Ewing is seated at his desk as the Chief of police and two other officers stand before him. In addition, Walker, Fatal, Houston, and Boom are in the room.
Police Chief: We understand why you want the Festival to go on as planned, but we’re asking you to cancel it immediately. Three more of your students were attacked yesterday by “Iota,” One wasn’t even in this state.
Officer 1: One of the attackers stated they plan to attack the Festival this weekend.
Police Chief: We have all the evidence necessary to believe that there will be dire consequences if the festival continues. Please, heed our advice and don’t put people’s lives in danger over something as minuscule as a school pride parade.
Ewing thinks for a moment.
Ewing: No.
The officers are shocked, and all of the teachers smile.
Police Chief: Please reconsider. This isn’t a joke.
Ewing: I know it’s not. I’ve been around the block longer than anyone in this room. I know that a villain’s threat should never be ignored, but this school is a beacon of hope. Over the last year, many events have shaken the public’s confidence in this establishment, and we have to do everything we can to fix that. What kind of message do you think will be sent if we cancel the Festival over the fear of an attack? Once you start living in fear, that’s when the villains win. I refuse to let this school send the message that we’re afraid. The Showcase Festival was designed to fight against that principle, and I’ll be damned if we let it accomplish the opposite. I’ve made calls to many heroes, and the security at this school this weekend will be bar none. Vulcan, Impact, Evergreen, Black Hollow, and Exciton will be in attendance alongside other S-Rank and A-Rank heroes. The police detail will also be extensive, I hope?
The Chief pinches the bridge of his nose.
Police Chief: I see your point, but I am heavily against this decision.
Ewing: That’s fine.
Police Chief: *sighs* We’ll be there, but just know that if I deem it too dangerous to continue the Festival, I will evacuate this school faster than-
Ewing: I know, I know, everything will be fine, trust me.
The Chief stares at Ewing for a few seconds.
Police Chief: Alright, we’ll be on our way.
The police leave the room.
Houston: I don’t disagree with you, sir, but are you sure about this?
Ewing: Yes, we can’t continue to let Ivan walk all over us. We need to take a stand, and we need to do it now. The police are covering up the events from yesterday to protect U.A. We need to show everyone that this school is still as strong as it has ever been, and the Showcase will do just that. I trust the staff, the police, and the heroes in attendance to help ensure everything goes well. Ivan has been attacking this school, trying to reveal our weakness. Well, we won’t cave; we will stand up to him.
Inside a log cabin deep in snowy tundra, Vargas looks through a television screen as Hayze is passed out on top of the pillar.
Vargas: (Worked himself to pure exhaustion. He’s diligent, that’s for sure. He’s not near mastery level, but he can use these new moves in battle.)
The screen changes to Ewing.
Vargas: Ah, Ross, long time no see. How have you been?
Ewing: I’ve been well, and I’m glad to hear from Adrian that you are too.
Vargas: *nasal grunt* Yes, I’ve been doing my usual Guardian routine. It’s boring here in isolation, but you’ve made my life a little more interesting as of late.
Ewing: Yes, I’m sorry for sending Adrian instead of going myself, but I have to be here in Nashville to help organize the upcoming Festival.
Vargas: I know, old man, the job comes first. I’m the same way.
Ewing: Yes, I’m aware. Adrian told me you weren’t willing to come around.
Vargas: No… I wasn’t.
A flashback begins. Adrian and Vargas are sitting across from each other at Vargas’ table inside his cabin.
Vargas: For the last time, NO! I have been guarding this ring since you were in diapers. I will not relinquish a single piece of it to you!
Adrian: I understand, sir, but this is important.
Vargas: Keeping this ring out of the wrong hands is important! Helping a teenager control his quirk is not.
Adrian: Vargas, that’s not what this is about. His quirk has a mind… minds of its own! I’ve seen what it’s capable of. I’ve seen the carnage that comes when he loses control… please he’s a good kid. Help him.
Vargas stares at Adrian.
Vargas: Get out.
Adrian: No! I’ve already failed him once! I owe it to him to not back down now!
This catches Vargas’ attention.
Vargas: What do you mean by that?
Adrian: I… forget it, please just have a heart.
Vargas: Tell me how you failed him, now.
Adrian hesitates.
Adrian: He’s my student, my first student that I’ve had. I trained him, taught him a plethora of new moves, and helped him better grasp his newfound abilities.
Adrian pauses.
Adrian: During that training, a trio of villains attacked my home in an attempt to obtain the Theta Ring. I was slaughtering them; they didn’t stand a chance… but then… one of them got him. They threatened to kill him if I didn’t surrender and hand them the ring. There was no way I could get to him before he was dead, so the situation became clear. I had a choice: Hayze or the ring.
Vargas has a stern expression on his face.
Vargas: You broke your duty.
Adrian: If you had asked me what I would have done even a week prior, I’d have laughed.
Vargas: So what changed your mind?
Adrian: I could lie to you and say I don’t know, but I do. When we were training, Hayze never gave up. I handed him tasks that I had no expectation of him completing or even getting decent progress on. But he kept going; he kept fighting through the rainy and cold nights because he wanted nothing more than to be a hero. And I know that every kid has that dream, but… he’s different. Hayze didn’t have a chance growing up, he got dealt a terrible hand, and the odds that he could ever become a hero were slim to none. But, he knows what it feels like to be drawing dead, and he never wants to experience that again, so he fights, never stops, and always looks for an answer. It was inspiring to be his teacher for that short time; he made me proud so often. He’s a kid who wants to save every person who ever needs saving, and yeah, that’s an impossible dream, but it’s one that I want to see him achieve.
Vargas’ facial expression hasn’t changed a bit.
Adrian: We may be Guardians, but we’re still heroes, and I wouldn’t let Hayze or his dream die on my watch.
Vargas: And potentially, millions of lives are worth that to you?
Adrian: I’m not saying it was the right choice. I’m saying it was my choice.
Vargas stares at Adrian.
Adrian: Anyway, despite everything this kid has had to go through in his life: his parents’ deaths, having a pathetic quirk, and being told by everyone that he had no chance. He finally got his chance… and now he has to deal with that chance turning against him.
Vargas: Elaborate further.
Adrian: He can control elements, but each one has a mind of its own, and they can take control of his body if he’s not careful. One of them, Khaos, he’s a monster hellbent on killing and watching the world burn beneath his feet. He savagely slaughtered a villain before my eyes. The event has had a very negative impact on Hayze’s perception of himself, I can tell he’s afraid, and it’s my fault that he is. That’s how I failed him; back when this first started, I took on the responsibility of helping him so that they wouldn’t interfere any further… and I did a god-awful job. He’s at the point where his quirk is activating on its own, and I’m afraid that if he tries to fight again, Khaos will take control, and people WILL die. It’s my fault he’s this far along. It’s my fault that he needs your help, and that’s why I’m here.
Vargas thinks for a moment.
Vargas: So let me get this straight, you made a mistake, and you’re asking me to help you fix it, correct?
Adrian: Yes, sir.
Vargas: Why should I do that?
Adrian: Because Hayze deserves to have a chance to fulfill his dream, he can’t without your help.
Vargas: How will I know he won’t waste it?
Adrian thinks for a moment.
Adrian: Want to make a deal?
The flashback ends.
Vargas: After working with him these last few days, I’ll say that I understand every word Adrian said.
Ewing: So, does Hayze get to keep the fragment?
Vargas: For now.
Ewing laughs.
Ewing: You never were one to admit when you were wrong.
Vargas: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Ewing: No, you cannot.
Vargas smiles.
Vargas: I assume that because you entrusted Adrian with my location and identity, you’ve initiated the “Fail-Safe” protocol?
Ewing: Yes, with Ivan attempting to collect the rings… I can’t be the only person knowing their location if I were to be captured…
Vargas: It would be catastrophic…
Ewing: Yes, so Adrian is now the fail-safe. If I am captured by Ivan, I will kill myself to maintain the protection of the rings, and Adrian will take my place as principal of this school.
Vargas: Have you told the rest of your staff he will be your successor?
Ewing: There is no reason for me to do so right now, but I imagine it will not go well.
Vargas: Well, good luck with that old chum. I need to wrap up this training for now.
Ewing: Yes, setting up for the Showcase begins in a few hours; we can’t get anyone suspicious. Stay safe, Vargas.
Vargas nods as the screen switches back to Hayze.
Vargas: Wake up!
Hayze springs upright.
Hayze: I’m awake, I’m awake…
Vargas: You are now.
The simulation ends, and the facility reverts to normal.
Hayze: Wh- what’s going on?
Vargas: I’m afraid that that’s all the time we have for now.
Hayze: What? But I’ve only barely gotten the hang of what you taught me. I need more practice under your guidance!
Vargas: I agree, but U.A. is about to be very popular with the setup for the Festival beginning soon. We can’t risk anyone seeing what’s happening here, so we have to stop now.
Hayze looks distraught.
Vargas: I understand your frustration, but you have a match in a few days, focus on that.
Hayze: Right.
Vargas: Choose your teammates wisely, I know you’ve been told you will lose, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aspire to win. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing what happens.
The screen turns off.
Hayze: Thank you, Vargas.
Adrian walks out into the facility and walks over to Hayze.
Adrian: Good work; I didn’t expect it to go so well.
Hayze: Thanks? I think. Were you watching the whole time?
Adrian: I told you I wouldn’t be far.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze: Well, I guess I have to head home and research my opponent.
Adrian: Yeah, I’ve only met Aster once, but from what I’ve heard, he’s got “Top 10 Hero” written in his future.
Hayze: Wait… what did you say?
Adrian: Uh… he’s powerful? I thought that was implied from what I-
Hayze: No, his name.
Adrian: Oh, Aster, Aster Maddox, why? Do you know him?
Hayze: Yeah… I met him recently…
Adrian: Hm, well, he’s not going to go easy.
Hayze: Yeah…
Adrian: I’ll be busy the next few days, so if I don’t see you before Sunday’s match, I want you to know that even though you’re facing an uphill battle, you should give it your all, and good luck.
Hayze: Thanks, I will.
Adrian: Oh, and two more things.
Adrian reaches into his pocket and pulls out Hayze’s phone and a note.
Adrian: Here is your phone back.
Hayze: Thanks. I almost forgot you took this so I wouldn’t get distracted during training.
Adrian: Vargas is a geezer, so he would have killed you if it rang once.
Hayze notices the note.
Hayze: What’s this?
Adrian: It’s a list of instructions for a “new” move. I couldn’t let Vargas be the only voice in your ear before this match.
Hayze: Why did you say “new” like that?
Adrian: Well, you’ve seen it before, just a long time ago.
Hayze realizes what Adrian is talking about.
Hayze: The one you used against Adonis.
Adrian: Bingo.
Hayze: I won’t have a lot of time to learn it.
Adrian: You don’t need that much time. I have faith in you.
Hayze: Right, thanks
Adrian: Cya, kid.
Hayze: Bye.
Adrian walks off. Hayze puts the note in his pocket and turns on his phone.
Hayze: (What’s this?)
Hayze sees a missed call from Aaron, who left a voicemail.
Aaron: “Hey Hayze, I wanted to tell you this in person, but nobody knows where you are right now. I’m leaving for Colorado tomorrow. Big Tank has an associate out there that I’m going to train with, it’s pretty sudden, but Big Tank says the guy is impatient, and this will be my only chance. So, I can’t fight alongside you in the Showcase. Sorry, I was looking forward to it, but I need to get stronger, and I can’t pass up this opportunity. Good luck this weekend, and beat Wes up for me.”
Hayze: Well, I guess that leaves only 8 options.
Hayze’s phone starts ringing. It’s Justus.
Hayze: Huh?
Hayze picks up the call.
Hayze: Hello?
Justus: Hey, Hayze.
Hayze: Hey, Justus… Wh- why are you calling me? This is a first.
Justus: That girl from the forest attacked Kevin and me.
Hayze: What! (Why the hell would Iota be targeting Justus and Kevin?)
Justus: Yeah, but here’s the crazy thing… I beat her.
Hayze is shocked.
Hayze: Are you serious! How?
Justus: I don’t know. She beat Kevin with one attack, so she couldn’t have gotten any weaker. But, all of a sudden, I was stronger. I have no idea why.
Hayze: Jesus, is Kevin okay?
Justus: Yeah, he got fixed up by the doctors and left a couple of hours ago.
Hayze: Wait, you’re in the hospital? I thought you said you beat Ivy?
Justus: I did, but her teammates used poisonous gas against me to escape. Which is why I had to call you…
Hayze: Huh?
Justus: He used a lot of poison to bring me down quickly, so my body needs time to recover. The doctor says I can go home tomorrow, but he’s advised me to take it easy for at least a few days. So, I’m not going to be at 100% in time for the Showcase, and if that’s the case, I don’t want you to select me for your team. I’m sorry.
Hayze: No, it’s alright. Your health is more important than the match, I understand.
Justus: Thank you, I have to go now. Good luck with the match.
Hayze: Thanks, Justus. Cya.
Justus hangs up.
Hayze: Make that seven-
Hayze’s phone starts ringing. It’s Silver. Hayze picks up the call.
Hayze: Hey… Silver.
Silver: Hey Hayze, just calling to tell you not to pick me up for the Showcase.
Hayze: *sighs* Six…
Silver: Huh? Six what?
Hayze: Nothing… Why? I thought you would be all over this opportunity?
Silver: I know, and I should be, but I’ve decided to take a different direction with my goals.
Hayze: What? What do you mean?
Silver: After you beat me in the Sports Festival, my perspective on many things changed for the better. I stopped treating my classmates like detours on my journey and started looking at them as equals, but I never lost sight of my rivalry with Justus. I wanted to beat Justus so bad; it meant a lot to me, and then I did it. I felt powerful at that moment, but I also felt empty. Defeating Justus was my goal, and now I’ve accomplished it, so I asked myself: “What’s next?”. But then I realized it should really be “Who’s next?” I’m climbing a ladder, and Colossus is the top rung; I’ve stepped past Justus, and now I’m on to my next target, and you see Hayze, that’s you.
Hayze: Me? Why? I know I defeated you back then, but you and I know that you partially threw the match.
Silver: But you still beat me, and it’s time for me to rectify that failure. My training is now focused on the goal of surpassing you, so it feels wrong for me to fight alongside you.
Hayze: I get what you’re saying, but why the sudden change of heart?
Silver: Yesterday, I ran into Ivy, the girl from the forest.
Hayze: (Silver too? What the hell is Iota doing?)
Silver: I was paralyzed; I didn’t even try to fight because I knew I would lose. That’s when I realized I still needed to keep climbing.
Hayze: I see… Do you have any idea what she wanted with you?
Silver: No, she yammered about some stuff, and then I blacked out.
Hayze: Interesting…
Silver: Yeah, I don’t know what they did after I fell unconscious, but I’ll be ready the next time they show their ugly mugs around me.
Hayze: That’s good.
Silver: Alright, I’ll see you at the Showcase. Good luck.
Hayze: Thanks, Silver, cya.
Silver hangs up.
Hayze: Great, I barely have anyone left to pick-
Hayze’s phone starts ringing. It’s Kevin.
Hayze: *sighs*
Hayze picks up the call.
Hayze: Please don’t tell me you can’t be in the Showcase...
Kevin: What? No! I want to kick that guy’s ass!
Hayze: Oh, well then… Why are you calling me?
Kevin: We’re throwing a party at Alden’s house! Nobody has been able to reach you these last couple of days. I wanted to make sure you knew.
Hayze: Wait… wouldn’t Alden have to be throwing a party at his house? What do you mean by “we”?
Kevin is silent for a few moments.
Kevin: Yeah, so we’re throwing a party at Alden’s house. Almost everyone from class is here. You coming?
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Hayze hesitates for a moment.
“ Calm: (Healthier bonds will lead you to a healthier mental state, and in a battle for control of your mind, you will need that.) ” - Chapter 74
Hayze: Yeah… I am.
At Alden’s house, everyone is in attendance except Aaron, Justus, Silver, and Hayze. Alden is frantically running around.
Alden: Guys! Please leave! My parents will kill me if they come home from their vacation and see I threw a party!
Kevin: And there’s your solution! You didn’t throw the party! We did!
Alden: THAT DOESN’T FIX ANYTHING!
Eve, Karma, and Lilith are all standing together.
Lilith: Sometimes I feel bad for him.
Eve: And then you remember he’s a piece of shit with arms and legs?
Lilith: I would be a bit more kind about it, but yeah, that sums it up.
Alexis walks over to the three girls.
Karma: Hey Alexis, how have you been doing?
Eve: Yeah, the last time we saw you, you went home early because you felt ill.
Alexis: Oh right… I’ve been well, just uh… do you guys know if Aaron is coming?
Eve and Karma look at each other.
Eve: No, clue. We haven’t heard from him since the Finals.
Karma: I’m sure Wes would know, although I’m surprised you don’t.
Alexis looks away.
Lilith: Did something happen between you two?
Alexis: Kind of…
Eve: What did he do! I’ll kick his ass!
Alexis: It was more of my fault than anything. I uh… I’m going to go find Wes.
Alexis walks off.
Karma: She seems…
Lilith: Different.
Eve: Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look that nervous.
Lilith: I wonder what happened?
Karma: Well, it’s none of our business. If she wants to tell us, she’ll let us know.
Hayze walks into the house.
Hayze: (Well, let’s see how this goes.)
Saige runs over to Hayze and hugs him.
Saige: HAYZEY!
Hayze: What did I say about calling me that!
Saige: Never do it!
Hayze: Well, at least you heard me...
Saige: Yup! I’m not a good listener!
Hayze: *sighs* I’m surprised you’re here… I would have thought you’d find a way out of this.
Saige: Well, I had a recent skirmish and decided that maybe I need to be more social.
Hayze: You fought somebody?
Saige: Yeah, don’t worry, it was a quicky, but it did give me a chance to reflect on some things. I think it’s time I put more effort into my other friendships, but don’t worry, I’ll still have time for you.
Hayze: Great…
Saige: I love how you pretend you don’t like me.
Saige walks off.
Hayze: (I’m glad to see that Saige is coming out of her shell.)
Hayze looks at his classmates.
Hayze: (And I guess I should too.)
Demetri and Isaiah are plotting together.
Demetri: Alright, you do this, and I’ll do this.
Isaiah: You sure? That seems kind of risky.
Angel leans into their conversation.
Angel: I thought Kevin said you guys promised not to do perverted stuff anymore.
Isaiah: We’re not!
Demetri: Yeah, we’re devising a plan to ask one of the girls out on a date for the Showcase!
Angel: Oh… that’s nice. But… one question.
Isaiah and Demetri: Yes?
Angel: Which girl are you going to ask? You guys have burned a lot of bridges with these seven girls.
Isaiah and Demetri look at each other.
Isaiah: Lilith?
Demetri: No, she’s too sweet. We can’t put her on the spot like that. Alexis?
Isaiah: No, Aaron would kill us. Ash?
Demetri: Have you seen what she did to Alden in the Finals? No way… Eve?
Isaiah: I like my penis where it is, thank you.
Demetri: Saige is a sociopath… so that leaves one choice.
Isaiah and Demetri: Karma!
Isaiah and Demetri high five.
Angel: Well, good luck with that, guys.
Isaiah: Wait, who would you pick, Angel?
Demetri: Yeah, you’re a guy. We’ll accept your input.
Angel: Oh, I don’t like women.
Angel walks off.
Isaiah: Oh, okay.
Demetri: That’s cool.
Alexis finds Wes standing by himself.
Alexis: Uh… Wes?
Wes shakes his head frantically.
Wes: I WASN’T SLEEPING!
Alexis: I… I wasn’t accusing you of sleeping.
Wes: Oh…
Alexis: Why are you by yourself?
Wes: Well, I usually stick by Aaron, but he’s off in Colorado training for who knows how long. I gotta get used to not having him as a social crutch.
Alexis: Oh, so… that’s where Aaron is?
Wes: Yeah… wait… he didn’t tell you?
Alexis: I kind of… I ghosted him for a week, and now he’s ghosting me.
Wes: Ohhhh, I see.
Alexis: What? What do you see?
Wes: Look, Aaron doesn’t share the details of his love life with me, but I know the dude well enough to know his tastes in women. He doesn’t like high-maintenance girls. He wants a girl he can chill with and have a conversation with. When it comes to relationships, Aaron doesn’t play games. He likes to be straight to the point and upfront about things. Ghosting is a game, and Aaron doesn’t want to play.
Alexis: So, why isn’t he responding to me then?
Wes: If I had to guess… he’s busy.
Alexis: So… what should I do?
Wes: Hell if I know. You’re not going to be able to talk to him until he gets back from training, and like I said, I have no clue when that is.
Alexis looks concerned.
Wes: Anyway, I’m gonna go see if Isaiah and Demetri have gotten their asses kicked yet. Cya.
Wes walks off.
Alexis: (Aaron’s moved on… maybe I should as well.)
Gus walks out of the bathroom with a toxic odor following behind him.
Alden: GUS! WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE BATHROOM!
Gus: Sorry, I saw the toilet was clogged, so I used the backup toilet.
Alden: What do you mean, “backup toilet?”
Gus: The thingy on the countertop underneath the mirror.
Alden: YOU WENT IN THE SINK!
Alden runs into the bathroom.
Alden: OH MY FUCKING GOD!
Zach, Kevin, and Jace are all standing together.
Zach: So what do you guys think about opening a booth together for the Festival?
Jace: I’d be down.
Kevin: What would it be?
Jace: I don’t know, maybe a slinky booth.
Kevin: That could work. Kids will be at the Festival.
Zach: Oh yeah? Well… how about a bone marrow donation booth!
Jace: What? That sounds terrible!
Kevin: No, no, I think we could workshop it.
Hayze walks over.
Jace: Hey, Hayze! Long time no see.
Zach: Yeah, where have you been?
Hayze: I was out training for the Showcase.
Jace: Oh, cool, have you thought about who will be on your team yet?
Hayze: Yeah, about that… Kevin, weren’t you in the Hospital literally this morning?
Kevin: Well yeah, but I’m not now.
Hayze: Okay, that’s fair. Do you want to be on the team?
Kevin: Hell yeah! I’ve been waiting for you to ask!
Hayze: Alright, that’s one. What are you guys talking about?
Jace: We’re planning on opening a slinky booth.
Zach: Or a bone marrow donation center!
Jace: No, we’re not doing that.
Hayze: You guys… you’re really arguing over which of your quirks gets to be the focus of your booth?
Jace and Zach look at each other.
Jace and Zach: No.
Hayze: Why not just make it a toy store for dogs and kids? Toy bones and slinkies.
Kevin: And toy adrenaline shots!
Hayze: I… I- I wouldn’t recommend that.
Jace: I do like the sound of the toy store.
Zach: We can call it Bones and Springs!
Jace: Or Springs and Bones!
Jace and Zach look at each other.
Hayze: Since when did you two become so competitive?
Jace: We’ve always been competitive. We don’t get much of a chance to show it since guys like Justus and Silver hog the spotlight.
Zach: Yeah… don’t get me wrong… they’re cool guys; I just wish that we could get a little recognition every now and again.
Jace: Which we could get if Springs and Bones is a success!
Zach: You mean Bones and Springs?
Kevin: I know! We can call it Kevin’s Bones and Springs!
They both stare at Kevin.
Jace: *under his breath* Yeah, sure, whatever…
Zach: *under his breath* I could have come up with that…
Hayze: (Seeing them resent Justus and Silver… the three of us are pretty distant from the rest of the class. If they can talk about them like that… I wonder what they say about me? They didn’t even mention Aaron, and obviously, they wouldn’t say anything about Kevin with him right here, but those two spend a lot more time getting to know the rest of the class. I guess I should learn from them, I think they respect me, but I can’t tell if they like me.)
Gus walks over.
Jace: Hey Gus, why the long face?
Zach: Is something wrong?
Gus: Yeah, Alden is mad that I used his backup toilet without permission…
Alden approaches, looking pissed off.
Alden: HE SHIT IN THE SINK!
Kevin: Huh.
Gus: I’m sorry! I thought it was a backup toilet! My house has three of those!
Hayze: How… How often does your toilet get clogged?
Gus: I live in a deli. We eat A LOT of meat.
Alden: HOW DO YOU MISTAKE A SINK FOR A TOILET!
Gus: I’ve never seen one of those!
Hayze: You live in a restaurant… I just shifted from confusion to concern.
Alden: YOU PEOPLE FUCKING BARGE INTO MY HOME AND PARTY WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! THEN YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SHIT IN MY SINK!
Gus: I’m sorry, Alden! I-
Alden: NO! SORRY DOESN’T CUT IT!
Lilith walks over to try and dissolve the situation.
Lilith: Alden, calm down. We can talk about this.
Alden: SHUT UP, WHORE!
Everyone goes silent, and Lilith starts crying.
Alden: Woah, Woah, Woah, wait! I- I didn’t-
Kevin, Zach, and Jace pick Alden up.
Alden: WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING!
Jace: You made Lilith cry, bro!
Zach: That’s not cool!
Kevin: It’s time for a swirly!
Alden: NO! NO! IT’S CLOGGED! IT’S CLOGGED!
They all leave, and Eve consoles Lilith.
Hayze: (Well… that devolved quickly…)
Hayze walks around and sees Wes talking to Jake, preparing chicken nuggets.
Jake: You don’t think Alden will mind, right?
Wes: I think he’s preoccupied.
Alden’s muffled screams can be heard in the background.
Hayze: Hey guys, what are… What are you doing?
Wes: Jake is hungry.
Hayze: When is he not?
Wes: Literally never…
Hayze: Huh.
Jake sets the microwave to 10 minutes.
Hayze: Isn’t that a little too long?
Jake: Ever since Blair burnt most of my tastebuds, I can only taste things that are scalding hot.
Hayze: Oh… right. I didn’t realize you two were friends.
Wes: Yeah, after getting locked in a cage together during the exercises before the Sports Festival, we’ve been slightly friends.
Hayze: Why slightly?
Wes: Jake only talks to me if chicken nuggets are within a 10-meter radius. Once he finishes that plate, he’s going home.
Hayze: Huh, sorry for all the questions. It’s just weird to see you without Aaron.
Wes: I’m not that attached to his hip!
Hayze: You’re like a shadow he can hit.
Wes: I won’t say you’re wrong, but I will say I don’t like it.
Hayze: Well, at least you have Jake.
Jake is drooling while watching the chicken nuggets microwave.
Wes: Yeah, that’s not… that’s not something I’m proud of. Anyway, now that Aaron’s not around, what are you doing for the Showcase?
Hayze: It’s not just Aaron that isn’t around, Silver and Saige both don’t want to do it, and Justus isn’t able to.
Wes: So what that leaves you with Kevin, Zach, Blair, Alexis, Karma, and Ash?
Hayze: Yeah… I’ve never worked with either of Karma and Alexis before and Zach only on one occasion. Then there’s Blair; I can’t choose her for this.
Wes: Why not?
Hayze: I just can’t.
Wes: Alright…
Hayze: So… what’s your plan?
Wes: My plan?
Hayze: You were one of the six below the red line. That’s gotta be at least a little concerning for you. Next year is going to be a lot more intense.
Wes: Yeah… Well, I’ve never been the best academically. I talked to Mr. Walker, and he said I scored a 71. The red line marked anyone below 75, so I’m not far off, but yeah… I’m worried about next year.
Hayze: So, what are you going to do about it?
Wes: I tried joining Aaron’s boot camp, which was a terrible idea… I hate that everything we do at school is a competition; I just don’t have the same competitive drive like everybody else.
Hayze: Then why are you trying to be a hero? There’s literally no more competitive career. Hell, there’s a ceremony held to announce the top 10 heroes.
Wes: I don’t need to be in the Top 10. I just want to be a good hero. Knowing that I helped people and that my existence was beneficial to others is all I need; I don’t care much for fame or glory.
Hayze: Okay, so you have a goal; why don’t you have motivation towards that?
Wes: I do, it’s just I try, and I try, and nothing ever changes. I always feel like I’m in the back of the class, barely staying afloat.
Hayze: (Funny, that’s how I felt before…) Well, my advice on that would be one thing: try to add something new to your repertoire.
Wes: What do you mean by that?
Hayze: If what you’re trying isn’t working, try something new.
Wes: So what you’re saying is throw shit at the wall until something sticks?
Hayze: I mean, your quirk built for defensive combat when you’re on your own. Maybe think of a way to reverse that?
Wes starts thinking.
Wes: Yeah… maybe.
Hayze: Well, it was nice talking to you, Wes… and Jake.
Jake: NUGGETS!
Hayze leaves. Wes flashes back to his victory over Bruno.
Wes: (Maybe I had something there…)
Demetri and Isaiah approach Karma.
Isaiah: Which of us goes first?
Demetri: I do, idiot.
Isaiah: What? What if I want to go first?
Demetri: Look, I’m trying to spare you the pain of being rejected. She’ll say yes to me.
Isaiah: Oh, you’re really THAT confident, huh!
Demetri: Of course, no woman can resist my newfound charm!
Isaiah: Fine, knock yourself out.
Isaiah stops, and Demetri walks up to Karma.
Demetri: Hello, Karma.
Karma: Hi Demetri, what’s up? You two usually don’t talk to me?
Demetri: Would you like to go on a date with me at the Showcase Festival?
Karma: Oh, sorry, I only date men whose names start with vowels.
Demetri stares at Karma.
Demetri: Y- y- you’re joking, right?
Karma: No, I have OCD with Vowels. You would have known that if this wasn’t literally our first conversation.
Isaiah comes running up.
Isaiah: *clears throat* Would you like to go on a date with me, madame?
Karma: No.
Karma walks off.
Demetri: Ouch…
Isaiah: What just happened…
Blair is standing on the back deck by herself.
“ 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. “ - Chapter 88
Blair: *sighs* (That’s easier said than done… I’ve spent my whole life being ridiculed for my quirk, personality, and body. It’s hard for me to “let go.”)
Hayze steps outside.
Blair: Hayze! Er- I mean… Hey Hayze.
Hayze: Why didn’t you tell me?
Blair: Tell you what?
Hayze: Blair, come on. You couldn’t tell me he’s the guy I’m fighting?
Blair looks away.
Blair: I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to be influenced by it.
Hayze: But you had to know that I would find out at some point.
Blair: I know that’s why I was sheepish… I’m sorry.
Hayze: It’s okay. I understand that you’re in a weird situation. But…
Blair: But what?
Hayze: I’m not picking you to be in the Showcase.
Blair: Wh- what? But you said-
Hayze: Before I knew, I’d be forcing you to fight your brother. I can’t do that to you, Blair. So, I’ll just-
Blair: No.
Hayze: Huh?
Blair: I want to fight, I want to be on your team, and I want to fight Aster. You asked me if I wanted to be on your team, and my answer is yes.
Hayze: Blair, he’s your brother. You can’t fight him.
Blair: That’s not your decision to make.
Hayze stares at Blair.
Blair: I talked to him about it, he won’t hold back, and neither will I. We may be related by blood, but that doesn’t mean we’re willing to let that get in the way of who we are. He’s a fighter, and so am I.
Hayze thinks for a moment, walks up, and stands next to Blair. He smiles at her.
Hayze: Okay. Welcome to the team.
Blair: Thanks… Hayze.
Hayze: I’ve never seen you be this assertive.
Blair: D- do you like it?
Hayze: Of course, Blair, I always hoped that someday you would stop letting the other guy’s jokes get so far under your skin.
Blair: And why is that?
Hayze: Oh, uh… you know… because uh…
Blair: Are you afraid of me?
Hayze: What? No! I-
Blair: I think you’re not answering because you’re afraid of how I’ll react.
Hayze: Yeah… kind of.
Blair looks sad.
Hayze: Woah! Listen, I just know that you’re sensitive, and I’m afraid of hurting your feelings… that’s- that’s all.
Blair: Well, like you said, I’m assertive now! So tell me what you think of me!
Hayze hesitates.
Hayze: I think you let your insecurities about your *clears throat* cleavage overshadow the fact that you’re…
Blair: I’m… what?
Hayze: Pretty.
Blair’s eyes light up.
Blair: R- really?
Hayze: Man, you’re really giving the 3rd degree here.
Blair: Sorry, it’s just… I’ve spent most of my life being made fun of for my appearance or personality, so it means a lot to hear aloud.
Hayze: What do you mean?
Blair: The girls at school would always treat me like crap and call me ugly. Then the guys would always go for the girls with big tits. It always made me wonder what was wrong with me?
Hayze: Ever consider that maybe those girls were just jealous?
Blair: Huh?
Hayze: My mom told me when I was little that she got bullied by the other girls at her school because she was prettier than all of them, and they were jealous. So, they had to knock her down a peg to try and get her down on their level. But, nonetheless, I think those girls were all just jealous of you and needed a way to knock you down.
Blair: You- you think they were jealous of me?
Hayze: I think it’s a reasonable theory.
Blair wipes a tear from her eye.
Hayze: Are- are you okay?
Blair: There’s no way you think all of this. You’re just trying to make me feel good.
Hayze: Of course I do, don’t let those years of your bullies conditioning you into thinking you’re not good enough control you.
Blair looks away.
Hayze: Tell you what, there’s going to be a beauty pageant at the Festival. Enter it.
Blair: What! I could never do that!
Hayze: Why not? I think there’s a pretty good chance you’ll win.
Blair: W- what? Y- you think so?
Hayze: There’s only one way to find out. I want you to finally break free of the torment you went through growing up. I think it holds you back, and if my words aren’t enough for you to do that, you should go out and prove it to yourself.
Blair stares at Hayze.
Blair: I’ll- I’ll think about it.
Hayze: That’s good.
Hayze starts walking away.
Blair: Wh- where are you going?
Hayze: I appreciate your company Blair, but I’ve gotta head home and rest, there are only four days left to train for the Showcase, and I still have a few new moves to practice. Good night, I’ll see you at the Festival.
Hayze continues walking away.
“ Saige: Hayze wouldn’t know a girl was flirting with him if she wrote on a piece of paper, “I’m flirting with you.” The moral of the story is that Hayze is a distant guy, that’s how he’s been his whole life, and that’s not going to change. And yes, I know you’re a stubborn and prideful girl, but if you want to get closer to him, something's gotta give, and trust me, you’re going to be waiting a long time before Hayze stops being distant. “ - Chapter 65
Blair clenches her fist.
Blair: Hayze, wait!
Hayze stops and looks at Blair.
Hayze: Huh? Is something wrong?
Blair: W- will… Can I join you for training? I really think I could learn a lot from you…
Hayze: I did promise you we’d do something like that, so sure.
Blair: Oh, you remember that…
Hayze: Of course I do. Want me to stop by your house tomorrow morning?
Blair: Sure that sounds great.
Hayze smiles and leaves.
Blair: Phew…
Saige: Wow, that was a huge wasted opportunity.
Blair is startled as Saige has appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
Blair: WERE YOU OUT HERE THE WHOLE TIME!
Saige: Of course! You were so cute acting all assertive! I like how you mixed in a hint of shyness! It really puts the whole package together.
Blair: You’re so annoying…
Saige: I really thought you were going to do it.
Blair: Do what?
Saige: Ask him on a date, silly! You kind of did, in a weird “we’re going to work out and train together” kind of way.
Blair: *sighs* I was going to, but if he said no, that would make the whole Showcase fight more complicated than it already is… I didn’t want to put him on the spot like that with only a few days to-.
Saige: Are you going to enter the beauty pageant?
Blair: I- I don’t know… maybe.
Saige: Well, I’m going to, and I plan on winning.
Blair’s eyes narrow.
Blair: Oh really... why?
Saige: Simple, I want to undercut you.
Blair: What! You already do that!
Saige: I know, but for my amusement, this is to hurt your chances with Hayze.
Blair: Huh? I thought you said you weren’t into him?
Saige: I don’t know if I am or not.
Blair: That… that doesn’t make sense.
Saige: What I do know is that seeing you with him made me realize that I appreciate our friendship more than I thought, and I don’t want to see him spending more time with you than me.
Blair: What are you saying?
Saige: I’m saying that this isn’t a “romantic” thing. This is an “I’m a possessive bitch” thing.
Blair: You’re so fucking weird…
Saige: I know, but I appreciate that about myself.
Saige starts walking away.
Saige: Blair, I make fun of you because I like you. I know you have a lot of potential, and just like Hayze, I don’t like that you let your insecurities shadow it. So I always poke your buttons because I want you to let loose and say the things you bury deep in your mind.
Blair: Yeah… right…
Saige stops walking.
Saige: I fought Alexis recently.
Blair: What? You did? Why?
Saige: Those reasons are private, and I hope you’ll keep it a secret from Alexis that I told you.
Blair: Okay… what’s your point, though?
Saige: I believe you’re the strongest girl in the class outside of myself. I’ve seen you in action and fought Alexis myself. So I think you’re stronger than her.
Blair: Y- you do?
Saige: Yes. This means you’re my biggest competition… for two reasons. Before now, our relationship was a humorous one, but now it’s changed.
Blair: To what?
Saige: A rivalry.