Alexis and Karma are sitting by their campfire while Zach is keeping watch.

Karma: We didn’t find anyone today.

Alexis: Yeah, it’s fine, though.

Karma: It’s “fine?” We only have 5 days to pass this exam, and we just wasted a whole day without seeing another team.

Alexis: And there are plenty of other teams that did the same thing.

Karma: We don’t know that.

Alexis: All of the entrances were evenly spaced apart, and this is a massive area, but as each day goes by, everyone will get closer to the center. Increasing the chances we’ll find another team. This exam wasn’t designed for a ton of action in the early days. They want us to see each other when we’re all exhausted and hungry.

Karma: I guess that makes sense.

Alexis: You worry too much, Karma.

Karma: And you don’t worry enough, Alexis.

Both girls are silent for a few moments. Then, Karma takes a deep breath.

Karma: So we need to talk about something.

Alexis: About what?

Karma: Back in Atlanta… during the internships.

Alexis: Uh-huh.

“ Alexis: You weren’t out there with the rest of us fighting… you showed up after Aaron, Wes, and I fought our hardest just to discover that magnetic jerk’s weakness. Then you cleaned him up with no problem. “ - Chapter 41

Karma: Do you still have a problem with me?

Alexis: I never had a problem with you.

Karma: Then what were you getting at?

Alexis: I learned a lot about fear that night. I thought I was going to die, but I didn’t. I overcame fear and fought for my life alongside my classmates, but you didn’t, and I lost a lot of respect for you. Lilith, Alden, Demetri, Isaiah, Jake, I wasn’t surprised by their decisions, but I thought you were better than that.

Karma: You didn’t see what happened! I was told to stay behind by Silver!

“ Silver: It’s probably for the best that you stay here and guard the cabin Karma. “ - Chapter 32

Alexis: So that’s your excuse? You were told to stay behind?

Karma: Yes, I didn’t have the same experiences as the rest of you that night, but I did my part.

Alexis: Really? Because that wasn’t what you said to Aaron when you showed up to finish our fight.

Karma’s eyes widen.

Karma: Wh- what?

Alexis: You’re right, I wasn’t there, but you told Aaron the truth.

“ Karma: Alden, Isaiah, Demetri, and I decided that we couldn’t live with ourselves being cowards while you guys were out here fighting. “ - Chapter 35

Karma is shocked.

Karma: I- I- I-

Alexis: Our group left the cabin second, so that was the first I heard that people actually stayed behind.

Karma is silent.

Alexis: I’m not the type to hold grudges, but you irked me when you acted like you did nothing wrong that night.

Karma: What about Lilith? Do you feel this way about her?

Alexis: Lilith isn’t a fighter; she aspires to be a rescue hero. So, no, I don’t.

Karma thinks for a moment.

Karma: Does anyone else feel this way?

Alexis: I wouldn’t know. I don’t bad talk my friends behind their backs.

Karma: You still consider us friends?

Alexis: Why wouldn’t I?

Karma stares at Alexis for a few moments.

Karma: What could I do to earn back your respect?

Alexis stands up and offers Karma her hand.

Alexis: Maybe try not to get your panties in a twist. You’re worrying too much; this exam has some high stakes, and the idea of failing is scary, but we’re a strong team. You stayed behind because you weren’t confident, right?

Karma: In essence…

Alexis: So, you’ll earn my respect back when you show me that you’ve got the confidence to back up your strength. You got that?

Karma stands up.

Karma: I understand. Thank you, Alexis.

Karma shakes Alexis’ hand.

Alexis: Don’t mention it. We’re gonna pass this exam, no doubt about it.

Zach is tearing up behind a tree.

Zach: *sniffles* That was so beautiful!

Karma looks in Zach’s direction.

Karma: *yelling* Zach! Your shift is over. I’ll take watch!

Zach comes out from behind the tree.

Alexis: Were you crying?

Zach: No, I just got dust in my eye!

Karma and Alexis look at each other.

Karma and Alexis: Right…

Karma walks over to Zach.

Karma: May I have the flashlight?

Zach: Oh, right.

Zach hands Karma the flashlight.

Karma: Thanks, go get some rest, I’ll-

Suddenly they hear whistling. The three gather around their fire and face different directions. Zach extends his bone claws, Alexis readies 15 origami birds, and Karma flashes the flashlight toward the woods.

Zach: Does anyone recognize that whistle?

Karma: I don’t.

Alexis: Neither do I.

The whistling changes to maniacal laughter that none of them recognize.

Alexis: Well, Karma, it looks like now’s a good time to show off some confidence.

Jace is tending to his team’s campfire with Ash, Justus keeps watch.

Jace: Man… it’s only the first day, and I’m exhausted.

Ash: That’s what limited food, constant movement, and fear of an impending attack will do to you.

Jace: Ugh, this is going to be tough.

Jace looks over at Justus.

Jace: I have no idea how to talk to that dude.

Ash: Justus is… not the easiest person to get to know.

Jace: At least he’s not a stone-cold asshole anymore, remember that?

Ash: I wouldn’t call him a name like that, but he definitely wasn’t very friendly.

Jace: That’s one way to put it, he seemed cool on the first day, but from then on, he gave off the vibe he thought he was better than everyone. Which, I mean, he was, but he didn’t need to be so obvious about it.

Ash laughs.

Jace: What? Was that funny?

Ash: Yeah, it was. I think Justus has had a tough life being the son of the greatest hero of all time, and it made him prioritize his strength over his friendships, at first anyway. It took time for him to realize his error and change for the better, and that process is ongoing.

Jace: When you put it like that, it makes me feel like an asshole...

Ash laughs.

Jace: How do you do it?

Ash: Do what?

Jace: Always stay on the bright side? I always assume the worst and hope for the best, but you… you always seem to do it the other way around. How?

Ash: I just try to always look for the good in people because I’m sure it’s there, somewhere.

Jace: But why do you think it’s there? What makes you think that way?

Ash: Because… because I want to be a hero, and that’s what heroes do.

Jace stares at Ash.

Jace: What about Al-

Ash: No, he’s like an 8-month-old apple.

Jace laughs.

Jace: So… Do you trust Justus to get us through this? He’s tough as nails, but this exam is life or death for our hero careers.

Ash stares at Jace.

Ash: Do you really think the son of Colossus is going to fail the final exams?

Jace: Yeah… good point.

Justus stares at his shield attached to his forearm.

Justus: (I won the Sports Festival, but that was an individual effort, and this is far more important.)

Justus looks back at Jace and Ash.

Justus: (They’re counting on me, and I’m counting on them. If we’re going to pass, I have to trust my teammates and hope that our efforts will be enough.)

Lilith, Aaron, and Gus are walking through the woods. Lilith is leading the way with Aaron in the back.

Gus: Lilith… why haven’t we stopped yet? I want to sleep…

Lilith: We have to get away from that area. Other teams might check it out and follow our trail. The farther we are, the less chance they’ll catch up, right, Aaron?

Aaron doesn’t respond.

Lilith: Aaron? Are you alright?

Aaron: Uh… what? Sorry, I was… thinking.

Lilith: About what?

Aaron: Nothing, let’s just keep moving.

Aaron takes point. The three continue walking in silence for a few seconds.

Lilith: Aaron.

Aaron: What? What is it?

Lilith: We really need you… if we’re going to pass this exam, I mean.

Aaron: I know, and I’m sorry.

Lilith: We’re a team, okay? You can’t put yourself ahead of us. I know you wanted to fight Hayze, but that’s the last time you’ll be selfish, got it?

Aaron: Yup, don’t worry, Lilith.

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They both hear snoring. They turn around to see Gus has fallen asleep.

Lilith: Gus! Wake up! We can’t stop now!

Lilith starts shaking Gus.

Lilith: Wake up!

Aaron puts his hand on Lilith’s shoulder and nods his head no.

Aaron: I’ll take watch. Get some sticks and kindling together, call me over, and I’ll light it.

Lilith: Ar- are you sure you’re okay?

Aaron: Lilith, I lost, but I’m not one to cry over spilled milk. I’m the strongest among us, and I’ll take on the responsibilities of that designation.

Lilith: Aaron, you got shot! You should rest.

Aaron: Ain't no rest for the wicked.

Aaron walks off, Lilith looks concerned. Aaron transforms his left arm into a flamethrower and emits a small flame.

Aaron: (I’ve lost to Kevin and now Hayze, Justus beat both of them, and Hayze almost lost to Silver, I’m starting to realize where I am in the pecking order, and I don’t like it. It’s not just that I lost, it’s that I…) *sighs*

“ Alexis: If you want to be number 1, you have to at least be the strongest amongst the class, and when you say something like “I’m stronger than Silver and Justus,” it makes me think you think you’re already there when you’re not.

Aaron: Of course, I want to be number 1. That’s always been one of my goals as a hero. Why are you saying all of this, though?

Alexis: Because I know you can be better than Silver and Justus someday, I just was worried that you weren’t trying as hard because you already thought you were. “ - Chapter 53

Aaron: (I didn’t think so then, but Alexis was right… I wasn’t trying hard enough. I don’t know what I’m going to do to get better. That will take more than just a revelation, but what matters is that I know I need to do something. I won’t be left behind; I’ll surge ahead!)

Lilith: *from afar* Aaron… Could you come over here?

Aaron starts walking back over to Lilith and Gus.

Aaron: Huh, that was quick-

Aaron sees Tobias holding Lilith in place by grabbing the back of her hair.

Tobias: Hello there.

Lilith: I’m sorry Aaron, he snuck up-

Tobias: Quiet down!

Tobias pulls hard on Lilith’s hair; she winces in pain and yells.

Aaron: If you want to fight, let’s go, but let go of her first.

Tobias: I don’t want to fight; I want your orb. I already picked up your supply bag; it’s not heavy enough for it to be in there.

Aaron laughs.

Aaron: You really think I’ll just give you our orb? You’re an idiot.

Tobias: Judging by your condition, I’d say your confidence is an act.

Aaron: How… How can you?

Tobias: The sound of your footsteps is irregular, signifying a limp, and there is a slight scent of blood in the air, and it’s much more in your direction.

Aaron: (Right… enhanced senses. Wait a second… he’s on the team of two… with Alec.)

Aaron looks around.

Aaron: I can’t help but notice your teammate hasn’t shown himself.

Tobias: He’s my backup, awaiting my signal.

Aaron: You and I know that guy is itching for a rematch. It’s just you here.

Tobias smiles.

Tobias: Right.

Aaron: Which means you think you can take all three of us on at once.

Tobias: Think? I know.

Aaron: I didn’t take you for the cocky type.

Tobias: I didn’t take you for a loser, but I see we were both mistaken.

Aaron cracks his neck.

Aaron: I’d prefer to fight your teammate again, but I don’t mind taking you out first.

Tobias: Don’t worry about him. He’s dealing with more pressing matters.

Karma, Zach, and Alexis are surveying the forest from their position surrounding the fire.

Zach: What team could this be?

Karma: It has to be a 1-B team; I don’t recognize that laugh.

Alexis: Not to mention that nobody from our class is suited for nighttime combat.

Karma: Which raises a pretty good question: Are we?

Suddenly, a scythe comes flying out of the forest, careening toward Zach.

Alexis: Watch out!

Alexis pushes Zach out of the way; the scythe slashes Alexis’ arm, drawing blood and leaving a nasty gash. The scythe then retreats into the forest via a rope attached to the staff.

Alexis: You’re not getting away!

Alexis launches her origami birds in the direction of the scythe, and explosions go off in the forest. Zach gets up from the ground.

Zach: Alexis! Are you alright?

Alexis looks at her wound.

Alexis: I’m fine; it’s just a scrape.

Karma: That doesn’t look like just a scrape!

Zach: What was that?

Alexis: I don’t know, it was so fast I-

Alexis starts shaking, her eyes widen.

Karma: Alexis? Alexis, what’s wrong!

Alexis coughs up blood.

Zach: Oh my god! What-

Zach looks down. A stab wound has appeared on Alexis’ lower chest.

Zach: W- w- when did that happen!

Alexis keels over.

Karma: Alexis! No!

Karma applies pressure to the wound. Zach stands up and surveys the surrounding area.

Zach: Show yourselves! Cowards!

Alec: *from far* I didn’t mean to get one of the girls, but hey, a body is a body!

Zach recognizes the voice.

Zach: Wait a second… you’re the guy who got a free ride to the second round of the Sports Festival!

Alec: *from far* IT WAS NOT A FREE RIDE! I EARNED THAT!

Zach: You lost your first match…

Alec: *from far* You did too! Against the same opponent even!

Zach: Yeah, but my fight was better.

Alec: *from far* Well, just for your backtalk, I will make your wound much, much, worse than hers!

Alec’s scythe emerges from the forest, careening toward Zach from the side.

Alec: *from afar* Take this!

Zach’s bone tail quickly appears and grabs hold of Alec’s scythe.

Zach: Gotcha!

Karma is surprised.

Karma: Nice one, Zach!

Zach: No problem!

Alec: *from afar* Release my scythe! NOW!

Zach: Why should I!

Alexis screams in pain. Another stab wound has appeared, this time on her left thigh.

Karma: Oh no!

Zach: Alexis!

Alec: *from afar* For every 10 seconds my scythe is not released. I will stab that girl!

Zach starts sweating.

Karma: Zach!

Zach: Wh- wh- what do I do!

Karma: Let go of the scythe! Alexis can’t take much more!

Zach: Alright, I’ll-

Alexis: Don’t…

Zach and Karma are surprised.

Karma: Alexis? What did you say?

Alexis: Don’t release it… not yet…

Another stab wound appears in Alexis’ other thigh; she screams in pain.

Zach: That’s it! I’m letting it-

Alexis: Not yet!

Alexis holds up her hand and wraps paper around the end of Alec’s scythe.

Alexis: Now…

Zach releases the scythe, and it reels back into the forest. Alexis starts coughing up more blood.

Karma: Alexis!

Alexis: I’ll be fine… help Zach.

Alexis uses her quirk to start wrapping heavy amounts of paper around her arm and thigh wounds. Karma stands up.

Karma: Are you sure?

Alexis: Yeah, because you guys are about to take the fight to him.

Alec is crouched on a tree branch 40 yards from Alexis, Zach, and Karma. He retrieves his scythe and inspects it.

Alec: No new blood…

Alec notices the paper.

Alec: Wait a second… that’s-

Alexis makes a sign with her fingers.

Alexis: Detonate.

The paper on Alec’s scythe starts to glow.

Alec: A flash bomb!

A flash goes off, blinding Alec.

Alec: AHHHHHH!

Alexis, Karma, and Zach spot the flash.

Alexis: There he is… now go! Before he regains his vision!

Karma and Zach: Right!

Karma and Zach start running towards Alec. Alexis looks down at her wounds.

Alexis: (Not good...)

Alexis crawls over to her team’s supply bag, opens it, pulls out a knife, and turns her attention to the fire.

Alexis: (Only one choice…)

Alec falls from the tree while blinded by the paper bomb.

Alec: Goddammit!

As he regains his vision, he sees Karma and Zach running at him.

Zach: Take this!

Zach lunges at Alec with his claws fully extended. Alec reels in his scythe and blocks Zach’s lunge using the blade.

Alec: You’re going to have to try harder than that!

Karma begins a spin kick and accelerates herself next to Alec, her leg appearing right in his face. Alec’s eyes widen with surprise.

Karma: Try blocking my attack!

Alec opens his mouth and bites Karma’s right leg as she tries to kick him.

Karma: AH!

Alec’s bite draws blood and quickly swallows it before being repelled back by Karma’s kick.

Karma: You weird freak!

Karma grabs her bleeding leg.

Zach: Are you alright?

Karma: I’m fine. That just hurt a lot more than you’d expect.

Zach: Yeah, and it blocked the force of your kick too.

Alec stands up, wipes Karma’s blood from his face, and starts laughing.

Alec: Now I’m linked to two of you!

Alec stares down Zach.

Alec: If you strike me down, you’ll also harm your teammates! And after the beating I already gave to the blonde girl, I don’t think she could handle being stabbed by your claws!

Zach: *frustrated grunt*

Alexis holds the knife over the fire; the blade looks magma red on both sides.

Alexis: It’s ready.

Alec points his scythe at Zach.

Alec: And Once I get your blood, you’ll stand no chance of defeating me.

Alexis removes the knife from the flame and pulls up her shirt, revealing her nasty-looking stab wound.

Alexis: Here goes nothing!

Alec starts laughing maniacally.

Alec: You’re all going to fail this exam at my hands! You’ll never-

The sounds of Alexis’ deathly screams can be heard in the distance.

Karma: Alexis!

Zach: What’s going on!

Alec falls to the ground holding his chest.

Alec: Sh- sh- sh- she’s…

Alec starts screaming to the same extent as Alexis.

Alec: THAT BIIIIIIIIIIIIITCH!

Alexis uses the knife to cauterize her wound; tears fall from her eyes from the pain.

Alexis: AHHHHHHHHHHH!

Zach and Karma turn their attention to Alec.

Zach: Whatever is happening to Alexis is happening to him! Now is our chance to get him!

Zach starts moving toward Alec, but Karma gets in front of him.

Zach: What are you doing?

Karma: If you hurt him, Alexis will feel it. She’s already going through enough pain right now, let this weaken him, and then we’ll finish him off!

Zach: Ah, right!

Alec stops screaming. He gets on his hands and knees, sweating profusely.

Alec: That chick… she… she… she actually had the nuts to cauterize a wound…

Alexis’ screams cease.

Karma: Zach, take him down! Don’t worry about me!

Zach: Are you sure?

Karma: Yes, yes, I am.

Zach: Alright!

Zach approaches Alec, who isn’t even looking up.

Zach: You shouldn’t have come alone! Three on one is never a good idea!

Zach reaches Alec and winds back his fist.

Alec: (Now!)

Alec quickly stabs Zach’s right foot using a hidden wrist blade.

Zach: GAH!

Alec quickly licks the blade and ingests Zach’s blood. Zach retaliates without thinking and stabs Alec’s back with his claws.

Alec: YES!

Alec starts laughing maniacally again as Zach and Karma fall to the ground with three stab wounds appearing in their back.

Zach: Dammit…

Karma: Zach! Why…

Alec stands up and looks at Zach and Karma with a menacing look.

Alec: I didn’t need a bye to get to the second round! Everyone needed my bye to survive the first!

Alec stabs his wrist blade into his own left foot, causing Karma and Zach to wince in pain.

Alec: Now then.

Alec grabs Karma by the face.

Alec: Where is your orb?

Alexis: This fight isn’t over, asshole.

Alec looks to his left to see that Alexis has arrived.

Alec: Well, well, well, if it isn’t Rambo herself.

Alec drops Karma and inspects Alexis, noticing her pants are wet.

Alec: You pissed yourself from the pain, eh? Somehow that makes you more badass.

Alexis: I ain’t no bitch, I can take the pain.

Alec: I know, I felt that too. GOD, IT WAS A RUSH!

Alexis lifts her shirt, revealing her cauterized wound.

Alec: Now that’s sexy.

Alexis: Recovery Girl could heal this, but I think I might keep it.

Alec: I think I’m in love.

Alexis laughs.

Alexis: Sorry, but I’m not available.

Alec: Oh? You’ve got yourself a boyfriend?

Alexis: Not yet.

Aaron and Tobias lock eyes. The scenes begin cutting back and forth.

Aaron: I’ve seen what you can do.

Alexis: But I’m not afraid.

Aaron: Because no matter what.

Alexis: I know I’ll win.

Aaron: For one simple reason.

Alexis: And one reason alone.

Tobias smiles at Aaron, while Alec looks skeptical with Alexis.

Aaron and Alexis: I’ve got someone to impress.