then you beat me, and I realized there’s more to being a hero than raw strength.
Zach: I’ve got friends to save, and I know you’re the person to go to in that department.
Bruno: We may have only been in the same class for a short while, but I know you’re someone I can count on.
Tobias: (It’s time for me to be a hero.)
Ivy: (Hayze saved me from the terrible life I was living, he gave me a chance to right my wrongs, so I won’t waste this opportunity to help.) I’m in as well.
Tara gropes Ivy’s breasts from behind.
Tara: If these sweater puppies are in, so am I!
Ivy: What is a sweater puppy?
Yul: I may not know you well, Hayze, but I trust my friend Aster’s judgment.
Gavin: Sup, Gucc, you’ll need my ass gas!
Angel: I’ll help in any way I can!
Gus: Me too!
Demetri: I guess I’d be a real dick if I chickened out of this, so me too.
Alec: I trusted you before; I can do it again.
Killian: Since I’m such a massive part of the plan, I might as well join in!
Saige: I’ll always stick by you, Hayze.
Impulse: Aw… What about me, hot stuff?
Grace: I get to fight, so I’m WAY in.
Sydney: I’ll join in, I guess. As long as it shuts you up.
Alexis: This is where we find out what heroes like us are truly made of. I won’t let fear of the unknown stop me.
Karma: I’ve struggled with disappointment my entire time at this school; I won’t start making the same mistakes I did in the past. I will help with all my might.
Wes: I’ve been a coward in the past, but I’m not gonna shy away from this. I’ve got what it takes to aid everyone in this battle!
Ash: Before I met you, Hayze, I thought I was a weakling, but you showed me the inner potential of my quirk, and I’ll never forget that.
Eve: *sighs* I don’t know why everyone believes in you so much, but I guess you’ve gotten me out of a jam or two in the past, so I’m in too.
Blaze: Maybe you’re right, and I jumped to an incorrect assumption. Seeing all of these people show their support for your plan tells me that I also need to. I won’t watch this reality crumble like my own. I’m with you… father.
Blair approaches Hayze.
Blair: If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the time I’ve known you… it’s never telling you what you can’t do. We’re going to kick Vanguard’s dick.
Hayze: Don’t you mean ass?
Blair: You know what I said.
Hayze: I do.
Silver: Well, that’s everyone.
Hayze: No, it isn’t.
Hayze exerts a blue aura, and Wrath, Gale, and Calm appear.
Hayze: Impulse, Wrath, Gale, and Calm… are you with me?
Wrath: *sighs* Of course, dumbass. The only reason I don’t try to take over your body anymore is that you showed me that you belong in control.
Gale: Your plan would never work without my help, so I’d be a real asshole not to join in.
Impulse: Sounds like a blast!
Calm: Logically speaking, our chances of success are slim, but this is one decision I won’t let the odds dictate me on.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: Okay, now we have everyone-
Tyson: *from afar* Actually, you forgot two of us!
Tyson and Daniele have arrived.
Aaron: Tyson?!
Gus: He’s with the Vanguard!
Tyson: Not anymore! Daniele just freed me from it.
Alexis: What did you let him grope?
Daniele: I gave him half a second of his pinky finger on my butt.
Tyson: Worth it.
Daniele: We’re both in, Hayze; I don’t want to leave this school worse than when I arrived.
Tyson: And I’ve got a lot of info on the inner workings of the Vanguard to give you.
Killian: Wait, your memory wasn’t wiped?
Tyson: Yup, it was, but I always wear a bodycam.
Hayze: Why-
Daniele: We all know why; we don’t need to hear him say it…
Hayze: Well, either way. We’re all in, so we’ll meet back here again tomorrow night for the final plan. Then, the day after that… we take down Vanguard.