Blaze is inside a mostly empty dorm room; he approaches the window.
Blaze: (Alright, the Takedown Team shouldn’t be far from the main entrance.)
Blaze spots the group.
Blaze: *grunts* (They’re too far away to hear my voice. They must have hidden over there to avoid Vanguard noticing them. Unless I catch a stray glance, they won’t see me signaling them from up here, so I have to get down on my own.)
Blaze opens the window, climbs on top of the sill, and looks around the outside wall of the building.
Blaze: (Hm… I could try jumping down to the window directly below me, but if I don’t grab onto the ledge, I’ll plummet to my death.)
Blaze notices the last window on each floor has a metal bar beside it.
Blaze: (That should work!)
Blaze uses his microwave beams to melt two holes in the window next to him and leaps to that sill, grabbing the holes he created to maintain balance.
Blaze: (Alright, next window!)
Killian is tapping his foot anxiously.
Killian: Come on! Where is Karma?! You said she’d be here soon!
Yul: I don’t know, but I’m getting worried.
Tobias: Should we send in a group to check on them?
Aster: No, we need to wait until we get the signal to head inside.
Alec: Why is it so important? If the Infiltration Team ran into a problem, they’d probably appreciate our help.
Aster: Yes, but we’re the pivotal team. We can’t risk getting weakened in an unnecessary battle. Yul, Alec, Tobias, and I must be at our best to distract Vanguard while Killian and Impulse power Grace up. If Tyson’s team ran into trouble, we have to have faith that they’ll take care of it themselves, and I do.
Killian: Yeah, well, I don’t.
Alec: Me neither.
Aster: Well, you’re not the ones calling the shots here.
Yul: Speaking of Impulse and Grace, where are they?
Impulse and Grace are off by themselves, not far from the rest of their team.
Impulse: Man, those guys are downers.
Grace: I know; all they do is talk about serious crap. Like why don’t we discuss something interesting?
Impulse: Yeah, like women!
Grace: Or if it’s possible to achieve orgasm through a series of shocks to the groin.
Impulse stares at Grace.
Impulse: Is that a request for when we fight Vanguard or?
Grace: Pl- please?
Impulse: Sure! Sounds fun! Is your buddy Killian alright with that?
Grace: He doesn’t talk to me much, not since the Licensing Exam, at least. I don’t know why, though…
Impulse: Probably his time of the month, am I right?
Grace: Oh yeah, he’s always on the rag!
Impulse and Grace laugh.
Impulse: So, can I ask you a question?
Grace: Shoot, literally.
Impulse: Nice. Are you alright with us pinning all of our hopes on your back? I know you agreed to the plan but isn’t that weighing heavily on your mind?
Grace thinks for a moment.
Grace: Well… I guess I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. Honestly, it’s a little nerve-wracking knowing that everyone is counting on me. But I know everyone believes I’ll succeed, and this plan seems pretty sound. I’m curious how powerful you and Killian’s non-stop barrages will make me.
Impulse: Huh…
Grace: What?
Impulse: I wasn’t expecting you to give a serious answer. I thought you would say something like: “I’m just ready to experience the world’s first category 9 orgasm.”
Grace: I like being serious every once in a while, but it’s a lot more fun to watch people react to my antics.
Impulse: So, it’s all just an act?
Grace: Of course, you really think someone can be horny 24/7?
Impulse: I don’t know; Hayze’s girlfriend would beg to differ.
Grace laughs.
Impulse: I get where you’re coming from. I was born from Hayze’s excitement, so I’m always seeking a thrill and trying to keep myself entertained. Part of that makes me seem much more confident than I actually am, so I kind of put on a facade too.
Grace: You could have fooled me when you kissed Saige’s hand the other night.
Impulse blushes.
Grace: *excited gasp* Is that embarrassment I see!
Impulse: Hey! My name is literally Impulse! I don’t think before I act! It’s just every time I see that girl, my heart starts pumping faster than a runner during a marathon!
Grace: You like her that much, huh?
Impulse: She’s the perfect girl for a guy like me! She’s fun, she’s powerful, and she’s got a rockin’ bod!
Grace: Oh yeah, she’s hot! If I was gay, I’d plow her into next week.
Impulse: One can only dream, Grace, one can only dream…
Grace: You should try asking her on a date!
Impulse: I did once… but she shot me down…
Grace: Huh? Why?
Impulse: She said she liked Hayze, but not the part I was made from…
Grace: Ouch…
Impulse: Yeah… it was tough watching my dreams die before my eyes.
Grace: Well, it’s not over yet!
Impulse: Hm? What do you mean?
Grace: Now that you’re a real person, you can show her all the reasons why she should like you!
Impulse: I- I guess I can…
Grace: Why the hesitation? I thought you really liked Saige?
Impulse: I do… it’s just…
Impulse looks at his reflection in his E.M.I.L.Y. unit.
Impulse: Am I a “real person?” Even though he’s granted us some freedom, I’m still bound to Hayze. Can I actually try to live my own life?
Grace slaps Impulse.
Impulse: Ow! What was that for?!
Grace: If you weren’t real, could you feel that?
Impulse: Well… no, I guess…
Grace: If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a quitter! So, until Saige tells you she’ll never go out with you, you must keep trying! Don’t try to make excuses for why you should give up; where’s the fun in that?
Impulse: Y- yeah! You’re right! I’ll make her fall for me! I’ve got charm and charisma, and nobody can take that away from me!
Grace: Right!
Impulse: I’m not just a piece of Hayze anymore! I’m my own person!
Grace: Yeah!
Impulse: This mission to defeat Vanguard is the perfect first step for me! I gotta show Saige how serious I can be!
Aster walks over to Grace and Impulse.
Aster: What the hell are you two doing over here?! Get back with the group!
Grace: What’s the magic word?
Aster: Now!
Grace starts sweating.
Grace: Oh boy! Verbal abuse is enough to get the engine revving!
Impulse and Grace rejoin the Takedown Team.
Impulse: (Thanks, Grace, it’s hard to adjust to the idea that I’m not a part of someone else anymore. I’m allowed to live my own life. I hope the others can see that too; I wonder how we’ll all turn out…)
Gale is still pinned to the ground by gravity.
Gale: *frustrated grunt* (This is an absolute disaster! I can’t move, and I can’t fight Vanguard!)
Gale looks around.
Gale: (Angel and Karma are injured, and Saige is still blinded. If I don’t do something soon, Romeo’s gonna start doing some real damage to them.)
Gale’s eyes widen.
Gale: (What the hell? Did I just… feel concern? For someone else?! That’s not like me!)
Angel and Karma look at each other.
Karma: I’m sorry I let him take control of me…
Angel: It’s alright; he got you with a cheap shot. The important thing is you’re back on our side, and with nobody left to help him, we can take him down together!
Karma: Right!
Romeo gets to his feet; he’s using the wall to help keep his balance.
Romeo: Oh god… can you bruise a testicle?
Angel: Alright, Romeo, it’s time for us to finish this!
Romeo: Ha! That’s unlikely! You just lost your strongest fighter, and I’m ready to turn the tables on you two!
Saige: Be careful, guys! He’s probably not lying!
Karma: But you have nobody left to fight for you! The only thing defending you is the Wheel of Fortune!
Angel: Yeah, and even if you get lucky and stop one of us with its punishments, you can’t prevent the other person from ending you!
Romeo has a glint in his eye.
Romeo: Oh, is that so?
Angel and Karma: Huh?
Romeo pulls out a remote.
Romeo: Tell me, have you asked yourselves why we chose to place our Master in this particular dorm? Well, it’s time for you to find out!
Romeo presses a button, a ceiling panel opens, and a turret lowers.
Angel: Oh shit!
Karma: They set up defense systems!
Romeo: That’s right! We had our legion of Support Course students supe up this dorm to defend Master Vanguard at all costs!
Karma: That turret won’t protect you forever!
Romeo: I don’t need it to! Because I’m using it to eliminate you pesky rats! Sorry, but five’s a crowd, so I’ll start by bidding my ex ado!
The turret takes aim at Karma and begins charging a blast.
Angel: Don’t worry, Karma, I’ve got this!
Angel flies in front of Karma and shields himself with his wings.
Romeo: Oh, you really think that will work? Alright, Turret, teach him a lesson!
The turret fires an energy blast and connects with Angel’s right wing, severely burning it and sending him flying and tumbling down the hallway.
Angel: AHHHHHH!
Gale and Karma: Angel!
Romeo laughs.
Romeo: I can’t believe you thought the Support Class would skimp out on giving Master the best technology possible! Well, I guess you 2-A losers were never smart. And speaking of smart… I think it would be wise for me to kick the Wheel of Fortune into gear again!
The Wheel starts spinning.
Karma: Angel! Are you alright?!
Angel: I’m fine… but my wing is in bad shape…
Romeo: That leaves just you and me, Karma. What do you say to rejoining the Vanguard as my personal assistant?
Karma: *frustrated grunt*
Karma looks around at her injured or incapacitated classmates.
Karma: (I’m all that’s left to fight Romeo… if I fail, he’ll turn his attention to the Takedown Team, and the whole plan could fall apart. “Fail,” the word that’s haunted me from the moment I first stepped foot on this campus. I was accepted to this school through the recommendation process. It was a significant accomplishment, with only four spots and tons of students vying for them. Rec Students are supposed to be top of their class, and initially, I was, but then… I just kept messing up and losing when I otherwise shouldn’t have. I haven’t lived up to my potential; it’s worn on me every day, but… this is my chance. My opportunity to prove that none of that matters because we’re trying to save the world, and I can play a pivotal role in making that happen. I am a hero student, and it’s time for me to start acting the part!)
Romeo: With no one left to save you, it’s time for me to take you down!
The turret begins charging another blast.
Angel: If this attack connects, Karma will die!
Gale: Move!
Saige: Karma!
Romeo: There’s nothing she can do! The turret has locked onto her heat signature! So she can’t dodge even if she wants to!
Karma flashes back to her battle against Justus.
Karma: That’s what you think!
Romeo: Huh?!
The turret fires an energy burst at Karma; it burns a massive hole in her abdomen.
Angel and Gale: KARMA!
Karma: *pained grunt* R- rewind…
Karma rewinds herself back by three seconds, healing herself.
Angel: Phew…
Saige: What happened?
Angel: She had barely enough energy to rewind and heal herself, but I doubt she’ll have a chance to do that again.
Romeo: *frustrated grunt* I guess I’ll have to aim for your head this time!
The turret begins charging another blast.
Karma: No, you won’t!
Romeo: What?
Karma accelerates herself toward Romeo.
Romeo: AH! TURRET FIRE!
Karma preemptively rewinds herself backward as the turret fires the energy burst.
Romeo: What did I just tell you! You can’t dodge this blast!
The burst changes direction and continues toward Karma.
Karma: Now I’ve got you!
Karma leaps over the blast and accelerates three seconds forward.
Romeo: What? But it’ll just course correct again!
The blast follows Karma, but she rewinds.
Gale: (She’s got the blast in a loop. She keeps rewinding and fast-forwarding to avoid it, and as long as she keeps doing that, it’ll never connect.)
Romeo: I see what you’re up to! Too bad, I’ll just fire again!
The turret fires another blast.
Karma: That’s what I was hoping you’d do!
Romeo: *high-pitched whine*
Karma leaps over the second burst, causing it to collide with the first. An explosion sends Karma flying and tumbling down the hall. Angel rushes to Karma’s aid.
Angel: Karma! Are you okay?
Karma: I’m hurt, but I’m not done yet…
Angel: Let’s hope the same can’t be said for Romeo.
The smoke from the explosion clears, the turret is destroyed, Romeo is covered in scratches, and parts of his clothes are burnt, but he’s still standing.
Romeo: Nice try, but I’m still here!
Karma: *grunts*
Angel: Yeah! But your turret is gone! So you have no defense!
Romeo: *gulps* That’s fine! Because I still have the greatest power of all! The Wheel of Fortune!
The Wheel stops spinning and lands on Blaze.
Romeo: Haha! Looks like you’re next, kid! W- wait! WHERE IS HE?!
Outside, Blaze has reached the third floor of the building.
Blaze: (Getting closer…)
Blaze attempts to melt holes in the next window, but his quirk won’t activate.
Blaze: Huh? What’s going on!
The Wheel of Fortune’s punishment: Quirkless.
Romeo: Well… wherever he is, he can’t use his quirk for now!
Gale: That’s fine… because we don’t need him.
Romeo: And why is that?
Gale stands up.
Gale: Because I’m back in this fight!
Romeo: Ah! Oh shit!
Karma: Gale’s free?
Angel: When did that happen?
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Saige: The Wheel of Fortune’s punishments must wear off after a certain number of spins. Since Gale got his punishment, Karma, Blaze, and I have all come up, so his must have ended.
Gale: Yeah! And it’s time for me to make this little bastard pay for mocking me!
Romeo: *squeals*
On the roof, Vanguard and Tyson face off.
Vanguard: So, are you ready to join your mentor in the afterlife?
Tyson: No way. The only one here who’s going six feet under is you.
Vanguard laughs.
Vanguard: I like your spunk, kid. It’s much more admirable than Black Hollow’s look of terror. Although… I’m sure your face will mimic his soon enough.
Tyson: I’d love to bet on that.
Vanguard: Of course, you are a gambler, after all.
Tyson: Yeah, I am, so then the question is: Are you?
Vanguard: I know how your quirk operates; if we set parameters on a game and stakes, then shake hands, we’ll be locked into playing that game to completion.
Tyson: Yup, and I think I have an idea on some “fun” stakes.
Vanguard: Hm?
Tyson: We’ll both wager our lives! The only one who will walk away from this battle is the winner.
Vanguard: Well… as much as I’d love to humor you, I’ll pass. I’m going to kill you anyway, so why should I risk my life on a game?
Tyson: Simple: What kind of God walks away from a mortal in fear?
Vanguard stares at Tyson.
Vanguard: I guess you’re right; my powers are more than enough to defeat you no matter what childish routine you come up with. Fine, I accept the parameters of this match.
Tyson: Good…
Tyson pulls out a deck of cards.
Tyson: Let’s make this game something simple… I know! Let’s have a war.
Vanguard: War?
Tyson: We’ll each start with a deck of 26 cards, and in each round, we’ll reveal the top card of our decks. Whoever has the higher card wins both cards. The game ends when 1 of us has the entire 52-card deck in their possession.
Vanguard: Hm…
Vanguard activates Justice.
Vanguard: Is that deck marked in any way?
Tyson: No.
Vanguard: Do you have any plans to cheat in this game?
Tyson: No.
Vanguard: *nasal grunts* Alright, then, I accept.
Tyson: Good… then let’s shake on it.
Vanguard: With pleasure.
Vanguard and Tyson shake hands.
Tyson: Ready?
Tyson shuffles the deck and cuts it perfectly; he hands Vanguard his cards.
Tyson: Oh, and one more thing.
Tyson removes the metal device strapped to his back and presses a button. It morphs into a giant slot machine.
Vanguard: What is that?
Tyson: A little something to make this match a bit more fun! On every odd-numbered round, I’ll get a chance to spin the slot machine, and you’ll get the option on the even-numbered ones.
Vanguard: What does spinning mean for the game?
Tyson: The machine spins between the numbers 1 through 6. Then, depending on the number, you’ll get either an advantage or a disadvantage for that round.
Vanguard hesitates.
Tyson: Oh, come on, Vanguard, don’t you want to have some fun? You already know I’m not planning to cheat during this game!
Vanguard: Fine, I’ll accept this addendum!
Tyson: Good, then let’s get started.
Tyson flips his top card.
Tyson: Well, if it isn’t my lucky day! The King of Hearts!
Vanguard: I have the 7 of Diamonds!
Tyson: Good, then it looks like I win this round!
Vanguard tosses Tyson his card. Tyson shuffles both cards into his deck.
Tyson: Isn’t this fun already?
Vanguard: Don’t try my patience; I think I’ll take my turn on your slot machine!
The slot machine begins spinning.
Tyson: Well, let’s see what you get, big guy!
The Machine Lands on 6.
Vanguard: 6! That has to be good!
Tyson: Wrong! 6 means you must hand me the highest card in your deck.
Vanguard: What?! You’re kidding!
Tyson: You can use Justice to check; you automatically win if you prove I’m cheating.
Vanguard: *frustrated grunt*
Vanguard searches his deck and tosses Tyson his Ace of Hearts.
Tyson: (Sweet, if he gave me the Ace of Hearts, that means I have the Ace of Spades already in my deck. So, now I’ve got two cards that beat everything he’s got.)
Vanguard: Let’s get on with this round!
Tyson: Right!
Vanguard reveals the Jack of Spades, and Tyson reveals the 2 of Hearts.
Vanguard: Yes!
Tyson: I wouldn’t celebrate too much.
Vanguard: And why is that?
Tyson: You just had to use a really high card to take my measly two that could come back to haunt you.
Vanguard: We’ll see about that.
Tyson tosses Vanguard his card.
Tyson: I think I’ll take my turn on the Slot Machine!
Tyson spins a 4.
Vanguard: And what does four mean?
Tyson: Simple. If I can guess the identity of a card in your deck, it becomes mine.
Vanguard: What?!
Tyson: And last I checked, you have a Jack of Spades in your deck, am I right?
Vanguard: If you’re making up these rules as you go, I’ll make you pay!
Vanguard tosses Tyson his Jack of Spades.
Tyson: (The scales are tipping in my favor. If this keeps going the way it has been… I’ll beat Vanguard.) You look like you’re starting to sweat. Are you worried about losing?
Vanguard: Never, I’ll trounce you. Nobody who relies this heavily on luck can win against someone as skilled as me.
Tyson laughs.
Vanguard: What’s so funny?
Tyson: You’re just saying that because you’re not lucky. Skill is awesome, but a little bit of luck never hurts.
Vanguard: We’ll see if you’re still saying that when your luck runs out.
Tyson: I will because I’ll have the skill to back it up.
Vanguard: *grunts*
Tyson: (It’s ironic, but this isn’t the first time I’ve had this conversation.)
A flashback begins. A young Tyson is sitting at a table with his Grandfather; the old man has a deck of cards in front of him.
Tyson’s Grandpa: Tell me, Tyson, my boy, would you rather be lucky or good?
Tyson: Huh? What do you mean?
Tyson’s Grandpa: Say we were playing a game of chess. However, there’s an added rule that the player controlling white would automatically win at a random turn. This could be the first turn of the game or the 100th. Which side would you rather be? Black or White?
Tyson: Well… probably black because I know I can always rely on myself no matter what happens.
Tyson’s Grandfather smacks him upside the head.
Tyson: Ow! What was that for!
Tyson’s Grandpa: The answer is white.
Tyson: Huh?! But he can only win randomly.
Tyson’s Grandpa: When did I say that?! White can also checkmate his opponent.
Tyson: What?! But then why did you ask me which one I’d rather-
Tyson’s Grandpa: Because most people are foolish and believe you can only be skilled OR lucky. Not both.
Tyson: Well… that’s because you kind of can’t. Luck is something that comes and goes… right?
Tyson’s Grandfather smacks Tyson upside the head again.
Tyson: WHAT DID I DO WRONG THAT TIME?!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Wrong! Being lucky is a choice if you’re skilled enough!
Tyson: Huh?
Tyson’s Grandpa: Some people put themselves in a position to be luckier than others. You should always try to be one of those people.
Tyson: But… What does that mean?
Tyson’s Grandpa: Think of a train station with no schedule; trains arrive randomly. There’s a group of people each waiting for one of these locomotives. Because they come unannounced and leave rather quickly, most people won’t get on board in time. So, who are the ones that will?
Tyson: Well… the people who get lucky, and the train arrives when they’re ready.
Tyson’s Grandfather smacks Tyson upside the head again.
Tyson: *groans*
Tyson’s Grandpa: That’s what most people think! The people who board the train are those who are patiently waiting with their tickets ready and their eyes peeled. They weren’t just lucky; they were prepared. They put themselves in a position to be more fortunate than others.
Tyson’s Grandfather picks up his deck of cards.
Tyson’s Grandpa: I’ve been a high-roller since I turned 21, and you know what the first rule of gambling is?
Tyson: Don’t risk it all?
Tyson’s Grandfather smacks Tyson upside the head again.
Tyson: I think I felt something crack!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Don’t play if you’re afraid to lose! So, let’s see if you can handle that.
Tyson’s Grandfather pulls out a bag of candy and gives it to Tyson.
Tyson: *excited gasp*
Tyson’s Grandfather pulls out a second bag.
Tyson’s Grandpa: This candy is now yours, but… I will give you this second bag of candy if you beat me in a game of Gin. But! If you lose, you lose the pack you already have, so Tyson, what will you choose?
Tyson thinks for a moment.
Tyson: I’m not afraid! I’ll play!
Tyson loses… hard.
Tyson: *sobs*
Tyson’s Grandpa: WOOHOO! CANDY!
Tyson: How did you beat me?! I’m great at that game!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Why don’t you look at our cards, and maybe you’ll see why.
Tyson: Huh?
Tyson examines one of the cards.
Tyson: These are marked! You cheated!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Yup! I did!
Tyson: That’s not fair! I want a rematch!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Sorry, kid, but the train already left the station, and I was the one who got on it!
Tyson: Huh? You mean…
Tyson’s Grandpa: I put myself in the position to be far luckier than you were and reaped the benefits. That’s the key to being an expert gambler, Tyson. The odds are always in your favor if you’re stacking them that way. High-rolling is an art, and if you master it, you can get anything you want. That’s how I got your grandmother!
Tyson: What?!
Tyson’s Grandpa: That’s right, I put $1,000,000 on the line, and she wagered her virginity. Guess who won, bitch!
Tyson: Grandpa, you had a million dollars?
Tyson’s Grandpa: Nope! But I knew I’d win because I cheated!
Tyson’s Grandmother: *from afar* WHAT?!
Tyson’s Grandpa: Oh crap! Tyson, before I go, always remember: You can have luck and skill if you position yourself to attain both!
The flashback ends.
Tyson: (The old man taught me everything I know about gambling; I’ll never forget his words. Vanguard thinks I’ve gotten lucky so far, but he doesn’t know that my Slot Machine is stacked against him. I told him the truth that the slot has advantages and disadvantages based on the number spun, but I didn’t tell him the benefits are always for me and the penalties are always for him. I’m not cheating; he just agreed to the rules without asking questions. I’m the guy who stole his ticket for the train, and now I’ll be the one to board it!)
Demetri gulps.
Demetri: (So, Isaiah can make it so my attacks never happened with his Temperance power… great. It’s alright, though. Yul told us how to break free of this prison. I just have to be patient, and the exit will open for me.)
Isaiah: Come on, Demetri, let’s make this easier on both of us. Just surrender to me and join the Vanguard. You’ll be much happier with us.
Demetri: I’d rather be my old miserable self than be a fake happy version!
Isaiah: That’s sad…
Demetri: No, it’s called being a real human! This isn’t the Isaiah I know; you’re just some imposter pretending to be him.
Isaiah: Say what you will, but your words mean nothing to me!
Demetri: Fine! Then let me use actions instead!
Demetri sends Better Alden charging at Isaiah once again.
Isaiah: If you think a pair of panties will stop me again, you’re a bigger fool than I remembered!
Demetri: Oh, I’m not using panties this time!
Better Alden’s chest open; it fires a massive bra out.
Demetri: I’m using Eve’s bra!
Isaiah: Oh my god…
Isaiah’s nose bleeds a little.
Isaiah: (It’s like seeing a unicorn…)
Isaiah falls to his knees.
Demetri: Magnificent, right?
Isaiah: How- how did you get this?
Demetri: It’s a long story…
A flashback begins; Demetri knocks on a dorm room door. Saige answers.
Saige: Hi! Welcome to Saige’s. What can I get for you today, hon?
Demetri: Hi, could I get one of Eve’s bras?
Saige: Sure thing.
Saige grabs the bra.
Saige: That’ll be 100 bucks.
Demetri: Sorry, I only have 20.
Saige: Okay, so I’ll have to report your possession of the garment to the owner in 2 hours.
Demetri: I’m using it to help bring Isaiah back from the Vanguard, so could I get an extension on that?
Saige: Hm… let me speak to my manager.
Saige closes the door.
Demetri: I should probably pick up milk too.
Saige opens the door.
Saige: We can give an extension to 24 hours.
Demetri: Thank you so much.
Saige: Good luck, and would you like to sign up for our rewards program?
Demetri: No, not today.
Saige: Thank you for signing up!
Demetri: Godammit…
The flashback ends.
Isaiah: Wait… Saige has a store now?
Demetri: Yup! She even has Class 2-A and B trading cards! I got this Bikini Rare Blair Card!
Isaiah: Are you serious?!
Demetri: Yeah, but unfortunately, she has to mix a lot of common cards of guys in there. I keep pulling Nude Rare Aldens, and it’s really pissing me off.
Isaiah stands up.
Isaiah: I don’t care about that! I’m not the same perverted loser I used to be!
Demetri: Do you even remember why you joined the Vanguard in the first place? It’s because you were too big of an incel!
Isaiah: No! I joined the Vanguard to become a better version of myself!
Demetri: No, you didn’t!
Isaiah: *frustrated grunt* I’ll prove to you that the old Isaiah is dead!
Isaiah readies his heat beams to destroy Eve’s bra.
Demetri: Okay, prove it!
Isaiah: I will!
Isaiah hesitates.
Isaiah: (Come on, Temperance! Just do it! It’s just an undergarment… that once shielded two of the most mouthwatering melons on the planet- NO! Stop! I’ve changed! I am better!)
Demetri: Isaiah, we may be losers, but at least we were true to ourselves. The worst thing a person can be is fake. At least be proud that you suck at everything and hardly anybody likes you!
Isaiah: You’re a fucking hypocrite! You don’t even believe what you’re saying!
Demetri: Of course I do!
Isaiah: You’re always an angry little bitch! You got so mad that nobody respected you that you nearly got Kevin and me expelled during the Final Exams! Don’t lecture me about being a proud piece of shit! You’re a fucking liar!
Demetri flashes back to his speech to Blaine and Khold.
Demetri: Let’s just say a recent event made me realize that I can earn respect by fighting the same way Hayze, Aaron, Justus, Kevin, and others do by not giving up and fighting for the right reasons. I’m trying to save a friend, and the rest of our class values that. So, I’m proud of who I am as long as I strive to fight the way a hero should! I don’t care about the past anymore; I’m trying to change my future!
Isaiah: You’re so annoying! I hate you!
Demetri: I hate you too, buddy!
Isaiah: *frustrated yell*
Isaiah fires a heat beam at Demetri, but the Puppet Master dodges out of the way. However, this causes Demetri’s strings to become severed, and his control over Better Alden is lost.
Demetri: *grunts* Shit!
Isaiah charges Demetri and tackles him to the ground.
Isaiah: I don’t need you in the Vanguard! I’ll just kill you!
Isaiah starts strangling Demetri.
Demetri: *choking*
Isaiah: This is where it ends for you!
Demetri quickly fires his strings at one of the pairs of panties he used as a shield earlier.
Demetri: *choking* (It’s time to bring the real Isaiah back!)
Demetri shoves the panties in Isaiah’s face.
Isaiah: AHHHH!
Isaiah releases him, but Demetri immediately grabs hold of Isaiah and charges down the hall toward the hole.
Isaiah: What are you doing?!
Demetri: I’ve waited patiently! And now it’s time for the way out of this prison to open!
Demetri and Isaiah disappear and reappear outside of the Temperance; Demetri leaps out of the hole in the wall with Isaiah.
Isaiah: AHHHH!
Demetri sends his strings through the hole and regains control of Better Alden.
Demetri: Better Alden! Help us out!
Better Alden comes flying through the hole and fires a trampoline from its ass. It lands on the ground and breaks Demetri’s fall, but Isaiah smacks against the cement.
Isaiah: Ow…
Demetri: It’s time to end this, Isaiah.
Demetri uses Better Alden to retrieve Eve’s bra and begins smothering Isaiah.
Isaiah: *Muffled* AHHHH!
Demetri: QUIT SCREAMING! YOU KNOW YOU LOVE IT!
Isaiah stops screaming.
Isaiah: So… beautiful…
Isaiah passes out; Demetri sits down and catches his breath.
Demetri: Got him.
Eve: *from afar* Is that my bra!
Demetri: Oh crap…
Tara continuously fires the Orgasmorator at Hailey, but she dodges each blast.
Tara: Hold still!
Hailey: Why don’t you stop firing that contraption of yours!
Tara: Never! This thing is my baby!
Hailey: I’ll never get Tinkerers like you! So obsessed with your machines!
Tara: And I’ll never get prudes like you who avoid feeling the most incredible sensation the human body offers!
Hailey: In the name of the Vanguard, you will be defeated!
Tara: Never!
Blair fires a lava blast at Whitney.
Blair: Laval Lambasting!
Whitney: Siren Song!
Whitney lets out a supersonic screech that collides with the lava blast, stopping it completely.
Blair: Dammit!
Whitney: My siren quirk nullifies any projectile you throw at me, including your lava! You’re going to have to try harder than that!
Blair: Oh yeah? Well, so will you! You’re just playing defense so far! You haven’t landed a hit on me!
Whitney: Then let’s fix that!
Whitney takes a deep inhale. Blair promptly covers her ears.
Blair: (If I can’t hear her attacks, she can’t hurt me!)
Whitney lets out a loud scream that rings Blair’s ears and sends her flying back with a burst of forceful air, all hitting her at once.
Blair: (That force is insane!)
Blair tries to get up but gets dizzy and falls back to her knees.
Blair: Huh? Why… am I so dizzy?
Whitney: My attacks have infiltrated your inner ear, throwing off your balance!
Blair: *frustrated grunt*
Alexis uses her paper to restrain Charlotte.
Charlotte: Let me go!
Alexis: Only when this battle is over!
Charlotte: Ester! Get her!
Ester: Right!
Ester transforms to her standard form and lunges at Alexis.
Alexis: Nice try, but I’m no pushover regarding hand-to-hand combat!
Alexis blocks Ester’s punch and kicks her in the chest, sending her flying back.
Ester: That’s what I wanted!
Alexis: Huh?
Ester transforms back into a scythe and spins through the air; she slices through the paper holding Charlotte in place, freeing her.
Charlotte: Nice work, Ester!
Alexis: (I always forget 2-B seems like pushovers, but they aren’t!)
Desiree fires spider silk at Aaron from her mouth, but Aaron uses his machine gun to blast it.
Desiree: You’re one tough cookie!
Aaron: Yeah, and your quirk is gross!
Desiree: Thank you!
Wrath fires a helix fire blast from his palms.
Wrath: Helix Hellfire!
Ryan transforms into a goo circle to dodge.
Wrath: *frustrated grunt* Hold still so I can light you on fire!
Ryan: No!
Bruno: Wrath! You need to keep your cool! Ryan can be an annoying opponent to face! You can’t let him get in your head!
Wrath: The only one annoying me is you!
Ryan catches Wrath off guard and wraps himself around Wrath once again.
Ryan: Ha! I got you again!
Bruno: Wrath! I’ll help you!
Wrath: Stay back! This is what I wanted!
Ryan and Bruno: Huh?
Wrath begins exuding flames from his body, burning Ryan.
Ryan: AHHHHH!
Ryan releases Wrath and reverts to normal.
Ryan: Ow! Ow! Ow!
Bruno: Nice work, Wrath!
Wrath: Yeah, I know! Now stop spectating and go somewhere else!
Bruno: Fine, I’ll-
Bruno notices a small piece of goo moving up the back of Wrath’s neck.
Ryan: (Heh! I almost got him!)
Bruno: Wrath! Look out!
Wrath: What are you!
Bruno slaps Wrath on the back of his neck.
Wrath: WHAT THE FUCK?! THAT’S IT! I’M GOING TO-
The goo is smeared on Bruno’s hand.
Wrath: Huh?
Ryan: Eh, whatever! I’ll take either of you!
Ryan flies towards Bruno and connects with the goo on his hand; he wraps himself around Bruno, restraining him.
Ryan: Even your diamond skin can’t help you if you can’t breathe!
Ryan slithers up Bruno’s body to cover his mouth while still holding back his upper body.
Bruno: *choking*
Wrath: (He hit me to save me from getting choked out by that goo guy.) *grunts* Bruno! Make your body diamond!
Bruno does as he’s told. Wrath points his palm at Ryan. It starts to glow like Magma. A grenade pin of fire appears out of Wrath’s inner forearm; he grabs the pin.
Ryan: Woah! What are you doing?! If you do that, we’ll die!
Wrath: Diamond has a melting point of over 7,000 degrees Fahrenheit, you idiot. Bruno will be fine, but you, on the other hand… you’ll be nothing but ash.
Ryan starts sweating bullets.
Wrath: 3… 2… 1… Infinite Assault: Blast Burn!
Ryan: AHHH!
Ryan leaps off of Bruno as Wrath engulfs the diamond fighter in flames.
Ryan: Jesus Christ… you weren’t bluffing!
Bruno: Thank you… Wrath.
Wrath: I’m just paying you back, that’s all.
Wrath approaches Ryan.
Wrath: Now, tell me, what’s your favorite internal organ?
Ryan: *squeals*
Wes, Silver, and Zach reach the next floor inside the Vanguard dorm.
Zach: Alright, where’s-
Jace: Jace? Right here.
Jace is standing at the opposite end of the hallway.
Jace: And it’s time for me to show you why I’m the best the Vanguard has to offer.