Fatal and a man in a black suit are standing on the roof of Gen.H Academy, looking at the horizon at dawn.
Fatal: The sun rises as a new crop of young heroes begin their journey… I always feel so much hope every year when this day comes around.
The man in the black suit lights a cigarette.
Walker: Neat.
Fatal’s eye twitches.
Fatal: “Neat?!” That’s all you have to say?
Walker: Yup.
Fatal: *sighs* Don’t you remember our first day here? You had to have felt something!
Walker takes a long inhale of his cigarette.
Walker: Hope isn’t the word to describe that day.
Fatal: Then what word would you use?
Walker: Intimidating.
Fatal: Oh, yeah, right, like you were intimidated!
Walker: I wasn’t until Professor Ewing gave me a reason to be.
Fatal: Can’t you go easy on them today? These kids are so excited… They’ve dreamed of this day for years.
Walker: They’re excited… And arrogant.
Fatal: You haven’t even met them…
Walker: I was them. We both were.
Fatal looks away.
Walker: They just spent their whole lives climbing a mountain. They need to learn immediately that it was only a small hill compared to what’s ahead.
Fatal: *sighs* You’re going to make their lives hell, aren’t you?
Walker: I want my students to succeed and become the best heroes they can be, but we can’t let slouches through this program. You may disagree with my methods, but by the end of today, my class will know that I expect greatness from them, and I’ll guide them to it. But I won’t hold their hands. Those who can’t keep up or don’t put in the work will fall behind.
Fatal: *deep breath* I understand… and I know you’ll do a great job.
Fatal goes quiet for a moment.
Fatal: Do you uh... have a student in your class named Ayden Hayze?
Walker: Yes, why?
Fatal: He’s… like me; he didn’t discover his trademark until later in his life.
Walker: By later, do you mean a couple of months ago?
Fatal: You didn’t need to be that blunt, but yes…
Walker: He’s one of the ones I’m worried about being able to hack it in my class; I’m not going to help him learn how to use his trademark; I’ll guarantee you that… It’s unfair to the other students.
Fatal: Well, yeah, I agree, but trust me, he’ll put in the work, and he won’t fall behind!
Walker smokes his cigarette.
Walker: If he fails my test today, I’ll remove him from the hero course.
Fatal: Wh- You can’t do that!
Walker: I can, and I assure you, Rachel, if he fails, I’ll be justified in my actions. Why do you care so much about this kid?
Fatal: I helped him train for the entrance exam… The little he knows about controlling his trademark is from me.
Walker: *sighs* Rachel, I’m not one to fail someone because I want to or derive pleasure from it. From this point on, his success is in his own hands, don’t blame yourself if he screws things up for himself.
Fatal: I know… you’re right. I just wish you weren’t going trial by fire on him.
Walker: Sorry, but I need to know if he’s Gen.H material.
Hayze is in his house, looking at himself in the mirror. He’s wearing his Gen.H uniform: a long-sleeve black shirt underneath a red blazer with white accents over black pants. Over his heart is a stitched-on white star.
Hayze: *deep breath* Giddy up…
Hayze places his fingers on the star.
Hayze: (This star indicates I’m not just any ordinary Gen.H student… I’m a hero course student. I must wear this uniform with pride. My journey starts here.)
Hayze grabs his bag, leaves his home, and begins walking to a bus stop.
Hayze (Naratting): Gen.H isn’t a “traditional” college. Its prestige and reputation mean it has access to the world's best educators, equipment, and academic support system. The school is so advanced that it uses a “3-year graduation” curriculum.
Hayze hops on a city bus.
Hayze (Naratting): Of course, considering all that, the school is basically a fortress with top-of-the-line security measures in place. That’s why there are no dormitories on campus; the school couldn’t handle kids coming and going at all times of day.
Hayze is brought into Nashville by the bus. He gets off in front of a building with three towers. Students wearing blue, yellow, and red uniforms like Hayze’s are streaming out of it.
Hayze (Naratting): That’s why the school has a beautiful off-campus traditional-style residence. Kids come from all across the country to attend Gen.H, so that’s where most of the student body lives. It’s probably best that it’s located out of Gen.H’s walls… The city is way more fun to explore. It’d be cool to live there, but I owe it to my parents to take care of their house.
The many students continue walking down the street until Gen.H comes into view. Hayze looks through the crowd.
Hayze (Naratting): The different-colored uniforms indicate each student's year: red for freshmen, yellow for juniors, and blue for seniors. I’m trying to spot other reds with white star patches… There are 40 hero course students divided into 2 classes, so I have 19 classmates.
Hayze spots a girl with a red blazer and a black star patch.
Hayze: (Dang… She’s in the other hero class. I wonder if-)
Someone slaps Hayze on the back.
Hayze: AH!
Aaron: Long time no see!
Hayze turns around to see Aaron and another boy a few inches shorter than himself. Both are wearing red blazers with white stars.
Aaron: See? What did I tell you?!
Hayze: Aaron! It’s good to see you again! You were right…
Aaron: Like usual!
Wes: Ugh…
Hayze: Hm?
Aaron: Oh, sorry! This is my friend, Wes; we grew up together and are roommates in the dorms. /Sorry, he smells so bad he refuses to take showers./
Wes: I can hear you, you dick! *to Hayze* I shower! Don’t believe a word he says!
Hayze: Uh… Nice to meet you, Wes.
Wes: Yeah, right back at you. Aaron told me all about you.
Hayze: Good things, I hope…
Wes: Mhm, he told me you devised the plan that got your team through the exam. It’s impressive that you saved all the hostages.
Hayze: Thanks.
Aaron: Wes’ team killed three hostages, Hayze, and guess who caused their deaths.
Wes: Oh, come on! It’s not my fault a bullet perfectly ricocheted off my arm and went through the heads of three hostages!
Aaron: I know, but it’s funnier to say it is.
Hayze: That’s almost impressive…
Wes: Yes, and it sucked! But we still passed the test, so who cares.
Aaron: It sounds like you do.
Wes: *under his breath* Fuck you.
Hayze looks back and forth between Aaron and Wes.
Hayze: You said he’s your friend… right?
Wes: This is just our dynamic.
Aaron: You’ll get used to it.
Hayze: Heh… Right…
Aaron: Come on, boys, we don’t want to be late.
Aaron, Hayze, and Wes walk toward the academy.
Hayze: (Well, here we go; hopefully, things don't go too badly for me today… I haven't even taken my first step in Gen.H Academy, and I'm already behind everyone else; I'll have to catch up quickly.)
The trio scan their student ID cards and enter the campus. Hayze and Wes are in awe. They walk past a massive fountain and approach the magnificent main campus building.
Aaron: You guys have been here before…
Wes: But that was when everything was closed for the entrance exam!
Hayze: Yeah… Seeing the campus bustling with life is incredible.
Aaron: Well, let’s head inside then.
Hayze: Right!
Aaron, Hayze, and Wes walk up the steps to enter the building.
Aaron: This is it, boys! We’re walking into Gen.H Academy for the first time! Hold your heads up high and feel pride. This is a chance to make a name for yourselves-
Wes trips and falls down the stairs.
Wes: AHHH!
Aaron: Aaaaand it’s gone.
Wes: *groans* Ow…
Aaron: You alright, Wes?
Wes: Yeah…
Hayze: Need any help?
Wes: I’m good…
Wes starts walking back up the stairs.
Hayze: Watch your step.
Aaron: *snickers* Yeah, you wouldn’t want to fall again.
Wes: I’m not gonna fall again-
Wes trips again, but this time, someone grabs his collar, stopping him from falling.
Wes: AHHH- Huh?
Eve: Hold on there, klutz.
Lilith: Good catch, Eve!
Wes looks back to see two Alpha-1 female students behind him. Their uniforms feature a skirt. Eve is a visibly muscular girl, while Lilith is 5 feet tall. Both are well-endowed.
Wes: Heh… thanks…
Eve pulls Wes to his feet. She has a red plus sign on the palm of her left hand, and on her right hand, she has a purple negative sign.
Lilith: Oh! You’re in the hero course, too?
Wes: Yup! Wait… Why do you sound surprised?
Aaron: Wes, they just saw you nearly eat shit twice.
Eve: On the same step…
Wes: I was hoping nobody picked up on that…
Lilith: It’s okay! We all make mistakes!
Eve: Yeah, but… typically, we learn from them.
Wes: Aaron distracted me!
Aaron: HA!
Hayze stares at Lilith.
Aaron: /You checking out the cutie?/
Hayze: Wh- huh? No! I’m not looking at those!
Eve: What are you two talking about?
Hayze: Uh… I wanted to ask your friend about the back of her uniform.
Lilith: Hm? Oh, this?
Lilith turns around to show she has two large vertical slits in the back of her uniform.
Lilith: These are for my trademark! The school specially prepared it for me.
Aaron: That’s cool. What are they for?
Lilith: My wings! I can retract them into my body when I’m not using them!
Hayze: So, you can fly?
Lilith: Yes! I can show you if you’d like!
Eve: Hold on, Lilith. You don’t want to look like a showoff in front of the non-hero students.
Lilith: Oh, right… I don’t want to be rude!
Hayze: Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll see you in action soon enough.
Two male Alpha-1 members, Isaiah and Demetri, are watching the interaction near the fountain. Isaiah is wearing a large visor with a dial on the side, and Demetri has small metal objects on each of his fingertips.
Isaiah: Holy crap, dude! Are those two in our class?
Demetri: I think so, man! What a couple of babes!
Isaiah: I know! A muscle mommy and a short stack, what a combo!
Alexis: Wow… So, how would you describe us?
Isaiah and Demetri’s hearts drop. They both slowly turn around to see two more Alpha-1 females, Alexis and Karma, behind them.
Isaiah: Uh… intelligent and… uh…
Demetri: Commanding women of power!
Alexis snickers. Karma doesn’t react at all.
Karma: It took 1.3 seconds for you both to glance down.
Isaiah and Demetri start sweating bullets.
Isaiah: N- no…
Demetri: We didn’t-
Alexis: Nice save, boys.
Karma: Don’t stay out here too long. You’ll be late.
Alexis and Karma leave.
Isaiah: *sighs* Oh… We’re off to a bad start.
Demetri: “We’re?” I’m not the one who said “muscle mommy” and “short stack!” Mr. Objectifier!
Isaiah: You called them “a couple of babes!” That’s the same thing!
Demetri: IT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
Hayze, Aaron, and Wes walk through the busy halls of Gen.H.
Hayze: There should be a classroom labeled “Alpha-1.”
Aaron: We should have just followed those two girls. If only someone didn’t take his time going up the steps.
Wes: I was NOT taking any chances.
Hayze notices something out of the corner of his eye.
Hayze: Hm?
Aaron: What’s up, Hayze?
Hayze: What’s going on down there?
A crowd is gathered around a student standing atop a podium in the middle of the hallway.
Alden: Thank you all for attending my impromptu press conference! I’m Alden Taylor, one of the illustrious members of Hero Course Class Alpha-1! And I’m the best of them all! I got into this school through the Special Selection process!
Hayze, Aaron, and Wes stand at the back of the crowd.
Aaron: This guy is one of our selected students?
Hayze: He must have found a way to cheat the system.
Alden: Now… Are there any questions from my adoring fans?!
Wes: Did you bring that podium to school?
Alden: W- uh- No!
Aaron: Did you know a podium like that can only hold a weight of over 100 pounds for so long?
Alden: What?
The podium collapses; Alden eats shit.
Alden: OH MY GOD, I HAD A FRESHLY SHARPENED PENCIL IN MY POCKET!
Aaron: *scoffs* Dumbass.
The crowd disperses. An Alpha-1 student with large feathered wings approaches Alden.
Alden: Ow…
Angel: Are you alright?
Alden: AHHH! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!
Angel: I’ve been here the whole time… I was standing in the front row!
Alden: Oh… well, I didn’t notice you.
Angel: Okay… Are you okay?
Alden: *holding back tears* Yes!
Angel: Need any help?
Alden: NO!
Alden stands up, wincing in pain.
Alden: See? I’m fine!
Angel: That’s good… But just so you know, your fly was down that whole time.
Alden: Wh-
Alden looks down and zips up his pants.
Alden: I knew that! And out of curiosity… and purely hypothetically, if I needed to go to the nurse’s office… Where would I go?
Angel: It’s down this hall to the left.
Alden: Cool… I’m gonna see what it looks like.
Alden limps away, dripping blood from his pant leg.
Angel: *sighs*
Angel runs up to Alden.
Angel: Here, let me help you.
Alden: AHHH! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!
Hayze, Aaron, and Wes arrive at their classroom labeled Alpha-1.
Hayze: Here we are.
Wes: It’s gonna be weird getting used to being in 1 class the whole year. It feels like we’re back in elementary school.
Aaron: It’s about building camaraderie, Wes. We’re not just a class; we’re a platoon.
Alexis: That’s a good way to put it.
Alexis and Karma arrive.
Aaron: Heh, thanks!
Karma: Although, it’s slightly incorrect. Soldiers in platoons don’t compete with each other for name recognition and ranking.
Aaron: Then that’s not my kind of platoon!
Wes: Of course it isn’t…
Aaron: Wes, just be happy your lucky number is 20.
Wes: No, it isn’t- HEY!
Alexis giggles.
Karma: You’re Ayden Hayze, correct?
Hayze: Uh, yeah! I am!
Karma offers Hayze a handshake.
Karma: It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Karma. I was a fan of your parents growing up.
Hayze smiles and shakes Karma’s hand.
Hayze: Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too, Karma.
Karma: I must admit I’m surprised to see you here, though. It’s highly uncommon for aspects of a person’s trademark to remain dormant until adulthood.
Hayze: *nervous laugh* (This girl did her research...) Yeah, I have some catching up to do.
Aaron pats Hayze on the head.
Aaron: Don’t worry, Karma. Just wait until you see this egghead work his magic.
Karma: Okay, I’ll take your word on that.
Another male student walks between the groups to try and enter the classroom.
Hayze: Uh, hey!
The student looks back.
Silver: Hey.
Silver continues and enters the classroom.
Aaron: Well, he’s Mr. Friendly…
Alexis: Don’t take it personally. That’s just Silver.
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Hayze: Silver? Why does that ring a bell…
Alexis: His real name is Ryne Vanecek, if that helps.
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Hayze: Him?!
Aaron: Hm? What’s up with that guy?
Alexis: He’s the son of the former number 2 ranked hero, Silverclad. People have been calling him a prodigy his whole life. Articles and news reports covered him when he was just a kid. It’s hyperbole for most of us to say we’ve been training our whole life to attend Gen.H Academy but for him… That’s literally the case.
Wes: Whoa…
Aaron: His trademark must be insane…
Alexis: Trust me, it is… He was in my group for the entrance exam, and he dominated it. I asked around, and the other kid in our group wasn’t even accepted to the school because Silver did so much of the work.
Aaron: Well, I’m glad that wasn’t the case for you.
Alexis: *nasal grunt* Thanks.
Hayze watches Silver take his seat in the class.
Hayze: (Rumor has it he’s never sustained damage in one one-on-one combat.)
Karma: The craziest thing is he might not even be the top dog of this class…
Hayze: Wait, what?
Karma: Apparently, another student, Justus Grey, had the highest score in H.A.E. history and multiple letters of recommendation from high-ranking professional heroes.
Hayze: (Holy shit…)
Aaron: Oh, this class is awesome! I’ve already met 4 goddesses today, and there are two hotshots for me to take down? This is my lucky day!
Alexis laughs, and Karma smiles. Demetri and Isaiah’s jaws drop down the hall.
Isaiah: WHAT THE HELL?!
Demetri: He gets away with that?!
Hayze, Aaron, Wes, Alexis, Karma, Isaiah, and Demetri enter the classroom. Seven students, including Ashley, Eve, and Lilith, are already in the room. A large screen at the front of the room displays a seating chart.
Wes: (Oh no! I got the main character seat! I’M DOOMED!)
Ashley: Hey, Aaron! Hey, Hayze!
Aaron: Hey there!
Hayze: Hey, Ashley! It’s good to see you again!
Ashley: Likewise! Class is going to start soon, so we’ll catch up later!
Hayze: Sounds good!
Everyone begins to take their seats. Hayze walks down the aisle to his chair, passing Eve and Jake… who is sleeping.
Hayze: Uh… Are you awake?
Jake: *groans* Huh?
Hayze: Class is starting soon… You probably shouldn’t be sleeping.
Jake: But I skipped breakfast!
Hayze: …Why?
Jake: Because the dorms weren’t serving chicken nuggets!
Hayze stares at Jake.
Hayze: For breakfast?
Jake: You sound just like the school!
Hayze: …Well, it was nice to meet you.
Hayze takes his seat. The student to his left, Jace, has metal springs replacing his arms and legs, but he has hands and feet. The desk in front of him is currently empty, allowing the student two seats ahead of him to turn around and speak to him.
Zach: Hey, man! Welcome to class!
Jace: We didn’t see you at the dorms last night. Do you live around here?
Hayze: Yeah, I’ve lived here my whole life.
Zach: That’s awesome! I haven’t had the chance to explore the city yet, but it seems great!
Hayze: Oh, trust me, you’ll love it.
Zach: Awesome! I’m Zach, by the way!
Jace: And I’m Jace! It’s okay to stare at my arms. I’m used to it.
Hayze: Heh… Sorry. I’m Hayze.
Jace: Don’t worry, these springs are cooler than they look!
Justus enters the classroom. Silver glances at him.
Silver: (There he is.)
Justus meets Silver’s gaze for a moment before walking to his seat.
Jace: That was intense…
Zach: Those two guys are the favorites to be our top students… They’re just sizing each other up.
Jace: They won’t be on top if I have anything to say about it!
Zach: Me too!
Justus sits down in front of Hayze.
Justus: Good morning.
Hayze: Morning… You’re Justus, right?
Justus: Yes, I am.
Awkward silence.
Hayze: (That’s… A response.) I assume you were one of the Special Selection Students, right?
Justus: I am.
Zach: I heard you had recommendations from pro heroes!
Hayze: Yeah, me too. Out of curiosity, can we know who they were?
Justus: I did, but I’d rather not discuss that.
Jace: Hm? Why not?
Justus: It’s complicated… I just don’t want to draw attention to myself.
Zach: That’s alright, we get it.
Jace: Yeah, no sweat, dude.
Hayze: Sorry, I was just curious because usually only the children of pro heroes get recommendation letters.
Justus tenses up.
Justus: Well… I am one.
Zach: Really? Who are your parents?
Jace: Zach, he said he doesn’t want to discuss it.
Zach: Oh, right… Sorry!
Justus: It’s alright.
Angel enters the room and looks back at the hallway with concern.
Angel: Are you gonna be okay?
A portly student enters the room out of breath.
Gus: Yeah…
Zach: Are you winded, dude?
Lilith: Do you need some water?
Gus: No, I’m fine… I overslept.
Jace: Overslept on the most important day of your life?
Gus: Well, I thought my roommate and I would walk here together! But he left early!
Zach: Who's your roommate?
Jake passes out on his desk.
Gus: Thanks, Jake…
Eve slaps Jake on the back of the head to wake him up.
Jake: Wh- huh?
Gus: Why’d you leave without me?!
Jake: Breakfast.
Gus: Wh- I love breakfast!
Jake: Sorry, I didn’t know.
Gus: Huh?! LOOK AT ME, JAKE! Because of you, I had to run here!
Jake: Oh… That’s too bad.
Gus catches his breath.
Gus: *groans*
Eve: Wait, you got exhausted running here from the dorms? How the hell did you pass the strength and conditioning portion of the H.A.E.?
Gus: Once you pass the test, you don’t have to retake it… So, I got in shape for the exam and then went back to my regular eating habits after it was over.
The whole room is silent.
Hayze: (I respect the commitment…)
Gus: *groans* Where’s my chair? I gotta sit down…
Angel: Here, let me help you…
Angel and Gus take their seats.
Hayze: (Just three more empty seats.)
Another muscular male student enters the room.
Kevin: Hi, everyone, I’m Kevin!
Zach: Welcome to the class, dude! Your seat’s right here!
Kevin: Thanks!
Kevin walks to his desk, but before he sits down, he notices Hayze.
Kevin: Hey, it’s you!
Hayze: Huh?
Kevin: Yeah, you probably don’t remember me. I took the Trademark Test right after you at the H.A.E. I saw what you did to that “undamageable” wall. You must be pretty strong.
Zach: Woah, what did you do to the wall?
Jace: Yeah, man, did you actually leave a mark?
Hayze: Uh… Yeah… I did. Heh…
Zach: Oh, that’s awesome, man!
Everyone in the class is looking at Hayze. Justus and Silver are paying close attention.
Hayze: (Great… Just what I needed… Unnecessary attention.)
Kevin: I gotta ask, how did you do it?
Hayze gulps.
Hayze: (Crap… How do I explain this? Ugh… I guess I have to rip this band-aid off now.) Oh, uh, I didn’t really have temperature control down all the way on my fire trademark at the time, so I-
Kevin: Wait, what? You can't fully control your trademark? Shouldn't you have figured that out by now?
Justus and Silver lose interest in the conversation. Eve’s eyes narrow.
Hayze: No, honestly, I didn’t know the full extent of my trademark until recently.
Kevin: Huh, that’s crazy, and you still got here, impressive.
Hayze: Thanks… (He’s a nice guy, and he had no way of knowing how abnormal I am, but boy, do I wish he didn’t say anything…)
Kevin takes his seat as the 19th student enters the classroom.
Blair: (Oh god, I’m one of the last ones here. I told Mom not to take so many pictures!) *nervous grunt* (They’re all staring at me. Do they notice? No, there’s no way. You look beautiful, Blair, just walk to your desk and don’t do anything stupid.)
Blair walks to her desk.
Alexis: I like your thigh highs! I wish I had a pair.
Blair: Thanks, you too! (AHHHHHHHHHHH!)
Alden leans on the classroom doorway.
Alden: And arriving fashionably late… It’s the future number-one hero in the world! ALDEN!
Wes: Oh god, this guy again…
Alden pulls out his phone.
Eve: What are you doing?
Alden: Getting my entrance music!
Eve: You already made your entrance.
Alden: Fine! Then I’ll leave and come back-
Alden bumps into Walker.
Alden: Uh…
Walker: Are you Alden Taylor?
Alden: Yup! I see my reputation precedes me!
Walker: Nurse Matisse just told me you broke the record for the fastest nurse’s office visit in school history.
Alden shatters.
Walker: Sit down.
Alden: Yessir…
Blair and Alden take their seats. Walker stands at the front of the room.
Walker: *clears throat* Welcome to your first day at Gen.H Academy, and unfortunately for you, that's all the pleasantries I'll be extending.
Hayze gulps.
Walker: My name is Damien Walker, but you'll call me Professor Walker. You're all here to become heroes, and this school is renowned for its ability to produce the finest crime fighters in the world, so don't expect this to be easy, and don't think we’ll allow anyone to slack off here. Many people would gladly take your spot, so don't give me a reason to throw you out because I won’t hesitate. I'm sure some of you expected this to be all fun and games, trying to become heroes together. Well, guess what? This is serious, and I won't stand for anyone who mocks this establishment. At least a couple of you hoped this would be a nice, easy first day to acclimate you to the new school and surroundings, right? Well, too bad. It’s time for your first test.
The group looks shocked.
Hayze: (Are you kidding me?!)
Jace: What?
Ashley: Already?!
Wes: Oh god…
Walker smiles.
Walker: Don’t worry; it's not hard unless you make it that way. Here’s how it goes: if you think you can injure me, please stand up.
They all hesitate. Everyone looks around at each other.
Silver: (You’d have to be a complete moron to fall for this.)
Hayze: (What’s his game here?)
Walker: It's not that complicated. If you think you have what it takes to injure me, stand up from your desk. If you don’t believe you do… Stay seated.
The room is tense.
Angel: Uh… What happens if we don’t?
Walker: Good question. In the hero course, you have two grades: An academic and a heroic grade. Your academic grade is the same as you’re used to: exams, quizzes, and homework graded on an A to F scale, but your heroic grade…
The screen behind Walker transitions to a ranking of the 20 students. It’s currently in alphabetical order because their scores are all zero.
Walker: Is a cumulative number that will build throughout the year. You’ll earn “Mastery Points” typically through your performance in hero training exercises and tests. So, for this test, the point distribution is simple: Everyone who stands up will fight me as a team. If they succeed in injuring me, they’ll all earn 100 Mastery Points regardless of individual performance. If you stay seated… Nothing happens.
Zach: So, what’s the point of staying seated then? We might as well try to earn the points!
Walker: That’s one way to view the problem. Another is to acknowledge that if I defeat the people who stand in combat, they’ll likely spend the rest of the day in the nurse’s office. Thus, they’ll miss today’s training sessions and academic lectures, falling behind the people who stay seated.
Zach: Oh…
Hayze: (Mastery Points are crucial to earn, and they don’t come in increments of 100 often. Our class rank determines our seeding for the Masters Tournament. An event hosted every October by Gen.H to showcase the new crop of hero students and the progress of the upperclassmen. It’s a nationally televised event that could put our names on the map. The more points you have, the better position you’ll be in to succeed at the Tournament. We only get one month to prepare, so getting 100 points now would be highly advantageous. But this test is so risky.)
Walker: I’ll count down from 5… Anyone who thinks they can injure me… Please stand up. 5…
Alden stands up instantly.
Alden: It’s Alden time!
Walker: *sighs* 4.
Kevin: (I think I’m gonna see how this one plays out.)
Walker: 3.
Silver: *nasal grunt* (I get it…)
Zach and Demetri stand up.
Walker: 2.
Justus: (I’ll earn enough points on my own.)
Aaron stands up.
Wes: *under his breath* Your funeral.
Aaron steps on Wes’ foot, causing him to leap out of his seat.
Wes: AH!
Walker: Very eager, I see.
Wes: *to Aaron* We’re gonna get our asses kicked on the first day! WHY WOULD YOU BRING ME INTO THIS?!
Aaron: Maybe we’ll lose, but I’d rather go down fighting than stand around and watch. Besides, I need my trusty teammate for some combination attacks.
Wes: YOU JUST WANT TO USE ME AS A SCAPEGOAT!
Aaron: I don’t see the problem.
Walker: Alright, last chance…
Hayze: (With how far behind I am in mastering my trademark… Can I really afford not to take this risk?)
Walker glances at Hayze.
Hayze: *grunts*
Aaron: (Come on, Hayze, fight the good fight!)
A few more seconds pass.
Walker: Okay… That’s it.
Hayze: *long exhale*
Walker: You five change into your gym clothes and meet the rest of us at Facility 1.
Aaron, Alden, Demetri, and Zach: Yessir!
Wes: *groans*
Inside Facility 1, the terrain is a flat dirt plane. The students who aren’t competing watch from an observing balcony.
Jace: Wasn’t there a fake city in here before?
Isaiah: Yeah, they’ve got some insane maintenance crews here.
Alexis: The cities where we took the exam weren’t real. They were holograms.
Jace: Huh?
Isaiah: What are you talking about?
Gus: You can’t touch holograms!
Alexis: Not these… They’re created by Gen.H’s “Real Vision” technology. They can select a different scenario inside the control room, and the grounds here will change using holograms and virtual imaging devices. Everything will look and feel real, down to the touch and smell.
Angel: Wow…
Lilith: That’s crazy!
Kevin: That’s awesome!
Alexis: Yup, our training sessions are going to be wild.
Ashley stands next to Hayze on the railing.
Ashley: Hey, Hayze! It’s nice to see a familiar face on the first day!
Hayze: Oh, hey, Ashley, likewise.
Ashley: Please, call me Ash now. It’s part of my new rebranding towards being a hero!
Hayze: Oh, okay, Ash! I’ll try to get used to that.
Ash: I’m a little surprised you didn’t want to try your hand at fighting Professor Walker; they could probably use you down there.
Hayze: *sighs* They could, but I’m just not at the level where I can fight a hero like Professor Walker. Even on a team… I don’t want to be a detriment. (Not to mention, the Professor probably knows all of our trademarks in and out. He’s got so many advantages that this could very well be impossible.)
Ash: I’m sure you would have done okay! I’m not surprised to see Aaron down there, though.
Hayze: Me neither. He doesn’t seem like the type to miss out on a fight.
Zach, Demetri, Wes, Aaron, and Alden circle around Professor Walker. Each of them is about 15 yards away from him.
Walker: Alright, the rules are simple; stay within the confines of the arena. If you can injure me, you win; if you get knocked out, you're out. Understand?
Aaron, Alden, Demetri, and Zach: Yes!
Wes: Yes…
Walker: Now, on the count of three, we'll begin. 1… 2… 3!
Aaron turns his arm into a grenade launcher and fires at Walker. Walker raises his right arm; a small void opens up in the path of the grenade. It flies in, and the hole closes. Everyone looks on in shock.
Karma: He just absorbed Aaron’s attack as if it were nothing!
Justus: (Impressive.)
Walker smiles.
Walker: I know you’re eager, but you’ll have to do better than that.
Zach runs at Walker. He winds back a punch.
Zach: Take this!
Walker raises his right arm, and a void opens in front of Zach, and he runs right into it.
Zach: Huh?!
The void closes.
Aaron: Damn! He can absorb people, too!
Wes: Can we just give up now... I don’t like where this is going.
Aaron: If you didn’t want to be here, Wes, you shouldn’t have stood up!
Wes: YOU MADE ME STAND UP!
Aaron: Yeah, and you could have sat back down!
Wes stares at Aaron.
Wes: FUCK!
Walker raises his left arm, and a void opens up behind Wes.
Wes: What the?!
Wes looks back as Zach flies out of the void. Zach punches Wes, knocking him to the ground.
Zach: What the heck just happened?! How did I get over here?!
Aaron: This must be his trademark! He used a portal to make you punch Wes instead of him.
Wes: *groans*
Zach helps Wes up.
Zach: Sorry, man, I didn’t mean to hit you like that!
Wes: It’s alright; I’m used to getting knocked around.
Zach: That’s… sad.
Aaron: Eyes on the prize, Wes! He could attack again at any moment!
Zach: Yeah, we’ve got to work together on this one!
Alden: *yelling* Stand back, everyone! It’s time for the Alden show!
Alden’s fingernails grow sharp and 4 inches in length.
Alden: FEAR ME!
Dead silence.
Eve: Is- is that seriously his trademark?
Blair: That’s… pathetic.
Aaron starts laughing hysterically.
Alden: You laugh now, but watch me in action!
Alden charges at Walker with his nails fully sharpened.
Alden: Sinister Slash!
Zach: Let’s see how he responds to this attack! We could learn more about the Professor’s trademark!
Walker kicks Alden in the nuts.
Alden: *high pitched* NOOOOOO MY ONLY WEAKNESS!
Aaron, Zach, and Wes: …
Everyone in the stands looks dumbfounded.
Ash: Is he gonna be okay?
Hayze: No.
Alden falls to the ground, writhing in pain and holding his nuts. Walker stares at him for a second.
Walker: (I don’t care that this kid had a recommendation from the Chicago Police Department… He is not Gen.H material.)
Walker opens up a void below Alden, absorbing him. The portal then closes.
Aaron: Okay, we learned nothing from that other than that Alden sucks, so what’s the plan?
Zach: I’m gonna charge him again; maybe he can only hold one person at a time?
Aaron transforms his arm into an AK47.
Aaron: Good idea. I’ll give you cover.
Zach: *war cry*
Zach charges. Walker instantly opens up a portal below himself.
Zach: Wh- where did he go?
A portal opens behind Zach.
Zach: There you are!
Zach attacks the portal, but Alden falls out instead of Walker. Zach elbows him right in the nuts by mistake.
Alden: *even more high-pitched* NOOOOOOOOOOO!
Alden falls to the ground. The portal closes.
Zach: Oh, crap, man, sorry about that!
Alden: *high pitched* HELP ME!
While Zach is distracted, a portal opens behind him, and Walker kicks him in the back, knocking him to the ground.
Zach: *pained grunts*
Walker leaps out of his portal and closes it. He then opens a new portal below Zach, capturing him as the portal closes.
Demetri: What, are we playing musical portals?!
A new portal opens above Demetri, and Zach falls on top of him.
Demetri: AH! What the hell, man?!
Zach: Shoot! Professor Walker is running circles around us!
Demetri: Get off me!
Zach: Sorry!
Zach stands up and helps Demetri up.
Demetri: Alright, listen here. I’ve got a plan! I’ve been watching his movements, and I think I know how to catch him off-guard!
Zach: I’m listening!
Aaron and Wes are also strategizing. Walker stands in the center of the two pairs. Alden is still writhing in pain on the ground next to him.
Alden: *pained groans*
Walker: (Let’s see what they can cook up.)
Zach: HEY, TEACH OVER HERE!
Walker: Yes?
Zach: It’s time for my trademark!
A trio of foot-long razor-sharp bone claws extends between Zach’s finger knuckles.
Kevin: That’s cool!
Ash: Go, Zach!
Blair: That’s just a better version of Alden’s trademark!
Alden: *high pitch* WHAT?!
Alexis: And unlike Alden, he’s a grower, not a shower.
Alden: *high pitch* There’s a slight breeze!
Eve: We’re indoors.
Zach charges at Walker.
Walker: The same strategy again? Haven't you learned?
Walker opens up a portal in front of Zach, but this time, Zach pulls back his punch and doesn’t run into it.
Walker: Hm?
Zach runs past the portal as it starts closing and begins to fight hand-to-hand with Walker. Walker effortlessly blocks every one of Zach's strikes.
Walker: (His attacks are slow… I know what’s happening.)
Walker attempts to make a counterattack, but Zach lunges back and avoids it.
Hayze: (Zach’s movements are less fluid, but he can pull back from Professor Walker’s portals and attacks, unlike before. What changed?)
Walker: Clever move, boys.
Zach: Heh… Thanks, Professor!
The metal objects on Demetri’s fingertips are dispensers that have attached strings to Zach’s body, allowing Demetri to operate him like a puppet.
Demetri: Let’s see how you deal with a puppet master, Professor Walker!
Hayze: (I see! Demetri can make Zach’s movements much sharper on a marionette. Thus, he can protect Zach from the Professor’s attacks!)
Walker: Too bad you forgot one thing.
Zach and Demetri: Huh?
A portal opens up behind Demetri. Aaron’s grenade falls out and lands on the ground next to him.
Demetri: What the hell?! You still have that?!
The grenade blows up, sending Demetri and, by extension, Zach flying through the air. Demetri smacks into the ground, unconscious. Zach lands on his chest and tries to get up but can’t.
Zach: *struggling grunts* Why can’t I move?!
Zach notices that Demetri’s strings are still attached.
Walker: You forgot that by attaching yourself to Demetri, all I needed to do was take him out, and you’d become useless.
Zach: Ah, dang! And I still had some fight left in me!
Walker karate chops the back of Zach’s neck, knocking him out.
Walker: Two down.
Suddenly, a grenade rolls between Walker’s legs.
Walker: (Just a smoke bomb, I’ll humor them.)
A smokescreen shrouds him.
Walker: It was a good move to attack while I was lecturing, but you’re mistaken if you think this will work out for you.
Aaron appears before Walker, his right arm transformed into an RPG-7.
Aaron: Say, ahhh!
Walker ducks and dodges as Aaron fires the rocket.
Aaron: Ha! Gotcha!
Walker: Hm?
The smoke clears, revealing Aaron was actually aiming at Wes, who is standing 60 yards away.
Wes: I’ve got it!
Suddenly, Wes’ skin and clothes become coated in mirror glass.
Aaron: You’re about to take a reflected rocket at double power! That oughta injure you!
Walker: Will it now?
Walker opens a portal beneath Wes, capturing him. The portal closes; Aaron’s rocket whizzes by and explodes in the air.
Aaron: *frustrated grunt*
Walker: Using a smokescreen to hide your intentions was a good strategy, but too bad my trademark’s range is equivalent to my field of vision.
Aaron: That’s what I was hoping for, teach!
Walker: Hm?
Aaron: I had a feeling that attack wouldn’t work! What I really wanted was to know the limit of your trademark!
Aaron retreats about 70 yards and fires a smoke grenade to obscure Walker’s vision of him.
Aaron: I’ll take those 100 points now!
All of the spectators are intrigued.
Justus: (What could he be planning?)
Karma: (This has to be really powerful. Ranged attacks haven’t worked up to this point.)
Aaron combines his arms, molding them together to form a howitzer cannon.
Walker: Whatever your planning… It won’t work.
Aaron: Heh! You don’t stand a chance against this!
Hayze: If Professor Walker’s portals have a set size limit, a big enough blast should be impossible for him to absorb. And with the smokescreen blocking his view, he’ll have no idea when to dodge it.
Ash: So, Aaron wins?!
Hayze: Not exactly… Aaron’s forgetting one thing.
Aaron charges the cannon.
Aaron: Let’s Go! HOWITZER BURST!
Aaron fires a blast larger than any of Walker’s voids. It makes a towering boom as it leaves the barrel and zooms straight at Walker. Instantly clearing the smoke.
Walker: Checkmate.
Aaron: Huh? That’s my line!
The blast continues toward Walker. Aaron watches with a confident look. However, Walker opens up a portal… Wes comes falling out, still in his mirror form.
Wes: HUH?!
Aaron’s face turns from confidence to shock as the blast bounces off Wes and reflects back at him with twice the power.
Aaron: (Ah… shit.)
The blast hits Aaron, sending him flying through the air.
Aaron: Sorry, teach, but I’m immune to my own explosions!
Walker: Are you also immune to concrete?
Aaron: Wh-
Aaron smacks into the arena wall, knocking him out cold.
Justus: (Well… I guess he shouldn’t have forgotten about his friend.)
Hayze: (I knew it; time is frozen inside Professor Walker’s portals, Which is why Aaron’s first grenade lasted so long. He nabbed Wes, knowing he could use him as a shield.)
Wes looks at Aaron’s unconscious body. He reverts into his standard form.
Wes: Well, I’m never gonna hear the end of that… At least I didn’t get beat up that badly…
Walker karate chops the back of Wes’ neck, knocking him out. Walker then approaches Alden, who is still writhing in pain on the ground.
Alden: Please… don’t…
Walker kicks Alden in the balls, knocking him out. Silence fills the arena as the students look at their unconscious classmates. Walker looks up at them.
Walker: Welcome to Gen.H Academy.