Jace holds up Justus’ shield and inspects it.
Jace: Man, this thing is cool.
Jace taps on the shield.
Jace: What kind of metal is that?
Justus: Tungsten.
Jace gets scared; Justus has appeared behind him.
Jace: Oh… uh… hey Justus… I… uh…
Justus: What were you doing with my shield?
Jace: I was uh… Oh, this is your shield? I thought this was a toilet lid, my mistake.
Jace hands Justus the shield.
Justus: You mistook my weapon that you’ve seen me use many times… for a toilet lid?
Jace: Y- y-
Justus: In the middle of the forest?
Jace: … Yes?
Justus: You might want to get your eyes checked.
Justus takes his shield and straps it to his arm.
Jace: (HE BELIEVED THAT?)
Justus: Where is Ash? We should get on the move relatively quickly. We spent far too much time resting from our long day of walking yesterday.
Jace: I think she went down to the river to refill our canteens.
Justus: Hm, I guess we should wait here for her then.
Jace: Yeah…
Jace and Justus stand in awkward silence for a few moments.
Justus: Jace.
Jace: Yes?
Justus: I know you were lying.
Jace: (SHIT!)
Down by the river, there is a large barrel that Ash is using to fill the canteens.
Ash: (It’s a little strange going down to the river to use a man-made barrel for water, but I guess that’s because the water in the river isn’t real, so the teachers had to make these setups for us to refill our canteens.)
Ash looks around at the forest surrounding her.
Ash: (This kind of reminds me of the Sports Festival…)
Ash flashes back to when she defeated Gus in the first round.
Ash: (At that moment, I felt alive… like I had finally accomplished something big in my life…)
Ash smiles.
Ash: (It may have been only one fight… but I know I impressed the people who matter most in my life… and that’s what makes me happy. Although… I didn’t exactly follow it up well…)
“ Ash: Madame Mummy, I withdraw from the match!
Hayze: I still think you should have given it a try, but I understand your choice.
Ash: I know; I just wanted to make the decision that made the most sense for me. “ - Chapter 26
Ash: (I don’t know how he had the determination to keep trying… I only failed the H.A.E. once, and I felt like my hero career was already off to a rocky start, I can’t imagine how he felt.)
Ash stops moving for a moment and is in deep thought.
Ash: (Wait a second… it was his tenth time…, and he had consistently failed because of his quirk. I know he’s said before that his quirk didn’t reach its full potential until a couple months before the entrance exam. But, H.A.E.’s are held every two weeks over the Spring and early summer… to have taken the exam 9 times before… there’s no way he hadn’t taken the previous one from the weeks prior and failed. So that means there was only a 14 day time period for his quirk to go from a failing grade to a passing one. I guess it’s not impossible… but… it’s just hard to believe.)
Ash looks at the canteen and gets flustered.
Ash: (What am I doing? Justus and Jace are probably waiting for me!)
Ash collects the canteens and heads back to her team.
Ash: (I hope they’re not mad at me!)
Elsewhere, Alden is crying on the ground in the fetal position.
Angel: Come on, Alden, it’s time to go…
Alden: I don’t want to go! I don’t want to help that monster!
Silver taps his foot impatiently.
Silver: (I wish we could just leave him, but he has our orb...)
Angel: What’s got you down, Alden? Tell us.
Alden: I’VE GOT A 40 POUND BASEBALL 6 INCHES UP MY ASS THAT’S WHAT!
Angel: Fair point…
Silver: So what, you’re just going to sit there and cry about it?
Alden: YES! I’m going to teach you a lesson about mistreating me! If I don’t move from this spot, you’ll fail the exam because you don’t have an orb!
Silver kneels down next to Alden.
Silver: Just because that orb is inside you doesn’t mean it belongs to you, got it?
Alden: Wh- wh- what does that mean?
Silver: What do you think?
Alden crawls away from Silver and hides behind a tree.
Angel: I don’t think threatening him is going to help.
Silver: No, but it will make him aware of his place.
Angel: What do you think we should do? He’s got a point. If he doesn’t want to move, we’re kind of sunk.
Silver: Hm…
Silver thinks for a moment.
Silver: Take watch from the sky. I’ll get him on his feet again.
Angel: You sure you should be the one to talk him down? He’s madder at you than me.
Silver: Maybe so, but it’s my fault he’s acting like a bitch. It’s my job to fix it.
Angel: Alright then.
Angel takes flight.
Silver: (He’s got a point…)
“ Silver: Is there a problem?
Angel: No, it’s just… I liked you better after the Sports Festival… and right now, you’re reminding me of before then. “ - Chapter 70
Silver: (I was arrogant back then. I lost in the tournament because I didn’t view Hayze as an actual opponent. I looked at all of my classmates like they were beneath me… except Justus. That fight taught me a lesson in humility, and it showed me the error of my ways. I learned from that failure. That’s why I was able to walk away, feeling confident it wouldn’t happen again; despite my defeat, I knew it would be the last. But now… I’m treating Alden like a second supply bag, and I’ve been brushing off Angel’s concerns. If I revert back to the way I was before the Sports Festival… then I genuinely am a failure.)
Silver walks up to the tree Alden is hiding behind.
Silver: Come on out, Alden.
Alden: NO! Go away!
Silver: For someone whose hero name is The Best, you aren’t acting like it.
Alden: I am the best!
Silver: Then stop cowering with your dick tucked between your legs and face me like a man.
Alden hesitates for a moment.
Alden: Fine…
Alden comes out from behind the tree and faces Silver.
Silver: I’m sorry.
Alden: Wh- what?
Silver: I’ve been treating you poorly since the moment we were grouped together, and I’m sorry about that.
Alden: Y- y- you’re apologizing… TO ME? That’s never happened before! Nobody ever does that!
Silver grabs Alden by the collar.
Silver: *whispering into Alden’s ear* And if you tell anyone, I’ll do more than shove a ball up your ass.
Alden gulps. Silver releases him.
Silver: You don’t have to keep the orb in your ass anymore.
Alden: Really!
Silver: But you’re still in charge of carrying it.
Alden: Wh- why?
Silver: Trust me, I don’t like the thought of it either, but I’m definitely not touching that thing after where it’s been for the last two days.
Alden: That’s fair…
Silver walks over to their supply bag.
Silver: (I’m going to maintain the same intensity I brought into the Sports Festival, but I won’t bring back the costly traits I left behind.)
Silver begins rummaging through the bag.
Alden: What are you doing?
Silver: Looking for a way to signal Angel that we’re ready to go.
Alden: I don’t think you need to.
Silver: Why?
Angel lands in between the two of them.
Silver: Oh good, you’re back. Alden and I had a talk, he’s ready to-
Angel: I saw someone!
Ash returns to Jace and Justus.
Justus: There you are.
Ash: Sorry, I kind of started daydreaming.
Justus: It’s alright. We’ll just have to keep up a quicker pace today.
Ash: Right.
Ash stores their water canteens in their supply bag. Justus grabs the bag and puts it on his back.
Justus: Let’s move.
The three commence walking through the forest.
Jace: So what were you daydreaming about that made you lose track of time? You’re usually a pretty punctual person.
Ash: Oh, it was nothing.
Jace: I don’t know if I believe that…
Ash: I wasn’t thinking of anyone- er, I mean, anything.
Jace: Anyone? Oh, come on, now you’ve gotta tell me?
Ash: Why are you being so pushy?
Jace: Woah, I’m sorry, I was just messing around; if it’s that private, I’ll stop. I’m just bored out of my mind right now. I could really use something fun to talk about.
Justus: If you’re bored, then keep your guard up. It will keep your attention.
Jace: Thanks, Justus… that really helps.
Ash thinks for a moment.
Ash: Well, if you’re bored, let’s play a game!
Jace: What kind of game?
Ash: How about this, we each take turns saying an adjective, then the other person names the person in our class that they think that word describes best, sounds good?
Jace: So like… if I said springiest?
Ash: Then I’d say you, see?
Jace: Okay, this could be fun.
Ash: I’ll start with… strongest?
Jace: That’s easy. It’s Justus. He did win the Sports Festival, after all.
Justus: Thank you, Jace.
Jace: Hm… I’ll go with… smartest?
Ash: Oh, that’s Karma for sure. She’s helped me out a lot this year with the really tough material we’ve been learning in class.
Jace: Huh… maybe I should ask her for help.
Ash: Scariest?
Jace: Blair, easy. Uh… annoying?
Ash: Alden, Alden and Alden.
Jace: Doesn’t he have a thing for you?
Ash: Don’t remind me… how about… envious?
Jace: Envious, huh? That’s tough… there are a lot of people in our class I could envy… But, I guess I’ll say… you know what, you Ash.
Ash: Me?
Jace: I envy that positive attitude of yours. I wish I could look at the bright side as much as you.
Ash: Oh, thanks, Jace…
Jace: No problem, let’s do...
Jace gets a sinister grin on his face.
Jace: Hottest!
Ash: Angel.
Jace: Th- that was... quick.
Ash: Well, if I’m being honest, most of the guys in our class are rather average-looking.
Jace falls to his knees in defeat.
Jace: Average…
Ash: All of the girls think Angel looks the best!
Jace: *under his breath* Pretty boy…
Ash: What?
Jace: Nothing! It’s your turn!
Ash: Um… Mysterious?
Jace: Jeez, now you’re asking tough ones. We don’t know much about him… and I don’t know what to make of him.
Ash: Yeah, get that. He’s always seemed like he wants to keep his distance. We’re all accepting of him… I feel like he doesn’t say a lot about himself.
Jace: Yeah… mind if I ask that one to you? It was a good one.
Ash: Oh… uh… mysterious? I uh… I guess… uh… H- well, I don’t know.
Jace: Were you going to say Hayze?
Ash: N- no!
Jace: What? I’m not judging; I’m just curious about your reasoning.
Ash: Well, I-
Justus: GET DOWN!
Justus suddenly tackles Jace and Ash to the ground.
Angel: Quill Cascade!
The three are showered by dozens of feathers as Angel soars past them.
Justus: Angel…
Jace: *groans* Man… you really had to tackle us?
Justus helps Ash and Jace to their feet.
Justus: Come on, let’s take cover.
Justus, Jace, and Ash run behind a set of trees. Justus places down their supply bag.
Jace: Who was on Angel’s team again?
Ash: Uh… I want to say Gus, maybe?
Jace: Ah shit, I know I should have paid attention to the teams better!
Ash: Justus? Do you remember?
Justus doesn’t respond.
Ash: Justus? Justus!
Justus realizes Ash is talking to him.
Justus: S- sorry, what is it?
Ash: Do you remember who was on Angel’s team?
Justus hesitates.
Justus: No.
Jace: Damn.
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Ash: Well, I guess we’re just going to have to-
Angel flies past them, grabs Jace by the arms, and starts flying away with him.
Ash: Jace!
Jace: *Getting quieter* FUUUUUUCK!
Angel flies off with Jace.
Ash: Justus! What do we do?
Justus doesn’t respond.
Ash: Justus!
Justus: Uh, sorry, we hold our ground. Jace can hold his own.
Ash: What is up with you? You seem completely out of it.
Justus: *Sighs* It’s nothing… I’m sorry, I was just a little shell shocked, but I’m good now.
Ash: Alright, I’m glad to hear-
Alden: Hello, my love!
Ash: Oh no…
Ash and Justus turn around to see Alden… wearing a full tuxedo.
Ash: …
Justus: …
Alden: I can see you’re at a loss for words. Seeing the love of your life stand before you, it’s okay, I understand.
Justus looks at Ash.
Justus: Do you want him or?
Ash: Please save me the trouble.
Justus: Alright then.
Justus cracks his neck and approaches Alden.
Alden: Woah, Woah, Woah! I don’t want to fight! I just want to be with my love.
Ash: BREAK HIM LIKE A TWIG, JUSTUS!
Alden: She has such a way with words!
Justus: Alden, I’d recommend surrendering now. Otherwise, by request, I might have to paint that tuxedo red.
Alden gets scared.
Alden: I’ll be back for you, my love!
Alden starts running away.
Ash: AFTER HIM, JUSTUS!
Justus: But Ash, he isn’t a threat.
Ash: NOT TO YOU, HE ISN’T!
Justus: Fair enough…
Justus and Ash chase after Alden.
Ash: KILL HIM!
Justus: (I’ve never seen Ash this aggressive before…)
They continue chasing Alden until he comes to an abrupt stop.
Justus: Giving up?
Justus and Ash notice that Alden has stopped because he has reached the edge of a deep gorge. Alden is sweating profusely.
Ash: Where is your other teammate, Alden?
Alden: Wh- why would I tell you that?
Justus: I’ve got about 1000 reasons why.
Alden looks down at the deep fall behind him.
Alden: You really think that’s 1,000 feet?
Justus: Maybe; it’s a rough estimate.
Ash: Honestly, can we just push him down?
Alden: My love, you’re not serious… are you?
Ash blankly stares at Alden.
Alden: (Alright… there’s only one move I have available…)
Alden gets a sinister glint in his eye.
Alden: My love.
Alden gets down on one knee.
Ash: Oh god…
Alden reaches in his pocket.
Alden: Will you please…
Alden pulls out a ring made of broken fingernails.
Alden: Go on a date with me?
Ash pukes.
Alden: Nervous stomach... I see…
Justus starts walking towards Alden.
Justus: Alright, I’ve seen enough.
Justus reaches to grab Alden when suddenly the rock the two of them are standing on breaks.
Ash: Justus!
Alden: My love!
Justus: What!
Justus and Alden both start plummeting into the gorge. However, Alden uses his sharpened fingernails to dig into the cliff face and stop his fall. He looks down as Justus disappears in the darkness of the gorge.
Alden: See you later, third wheel!
Ash looks down into the gorge with a terrified look on her face.
Ash: Justus… no…
Alden climbs back up to where Ash is.
Alden: Well, my love, now that he’s taken care of, you and I can-
Ash: Just shut up.
Alden: Wh- what?
Ash stands up and faces Alden.
Ash: My name is Ash.
Ash draws her knife.
Ash: And you’ll refer to me as such.
Alden: But my l-
Ash: For every time you call me “your love'' I will cut off one of your testicles.
Alden is dead silent.
Ash: That’s what I thought.
Angel drops Jace against the ground.
Jace: *groans*
Angel lands and stares at Jace.
Angel: Sorry dude, I’m just going along with the plan.
Jace: Why me…
Angel: Well, to be honest, I was aiming for Ash. I wanted to spare her the misfortune of Alden’s affection.
Jace stands up.
Jace: So what, are we going to fight now?
Angel: Depends. Do you have your team’s orb?
Jace: No.
Angel: I don’t believe you.
Jace: Well… then why ask?
Angel: The truth is that my job was to keep you at bay, and I have to imagine you aren’t just going to sit around and twiddle your thumbs.
Jace: No… I think I’m done doing that.
Angel: Hm?
Jace: I’m done being one of the forgotten members of our class. It’s time for me to make a name for myself by defeating you!
Angel: Why me? Wouldn’t it be more of an accomplishment to beat someone like Aaron or Kevin?
Jace: I have to start somewhere!
Angel: That’s fair…
Jace springs both of his arms towards Angel.
Jace: (I’m going to win a fight!)
Angel begins flapping his wings, creating strong gusts of wind that repel and tangle Jace’s springs.
Angel: Nice try…
Jace looks down at his tangled arms with a look of defeat.
Jace: DAMMIT!
Ash and Alden face off.
Ash: (Even though it’s Alden… I shouldn’t be arrogant. He’s weak, but I can’t allow myself to get cocky and-)
Alden: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
Ash: I’m the only one here…
Alden: IT’S TIME FOR THE MOMENT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!
Ash: No one, no one has been waiting for this.
Alden: BEHOLD A FEATURE PRESENTATION OF THE BRAND NEW HIT MOVIE: BEAUTY AND THE EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL!
Alden winks.
Ash: Don’t do this…
Alden: You may have noticed I’m donning my new hero costume!
Ash: That stupid-looking tux?
Alden: It’s all a part of the show!
Alden pulls out a utility belt and straps it on.
Alden: We begin with Act 1: The Hero meets The Heroine!
Alden drops a couple smoke bombs on the ground shrouding Ash and breaking her sight of Alden.
Ash: *coughing* (Come to think of it… I’ve never seen Alden fight before… I’ll have to be careful with him.) Alden! You little weasel! Show yourself!
Alden: *through the smoke* Oh my beautiful Ash, I know you’ve been searching for a guy like me for so long…
Ash: No, I’m searching for YOU so that I can backhand you off this cliff!
Alden: Oh, Ash, it’s not time for you to give me your hand just yet!
Ash: That is not what I meant, and you know it!
Alden emerges from the smoke.
Alden: Ash, you really should lighten up. We’re in the middle of a performance!
Ash: Trust me, I’d be light if I didn’t have to deal with you!
Ash tries punching Alden but phases right through him.
Ash: (What!)
Ash begins falling, realizing that she lost track of where the cliff is in the confusion of the smoke.
Ash: (Oh no!)
Alden grabs Ash’s hand.
Alden: Act 2: The Hero saves the Heroine!
Ash looks up at Alden’s smug face then down into the gorge.
Ash: (I don’t know which is worse…)
Alden: Don’t worry, my L- Ash, I’ll protect you!
Alden hoists Ash back up. The smoke dissipates.
Alden: I’ll accept your thank you with a kiss.
Ash: You’re the one who made me fall, you asshole!
Alden: Playing hard to get, I see... That’s fine. It'll only spice up the future Acts!
Alden steps back, picks up a disc off the ground, then reaches into his belt and grabs three more.
Alden: For every great movie! We need some extras!
Alden throws the four discs at the ground in front of Ash. They all project holographic Aldens.
Alden Hologram 1: Ah, it’s great to be with good company.
Alden Hologram 2: You too, handsome!
Alden Hologram 3: Wow, intelligent and good-looking, what can’t you do?
Alden Hologram 4: Be hated!
All five laugh.
Ash: (And I thought one was annoying…)
Alden extends both of his arms out.
Alden: Alright, boys! It’s time for the next Act!
All four holograms of Alden get on one knee.
Alden: Act 3: The Grand Gesture!
Alden Hologram 1: Your skin is as fine as a summer’s day!
Ash: Aw...
Alden Hologram 2: Your eyes are as beautiful as a sunset!
Ash: Really?
Alden Hologram 3: Your hair is as smooth as velvet!
Ash: Well, you’re good at compliments. I’ll give you-
Alden Hologram 4: Your tits are as mouth-watering as filet mignon-
Ash crushes the disc projecting the fourth hologram.
Alden: NOO! THOSE ARE EXPENSIVE!
All of the holograms are tearing up.
Alden Hologram 1: He was so young!
Alden Hologram 2: Brother, no!
Alden Hologram 3: He didn’t deserve that!
Alden: Calm down, boys! We have to finish the attack in his honor.
Alden Holograms: Right!
Alden leaps over the holograms and stands face to face with Ash.
Alden: Ash, my love.
Alden pulls out a bouquet of roses.
Alden: Will you accept my love and these roses?
Ash stares blankly at Alden.
Ash: What did I say before…
Alden: Oh no…
Ash goes to drive her knife into Alden’s crotch, but he uses his fingernails to block her knife and force it out of her hand.
Ash: (Dammit!)
Alden: Act 4: The Rejection.
Alden falls to his knees.
Alden: How could you do this to me, Ash! I thought we had something special!
Ash: We had nothing…
Alden Hologram 1: Boss, no!
Alden Hologram 2: We still love you!
Alden Hologram 3: You’re too handsome to be sad!
Alden takes out a knife and hands it to Ash.
Ash: Huh?
Alden: If our love really means nothing to you, then please, end it here.
Ash stares at the knife, unsure of what to do.
Ash: (I- I- I mean… he means well… but…)
Jace falls to his knees.
Jace: Nothing ever goes my way…
Angel approaches Jace.
Angel: I need you to tell me if you have your team’s orb on you. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to knock you out and search for it.
Jace stands up.
Angel: Huh?
Jace: Who said the fight was over yet?
Angel: Jace… your arms are-
Jace: Those aren’t my only way of fighting.
Jace uses his legs to spring himself into the air.
Jace: Take this!
Jace does a backflip and positions his legs.
Jace: Spring Strike!
Jace kicks Angel on top of his head and then springs himself into the air.
Angel: Ow…
Jace: (What? Did that do nothing!)
Angel rubs his head.
Angel: Man, Jace, you kick harder than I thought.
Angel extends his wings.
Angel: But too bad for you, it’s not hard enough!
Angel takes flight and intercepts Jace midair.
Jace: (Oh crap!)
Angel grabs Jace by the torso.
Angel: Now, how about you take this!
Angel pile drives Jace into the ground. Embedding his head into the dirt.
Jace: *muffled* Ow…
Angel: Sorry, buddy, just doing my thing.
Jace uses his arms and rips his head out of the ground.
Jace: *gasping for air* Jesus, Angel! Where the hell has that attack been? I feel like I just got thrown through a house!
Angel: You alright?
Jace: Yeah, I think I am…
Angel: You need a minute?
Jace: Yeah, I d- WAIT A SECOND!
Jace stands up and points at Angel.
Jace: This is a fight!
Angel: I mean, yeah, it just got a little intense there. I thought you could use a breather.
Jace: You weren’t this nice when you were fighting Lilith! Why are you babying me!
Angel: I uh…
Jace: Well?
Angel: You kind of um…
Jace: Say it!
Angel: You kind of don’t take losses well… especially since you lose a lot.
Jace has a dumbfounded look on his face.
Angel: Sorry bro… that’s the truth.
Jace: Well then, don’t hold back against me! That’s just insulting. I’d appreciate it more if you went all out-
Angel puts his hand against the back of Jace’s head and smashes him into the ground, knocking him out cold.
Angel: Is that better? … Jace?... Jace, are you okay, buddy?
Ash stares at the knife Alden is handing her.
Alden: Do it. I cannot live without your love!
Ash: (Is he really just giving up?)
Ash grabs the knife.
Ash: (This has to be a trick… right?)
Ash looks down at Alden.
Ash: (I do feel bad… I don’t really like hurting others. However, it is Alden, so…)
Alden braces himself.
Ash: Get up.
Ash tosses the knife aside. Alden’s eyes brighten up.
Alden: Y- y- you really-
Ash: Don’t get the wrong idea, I simply just-
Alden: SHE LOVES ME BACK!
Alden runs over to his holograms.
Alden: SHE REALLY LOVES ME!
Alden Hologram 1: Yeah! Excellent work, man!
Alden Hologram 2: God, you are hot!
Alden Hologram 3: She got a good one!
Alden goes to hug his holograms but phases through them and deactivates them.
Alden: Oh right.
Ash: If I’m going to defeat you, it will be because I fought my hardest, not because you gave up!
Alden faces Ash.
Alden: Just accept that you and I are meant to be together, sweetie!
Ash cringes.
Alden: Now then.
Alden grabs a few smoke bombs.
Alden: It’s time to start our final act!
Ash: (He’s definitely an idiot, but he’s playing to my weaknesses well, he’s keeping his distance when he needs to, and when he is close, he’s trying to distract me… but there’s one way I know I can beat him… even if it’s revolting...)
Alden begins his throwing motion.
Alden: Act 5: Final-
Ash: Stop!
Alden stops.
Alden: Huh? What’s wrong?
Ash: I’ve changed my mind!
Ash runs up and hugs Alden.
Alden: I- I- I- I KNEW YOU’D COME AROUND! MY CHARM IS IRRESISTIBLE!
Alden has pure joy on his face.
Alden: Act 5: The Hero gets the Girl-
Ash bites Alden’s neck.
Alden: AHHHHHHHHH!
Alden pushes Ash off of him.
Alden: What the hell is wrong with you! You fucking drew blood! Actually, now that I think about it, I might have a vampire fetish. I apologize. You may continue.
Ash dabs Alden’s blood from her teeth onto her left fingertip and puts her palms together.
Ash: That was one of the worst experiences of my life.
Alden: (Wait a second! I’ve seen this before!)
Ash: But I promised myself I would help my team at any cost!
Alden: Oh no…
Ash: Ghost Combat: Astral Style!
Ash and Alden both fall to the ground unconscious. Alden wakes up in his astral form.
Alden: *groans* Woah… this is trippy.
Ash: Welcome to the Astral Plane.
Alden turns to see Ash, who immediately decks him in the schnoz.
Alden: AH! Dammit!
Ash: It’s time I taught you a lesson about how to treat girls!
Alden: Oh crap…
Alden’s real nose starts bleeding.
Alden: My beautiful nose!
Ash: That’s the least of your worries.
Alden reaches for his belt.
Alden: Pepper Spray Protector!
Alden tries to pull out his pepper spray, but his hand is empty.
Alden: Oh fuck…
Ash: In the Astral World, we have nothing but the strength of our spirit to protect us! And my spirit is much stronger than yours!
Alden: *Squeals*
Ash: Now, where was I? Oh right! Rule number 1: Don’t force yourself onto a girl when she clearly doesn’t like you!
Ash steps on Alden’s balls.
Alden: AHHHH! HARDER!
Ash: …
Ash kicks Alden into the air and then smashes his skull into the dirt.
Alden: AHHHHHH!
Ash: Rule number 2, be a gentleman, not a self-obsessed-asshole!
Ash winds back her foot.
Ash: And rule number 3!
Alden: *groans*
Ash: Don’t talk about my tits!
Ash kicks Alden’s astral form into the gorge.
Alden: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Ash watches Alden fall.
Ash: That last one might have been a little bit more personal.
Alden hits multiple rocks as he falls down the gorge.
Alden: *groans* SO MUCH PAIN!
Alden slams into a jagged rock.
Alden: Oh no… I think I’m going to…
Alden passes out, causing both of their spirits to their bodies. As Ash awakens, she hears a loud fart noise.
Ash: What was that?
Ash looks back at Alden’s unconscious body, his team’s orb, covered in feces, rolls out of his pant leg.
Ash: Oh my god… is that…
Ash pukes.
Ash: That’s so disgusting!
The orb rolls towards the cliff.
Ash: Oh no!
The orb rolls off the cliff.
Ash: That’s probably for the best…
Deep down in the gorge, Justus struggles to hang onto an errant branch.
Justus: (That wasn’t very good of me to make such a dumb mistake…)
Justus looks down at the long fall.
Justus: (I’m durable… but I’m not THAT durable!)
The branch starts to crack.
Justus: (if I fall, I’ll be eliminated from the exam!)
The branch cracks further.
Justus: (There’s no way out! I can’t scale the cliff! I only have one way out of this...)
The branch breaks.
Justus: Down…
Justus begins falling.
Justus: (I just have to hope I can withstand the impact! There’s no other way!)
The bottom of the gorge comes into view, Justus closes his eyes to brace for impact.
Justus: (This is it!)
Suddenly Justus can no longer feel the wind blowing past his face.
Justus: (Wh- what the?)
Justus opens his eyes to see he is suspended in midair just 20 feet from the ground.
Justus: (How did- How did I stop?)
Justus looks up, his eyes widen. He’s being held up by a batch of silver dust.
Justus: (No way…)
The dust safely drops Justus against the ground.
Silver: Hello, Justus.
Justus looks up to see Silver facing him. The two lock eyes.
Justus: Hello, Silver.