Hayze changes and exits his room.
Hayze: I assume this means we’re not getting the others?
Lust: No, three more of you were requested.
Hayze: Who?
Lust walks over to Daisuke’s room and knocks on the door. Daisuke answers, dressed in his full suit.
Lust: Daisuke Ohtani, I’m the #3 hero, Lust, and your presence has been requested by the Top 10 heroes.
Daisuke: I understand.
Lust: Come with me.
Daisuke exits his room and glances at Hayze.
Hayze: Do you just sleep like that, or?
Daisuke: I was expecting this.
Hayze: What’s that supposed to mean?
Daisuke: You’ll find out.
Hayze: K…
The trio heads downstairs, picking up Alexis and Silver along the way.
Silver: Any idea what this “Top-Secret” meeting is about?
Hayze: Not sure, but I’ve never seen Ms. Lust this serious.
Alexis: My guess is this is a strategy meeting. Look at the roster.
Hayze: Why aren’t we getting Saige then?
Lust: Each member of the Top 10 was allowed to bring one strategic consultant from their agency. I chose you, Hayze.
Hayze: Who are you with, Daisuke?
Daisuke: Originally, I was going to work with Exciton, but after recent events, we agreed I should work with Gundam.
Silver: What does “recent events” mean?
Hayze: He saved Kevin’s life with his quirk.
Silver: How do you know that?
Hayze: I was told by Daniele. Sorry I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be on the down-low.
Silver: It’s fine.
Lust: Alright, there’s a car waiting out front for us.
The group quietly follows Lust out of the building, where a limo awaits. They pile into the car, finding Yul and Calm waiting for them.
Hayze: Yul? Calm? What are you guys doing here?
Calm: I’m who Big Tank called upon for this meeting.
Yul: And even though I work here as a teacher, I’m still one of Impact’s heroes.
Hayze: I see.
The car drives off.
Lust: Vulcan chose not to invite any of his heroes. Kleptogirl and Phoenix don’t have their own agencies, so they couldn’t choose anyone. Silencer isn’t attending the meeting, but he’s sending his agent.
Silver: You’re going to let a non-hero into a top-secret meeting?
Lust: If we don’t, the number one hero won’t be involved at all. So we had to cave.
Hayze: Are we allowed to hear what this is all about now that we’re in this car?
Lust: No. We can’t risk anything.
Everyone looks curious.
Lust: Just so you know, you’ll have a full strip search when we arrive. If you’re not comfortable with that. Exit the car now before we leave U.A.
Alexis: Strip search? I’m okay with it, but do you guys not trust us enough?
Lust: Again, we can’t risk anything.
The group arrives at The Hero Association building, where the Top 10 Hero Summits are held. The limo enters through a back entrance, and the group is escorted inside. They ride an elevator to the 2nd floor to the top and are greeted by Big Tank.
Big Tank: Is everyone here?
Lust: Yup, all of them came.
Big Tank: Good, you’ll have to be rechecked, Lust.
Lust: I understand.
Hayze: (They’re checking Lust, too?)
Big Tank leads the group to a room.
Big Tank: One by one, each of you will be searched. After that, you’ll head upstairs to the meeting room.
Lust: I’ll go first.
Lust enters the room.
Calm: Big Tank, can I ask if this is a general search or if you’re looking for something specific?
Big Tank: I can’t say, Calm. You’ll find out after you’ve been cleared.
Silver and Hayze look at each other.
Hayze: (This is freaky.)
One by one, each member of the group enters the room for their search. Hayze goes in last.
Kleptogirl: Welcome, Hayze. Please take off all your clothes.
Hayze: Wh- Kleptogirl!
Kleptogirl: Is something wrong?
Hayze: Uh…
Kleptogirl: Oh, you don’t feel comfortable?
Hayze: Kind of…
Kleptogirl: Too bad.
Kleptogirl uses her quirk to remove Hayze’s clothes.
Hayze: AH!
Kleptogirl: Relax, I already checked Calm. You’re nothing special.
Hayze: Thanks…
Kleptogirl puts on a pair of gloves.
Kleptogirl: Now bend over.
Hayze: AHHHH!
Hayze arrives in the meeting room to see the remaining members of the Top 10 sitting at a round table with his group. He sits down next to Silver.
Silver: *whispers* Did I hear you screaming? Was getting patted down really that bad?
Hayze: *whispers* What are you saying to enjoyed the cavity search?
Silver: *whispers* Cavity search?
Hayze: Wh- huh?
Kleptogirl sits down at the seat beside Hayze and winks at him.
Hayze: Oh god…
Silas eyes Hayze from across the table.
Silas: (There he is.)
Big Tank stands up.
Big Tank: Thank you for being here, everyone. I apologize for the added security, but we can’t afford to let anyone who’s been compromised into this room.
Alexis: “Compromised?”
Big Tank: We were checking for Iota’s mark.
Silver: Why?
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Hayze: Did you acquire information on his next move?
Gundam: No, we did better.
Gundam displays the image of Iota’s hideout.
Gundam: We found him.
The group from U.A. is shocked.
Hayze: Are you serious?
Gundam: Yes, Daisuke Ohtani placed a specialized tracker on the device that Iota stole from me.
Hayze: He did?
Daisuke: Yes, when I saw my vision of Marsh defeating Kevin. I did research and discovered he was a part of the Iota Movement. That’s when I had my engineering team quickly develop a tracking device.
Silver: But I thought Iota’s grunt with the signal jamming quirk was why trackers never worked against Iota.
Daisuke: He is. That’s why the tracker is currently offline.
Silver: Then… how-
Daisuke: It was designed to constantly leave a log of its movements. Take even a step with the device attached, and it’s recorded. When Marsh left via a warp gate, the tracker sent out one final log relaying where it was heading before being taken offline.
Alexis: So… how come we never tried that before?
Exciton: Because we’ve never had a chance to prepare for one of Iota’s attacks, but thanks to Daisuke’s quirk. He was ready.
Hayze: So, what’s next?
Big Tank: That’s what this meeting is for. We’re about to strategize our siege of Iota’s base.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: (It’s about time.)
Wes, Ozzie, and Zach exit the front of the dorm building.
Zach: You’re gonna love Impact, Ozzie! He’s the best.
Ozzie: I hope so. He seemed like a good bloke when I talked to him over the phone. I hear he’s got some kind of powerful quirk.
Zach: Yeah, his teleportation quirk is incredible!
Wes: Jesus, fuck…
Ozzie: Something wrong, little buddy?
Wes: Nothing, just ignore me.
Ozzie: Alright…
Alden crawls out of a set of bushes, malnourished and wearing only his underpants… which are brown.
Ozzie: You alright, mate?
Alden: *groans*
Wes: Ignore him. He’s a drama queen.
Zach: Yeah, trust me, you don’t want to associate with Alden.
Ozzie notices Alden is holding something.
Ozzie: What’s this?
Ozzie takes the note Alden is holding.
Ozzie: “Dear Wes, Zach, and Ozzie, I’m afraid I have to cancel our training today. Hopefully, you’ve given Ozzie the rundown on how things work at the Impact Agency; I’ll see all of you tomorrow. - Impact”
Zach: Aw, man! I was looking forward to busting some bad guys’ heads today!
Wes: Did he give a reason?
Ozzie: No, but there is some more. “P.S. You guys should get a new doormat. I had to beat the crap out of this one before I could place this note on it.”
Wes: Did he mistake Alden for a doormat?
Zach: I see the resemblance.
Wes: Yeah, actually, I do too.
Alden: I can’t feel anything…
Ozzie: Well, I’m down to do more training with you, mates. What do you say to some sparring?
Zach: Sounds awesome!
Ozzie whistles.
Ozzie: Kali, girl! C’mere! We’ve got a challenge on our hands.
Zach: Wait, what…
Wes: Yeah, I think I’ll just watch.
Aaron walks downstairs, where Gus is cooking breakfast for Ash, Lilith, and Eve.
Aaron: Do any of you guys know where Alexis is?
Eve: No, did you see the note on her door?
Aaron: Yeah, but it didn’t say why she had to leave.
Lilith: Maybe Evergreen had something special planned for her? She told Eve and me to stay at school today.
Aaron: Huh… that’s weird because Big Tank told Ash and me not to come in today either. I wonder what’s going on?
Eve: I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure-
Aaron: IT MUST BE BRING YOUR FAVORITE HERO TO WORK DAY TODAY!
Eve: Wh- what?
Aaron: Don’t you see? Hayze, Silver, and Alexis? They’re Lust, Exciton, and Evergreen’s favorites! Big Tank must have brought Calm or Bruno in!
Aaron charges to the door.
Eve: Aaron! Where are you going?
Aaron: To prove my theory!
Aaron departs.
Aaron: *from afar* I’M WAY BETTER THAN THEM!
Eve: *sighs* I am curious about what’s actually going on, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon.
Gus finishes his eggs and bacon breakfast and puts a plate before Ash, Lilith, and Eve.
Lilith: Yum, Gus! Thank you!
Gus: No problem! I’m happy to help anyone!
Isaiah and Demetri: Anyone?
Gus: Huh?
Isaiah and Demetri crawl to Gus and grovel at his feet.
Gus: What are you guys doing?
Demetri: Gus, please… put in a good word for us.
Isaiah: We need it!
Gus: What? With who?
Demetri and Isaiah: Your hero! WE NEED WORK STUDIES BY TOMORROW!
Isaiah and Demetri sob.
Eve: Pathetic…
Ash: You guys are ruining breakfast.
Isaiah: I’m sorry our hardship is inconvenient for you…
Demetri: Yeah… we’ll just be sad somewhere else.
Ash: Okay, thank you!
Isaiah and Demetri: WE’RE BEING SARCASTIC!
Eve: You guys wouldn’t be in this mess if you made yourselves look like respectable employees.
Isaiah: Well, the cat’s been out of that bag for a while, and he’s not getting back in!
Demetri: Gus, please help us out! We won’t survive Mr. Walker’s boot camp!
Gus thinks for a moment.
Gus: I guess I can, but we’ll have to meet with him today, and I don’t know if he’ll like the short notice.
Isaiah: That’s fine!
Demetri: We’ll apologize for you!
Gus: Alright, let’s go.
Isaiah and Demetri: YES!
Isaiah, Demetri, and Gus arrive at a rundown shack in the middle of Nashville.
Isaiah: Wh- what is this?
Demetri: Tell me we made a wrong turn…
Gus: That’s funny, guys. Now, come on. Gavin is waiting for us inside.
Demetri: Wait, Gavin?
Isaiah: As in that weirdo from 3-B?
Gus: Yeah… who else?
Isaiah and Demetri look at each other.
Isaiah: On second thought…
Demetri: We’re gonna… go…
Voice: Go? Go where?
The trio looks at the top of the shack and sees Meltman standing on the roof.
Meltman: Welcome to the Meltman Hero Agency! I can tell these two are going to be fine candidates, Gus! Good work!
Gus: You’re welcome, sir!
Meltman: Now, please join me up here!
Isaiah: Is this our first test?
Demetri: We need to show off our skills to get up there, right?
Meltman: No, I came up here to take a dump on the neighbor’s plants and accidentally melted my feet. Call the fire department, Gus.
Gus: Yessir!
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Gus runs inside as Isaiah and Demetri stare at Meltman dumbfounded.
Isaiah and Demetri: How was this guy a top 10 hero…
Justus emerges from his room to head downstairs.
Justus: (I wonder why Vulcan canceled our meeting today? Hm… no matter, I-)
Saige: Just the man I was trying to find!
Justus: Saige? What do you want?
Saige: You and Ash are going to homecoming, right?
Justus: Well, yes, I’m sure we’ll both be there.
Saige stares at Justus.
Saige: I mean as a couple… dumbass.
Justus: Oh… I, well, I haven’t asked her.
Saige: Well, I’m going to put you two on my list. So you’d better get to that.
Saige starts to walk away.
Justus: Wait, list for what?
Saige: The Homecoming King and Queen Tournament, silly!
Justus: Huh?
Saige: Remember how Silver said the theme would be fighting? We’re having a tournament to see who is King and Queen! Well, the committee and I decided we had to include all school members so we couldn’t have actual fights. But we’ve got something else in mind! I’m putting you and Ash in the bracket, and I want no arguments! Got it!
Justus: Two questions. First: how are you on the Homecoming Committee?
Saige: Well, remember that girl Hailey from 3-B who died last year? She was selected a week beforehand, and they never found a replacement, so I stepped in.
Justus: Okay… Second: Shouldn’t all of this have been planned weeks ago? The dance is this weekend!
Saige: Why do you think everyone was so happy when I joined the committee this week?
Justus stares at Saige.
Saige: Bye-bye!
Saige skips away.
Justus: She’s weird, but she’s right… I need to ask Ash to the dance.
Blair is lying in her bed, staring at a picture of Hayze on her phone.
“ Blast: What do you think would happen if Hayze lost someone he loves? “ - Chapter 222
Blair: (If something happens to me… Hayze could be erased forever. Tempest was only stopped because of the ring fragment, and while that ring still exists in our timeline. I can’t imagine we’ll be granted access to it. Plus, who says Tempest would want to be defused? To him, Hayze and the others are just puzzle pieces and nothing more.)
A tear rolls down Blair’s face.
Blair: (I don’t want to lose Hayze, but it would be selfish of me to value my love over his life, right? I don’t know…)
There’s a knock on Blair’s door.
Blair: (I don’t care who this is… just get my mind off this, please…)
Blair opens the door.
Saige: Hi, Blair-Blair! I’m here to make sure-
Saige notices Blair’s face is dirty from tears.
Saige: Are you okay?
Blair: I’m fine. What do you want?
Saige hesitates.
Saige: Are you and Hayze going to Homecoming together?
Blair: I uh… I don’t know.
Saige: Blair.
Blair: He hasn’t asked me, okay?!
Saige: You and I both know that’s not the reason, so tell me what’s wrong.
Blair: It’s none of your business, Saige.
Saige smiles and places her hand on Blair’s shoulder.
Saige: Blair, I care more about Hayze’s happiness than mine. So, this is my business. If there’s something wrong in your relationship, tell me now, or else you won’t like what happens next.
Blair: Is that a threat-
Saige: It is if you don’t start talking.
Blair is quiet for a moment.
Blair: Do you think Hayze will ever become Tempest again?
Saige: Maybe, but if he does, I’m sure we’ll find a way to bring him back.
Blair: How? He’s stronger than everyone on the planet. Vanguard only defused him by catching him off guard with a fragment that no longer exists and-
Saige puts her finger on Blair’s mouth.
Saige: There’s no reason to worry about that, Blair. Hayze knows he can’t let that happen again. He’s learned from last time… he’s prepared to endure more deaths.
Blair: What if I die?
Saige laughs.
Blair: What’s so funny?
Saige: Blair, trust me if there’s anyone whose death would cause Hayze to become Tempest again. It’s mine.
Blair: WHAT?!
Saige: I’m his favorite person; you’re just his ickey girlfriend.
Blair stares at Saige.
Blair: I know you’re trying to piss me off, but it’s working.
Saige: You can at least note that multiple people are at high risk for causing Hayze’s exodus transformation, right? It’s not all about you.
Blair: I… I guess…
Saige: Here.
Saige turns to a page in her notebook and writes something down.
Blair: What are you doing?
Saige: Giving you a gift.
Saige hands Blair a list of time intervals.
Blair: What is this?
Saige: It’s Hayze’s shower schedule. But… I guess if you’re gonna break up with him, I’ll just keep-
Blair takes the paper and slams the door in Saige’s face.
Saige: I’ll add her and Hayze to the bracket now.
Blair creeks her door open slightly.
Saige: Hm?
Blair: Thanks, Saige…
Saige: You’re welcome, Blair. I’m always looking out for my little sister
Blair: *sighs* Honestly, you might be better than my actual sister.
Saige: Oh, I’m sure she’s fine.
Blair flashes back to a day from her time in High School.
Blair: Why are all of my bras in the trash?!
Cari: *from afar* You don’t need them.
Blair stares at Saige.
Blair: Right…
Impulse, Wrath, and Gale are gathered on the roof of U.A.
Impulse: It’s been a slow start to the year, hasn’t it?
Wrath: *nasal grunt* You would know, wouldn’t you?
Impulse: That doesn’t even make sense.
Wrath: Shut up!
Gale: I’m just glad we’re finally at homecoming week! This has been my dream since I was born into this world!
Impulse: What, taking five girls to the same dance, assuming they're your only date?
Wrath: Ha!
Impulse and Wrath fist bump.
Gale: No! I get to be the bachelor and have my floozies fight to be my date! It’s the best!
Wrath: Right… until you realize every girl’s worst nightmare is not having a date.
Gale: Huh? What do you mean?
Impulse: Well, they might want to go out with you, but if you’re being indecisive, they might…
Wrath: Settle for someone else.
Gale: What?! No way! They’d never do that!
Impulse: Oh, yeah?
Impulse points at Charlotte and Killian on a bench.
Charlotte: *sighs* I guess I’ll go to homecoming with you.
Killian: YES! LET’S GO!
Charlotte: (Gale, my darling, I’m sorry.)
Gale’s jaw has dropped.
Gale: Okay! That’s only one! I’m sure-
Impulse points in one direction, Wrath points in another.
Whitney: Okay, Filip…
Desiree: Alright, Talon…
Gale starts to sweat as Impulse and Wrath snicker.
Gale: What are you two laughing about? You don’t have dates yet, either!
Impulse: Yeah, I do! I’m going with Grace!
Gale: As friends?
Impulse falls to his knees in defeat.
Wrath: *nasal grunt* I don’t need a date.
Gale: You’re just too scared to ask the Venus Flytrap out.
Wrath: I’M NOT SCARED!
Gale: So, you’re saying you would?
Wrath: No, I hate that bitch.
Impulse: Then how come you’re always staring at her ass?
Wrath: It’s not my fault she’s got a great ass-
Impulse and Gale stare at Wrath with raised eyebrows.
Wrath: Fuck you both!
Impulse: Well, you’re not crunched for time. Nobody has the balls to ask her out.
Gale: And if they do, they won’t anymore.
Impulse: Not after what happened to Romeo…
A few weeks prior, Romeo approaches Sydney with flowers and chocolate, wearing a tuxedo.
Romeo: Sydney, my love!
Sydney: *sighs*
Romeo: Will you go to Homecoming with me?!
Sydney: No.
Romeo: Please…
Sydney: No.
Romeo: But I-
Sydney: NO!
Romeo falls to his knees in defeat.
Romeo: Alright… I didn’t want to do this, but-
Romeo tries to use his quirk, but Sydney grabs his lips.
Romeo: *muffled scream*
Romeo wakes up in the hospital in a whole-body cast. He can’t speak.
Romeo: *groans*
A doctor is standing beside him.
Doctor: I’m sorry, Mr. Julian, but there was too much damage.
Romeo: *groans*
Doctor: We had to amputate your penis.
Romeo: *suppressed screams*
The flashback ends.
Impulse: Eternal virginity.
Gale: Poor guy, a fate I’d wish upon no one.
Wrath: And that’s what makes her so hot.
Impulse and Gale: WHAT?!
Big Tank is writing on a whiteboard.
Big Tank: Alright, so we’re all in favor of bringing in Fearmonger and Meltman?
Everyone: Agreed.
Gundam: Fearmonger’s quirk could be helpful for on-the-spot interrogations. Iota’s goons are primarily young adults, so cracking them could be simple.
Impact: And Meltman’s abilities will help with our infiltration attempts.
Exciton: I do have my reservations about him…
Isaiah and Demetri are using shovels to scoop Meltman’s feet off the roof.
Meltman: Put your legs into it, boys!
Gus: *from afar* The fire department said they’ll be here in 10 minutes!
Meltman: Yeah, they know the routine now.
Isaiah: How often does this happen?
Meltman: Three times a week, depending on how hot it is. But now I’ve got great new scoopers!
Isaiah and Demetri: Ugh…
Isaiah and Demetri start to cry.
Exciton: But, whatever.
Big Tank: The roster for the mission has been set. We can begin contacting heroes soon.
Aster: And nobody has a problem with the insane amount of U.A. students coming with us?
Vulcan: Did you forget you just graduated, Phoenix?
Aster: No, I’m just saying that it should be cause for alarm that we’re bringing almost all of Class 3-A on this mission.
Evergreen: All of us feel confident in their abilities. I’d say most of them would rank as B-Rank heroes at the current moment.
Gundam: In addition, they have the most experience fighting Iota’s grunts and have defeated them in the past. There’s no reason to worry.
Aster: Okay, just making sure.
Vulcan: I guess that leaves just one question: Will the “number 1” hero be joining us?
Everyone turns their attention to Silas.
Silas: I’ll run the plan by Silencer, but I’d say the chances are high. It would be a bad look to be the only hero in the Top 10 not to attend this attack.
Vulcan: *scoffs*
Big Tank: Good, then we won’t remove him from the plan.
Silas nods.
Silas: (You probably should anyway. We don’t play by your rules.)
Silencer is standing on a rooftop overlooking the city.
Silencer: So much crime… they all must be destroyed.
Lara: That’s very ominous.
Lara is standing behind Silencer.
Silencer: Sorry, I’m used to doing this on my own.
Lara: Don’t worry. I don’t take offense.
Lara is typing away on her laptop.
Lara: There’s a van parked across the street from a bank two miles from here. It’s been there for approximately 25 minutes.
Silencer: I assume it’s still running?
Lara: Yes, the windows are tinted, so I can’t get a good visual, but I’d say that only furthers our probable cause.
Silencer: Good. It shouldn’t take us long to get there. Excellent work, Exposé.
Lara: Thank you, ma’am.
Silencer is shocked.
Silencer: You… you know?
Lara: Your publicist hired me because I can find out things about anyone. You’re no exception.
Silencer: Well…
Silencer removes her helmet, revealing she is female.
Silencer: Color me impressed.
Lara: May I ask why you conceal your gender, Luv?
Silencer: Because I don’t want the stigma of being a female hero to follow me. If they knew who I am beneath this mask. Would my coronation as the number one hero have been about me? No, all the tabloids would have talked about is my gender. “First Female #1 Hero.” They would have made me a symbol of feminism when I only wanted to represent justice.
Lara: I see; I respect that.
Silencer: Good. We would have had a problem otherwise.
Silencer puts her helmet back on, activating her voice changer.
Silencer: Now, let’s go.
Lara: May I ask why you haven’t sworn me to secrecy?
Silencer: I know you won’t say anything, Lara, Princess of London.
Lara: I agree.
Silencer leaves the rooftop.
Silencer: (I like this girl.)
Impulse, Wrath, and Gale return to their dorm to see Aaron yelling at Bruno with Alec, Tobias, and Sydney nearby.
Aaron: HOW DARE BIG TANK CHOOSE CALM OVER ME!
Bruno: I’m sure there’s an explanation.
Aaron: CAN CALM FIRE ROCKETS FROM HIS HANDS?!
Bruno: W- well, no…
Aaron: THEN WHAT THE FUCK?!
Wrath: What’s all that yelling about? It’s irritating my ears.
Impulse: What, are you autistic?
Wrath: If I am, we all are.
Impulse: Oh… huh…
Alec: Gunboy is just bitching that he’s not the teacher’s pet.
Aaron: I know, right?
Alec: I wasn’t agreeing with you!
Impulse: Why?
Aaron: Because Hayze, Silver, Alexis, and Calm got taken somewhere secret, and nobody else was invited.
Tobias: He seems to think that means Big Tank trusts Calm more than him.
Wrath: Well, Vulcan didn’t invite me anywhere, and I’m definitely his favorite, so your theory is off.
Impulse: Maybe they, uh… only took the most intelligent people.
Aaron: I’m smarter than Calm!
Everyone stares at Aaron.
Aaron: Alright, fine, I’m not! Fuck this! I’m gonna go beat up, Wes!
Gale: That’s your outlet?
Aaron storms off.
Sydney: Now that that’s over, I’m off to my appointment.
Wrath: Where are you going?
Sydney: My lawyer, some asshole posted on the student forum that I have herpes, so nobody will ask me to the dance!
Impulse and Gale glance at Wrath.
Wrath: You uh… sure it wasn’t Romeo?
Sydney: No, my legal team is already fighting his. He’d be an idiot to do… something like that…
Sydney goes quiet.
Sydney: I need to make a call.
Sydney walks off with her cell phone.
Gale: You are an idiot.
Impulse: Seconded.
Wrath: SHUT UP! I COULDN’T TAKE ANY CHANCES!
Bruno: So, it was you?
Wrath: I plead the fifth.
Bruno: If you have a crush on Sydney, I know how you can get her.
Wrath: Oh, yeah? Like you could have a good idea.
Sydney starts walking back over.
Bruno: Looks like we’re all the people without a date to homecoming. It’s alright, though. At least none of us have to go with Sydney.
Sydney: What was that?
Bruno: Oh, sorry, Sydney. I didn’t realize you were back. Yeah, Wrath and I were just discussing how we’re so thankful we don’t have to go to homecoming with you.
Sydney: YOU WHAT?!
Wrath: Uh…
Bruno: It would really piss you off to go with her, right, Wrath?
Wrath: Oh… Yeah! It would!
Sydney: Oh, really? Well, guess what? You’re my date, and you’re going to hate it!
Wrath: FUCK!
Sydney storms off. Wrath slowly looks at Bruno.
Wrath: We’re still not a team.
Bruno: If you say so.
Impulse: You think you can do that with Grace?
Bruno: I don’t have to. You’re already going together.
Impulse: Right…
Bruno: So that leaves Gale, Tobias, Romeo, and me as the only loners.
Tobias: I’m asexual.
Bruno: So, that leaves Gale, Romeo, and me as the only loners.
Gale: Fuck that! I’m fixing that shit right now!
Gale runs away.
Impulse: I wonder who he’s going for?
Wrath: I don’t fucking care.
Justus arrives at Ash’s room.
Justus: (Do I just ask the question? Or am I supposed to talk to her for a little bit first? Father, how you courted so many women, I’ll never know.)
Justus goes to knock on the door, but Ash opens it.
Justus: A- Ash! How did you-
Ash: Justus, you’ve been standing there for 10 minutes.
Justus stares at Ash.
Justus: Do… you want to come to homecoming with me?
Ash: Oh, I thought we were already doing that?
Justus stares at Ash.
Justus: Okay, have a nice day.
Justus tries to walk away, but Ash grabs his wrist.
Justus: Was that the wrong decision?
Ash: Yes.
Justus: I see… How's your day?
Ash: That’s… somehow worse?
Justus thinks for a moment.
Justus: Why did you think that was already decided?
Ash: Do you really need to ask? I like you, and I’d be happy to go with you.
Justus smiles.
Justus: I feel the same way.
Ash: Did you also get the day off?
Justus: Yes.
Ash: Want to go get lunch together?
Justus: Of course.
Lilith and Eve exit their dorm together.
Eve: It’s always a good day when Alden isn’t loitering on the front steps.
Lilith: Yeah, I agree- Huh?
Eve: What? What is it?
Lilith: Someone is running towards us.
Eve: Hm?
Gale runs to the two girls and gets on one knee before Lilith.
Lilith: Gale?
Gale: *breathing heavily* Lilith, will you go to homecoming with me?!
Lilith: Uh… sorry, Gale, but I’m already going with Zach.
Gale falls over in defeat.
Gale: Me? Rejected? How?!
Eve: Maybe ask the girl sooner…
Gale: *groans*
Lilith: Well, cya, Gale!
Eve and Lilith leave. Gale slams his fist into the ground.
Gale: Nobody rejects the mighty Gale! I’ll get you yet, Lilith! Watch your back, Zach!
The Hero Summit wraps up, and the group from U.A. begins to exit the room.
Lust: Remember, even though most of your class will be informed of the plan, we must keep it secret until they’re cleared.
Everyone nods in agreement.
Silas: Hayze, may I speak to you in private?
Hayze: Uh… sure? Ms. Lust, do you mind?
Lust: No, we’ll wait for you in the lobby.
Silas and Hayze meet in the hallway outside the meeting room.
Hayze: Am I supposed to know you?
Silas: No, my name is Silas Yeager. As you know, I’m Silencer’s agent and publicist.
Hayze: Are you here to yell at me about the ceremony a few months back?
Silas: No.
Silas grabs Hayze by the collar.
Silas: I’m here to tell you that my client has his eye on you. We never expected to have the number one spot, but now that it’s ours, we won’t let some punk kid take it.
Hayze: Is that so?
Silas: There’s much more at stake here than popularity, Hayze. The hero world is broken, and Silencer will fix that. So, stay out of his way. Or else you’ll find yourself on the end of his sword.
Silas releases Hayze and starts to walk away.
Hayze: Is that a threat? You’re going to kill me if I keep being popular?
Silas: No. We’re going to show everyone why they’re wrong about you. So, if you’ve got skeletons in your closet. I’d start toning down the heroism.
Silas departs.
Hayze: (The hero world keeps getting more complex… and dark.)
Iota admires his three rings.
Iota: We’re coming upon the endgame…
Iota coughs up some blood in his palm.
Iota: Whether I like it or not.
Someone knocks on his door. Iota quickly wipes the blood away.
Iota: You may enter.
Zaire opens the door.
Zaire: Vince says the machine is ready.
Iota: Good. Have you found the perfect time to strike?
Zaire: U.A.’s homecoming is this weekend. I can bring you all the details to formulate the plan.
Iota: No, you can do that. I trust your judgment.
Zaire is shocked.
Zaire: Master, are you sure?
Iota: Zaire, my time is coming.
Zaire: *grunts*
Iota: If this plan doesn’t work, you’ll soon be making all the plans. So, it’s good for you to get practice.
Zaire clenches his fist.
Zaire: Yessir.
Zaire exits.
Iota: This could be my final endeavor… but if it isn’t…
Iota clenches Daisuke’s tracker tight.
Iota: Chaos will drown this world.