Iota (Naratting):
Despite making this massive discovery, I didn’t do anything with it. Mostly because I was intelligent enough to know the ramifications of what a serum like that could do to the world and why Dr. Moore kept it secret. Plus, I never really wanted to do anything with the information, all I wanted was to figure out what was different about Rachel and Saige’s quirks and I had. So I did nothing.
2 and a half years later. All of the students of classes 3-A and 3-B are gathered after a grueling final exam.
Ewing:
And with all of that said, I’m proud of you all for completing your hero education at U.A.!
Everyone cheers.
Ewing:
I guess we just have one question left to ask. Who are the top five students of your graduating class?
Everyone quiets down and gets tense.
Ewing:
I guess I won’t keep you in suspense. We’ll start with number 5… Houston Whittaker!
Everyone gives a round of applause for Houston.
Ewing:
Number 4… Ivan Odorizzi!
Iota looks nervous as he gets a round of applause.
Ewing:
Number 3… Rachel Moore!
Fatal punches her palm with fiery pride.
Ewing:
Number 2…
Everyone gets tense, knowing it’s between Walker and Adrian.
Ewing:
Adrian Rodgers!
Everyone claps for Adrian. However, he looks disappointed.
Ewing:
Which means the Number 1 student of your graduating class is none other than Damien Walker!
Walker looks unphased as he is showered in applause. He turns to Adrian.
Walker:
Huh, would you look at that.
Adrian:
Shut up…
Iota watches Walker and Adrian argue with a smile on his face.
Iota:
(I didn’t get Number 1 like Colossus did when he graduated, but 4 out of 40 is still pretty good.)
Duke places his hand on Iota’s shoulder.
Duke:
Nice job, man, great work.
Iota:
Oh, hey Duke, sorry you didn’t make the Top 5…
Duke:
Oh, it’s okay. I’m sure I was 6th.
Fatal punches both Adrian and Walker in the head.
Fatal:
QUIT ARGUING YOU TWO!
Adrian and Walker:
Thanks, mom…
Fatal:
I WILL BREAK YOU BOTH!
Ewing clears his throat to bring attention to himself.
Ewing:
Your graduation ceremony will be on Monday, but I need the Top 5 to meet me in my office on Sunday for some important pre-ceremony planning.
All of the Top 5 look curious.
Duke:
Huh? I wonder what that’s about?
Iota:
I don’t know…
Houston, Iota, Walker, Fatal, and Adrian met Ewing in his office that Sunday. A woman none of them have ever met is also standing next to Ewing’s desk.
Ewing:
I’m glad you’re all here.
Fatal:
It’s our pleasure to be here. We’re just wondering why.
Walker:
Yeah, this is a little out of the ordinary.
Ewing:
Well, you are the five next up and coming stars of the hero world with bright futures ahead of you. You’re the best this school has to offer… which is why before you can graduate, I have to ask if you’re willing to answer the call of duty…
All five of them are confused.
Houston:
What are you talking about, sir?
Iota:
Yeah… What's going on?
Ewing takes out two ring cases.
Ewing:
These boxes contain two of the most incredible and powerful artifacts the world has ever seen.
Ewing opens the boxes, revealing the Theta and Iota Rings.
Fatal:
R- rings?
Adrian:
Greatest? Powerful?
Ewing:
Yes… now let me explain.
Ewing explains to them the origin of the rings and the reasoning behind their importance.
Fatal:
That’s… that’s unbelievable!
Houston:
You’re telling me these things actually have quirks inside them!
Ewing:
Why would I lie?
Iota is trembling.
“ Iota looks Colossus straight in the eye, activating his quirk.
Iota:
(Huh? That’s strange, his quirk… it doesn’t feel that powerful…)
Iota shakes it off.
Iota:
(I’m sure it’s just because I’m nervous.) “
— Chapter 100
Iota clenches his fist.
Walker:
So what do you need us for?
Ewing:
Straight to the point as always I see Damien. I admire that about you.
Ewing clears his throat.
Ewing:
Are you willing to become the next guardian?
All five of them are taken aback.
Ewing:
I know this is a huge question to ask. I’ve made the consequences clear… but I need an answer from all of you.
Silence. Adrian looks like he is in deep thought.
Ewing:
I-
Iota:
What do those rings do exactly?
Ewing:
These? The Iota Ring grants telekinesis and psychic powers such as mind control. The Theta Ring gives superintelligence.
Iota:
Is there a ring that enhances the strength of the wearer?
Everyone looks at Iota.
Ewing:
Ivan, what are you getting at?
Iota:
I’m just asking as like… an example.
Ewing thinks for a moment.
Ewing:
Yes, there is.
Iota’s eyes widen.
“
Colossus:
Nobody likes a hero that’s just a poser, after all. “
— Chapter 100
Iota is really quiet.
Ewing:
Look, if your answer is no, that’s fine. I don’t expect any of you to say yes. In fact, I’m perfectly fine with all of you saying no.
Silence.
Ewing:
Okay, well-
Iota grabs the Iota Ring.
Iota:
I’ll do it.
Houston and Fatal are surprised.
Houston:
Ivan, really? You’re willing to sacrifice your hero career for this?
Rachel:
Ivan…
Adrian grabs the Theta Ring.
Adrian:
I’ll do it, too.
Fatal looks shocked, and even Walker looks surprised.
Fatal:
YOU WHAT! NO, YOU DON’T!
Adrian:
I need to-
Suddenly the woman standing next to Ewing’s desk appears behind Houston, Walker, and Fatal. She quickly presses her hand against each of their backs. Knocking them out.
Adrian:
Wh- what?
Ewing:
Thank you, Ms. Amnesia.
Amnesia:
No problem, sir.
Adrian looks pissed.
Adrian:
What did you do to them!
Ewing:
To protect the Rings, only a select few can know of their existence. Damien, Houston, and Rachel are no longer essential, so they had their memories wiped.
Adrian:
They… they had their memories wiped?
Ewing:
Yes. Now, are you two willing to take on the hardships of being a guardian?
Iota:
Yes.
Adrian is surprised by how quick Iota answered.
Adrian:
Will… will we still be heroes?
Ewing:
Of course, you’re the best kind of hero… the one that doesn't get any recognition. You’re going to have to lie to your friends about what you’re doing… your whole life will have to change.
Adrian looks back at Fatal.
Adrian:
These Rings… How dangerous is it if they fall into the wrong hands?
Ewing looks down at his desk.
Ewing:
You don’t want to know.
Adrian’s eyes widen.
Adrian:
Okay… I agree to become a guardian.
Ewing nods, and he turns to Iota.
Ewing:
You’re being awfully quiet, Ivan. Are you alright with all of this?
Iota:
No…
Ewing:
Hm? But you said yes earlier?
Iota:
No, I want to be a guardian, that’s for sure… I just don’t know if I have the strength to do what comes next.
Ewing smiles and places his hand on Iota’s shoulder.
Ewing:
Ivan… you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Of course, you do.
Iota smiles.
Iota:
Thank you, Teacher.
Ewing is proud of Iota and Adrian.
Ewing:
No… Thank you, boys.
That night as Iota is walking home. Iota recollects his conversation with Adrian after they agreed to become guardians.
Adrian:
Hey, Ivan, we’re in this together, man. This will be tough, but knowing I’m doing it with you makes it easier.
Adrian playfully punches Iota in the shoulder.
Adrian:
Let’s protect the world together.
Iota arrives at his house, and he opens the door.
Iota’s Mom:
Hey, Ivan, it’s good to see you’re-
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Iota rushes to his room.
Iota’s Mom:
Where are you going, mister!
Iota enters his room and locks the door behind him. He looks at his room decorated in Colossus memorabilia. Tears start to roll down his face.
Iota:
YOU FAKE!
Iota starts tearing apart his posters of Colossus. He rips his Colossus sheets off his bed and throws away all of his collectible Colossus action figures in rage.
Iota:
AHHHHHH!
“
Colossus:
Being a hero is an honor, not a luxury. Every day you wear your costume, always remind yourself that people count on you, kids look up to you, and your mentors are proud of you. I know all of what I’m saying is very serious, but never lose sight of who you are and be yourself along the way. Nobody likes a hero that’s just a poser, after all. “
— Chapter 100
Iota:
MY WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN A LIE! THE MAN I IDOLIZED, THE MAN WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I FOLLOWED, THE MAN WHO INSPIRED ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A LIAR!
“
Colossus:
And most of all, thank you at home for your support! There’s no need to be afraid anymore now that I am here! “
— Chapter 100
Iota:
I WANTED TO BECOME A HERO BECAUSE OF YOU! I WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE YOU!
“
Colossus:
Nobody likes a hero that’s just a poser after all. “
— Chapter 100
Iota holds up one of his Colossus action figures.
Iota:
You fooled me… you made me think you were the greatest… you made me feel safe.
Iota looks out his window at the city of Nashville.
Iota:
And I’m not the only one you fooled…
Iota grabs a lighter.
Iota:
You fooled the whole world… you’re not strong… you hide behind a trinket.
“
Colossus and Iota:
Your quirk may be strong…
Colossus bends his knees, Iota mirrors.
Colossus and Iota:
But my spirit is stronger! “
— Chapter 100
Iota starts burning the Colossus action figure.
Iota:
You fooled me into thinking I could reach the top of spirit alone… no… I was fourth in our class because of my QUIRK! IF I HAD A BETTER QUIRK, I WOULD HAVE BEEN THE STRONGEST!
Iota remembers Moore’s quirk serum.
Iota:
I can be the strongest…
Iota drops the burnt Colossus action figure in the trash and grabs his bag. He pulls out the Iota Ring case.
Iota:
Well, Colossus… if you can do it… so can I!
Iota puts the Iota ring on his finger. It glows with power.
Iota:
Now then… let’s go get stronger.
Duke is hanging out at his house when suddenly his doorbell rings.
Duke:
Coming!
Duke opens his door and sees Iota with a hood over his head.
Duke:
Oh hey, Ivan! Are you ready for graduation tomorrow-
Iota touches the Duke’s forehead with the Iota Ring. It glows for a second as Duke’s eyes become clouded.
Iota:
Come with me.
Iota and Duke get in Duke’s car. Iota drives them to the U.A. parking garage.
Iota:
Hello, sir.
Iota flashes Dr. Moore’s old ID Card at the security guard. He looks confused and walks up to the car.
Security Guard:
What are you two doing-
Iota touches the guard’s forehead with the Iota Ring. It glows for a second as his eyes become clouded.
Iota:
Alright, first you’re going to let us into the garage, then you’re going to go to the main security room and shut off and delete all of the camera footage. Finally, after you’re done, you’re to come back here and take a nap, forgetting everything you’ve done.
The security guard nods and opens the gate to the parking garage. He then starts walking towards the front entrance of U.A.
Iota:
Isn’t he so lovely…
Iota and Duke park and head inside of U.A. They go straight to Dr. Moore’s lab.
Iota:
(I’m glad I kept this.)
Iota uses Dr. Moore’s old ID Card to open the door. He and Duke walk inside.
Iota:
Ready, Duke?
Duke:
Yes, Master.
Iota uses the card to open the freezer revealing the four syringes.
Iota:
You know what to do.
Duke walks up to the freezer and uses his quirk to duplicate all four syringes. He then hands them to Iota.
Iota:
This should be enough. Thank you, Duke.
Duke:
Yes, Master.
Iota closes the freezer with the original quirk serum syringes still inside. Then, they head back to Duke’s car and drive to Duke’s house.
Iota:
Go to bed. In the morning, you’ll remember none of this.
Duke:
Yes, Master.
Iota looks at the four quirk serum-filled syringes.
Iota:
(I’ll have to use these at a safe time, after all, I have no clue how any of this works.)
About a week after graduation, Iota stares out at a beautiful lake.
Ewing:
Amazing, isn’t it?
Iota:
Hm?
Ewing:
The view, that is.
Iota:
Yeah… it’s something alright.
Iota is moving into a lakeside cabin as his guardian isolation home.
Ewing:
I’m thankful you were willing to do this… I’ll be sure to stop by every now and again.
Iota:
Oh, don’t worry, it’s my pleasure. Protecting the world as a hero has always been my goal, not fame and fortune.
Ewing smiles.
Ewing:
I always liked you, Ivan… you… were my favorite student.
Iota is surprised.
Iota:
R- really?
Ewing:
Rachel was always a little too hotheaded, and Damien and Adrian were too full of themselves. You were always so fixated on your goal to become a hero. I admired that.
Iota:
Yeah… Well, you were a good teacher.
Ewing:
What inspired you to work hard despite your unconventional quirk?
Iota looks out at the lake.
Iota:
I had an idea of what a hero should be, and I had a hero I looked up to that I wanted to be like.
Ewing:
You mean Colossus?
Iota’s eyes narrow.
Iota:
Yes, Colossus.
Ewing:
It’s not expected that someone who aspires to be like Colossus takes on this job.
Iota clenches his fist.
Iota:
Well… my perspective changed.
Ewing stares at Iota for a moment.
Ewing:
Alright… Well, I’ll be on my way now. Goodbye, Ivan.
Iota:
Thank you, Teacher… for everything.
Ewing smiles.
Ewing:
You’re welcome.
Ewing leaves.
Iota:
(You taught me how to be a hero, but it’s unfortunate that I no longer want to be your definition of a hero.)
Iota heads inside the cabin and opens his freezer containing the syringes.
Iota:
(In fact…)
Iota grabs the four syringes and rolls up his sleeve.
Iota:
(I want to reform what it means to be a hero…)
Iota winds back the syringes.
Iota:
(Colossus has broken the concept of heroes… and it is my job to fix it!)
Iota stabs himself in the arm and inserts all of the serum into his body.
Iota:
(Woah…)
Iota passes out.
Iota (Naratting):
You may ask why I would throw everything away for power? My friends, my career, everything… Well, it’s simple. MY WORLD SHATTERED when I figured out that Colossus wasn’t who he said he was. Everything I believed and everything I thought I knew was wrong. My life was based on a lie, and I knew I wasn’t the only one. Colossus represents peace and security, and his lie upholds those values and creates a false narrative for the society he protects. The problem is that peace is a lie and what is the opposite of a lie? The truth. I want to show this world the truth and show them that what they believe is a lie forged by the greatest liar of all time. I want to reform what it means to be a hero into the opposite of everything that Colossus stands for: Where he is a liar, I will tell the truth, where he values the lives of others, I will destroy them, where he represents peace, I will showcase chaos. I will reform this world and show them that peace is a lie and chaos is the truth.
A year later. Iota stands outside the cabin he is supposedly living in.
Iota:
(It’s time.)
Zaire and Wyatt are with Iota.
Iota:
Come on, it’s time to end Ivan’s life.
Zaire and Wyatt:
Yes, Master.
Iota, Zaire, and Wyatt step inside the house. Zaire grabs some rope while Iota takes a stool and places it under a ceiling fan.
Iota:
Wyatt, use your quirk.
Wyatt rips a small follicle of hair off Iota's head.
Wyatt:
What do you need?
Iota:
Broken neck, we’re simulating a hanging.
Wyatt nods. His eyes start glowing as a dead body of Iota forms from the hair with a visibly broken neck.
Wyatt:
All done.
Iota:
Good.
Zaire wraps a noose around the fake Iota’s neck, and they hoist him up above the stool.
Iota:
Now, once we’re done here, we can-
The door opens.
Duke:
Hey Ivan, holy crap, I can’t believe it’s been a year since we last-
Duke sees what’s going on.
Duke:
Wh…
Iota looks shocked.
Iota:
*sighs* You just had to be early… didn’t you?
Duke:
Ivan… what’s going on?
Iota turns to Duke.
Iota:
Exactly what it looks like.
Duke:
Who are those people? And what the hell is that?
Iota looks at his fake dead body.
Iota:
A fake.
Duke:
Wait a second… Did you call me here so I could find that? You were trying to fake your death?
Iota:
Maybe…
Duke:
Ivan, why? Why would you want to do that?
Iota looks down at the ground.
Iota:
Because I need to change the world… and I can’t do it as Ivan.
Duke stares at Iota.
Duke:
I’m calling the police!
Duke reaches for his cellphone.
Iota:
*sighs* Zaire…
Suddenly a warp gate opens beneath Duke’s feet. He starts falling but grabs onto the edge of the gate just before.
Duke:
Ivan! What the hell! What are you doing!
Iota walks over and kneels down next to Duke.
Iota:
I’m sorry… I didn’t want it to come to this… but I can’t trust you to not ruin everything.
Duke:
Wh- what are you saying?
Iota:
Duke… you were my best friend… so it pains me to have to do this, but don’t worry… when my mission to change the world has been completed. I will free you.
Iota starts to peel off Duke’s fingers.
Duke:
No! Ivan! What are you doing! What you are saying! Talk to me!
Duke is down to just his index finger.
Iota:
I’m sorry…
A single tear rolls down Iota’s face.
Iota:
But this world needs fixing… and I know you won’t let me do that.
Iota peels off Duke’s last finger causing him to fall into the warp gate.
Duke:
IVANNNN!
The gate closes. A few moments of silence pass as Iota stands up slowly.
Iota:
Wyatt, go drive his car into the lake. Zaire and I will finish up here.
Wyatt:
Yessir.
Wyatt goes outside.
Zaire:
I’m sorry you had to do that, Master.
Iota:
It’s alright… sometimes to save the world, you need to make some personal sacrifices…
Iota and Zaire finish hanging Iota’s fake body. Then, they go outside to see Wyatt emerge from the lake soaking wet.
Wyatt:
It is done.
Iota:
Good… Zaire, take us home.
Zaire opens a warp gate. Wyatt, Iota, and Zaire step through it, taking them to Iota’s school.
Zaire:
So… this is where the movement will begin?
Wyatt:
It looks kind of like U.A.
Iota:
That’s what I modeled it after… head inside you two. I have work to do.
Zaire:
Are you in need of a gate, Master?
Iota:
I'll find you later, Zaire. Don’t worry.
Zaire and Wyatt both nod as they head inside.
Iota:
(I will be the greatest hero that the world has ever seen.)
Iota looks up into the sky and stares at the Earth.
Iota:
(And with my new quirk.)
Iota looks at the Iota Ring.
Iota:
(I will amass all 10 Rings and fix that world.)
Iota and his base of operations are located on his own planet.
Iota:
(Just try to find me.)
A man in a trench coat wearing a scarf, fedora, and sunglasses walks into a convenience store to the sound of a welcoming beep. A lone cashier in the store, looking at his phone, gives the man a weird look but returns to his device. The man starts walking through the store. He looks through some of the food on the shelves.
Man:
Hmm…
Another welcome beep goes off. The man looks at the door to see a dirty-looking little girl standing in the doorway.
Man:
(Hm…)
The cashier puts his phone down and stares at the girl. Upon further inspection, she isn’t wearing any shoes. The girl locks eyes with the cashier and then starts staring at a bag of chips.
Cashier:
Don’t even think about it.
The girl beelines it for the chips. The cashier grabs a metal bat from underneath the counter and slides it over the counter.
Cashier:
Why you little!
The girl grabs the chips and tries to run back to the door, but the cashier grabs her arm.
Cashier:
Didn’t anyone ever teach you that stealing is a bad thing!
The girl gets scared. She closes her eyes and points her hand at the cashier.
Girl:
Push!
Suddenly, the cashier is sent flying into the store wall, indenting it in his figure. The force of the attack sends a gust of wind throughout the store, knocking over shelves and breaking the windows. It also knocks off the trench-coated man’s hat, revealing a familiar-looking haircut…
Cashier:
*groans* What… the fuck…
The girl opens her eyes to see the destruction she’s caused, she sees that the cashier has been incapacitated and runs for the door, but she’s stopped by the man. The girl points her hand at the man in fear.
Man:
No, stop! I don’t want to hurt you!
The girl is surprised by these words.
Girl:
You… don’t?
Man:
No, I do not.
The man takes a knee and removes his sunglasses.
Iota:
I want to be your friend.
Girl:
My… friend? Don’t lie… nobody wants to be my friend…
Iota picks up the bag of chips the girl dropped during the chaos.
Iota:
Well, then I guess I’m nobody.
The girl looks at Iota and then at the bag of chips. She grabs them, opens them, and starts devouring them.
Iota:
Wow, you must not eat a lot. Are your parents around?
The girl freezes and starts shaking.
Iota:
Oh! My apologies, you don’t have to say anything about them.
Iota takes off his trench coat and puts it on the girl. She looks at him with a shocked look on her face.
Iota:
What? It’s cold outside; you’re going to need that.
The girl hesitates.
Girl:
Th- th- thank you… Mister.
Iota:
Call me, Iota.
Girl:
Iota? Okay.
Iota:
And what might your name be?
Girl:
My name is Ivy.
