Hayze and Adrian arrive at U.A.
Hayze: Uh… what are we doing here?
Adrian: I told you, it’s time to train.
Hayze: Well, yeah… but why U.A.?
Adrian continues walking.
Hayze: Good talk…
Hayze follows Adrian.
Adrian: Sorry, I promised him I wouldn't tell you anything before getting started.
Hayze: Huh? Tell who?
Adrian smiles.
Adrian: You'll see.
Adrian and Hayze enter a training facility and walk to the center.
Adrian: As the Quirk Counselor here at U.A. I have access to these facilities to train and evaluate students' progress with their abilities. Today you'll be going through a simulation exercise guided by a special guest.
Hayze is curious.
Adrian: Before you ask, I'll give you a hint.
Adrian points at Hayze's pendant.
Adrian: You didn't think you were getting that for free, did you?
Hayze: Well, you didn’t give me a reason to think otherwise…
Adrian: Shut up. You have a new mentor today, but don't worry, I won't be far.
Adrian starts walking towards the control room.
Adrian: Stay right there. I'll load up the simulator.
Hayze watches as Adrian enters the control room; he looks down at the pendant.
Hayze: (The power of a Ring… even if it is just a fragment, I have to take this seriously. Adrian went far to get this and secure my sanity and the safety of those around me. I owe it to him to excel in this training exercise.)
Adrian starts typing on a computer.
Adrian: (I hope he didn't think my training was tough because, well… Vargas is no joke.)
Adrian launches the program.
Adrian: (Good luck, Hayze.)
An intense light blares as the holographic projection equipment initiates inside the facility. Suddenly Hayze begins falling. The facility has transformed into a bottomless pit with a single dirt pillar in the center.
Hayze: Thanks for the warning!
Hayze's eyes change to gray. He takes out one of his Shock Sabers and glides toward the pillar, stabbing his sword into it and stopping his fall.
Hayze: Phew…
Hayze looks up at the sky.
Hayze: (What the hell kind of training setup is this?)
Suddenly a screen inside the facility turns on.
Hayze: (Huh?)
The screen turns on, showing the face of an old man.
Vargas: So… You're Hayze.
Hayze: Yeah… Who are you?
Iota and Zaire step into Iota's control room.
Zaire: So, we have our target and means for an army. What's the next step?
Iota: Dethroning Colossus is no easy feat; timing will be critical. Are there any significant events coming up?
Zaire: Well, besides the Top 10 Hero Honor Ceremony, which won’t be until the 1st of June, there’s this…
Zaire steps up to the keyboard and starts typing.
Zaire: U.A. is hosting another festival next weekend.
Iota: What? Why? Shouldn't the school year be over?
Zaire: Yes, but they're throwing this festival to celebrate their graduating class and bright young stars in the making. It's structured like the Sports Festival, with vendors and events and general admission to the public, but with heavy security. The main event is a battle involving the new U.A.'s Top Student. It's called The Showcase.
Iota rubs his chin.
Zaire: it must be their way of counteracting the damage you've inflicted upon the school's reputation. I'm only bringing this up because you asked, but I don't see the point in targeting U.A. again. There isn't much more we can do that we haven't done already; humiliating that establishment further gains us nothing.
Iota smiles.
Iota: But they probably aren't thinking that way...
Zaire looks confused.
Zaire: What do you mean, Master?
Iota: Given our previous patterns… it makes sense to attack this festival. We could ultimately diminish its value and cause the opposite of the intended effect. So, their security is bound to be beyond any average protection measures. I imagine multiple Top 10 heroes will be in attendance, with more close to the school.
Zaire: I see your point. Everyone’s eyes will be on U.A., so the city’s defense will be weaker.
Iota: Exactly, but again, they'll know that as well. So, what's the best way to keep the school and the city safe?
Zaire thinks for a moment.
Zaire: Equally distribute heroes without favoring either U.A. or the city.
Iota: Under normal circumstances, yes, but there’s a large piece of this puzzle you're missing.
Zaire: Colossus.
Iota: Yes, his presence drastically increases one area’s protection.
Zaire: So, he’ll be in charge of the school.
Iota: No… the opposite. They’ll place him in the city.
Zaire: What? Why?
Iota: Villains attack every day in the city. We’re the only people the school is worried about. They know we’re not afraid of Colossus, but everyone else is. So the city will stay in line with him on high alert.
Zaire: How are they sure we aren’t afraid of him? None of our attacks occurred with him in proximity.
Iota: Zaire, we tried to kidnap his son. That’s all the evidence they’ll need.
Zaire nods.
Zaire: So, they'll be setting up their security measures, believing that they're protecting your target when they’re actually putting your real mark on a silver platter to be devoured.
Iota steps up to the monitors.
Iota: Getting Colossus on his own is relatively simple given those circumstances. However, the hard part will be keeping every other hero distracted at either U.A. or the city.
Zaire: A clone army will keep them occupied.
Iota: Yes, but another distraction at U.A. would be perfect. The clones attack the city while everyone else is occupied with something, causing chaos at the festival. A two-pronged attack of sorts.
Iota thinks for a moment. Then, finally, he looks up at the monitor and gets an idea.
Iota: Zaire…
Zaire: Yes, Master?
Iota: Bring me, Jagger. I have a few questions to ask him.
Zaire: Yes, Master.
Zaire leaves. A promotional poster of the Showcase with Aster and Hayze on it is on the monitor.
Iota: (Perfect.)
Hayze struggles as he hangs from the side of the pillar.
Vargas: Pretty difficult, huh?
Hayze: Who even are you?
Vargas: My name is Vargas, or at least that's how you'll be referring to me.
Hayze: Why are you on the screen? Am I supposed to find you or something?
Vargas laughs.
Vargas: I can't travel from my home.
Hayze: Why?
Vargas: Look at what's around your neck.
Hayze realizes who Vargas is.
Hayze: You're the Guardian who Adrian got this fragment from.
Vargas: Yes, I am. Adrian came to me and told me about you. He was very insistent that I help. I didn't like the idea of handing out a Ring fragment to an unworthy stranger. But, due to me being a Guardian, allowing you to meet me in person was not an option, so we made a deal.
Hayze: And that was?
Vargas: I would lend Adrian the fragment he requested on the condition that I train you in my personal fighting style. I need to know you can protect yourself and that fragment, so here we are.
Hayze: Your personal fighting style?
Vargas: Yes, but first, you need to pass a test to prove you are worthy.
Hayze: Oh, boy… I’m used to these…
Vargas: You must reach the top of that pillar.
Hayze: The top? Did you see how far I fell? That will take me all day!
Vargas: You seem to have the tools necessary, so I'd get to work if I were you. There's a time limit, so if you're not up there within the next 6 hours, you're done, and you'll have to return that ring fragment to me.
Hayze: What!
Vargas: Your time starts now.
The screen changes to a countdown from 6:00:00.
Hayze: (This isn't going to be easy…)
Adrian watches from the control room.
Ewing: Good to see that Vargas is as tough as always.
Adrian turns around to see Ewing.
Adrian: He left out the part about how it took him days to even consider negotiating. That is one stubborn old man.
Ewing laughs.
Ewing: How do I think I felt when I became the principal of this school? He was already a Guardian, so I had to learn how to work with him. As you can see, he's old-fashioned in his teachings.
Adrian: I figured, just look at this. It's barbaric. No food or water while suspended vertically against a pillar, all while needing to climb it within a time limit; he will be exhausted by the end.
Ewing smiles.
Ewing: Vargas believes that the only way to truly get stronger is to start off well past your limit. This first test will prove to him whether Hayze is worthy or not. If I recall correctly, you did something similar during his internship.
Adrian: That was different. His time limit needed to be expanded if he wanted to have any chance of success as a hero. Climbing the mountain was for his benefit, not mine.
Ewing: Who says this isn't for Hayze's benefit?
Adrian is confused.
Adrian: What do you mean by that?
Ewing: You'll see.
Ewing starts to leave.
Ewing: I'll check back in later, don't worry about anyone finding out what's happening here. I have this facility marked as being under maintenance.
Ewing leaves. Adrian looks at Hayze on the monitor.
Adrian: (I said that kid would be my responsibility to keep in check, and I failed once already. Maybe I should try to learn something from Vargas…)
Blair walks down the stairs of her house and steps into her family's living room. Nobody is in the room, but the T.V. is on the news.
Reporter: Last night, the elusive criminal, Game Show Host, was apprehended by the police after a couple of perverted U.A. hero course students were kidnapped and subjected to his evil games. Two were severely injured but are recovering well at the hosp-
Blair shuts off the T.V.
Blair: I don't even want to know…
Aster: Know what?
Aster has entered the room.
Blair: Oh, nothing, hey bro… Where are Mom and Cari?
Aster: They're out doing errands.
Aster looks at Blair with concern in his eyes.
Aster: Are you okay? You've been quiet lately.
Blair: I'm fine.
Awkward silence.
Aster: So… have you told your boyfriend that he's going against me in the Showcase?
Blair: He's not my boyfriend! And no, but I'm surprised you didn't know when you met him. You even went out of your way to act like you were rooting for him.
Aster: I am. Winning the match would do a lot more for his career than mine.
Blair: So what are you going to throw the match?
Aster: Of course not. I haven't lost a fight against a student since I arrived at U.A. I never back down from a match. Even if you’re in it… so are you?
Blair hesitates.
Blair: I… I'm not sure.
Aster: Look, don't worry. I'm going to treat you like I would any opponent.
Blair: I know that. I'm not worried about you… I don't know if I have it in me to fight you with all my heart.
Aster gets stern with Blair.
Aster: Blair, you're the strongest girl I know. Just because I'm your brother doesn't mean you get to ease that fighting spirit of yours.
Blair is surprised by Aster's words.
Aster: I trust your judgment, but please don't waste an opportunity like this because of me. I'll feel awful; The only reason you shouldn’t be in that area next week… is if Hayze doesn’t want you there.
Blair: *groans*
Aster grabs his car keys.
Aster: U.A. isn't just for becoming a hero, Blair. I'm not the same person I was on my first day. And I'm not saying you are, but you're holding on to things you shouldn't be, and it's time you let go. Particularly your lack of self-esteem.
Blair: I don't lack self-esteem!
Aster: Blair, Cari has one insult that she uses against you, and it works every single time. The day you change is the day that I'll agree with you.
Aster starts walking towards the door.
Blair: W-where are you going?
Aster: I'm off for a lunch date, cya!
Aster leaves. Blair stands there, allowing his words to sink in.
Blair: Thanks, bro…
Iota finishes talking to Jagger.
Iota: Interesting… Thank you for the information, Jagger. It will come in handy very soon.
Jagger: No problem, Master. Anything I can do to assist your plans I'll do with pleasure.
Iota: Good, because it's time for another mission.
The door opens, and Zaire enters with Ivy and another of Iota's soldiers.
Jagger: Ivy? Marsh? What kind of mission is this?
Marsh is wearing a full mask and has a sniper rifle strapped to his back.
Marsh: If I'm here, we're probably going hunting.
Jagger: Hunting? For what?
Iota smiles and pulls out a briefcase.
Iota: It’s time to lay the groundwork for our attack.
Back at U.A., Hayze reaches the top of the pillar and nearly passes out from exhaustion.
Hayze: Jesus… fucking… Christ…
Vargas appears on the screen.
Vargas: Good work, and you finished with an hour and a half to spare.
Hayze: Yeah… well… wh-
Hayze takes a second to catch his breath.
Vargas: Now that you've proven yourself to be worth my time. It's time for me to introduce to you my personal fighting style.
This piques Hayze's interest. Vargas snaps his fingers, creating a fireball in his hand.
Hayze: Wh- what?
Vargas: What, did you think you're the only one with a fire quirk?
Silver is standing on a beach, looking out at sunset.
Silver: (I hope everyone is doing well back home, it's frustrating being here in Virginia to visit my relatives, not that I don't appreciate them. With our most pivotal year at U.A. coming up, it's hard for me to be sitting still and not training. Although it's not like I have a discernible direction I want to head down.)
Silver flashes back to his fight with Justus.
Silver: (Defeating Justus was something I wanted for so long… and now that I have, I don't know where to go. There's a significant disconnect from beating him to becoming the number one hero… I guess I needed Justus to serve as a hurdle for me to jump over so I could have something to strive towards. Now that I know I'm the strongest, it's like I'm just waiting to be toppled so I can fight to regain my title… but I don't want that to be how I operate.)
Silver starts walking up the beach.
Silver: (The Showcase is next week, I'm sure Hayze will ask me to be on his team… but the question is, do I want to be?)
Ivy is standing on the beach in her full cloak, wearing her mask and holding her sword. Silver sees her and does a double-take. He stops, and the two stare at each other for a few seconds.
Ivy: Hello, Silver.
Silver: How did you know I was here?
Ivy: Master always keeps tabs on those he deems… "important."
Silver: Important in what way?
Ivy: You saw the list; you know you were one of the targets. Master wanted you to join us.
Silver laughs.
Silver: And here I thought your "master" was intelligent; if he believes he could turn me to the dark side, he's a moron.
Ivy: Ever consider that maybe you're already on the "dark side?”
Silver: Don't even try it. You attacked my friends around a month ago, hospitalizing six of them, and attempted to murder Hayze. Trust me, I'm more than sure I'm not.
Ivy examines Silver.
Ivy: You seem unusually calm right now. I could kill you if I wanted.
Silver: If you wanted me dead, you'd already be digging the grave. I know you're here for some bigger purpose; why else would you be talking to me?
Ivy points her sword at Silver.
Ivy: You're perceptive. That seems to run in your class.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Silver: You'd be surprised how wrong you are…
Ivy: Nonetheless, I'm surprised you haven't attacked me yet.
Silver: I've seen you in action; I know I'm not strong enough to defeat you. I'm bold, but I'm not an idiot.
Ivy: Bold? Yeah, right, I can sense your fear.
A bead of sweat rolls down Silver's forehead.
Silver: (She's right. I am weaker than her, but I don't have any of my dust canisters on hand, and if I reach for my phone or call for help, she'll stop me instantly. I can’t do anything.)
On a hill in the distance, Marsh lies down on his chest and takes aim with his sniper rifle.
Marsh: That's it… keep him nice and still.
Marsh lifts up his mask revealing his right eye.
Marsh: Taking aim.
Marsh scopes in on the back of Silver's head. His quirk activates in his eye, changing his pupil from black to red.
Marsh: *into an earpiece* This is Marsh to Ivy; I've got the shot.
Ivy lowers her blade.
Silver: (Huh?)
Ivy: I would have respected you more if you put up a fight.
Silver: Battles come in many different forms. The only constant is a winner and a loser. Unfortunately, I don't have a high chance of coming out of this as the former, so I'm doing what I believe is best to get me out of here alive.
Ivy: We'll see about that next weekend.
Silver: What! Next weekend is the Showcase… so you're planning to attack then!
Ivy: Yes, but you won't know that.
Silver: Wh-
Ivy: Fire.
Marsh pulls the trigger. Silver realizes what's going on and quickly ducks; however, the shot corrects its course and still hits his head. Silver falls into the sand unconscious with a dart in his head. Marsh's pupil reverts to normal. He puts his mask back on.
Silver: *groans*
Marsh: Target down.
Jagger emerges from a nearby bush with the briefcase Iota gave them.
Jagger: You really couldn't have done that any faster? He was standing still for like 5 minutes!
Ivy: Better safe than sorry. We only have two shots.
Jagger: Whatever…
Jagger walks over to Silver's body and takes the dart out of his head; he then flips him over, reaches his pocket, and takes out a syringe.
Jagger: You shouldn't have told him about the plan. I didn't even know this tranquilizer reverted his memory.
Ivy: It doesn't.
Jagger: What! Then why did you-
Ivy: I told him we would attack U.A., increasing the chances of their defense bolstering. Keep in mind they aren’t our target.
Jagger: I know that! But the plan hinges on the festival happening. What if this causes them to cancel it outright!
Ivy: Canceling an event designed to make people less afraid because of fear, isn't exactly productive.
Jagger doesn't have a response.
Ivy: Now, how about you draw his blood like you're supposed to so we can move on to the next target?
Jagger looks pissed but does as he's told, using the syringe to fill a vial with Silver's blood. He then opens the briefcase and places the vial in one of two specially made holders.
Jagger: It's done. Now, let's get out of here.
Ivy: Don't go barking around orders, Jagger; you're not a mission leader anymore.
Jagger: What are you talking about! I haven't been demoted!
Ivy: Then why haven't you led a mission since your failed attempt to kill Hayze?
Jagger is taken aback.
Ivy: That's what I thought. *into earpiece* Zaire, we're ready to go.
A warp gate opens.
Ivy: Now, let's get out of here.
Ivy steps through the gate.
Jagger: *under his breath* Someday, you'll meet your match and realize that you're just as expendable to Master as the rest of us.
Jagger also steps through the warp gate, leaving Silver lying in the sand by himself.
Silver: *groans*
Hayze stands up and looks at Vargas on the monitor.
Hayze: So you have a fire quirk too…
Vargas: Yes, and I've trained for decades to master it. You should be grateful that I'm giving you my time.
Hayze: I am, sir, but what exactly will you be teaching me?
Vargas: Rodgers gave me all of your records and a personal recount of where you are in your training. You've come a long way, but you're still leaning too heavily on your strategic capabilities and dexterity.
Hayze: What?
Vargas: You fight like someone who knows they lack experience using their quirk. I know you've only had it for a year, but you should be past this point by now.
Hayze: I don't like relying on my quirk to win… I don't want it to define who I am.
Vargas: The fuck you don't?
Hayze is caught off guard by this response.
Vargas: Our quirks are an extension of our being. They're like an arm or a leg; we don't think about how we have them; we just do. From the sounds of it, you fight like your quirk is something separate from you as if it is something you wield rather than control.
Hayze: (There's that word… control.)
Hayze clenches his fist.
Vargas: I get it that you're relatively new to this quirk, but it's time that you changed your perspective. We want our quirks to define us, to shape us, but we don't want to become overly reliant on them, the same way we wouldn't want to rely on our muscles when we have an excellent brain inside our heads.
Hayze: I think I get what you're saying.
Hayze thinks about how Kevin, Aaron, Justus, and Silver fight.
Hayze: (Silver used to rely on his quirk too much. It's what opened the door for me in our fight… but ever since then, he's changed. I need to listen to what Vargas has to say. I need to learn.)
Vargas: So far, you've learned a bunch of miscellaneous attacks for each of your elements, am I correct?
Hayze: Yes, sir.
Vargas: Well, that's a good foundation. It also seems you've grown out of your "time limit," which helps make my job easier.
Hayze: Right.
Vargas: Alright, activate your fire quirk and hold palms out in front of you.
Hayze's eyes change to red, and he does as he's told.
Vargas: Everyone has to have a fighting style. Yours doesn't take full advantage of your quirk's power. Tactics are important, but they have their limitations. And I know what you're thinking. Power does too, but it can increase while tactics may eventually run out. It's time for your style to evolve, Hayze, and it starts with your fire quirk. You've mastered shaping and maintaining a fire, so it's time to take it to the next level: Making that shape mean something.
Vargas creates a fireball in the shape of a flower in his hand.
Vargas: The Power of Amaryllis.
Justus arrives at U.A. wearing the pendant Colossus got him, but he has it tucked under his shirt.
Kevin: *from afar* Hey Justus!
Justus sees Kevin walking towards U.A.'s entrance with a briefcase in his hand.
Justus: Oh, hey, Kevin.
Kevin: What brings you to U.A. today?
Justus: I have the new gear I need to pick up.
Kevin: Oh, that's cool.
Kevin holds up his briefcase.
Kevin: I'm here to get my costume repaired. I took it out so Gundam could take another look at it, and it got a little damaged.
Justus: What happened to it?
Kevin: Uh…
“ Kevin is ironing his costume.
Kevin: Not sure if they said to do this or not, but I guess I'll find out.
Kevin's phone starts ringing. He walks over and answers it leaving the iron burning his costume.
Kevin: Hello? Well, I don’t own a car, but I guess car insurance could be useful if I get one eventually.
Kevin smells fabric burning.
Kevin: Oh shit… “
Kevin: I was doing some intense training and got carried away.
Justus: You were training in your costume?
Kevin stares at Justus.
Kevin: Yes.
Justus: Huh. Okay, I guess we're going to the same place.
Kevin and Justus both head inside U.A. However, Marsh is watching them closely with his sniper from a nearby rooftop.
Marsh: Looks like he's with the adrenaline junkie.
Jagger: Seriously?
Ivy: It doesn't matter. They both lost to Adonis; I can take them even if they work together.
Jagger shudders.
Ivy: What's wrong with you?
Jagger: I try not to think about Adonis much.
Marsh: I forgot you were there when he croaked.
Jagger flashes back to Khaos slicing Adonis' arm clean off.
Jagger: Yeah… it's not a day I like to remember.
Ivy: He died. Get over it.
Jagger: I'll have you know Ivy, I'm far more afraid of the man who killed Adonis than you.
Ivy looks Jagger dead in the eye.
Ivy: You're afraid of me?
Jagger: Don't even kid with me; there's a reason why we all hate you. Everyone hates what they're afraid of.
Ivy continues staring at Jagger.
Jagger: I guess that's why Master lets you be a part of us. He's not afraid of you.
Ivy: Good, because Master is all I need; the rest of you are nothing to me.
Jagger: What about that freak, Hayze?
Ivy: What about him?
Jagger: You see how you are right now? This is all I've ever known you as, but you were different that night in the forest. He said something to you that made you freeze up. He made your heart of ice melt a little bit. I've always wondered what it was.
Ivy looks out at U.A.
Ivy: He was playing mind games. I had a lapse in judgment and fell into his trap. It'll never happen again, especially after our last encounter.
Jagger: Mind games, huh?
Ivy: Yes.
Jagger: Really? Because during my mission to retrieve the Theta Ring, his words made me think something else happened between you.
Ivy looks surprised beneath her mask.
Ivy: What did he say about me?
Jagger: Well, aren't you eager.
" Khaos kicks Jagger in the nuts.
Jagger: *high-pitched* AHHHHHH!
Khaos: That’s for yelling at Ivy.
Jagger: *high-pitched* W- what?
Hayze’s eyes return to normal as he passes out. " - Chapter 48
Marsh: Sounds to me like Ivy got a boyfriend.
Jagger laughs.
Jagger: I know r-
Ivy unsheathes her sword and holds it up to Jagger's neck.
Ivy: Don't lie to me.
Jagger: I'm not! Why would I lie about getting kicked in the nuts! I only left that detail in so you’d believe me!
Ivy draws back her sword.
Marsh: I’m feeling the love in the air.
Jagger: Shut up, Marsh.
Ivy is in deep thought.
" Hayze: Your Master… does he care about you? " - Chapter 36
Kevin and Justus enter Tara's workshop.
Justus: Uh… hello?
Kevin: Crazy chick, you here?
Tara pops out from behind a table, covered head to toe in soot.
Tara: Oh, you must be from 1-A!
Justus: We’ve met before.
Kevin: Also, it's 2-A now.
Tara: That's fantastic mine are two C's!
Kevin and Justus stare at Tara.
Kevin: You just leave it all out there, huh?
Justus: I had the order for the-
Tara: Extra Extra Small Condoms?
Justus: Your jokes don't assume me.
Tara: That wasn't a joke, it's an under-the-table order from a student in your class, but they never gave me their name.
Alden walks through the door, sees Justus and Kevin, and leaves instantly.
Justus: No, I'm the guy who asked for the rocket boots.
Tara: Oh, okay!
Tara grabs the boots and places them on the table.
Tara: These are the Jet boots! They have thrusters implanted in the heels and arch of the feet, activated by buttons inside the shoes. Pressing down with your left big toe triggers the forward thrusters, and the right triggers the bottom thrusters. They're also made out of iron, so… yeah, you can pop some testes.
Justus: I'm… *sighs* Thank you.
Kevin: Those are pretty cool.
Tara: What are you here for?
Kevin: Costume repair.
Kevin places his briefcase on the table. Tara opens it up and inspects his costume.
Tara: Ah, burnt it with an iron.
Kevin: What? No…
Tara: It's okay. I once burnt myself using one of those! Wanna see the scar?
Kevin: Is it located anywhere on your body covered by underwear?
Tara: What if I'm not-
Justus and Kevin: No.
Tara: You guys are no fun!
Tara closes the briefcase and places it on a separate counter.
Tara: Well, if that's all, good luck! I've got work to do!
Justus: Wait, I don't have to give you anything? I heard that others had to pay you.
Tara: No, you don't have to give me stuff, I know you're a top student in your class, so my work will get plenty of exposure to support agencies! You'll pay me in clout.
Justus: What did the others pay you with?
The screams of Alden, Demetri, Isaiah, and Wes flash through Tara's head.
Tara: Dignity.
Kevin: That's ominous.
Justus: Well… we'll be seeing you.
Justus takes the boots, and they leave. Tara turns around and goes back to work on a gadget similar in design to Hayze's gauntlet.
Kevin: So, have you heard from Hayze about the Showcase?
Justus: No, I haven't. I think he's being patient with his selections.
Kevin: I don't even know who the Top Student is, should I?
Justus: He was only recently crowned due to the previous Top Student graduating. The school actually announced today who the participants of the match would be.
Kevin: Oh really? So what's their name?
Justus: Aster Maddox.
Kevin: Maddox? Why does that sound familiar?
Justus: That's Blair's last name, but it's unoften that siblings are only a year apart. I have to imagine there is no relation.
Justus and Kevin exit U.A. and walk out the front entrance.
Justus: Well, it was nice seeing you, Kevin.
Kevin: Yeah, you too. Where are you heading now that you have those?
Justus: I'm off to train. Some nearby mountains are suitable for high-altitude exercise.
Kevin: Huh… I usually just go to the gym.
Justus: That works too.
A hooded man is walking down the street, moving in their direction.
Kevin: Good luck with that man. See you at the Showcase.
Justus: Will do-
The man grabs one of Justus' boots and starts running.
Justus: Hey! Get back here!
Justus starts chasing after him.
Kevin: Justus! Wait up!
Kevin starts chasing after both of them.
Kevin: I’ll help you get this hoodlum!
Justus: No, I can handle this myself.
The robber takes a sharp turn and runs into the forest.
Kevin: This seems fishy.
Justus: It doesn’t matter; I just got that. I owe it to Tara not to lose it.
Kevin: You know that chick is crazy, right?
Justus: … Well, I should still try my hardest.
Justus and Kevin run into the forest, chasing after the robber. They follow him for a while before eventually losing track of him.
Kevin: Damn, he's fast!
Justus: I wouldn't say fast… he's just elusive.
Kevin: Same thing.
Justus: No, it's not.
Kevin: Says you…
Ivy: *from afar* Well, if it isn't Colossus Jr.
Kevin and Justus turn around to see Ivy with her sword drawn.
Justus: It's you!
Kevin: Told you this was fishy.
Ivy throws Justus his boot.
Ivy: There's that hunk of junk back.
Justus: What do you want?
Kevin: Yeah, you should know better than to show your face around here! We’ve got plenty of friends you hurt a while ago, and we're more than happy to pay you back.
Ivy: I'm here to feel the waters on whether you’d join us.
Kevin laughs.
Kevin: You really think we'd ever consider joining your evil empire?
Ivy: Evil? You shouldn't be so quick to make assumptions.
Kevin: What are you on about?
Justus: *whispering* Kevin, she’s clearly lying about her intentions, keep your guard up.
Marsh is prone next to a tree scoping in on Kevin's head with his sniper.
Marsh: *into earpiece* The shot is blocked. Separate them.
Ivy points her palm at Justus and Kevin, and they both raise their guards.
Ivy: Pull.
Kevin and Justus instantly leap to their sides, avoiding Ivy's pull force.
Kevin: (30%!)
Kevin powers up.
Justus: Kevin! Don't attack. That's what she wants!
Marsh scopes in on Justus' forehead. He lifts up his mask revealing his right eye.
Marsh: Locking target.
Marsh's quirk activates in his eye, changing his pupil to red.
Marsh: Target locked.
Ivy: *earpiece* Hold your fire; I'll take out the other one first.
Marsh: *into earpiece* Why? We don't need him.
Ivy: *earpiece* We can't have him intercept the shot accidentally. With him down, it will make things much more manageable.
Marsh: *into earpiece* Ugh, fine, but you've only got two minutes.
Ivy: *earpiece* That's fine, I only need one.
Ivy points her sword at Kevin.
Ivy: You've activated your quirk. Does that mean you want to fight me?
Justus: Kevin, be careful; she's as strong as a pro.
Kevin: Yeah, well, what choice do we have? She dragged us out here for a reason. She's not just going to let us run off!
Justus: (He's right, and nobody knows we're out here. Our only choice might be to fight… even if it's futile.)
Ivy: Well? I'm waiting.
Kevin powers up further.
Kevin: I've been waiting for a chance to get back at you for what you did to Mr. EMD and our friends! This is my chance to take you down! 75%!
Kevin lets out a blood-curdling scream.
Justus: (Kevin isn't messing around. He's skipping straight to the fireworks!)
Ivy sheathes her sword and points her palm at Kevin.
Kevin: DIE!
Kevin charges at Ivy.
Ivy: Pathetic…
Ivy places her hand's side by side with each other.
Ivy: Absolute push.
Kevin is stopped dead in his tracks as an intense force of gravity pushes him back and sends him flying through multiple trees. Kevin skids against the ground before coming to a stop and immediately powering down.
Kevin: *groans*
Justus looks worried.
Justus: (She just took Kevin down with one attack!)
Ivy: *into earpiece* Take the shot.
Justus: Wh-
Marsh fires his sniper. The tranquilizer dart zooms towards Justus; however, it simply bounces off him instead of injecting into his forehead.
Marsh: What?
Ivy is shocked beneath her mask.
Ivy: (Those needles were designed to be able to pierce his skin despite his quirk! How did it not work!)
Justus picks up the dart off the ground.
Justus: So, this was all a plan to capture me?
Ivy: Not precisely.
Justus: Why me and not Kevin?
Ivy: I don't know. I'm just following orders.
Justus: So that's all you are, an errand girl?
Ivy: He always has a master plan, and I trust him despite not having all of the details.
Justus: Then you're just a fool.
Ivy: And you're quick to judge.
Justus smashes the syringe.
Justus: (If they're here to capture me, I have no choice but to fight my way out of here.)
Justus looks back at Kevin, who is still on the ground.
Justus: (Not that I have much of a chan-)
Justus turns back to Ivy to see her pointing her hand at him.
Ivy: Push.
Justus braces himself. However, the gravitational push doesn't budge him at all.
Justus and Ivy: (What!)
Marsh watches through the scope of his sniper.
Marsh: *into earpiece* We might have a problem here.
Jagger: *earpiece* Alright, I'm moving in.
Justus flashes back to Ivy sending Fatal flying with her power back during the forest attack.
Justus: (That same attack was strong enough to defeat Ms. Fatal, how was I able to endure it?)
Beneath Justus' shirt, the red pendant glows.
Ivy: Push!
Once again, Ivy's attack has no effect on Justus.
Ivy: (What's going on! Back in the forest, he could barely handle Adonis, now he's standing up to my gravitational push like it's nothing!)
Justus: (I have no idea what's happening, but I can't waste this opportunity.)
Justus charges at Ivy and attempts to punch her. In response, Ivy launches herself in the air causing Justus to smash the ground, creating a massive crater.
Justus: (Even my impacts are more vital!)
Ivy places both her hand's side by side with each other and aims at Justus.
Ivy: Absolute Push!
Ivy's attack pushes the crater further into the ground but hardly affects Justus, causing him to bend his knees slightly.
Ivy: (What the hell is going on!)
Justus sees Ivy descending through the air.
Justus: (She's defenseless! Now is my chance!)
Justus leaps towards Ivy. He gets a look of realization on his face.
Justus: (That jump… it's greater than average… it's just like…)
A flash of Colossus jumping from rooftop to rooftop goes through Justus' head.
Justus: (Him…)
Ivy has a look of fear under her mask.
Ivy: (He's stronger than me…)
A single tear falls from Ivy's eye.
Ivy: (Master… I've failed you...)
Justus hits Ivy with a barrage of punches.
Justus: Ultimate Attack: Colossal Justice!
Ivy slams to the ground, unconscious.
Marsh: *Into earpiece* Zaire! We need an extraction right now! Ivy is down; I repeat, Ivy is down!
Jagger: *earpiece* Calm down! I've got this!
Justus looks down at his hands, surprised at his own strength.
Justus: (What happened to me? Why am I suddenly this powerful?)
Suddenly multiple gas canisters roll out of the bushes and detonate, filling the air around Justus in purple poisonous gas.
Justus: (What the hell! Where did this… come from…)
Justus keels over due to the poison. Jagger emerges from the bushes.
Jagger: That was close.
Jagger looks at Ivy's unconscious body.
Jagger: (I guess that day is today, bitch.)
Marsh comes running.
Marsh: What the hell was that!
Jagger: It looks as though the students of U.A. are stronger than we thought.
Marsh: You think so? Ivy is stronger than anyone in the movement. If we can't take down this fool, then how the hell can we-
Jagger and Marsh's Iota marks suddenly begin glowing, and they both pass out. A warp gate opens, and Zaire and Iota step out.
Iota: Zaire, clean up this mess. I'll extract the DNA.
Zaire: Yessir.
Zaire picks up Marsh and Jagger and begins carrying them.
Zaire: If you don't mind me asking, what did you do to them?
Iota: I purged their memories of the last 20 minutes. We can't have them knowing that Ivy lost. It could cause chaos amongst our ranks.
Zaire: I see; Ivy's presence may not be welcomed. But if they knew that she could be defeated so quickly, they might lose faith in the movement's ability to accomplish its mission.
Iota: Precisely, now go.
Zaire walks through the warp gate. Iota walks past Justus' unconscious body.
Iota: (His bloodstream has poison running all throughout it, he’s useless to me.)
Iota walks towards Kevin.
Iota: (Luckily, they were able to get another specimen for me to work with.)
Iota pulls out a syringe and fills a vial with Kevin's blood. He stuffs the vial in his coat pocket and walks over to Ivy.
Iota: (My greatest weapon… defeated… but how?)
Iota looks at Justus.
Iota: (I've investigated that one and taken extensive notes on how his quirk works… No time to dwell, this plan didn't go perfectly, but the objective was met.)
Iota picks up Ivy and walks towards the warp gate with her.
Iota: (I guess I might need another apprentice.)
Iota steps through the warp gate, and it closes behind him.