Class 2-A is relaxing in their classroom during their free period. Everyone is there except Jace and Lilith.
Zach:
I know I may be alone on this, but it feels nice to have a regular class for once.
Angel:
Yeah, the provisional exams were fun but definitely stressful.
Gus:
Fun? I was in the exam for an hour, then spent what felt like two and a half months on an island starving to death. This feels amazing.
Isaiah:
Gus does bring up a good point, especially for those of us that spent most of our time on that island in a cramped ditch.
Demetri:
Thanks for that, by the way, guys.
Eve gives Demetri a death stare.
Eve:
Are you questioning our decision-making?
Demetri:
Oh, come on! You weren’t even there when we got imprisoned!
Eve:
Point stands.
Demetri:
*sighs* No… I’m not.
The girls, minus Saige, are gathered around Blair.
Karma:
So you and Hayze really decided to just be friends?
Blair:
Yeah… it’s sad, but it feels good to finally have that off my chest.
Ash:
I thought you guys would have been a cute couple.
Blair:
We would have. (AND WE DO! HAHAHA!)
Alexis:
Well, if you need help getting over him, let us know. Distractions are the best way to get over a broken heart.
Eve:
Yeah, and if you want, I could break his arms.
Blair:
Don’t worry about me; I’m a big girl. I can get over one guy.
Eve:
As long as you’re okay.
Karma:
I wonder if Saige will make a move now that you and Hayze are done.
Blair:
I doubt that.
Karma:
Hm? Why?
Blair:
Gut feeling.
Wrath appears as a spirit beside Hayze.
Wrath:
(You know those chicks are talking about you, right?)
Hayze:
(I think that’s what girls normally do when their friend gets rejected.)
Wrath:
(I still don’t understand why you’re doing this. You’re missing out on a lot of perks.)
Hayze:
(I have many enemies, Wrath, keep in mind that a handless Iota is still out there with a pretty large bone to pick. The last thing I want is for him to hurt Blair to get to me.)
Wrath:
(If he did, I’d kill him.)
Hayze:
(We’d kill him.)
Wrath:
*nasal grunt* (Right.)
After class finishes, the students walk back to their dorm. Aaron runs up and smacks Hayze on the back.
Hayze:
*grunts* What was that for?
Aaron:
To cheer you up, buddy! You got rejected. It’s alright, though. Not everybody can be as great a lady’s man as I am.
Hayze:
What makes you think Blair rejected me?
Aaron:
Oh, come on, you’d have to be gay to reject a girl that was as crazy for you as Blair. Unless?
Hayze:
Blair and I came to a mutual decision.
Aaron:
That’s what they all say…
Zach:
What’s going on with 2-B?
The armored bus is parked outside Class 2-B’s dorm. The students are boarding it wearing black.
Kevin:
Are they going to a funeral or something?
Wes:
I didn’t hear anything about a student dying.
Angel:
That’s strange.
Eve:
You guys really didn’t hear?
Angel:
Huh?
Wes:
Hear what?
Eve:
After the final exams last year, two students from their class were expelled. Apparently, one of them was found dead a couple of nights ago.
Zach:
Dead? Really?
Justus:
What happened?
Eve:
That I’m not sure about.
Saige:
He became the most recent victim of Nashville’s newest villain: The Vampire Queen.
Gus:
V- v- v- vampire?
Alexis:
I’ve heard about her before. I didn’t realize she was murdering people now.
Saige:
Well, like most new crime syndicates forming in the wake of Colossus’ death, their operations have been ramping up in the last few months. Her quirk is literally called Vampire, and she apparently lives off other people’s blood. No need for food or water.
Wes:
Oh god…
Aaron:
What’s wrong?
Wes:
I just don’t like the sounds of that.
Saige:
She likes to get her food straight from the source. When we left for the licensing exams, she had only killed about five people, but that kid was her eleventh.
Ash:
That sounds scary.
Karma:
Yeah, there’s a serial killer on the loose, and nobody’s doing anything about it?
Saige:
Oh, don’t worry, girls, we’re fine. Like any serial killer, she has a calling card. Every single person she’s feasted upon has been a man between the ages of 18 and 23.
Gus:
I’M NEVER LEAVING THIS PLACE AGAIN!
Saige:
You don’t have to worry either, Gus. She also tends to go after handsome men.
Gus:
Oh, thank god… wait.
Wes:
Phew.
Saige:
It is kind of concerning that she went after a U.A. student, albeit a former one.
Aaron:
Yeah, she might come after guys like Silver, Justus, and I.
Alexis:
One of those is wrong.
Aaron:
Wow, apologize to Justus, Alexis.
Alexis:
I’d say pick again, but I know what the next words out of your mouth would be.
Saige:
My point is that you guys should be careful when you leave campus.
Justus:
I guess they were on to something when they made the rule that we can’t leave without supervision.
Zach:
Hey guys, since we’re all talking, can we address the elephant in the room?
Gus:
Hey…
Wes:
He’s not talking about you, Gus.
Zach:
We all agreed we needed to do something about Jace after the exams. Well, now he’s got Lilith. I’m worried. I don’t know what we can do for them.
Silver:
Unfortunately, not much. You weren’t there at the time, Zach, but after Jace and Lilith’s fight, we had a group discussion. It didn’t amount to much.
Zach:
*grunts*
Eve:
We have to do something! I know you guys are reserved to just waiting for the teachers to do something, but I’m not! Lilith is my friend, and I can’t stand seeing her like this.
Justus:
We all can’t, Eve, but the problem is we have no idea how this happened or what caused it to happen. Without that information, finding a solution would be like blindly throwing darts at a board.
Everyone gets quiet.
Hayze:
The best thing we can do now is not allow anyone else to become like them. We have to stop this infection.
Ash:
And how do you propose we do that?
Hayze:
Nobody is allowed to fight either of them one-on-one. Fighting Jace is what made Lilith join him.
Blair:
Yeah, and we should also avoid talking to them one-on-one. It’s almost as if their persuasion skills have improved as well.
Hayze:
I’ll go talk to Mr. Copy right now. Everything should be fine if we stop them from expanding their ranks and allow the teachers to do their job.
Everyone nods in agreement.
Hayze:
I’ll see you guys later then. I’ll let you know what Mr. Copy has to say.
Back at Class 2-A’s dorm, Jace and Lilith kneel before a laptop with Vanguard on a video call.
Vanguard:
I’m proud of you, Fool. The addition of the Empress to the Vanguard is a significant step forward.
Jace:
I apologize that I couldn’t recruit any more members.
Lilith:
Don’t apologize, Fool. The blame lies with me. It was my responsibility to convince Blair to join us, and I failed.
Vanguard:
Silence, you two. I’m happy with the progress you’ve made so far. Taking over this school is a marathon, not a sprint. Continue targeting members of the hero course for now, and keep me updated. I’ll let you know when it’s time to begin our siege on the rest of the student body.
Jace:
Yes, Master.
Lilith:
Of course, Master.
Vanguard:
Good luck.
The call ends.
Lilith:
Who shall be our next target?
Jace:
None.
Lilith:
What do you mean?
Jace:
The next member of the Vanguard will come to us. We just have to wait for them.
Hayze enters Adrian’s office.
Adrian:
Hayze… it’s good you’re here.
Hayze:
I assume you know why I came?
Adrian:
Yeah… we have a problem, Hayze.
Hayze:
Huh?
Adrian:
You wanted to ask about the school’s plans for Jace and Lilith, right? Well, there are none.
Hayze:
Wh- what!
Adrian hands Hayze a few pieces of paper.
Adrian:
Jace and Lilith’s club is now officially a club. These forms acknowledge their existence.
Hayze:
What? Why would-
Adrian:
Principal Ewing doesn’t think their behavior is out of the ordinary. He’s not allowing anyone to do anything about them, and he’s the one responsible for making them into a school-sanctioned club.
Hayze:
What’s he thinking? Clearly, something is wrong with them!
Adrian:
I don’t know, Hayze, but it’s concerning.
Hayze stares at the forms.
Hayze:
So… you can’t do anything for them?
Adrian:
No… I don’t know what got into him, but he’s convinced himself everything is fine.
Hayze:
You need to talk to him about it again.
Adrian:
I can’t. Otherwise, he’ll fire me. He’s set in stone on this. I think it might have something to do with what happened at the Showcase. He might be afraid of what will happen if news gets out about this, so he’s trying to convince himself that nothing is wrong.
Hayze:
*frustrated grunt* Do you think a ring has something to do with Jace and Lilith?
Adrian:
No, Jace and Lilith couldn’t have ever made contact with a ring wielder.
Hayze looks away.
Adrian:
What do you know?
Hayze:
Let’s say hypothetically speaking that Jace left the campus by himself for a few hours the night he started acting like this. What would be his punishment? Hypothetically speaking.
Adrian stares at Hayze.
Adrian:
In that hypothetical, I’d have to report that information to the school board and considering the magnitude of what Jace has returned with. He’d more than likely be expelled, ending his hero career.
Hayze:
*nasal grunt*
Adrian:
Of course, if that hypothetical were true. Then that means Jace could have encountered someone with a ring, which caused his sudden change. The only problem is that all the rings outside the Iota and Omega are accounted for.
Hayze:
Are you sure?
Adrian:
Yes, Ewing does weekly check-ins with every single Guardian. I’ve been through them. Auditory, retinal, and fingerprint scans are all required. We’d know if any of the rings were gone.
Hayze:
Then it has to be Iota.
Adrian:
I don’t think so. You sliced Ivan’s hands clean off. He couldn’t use the Iota ring even if he wanted to.
Hayze:
Maybe he figured out a way to regenerate his hands.
Adrian:
Highly unlikely; regeneration quirks are extremely rare. Especially ones that can be used on other people. Even the Gamma Ring can’t be used to regenerate someone else’s limbs, you’d have to wear it yourself to do that, and he can’t. He definitely is still handless.
Hayze:
Okay, then maybe he’s using one of his flunkies as a surrogate. Iota has to be responsible for this!
Adrian:
Hm… you’re right that he’s the prime suspect, but there are many holes in that theory.
Hayze:
Huh?
Adrian:
We all saw Lilith get brainwashed by Jace. To do that, he’d had to have been wearing the Iota ring, but that couldn’t be the case. So Jace can’t both be under the ring’s control and be using its powers. That doesn’t make any sense.
Hayze:
Perhaps Iota’s using the Omega Ring to boost its power.
Adrian:
That also can’t be the case. Omega does increase the power of the user’s quirk, but it doesn’t raise a ring’s power. Hm… I don’t know, Hayze. I don’t think it’s Iota.
Hayze:
It has to be!
Adrian looks at Hayze.
Adrian:
*sighs* Well, there’s one way for us to find out.
Hayze:
Really? How!
Adrian:
The Iota ring has a calling card of sorts. Anyone under its psychic control has a pink Iota mark tattooed on their body. So if Jace and Lilith have those marks, it’s Ivan’s doing. If they don’t, it’s something else.
Hayze:
Great, then all we have to do is find that mark.
Hayze goes to leave.
Adrian:
*clears his throat* Hayze, that mark can appear ANYWHERE on their bodies.
Hayze stops and slowly looks back at Adrian.
Hayze:
Anywhere?
Adrian:
Yup, the ring doesn’t give a fuck about decency. It randomly chooses a spot and appears there. So if you want to find that mark, you must check EVERYWHERE.
Hayze gets quiet.
Adrian:
Now listen, I honestly don’t believe Ivan is responsible for this. So, unless you’re 100% sure it’s him, I don’t recommend trying to find that mark.
Adrian stands up.
Adrian:
Of course, if you’re willing to seduce Lilith, go right ahead.
Hayze:
Wh- no!
Adrian:
Oh, come on, I heard everyone talking about how you and Blair aren’t a thing. You’re a free agent now, kid. Enjoy yourself.
Hayze:
I’m glad you can be making jokes at a time like this.
Adrian:
Look, Hayze, I’m not happy about what’s happening here either. I will do everything I can to get to the bottom of this, but the first step in fixing something is finding the right path. And I genuinely don’t think that path is the right one.
Hayze:
*grunts*
Adrian:
Now, head back to your dorm, okay?
Hayze starts to leave.
Adrian:
Oh, and by the way.
Hayze:
Huh?
Adrian:
Congratulations on winning the tournament and your progress with the personalities. I didn’t think you’d be able to figure it out that quickly. Good job.
Hayze smiles.
Hayze:
Thank you.
Hayze leaves and begins walking down the hallway.
Hayze:
(It has to be Iota! Who else could be it! He wants the rings, and he knows that two are here! So, he’s infiltrating the school using my friends as his puppets! I don’t care what it takes! I will reveal the truth. You’ve caused too much pain for me and my classmates, Iota! I won’t let you do any more harm!)
Hayze returns to the 2-A dorm. Upon his arrival, the students crowd him.
Eve:
So?
Justus:
What’s going on?
Hayze:
He uh… he said they’re still discussing it.
Eve:
*groans* Of course.
Eve storms off.
Zach:
I hope they come up with something soon.
Angel:
Yeah, for Jace and Lilith’s sakes.
Everyone disperses, leaving just Saige and Hayze.
Saige:
So, what did he actually say?
Hayze:
They’re doing nothing. Your grandfather thinks nothing is wrong.
Saige:
What?
Hayze:
I don’t know why, but he seems adamant.
Saige:
Hm… I’m gonna have to talk to him.
Hayze:
Please do.
Saige:
Is something else wrong? You seem like you have a lot on your mind.
Hayze:
No, I’m fine, don’t worry about it.
Hayze walks off.
Saige:
(I don’t believe that.)
That night, Isaiah, Demetri, and Alden are walking around the U.A. parking garage.
Demetri:
Are you sure this is the right place?
Isaiah:
Yeah, I got a weird message on my phone that said, “Meet me on the fourth floor of the parking garage at midnight. Bring Demetri and Alden.”
Alden:
I’m glad I’m included.
Demetri:
Well, we’re here, and nobody else is.
Hayze:
Think again.
Suddenly, Hayze emerges from behind a beam.
Demetri:
Hayze?
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Isaiah:
You wanted to meet with us?
Hayze:
Yeah, I have a mission for you three.
Alden:
And you’re trusting us! This is the best day!
Demetri:
What kind of mission?
Hayze:
One that fits your skill sets.
Isaiah:
Wait…
Demetri:
You don’t mean?
Hayze:
I need you three to acquire some “pictures” for me.
They all stare at Hayze.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
Hayze! You’re a pervert too!
Hayze:
No! I need you to-
Isaiah:
We can get you fitted for a “Pervert Posse” shirt tomorrow!
Demetri:
We are always looking for new members! Why didn’t you just ask!
Alden:
Now we have someone else strong in the group besides me!
Hayze:
Quiet down!
They all shut up.
Hayze:
You need to be discreet about this. I want you to get me pictures of Lilith…
Demetri:
Lilith?
Isaiah:
Why her?
Alden:
I thought you’d want Blair or Saige?
Hayze:
I think I know how to find out what’s wrong with her.
Isaiah:
By seeing her naked?
Demetri:
Just admit that you need some “material.”
Hayze:
That’s not what this is about.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
Right…
Hayze facepalms.
Demetri:
So, what’s in it for us?
Hayze:
The pictures, you get to keep them. I just need to see them once.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
Huh?
Hayze:
I assume that incentive will make you get the best possible images.
Demetri:
Yeah, but you’re kind of forgetting one thing.
Isaiah:
If we wanted naked pictures of Lilith, hell, any of the girls. We’d be trying.
Demetri:
And failing.
Alden:
We’re not exactly the best at this.
Hayze:
I know, that’s why you’re going to work off one of my plans.
This piques their interest.
Hayze:
Your hair-brained ideas always get you nowhere, but one of my carefully thought-out strategies?
Demetri:
Could get us peeping into the white house!
Alden:
This sounds awesome!
Isaiah:
I don’t know, guys. I’m kind of worried.
Demetri:
Isaiah! We’ve dreamed of this day! Think about it. We could have hundreds of pictures of Lilith’s glorious body!
Isaiah:
Yeah, but… I don’t know…
Alden:
What don’t you know! Whether you’re straight?
Isaiah:
It’s just… something always goes wrong when we try to do this stuff. I know we’d be following Hayze’s instructions this time, but still…
Demetri:
Don’t be a dumbass, Isaiah! This is our chance! Think about it? If this works, we could see any one of the girls!
Isaiah:
Anyone?
Demetri:
Yeah, and after we’re done with Lilith, you get to pick our second target.
Isaiah’s nose starts bleeding.
Isaiah:
I’m in!
Demetri:
We agree, Hayze.
Alden:
We’re ready!
Hayze:
Alright, just a few things. You will never tell anyone I’m in charge of this operation, got it?
Alden:
Wh- wh- what happens if we do?
Hayze:
You want to know why I had you meet me here?
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
Hm?
Hayze:
Let’s just say I know a certain someone who is blocking all of the cameras in this garage, and you know her too.
Demetri:
Wait…
Isaiah:
Her?
Alden:
You don’t mean…
The sound of Tara’s maniacal laughter echoes through their heads.
Hayze:
Yes, and if you ever say anything, she’ll release the footage of you guys being her test subjects.
They all start sweating bullets.
Demetri:
Nobody will ever know, Hayze!
Isaiah:
Your secret is safe with us!
Alden:
Uh-huh!
Hayze:
Good, then let’s discuss the plan for tomorrow night.
The next night, Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden are camped out in the bushes beside 2-A’s dorm. Isaiah and Demetri are wearing all-black outfits with turtlenecks; they have night-vision goggles and ski masks.
Isaiah:
Where the hell did Hayze get all of this equipment?
Demetri:
That psycho girl from the support class gave it to him. I think he’s on her good side for making her gadgets famous at this school.
Alden:
Lucky bastard.
Isaiah:
Eh, whatever, now what’s the plan again?
Demetri:
Lilith’s room is on the second floor, so she’s right next to the staircase that leads down to the main floor and extremely close to the bathrooms. She takes a shower at precisely 6:40 p.m. every night, and because her room is so close, she changes into her clothes there.
Isaiah:
So that means when she gets back to her room…
Alden:
She’s wearing nothing but a towel.
Demetri:
Yup.
Isaiah:
Jesus, how does Hayze notice this stuff?
Demetri:
I don’t know, but that probably explains why he’s so good at making plans. Anyway, Isaiah, once Lilith leaves her room for the showers, you’ll sneak Alden into the building and climb into the vents. The most straightforward access point is the laundry room. After that, you’ll navigate to Lilith’s room. Alden will use his nails to open the vent and sneak into her room. Isaiah, you’ll stay in the duct with the camera. Alden will then open her window. I’ll use my strings to scale the side of the building until I reach the said window. From there, I’ll help Alden position himself to look like he’s trying to break into her room. When Lilith returns, she’ll be like, “Oh, no! Alden’s trying to get inside! She’ll go to knock him down, and that distraction will allow me to use my strings to pull her towel. Isaiah will then fill the SD card with beautiful pictures.
Isaiah:
Sounds fantastic. Hayze is a genius!
Alden:
Why do I have to get knocked out of the building for this!
Demetri:
We need the distraction, and it’s only a two-story fall, nothing big. I’ll tell you what, you get to go first with the pictures.
Alden:
Sounds good to me!
Demetri:
Hands in the center.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden place their hands in the center of their huddle.
Demetri:
On three, Pervert Posse!
Isaiah, Demetri, and Alden:
1! 2! 3! PERVERT POSSE!
Isaiah and Alden begin sneaking up to the main entrance.
Isaiah:
Alright, Alden, you’re not allowed inside, so this could get dicey.
Alden:
*under his breath* Fuck you guys…
Isaiah:
What?
Alden:
Nothing.
Isaiah and Alden sneak inside; they take cover behind a pillar. Isaiah surveys the main floor.
Isaiah:
It looks like almost everyone is in their rooms right now.
Alden:
What about Gus?
Gus is making sixteen grilled cheeses at once.
Isaiah:
Wh- but we already had dinner?
Angel walks up to Gus.
Angel:
Gus, who are those for?
Gus:
Me, this is my snack.
Angel:
Gus, you ate twenty minutes ago.
Gus:
Yeah, and now I need a snack.
Isaiah looks back at Alden.
Isaiah:
*whispers* They’re distracted.
Alden:
*whispers* Look!
Lilith comes down the stairs with just a towel on; she turns and enters the bathrooms.
Isaiah:
*whispering* Now is our chance.
Isaiah and Alden sneak through the main floor, carefully avoiding Angel and Gus. They eventually reach and sneak into the laundry room.
Isaiah:
Phew…
Alden:
We made it.
Kevin:
Made what?
Kevin is doing a load of laundry.
Isaiah:
Uh, I, uh… uh…
Kevin looks at Alden.
Kevin:
Hey…
Isaiah:
(SHIT! WE’RE BUSTED!)
Kevin:
Did Demetri get a new haircut?
Alden and Isaiah:
(WHAT!)
Alden:
Uh… yeah, I did.
Kevin:
Huh, it looks terrible.
Kevin leaves.
Isaiah:
Thank god Kevin ignores us.
Alden:
How do you even mistake Demetri and me?
Isaiah:
Whatever, let’s just go.
Alden uses his nails to open the ventilation system. Then, he and Isaiah climb inside and close the vent behind them.
Isaiah:
*whispering* Okay, be careful. Sounds get magnified in vents, so we need to stay as quiet as possible, especially when we’re over a room full of people.
Alden:
*whispering* Who’s rooms are we going to go over?
Isaiah:
*whispering* Alexis and Blair’s.
Isaiah and Alden climb over Alexis’ room. Karma and Eve are inside.
Karma:
So, are you and Aaron a couple now?
Alexis:
We aren’t going on any dates, though.
Eve:
That’s not surprising. Where could you even go? The food court?
Alexis:
Yeah, that would be pretty lame.
Karma:
So does that mean you’re also not going to… you know.
Alexis:
What have sex? No way, I’m going to make that cocky bastard wait forever.
Eve:
Nice.
Isaiah and Alden climb over Blair’s room.
Blair:
Ah… it felt nice to wear panties for the first time in over a week today.
Blair smiles.
Blair:
Oh god! Who am I kidding! It sucked! Aster was right! I am an exhibitionist! SAIGE GAVE ME A FETISH! THAT BITCH!
Blair sobs.
Isaiah:
*whispering* Alright, we’re here.
Alden:
*whispering* Sweet.
Isaiah and Alden reach Lilith’s room. Alden opens the vent and hops inside, and closes it behind him.
Isaiah:
Good luck, man.
Alden:
You too.
Alden walks up to Lilith’s window. There’s a potted plant on the window sill.
Alden:
Huh.
Alden moves the plant and opens the window, and signals to Demetri.
Demetri:
(Nice, those idiots didn’t fuck everything up!)
Demetri fires his strings at the window sills and begins scaling the wall until he reaches the window.
Alden:
You know… if we have some extra time, I can grab some panties to-
Demetri:
Eyes on the prize, dumbass! She’ll be back any minute.
Lilith’s door begins to open.
Demetri:
Get in position!
Alden positions himself to appear as if he’s climbing through the window. Lilith enters the room and sees him.
Lilith:
Well, well, well, what do we have here?
Alden:
Oh god… look, uh… I just wanted to get something to eat! Please don’t hurt me!
Lilith:
Oh, don’t worry, I won’t hurt you!
Alden:
Thank god…
Lilith:
First.
Alden:
Huh?
Lilith points her hand at her potted plant. It begins growing and wraps around Alden, trapping him. The plant continues growing until it rips through the vent and traps Isaiah.
Alden:
Oh god!
Isaiah:
ABORT MISSION!
Demetri releases his strings and begins falling.
Demetri:
Every man for himself!
Suddenly, the bushes below him begin growing. They catch his fall and hoist him back up to the window. The weeds trap him.
Lilith:
It looks like I have some peeping toms.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
WE’RE SORRY!
Lilith:
You really thought I wouldn’t hear you loudly strategizing outside my window?
They all start sweating bullets.
Lilith:
*sighs* Well, I think I know what to do with all of you.
Lilith grows the plants until they cover Demetri, Alden, and Isaiah’s airways. They struggle to break free until they pass out.
Lilith:
(This should be fun.)
Isaiah slowly awakens. He can’t see anything.
Isaiah:
Wh- what happened?
Alden and Demetri also wake up.
Demetri:
What the hell?
Alden:
Oh god… did we get caught?
Lilith:
Yes, yes, you did.
Lilith lights a candle, revealing that Isaiah, Demetri, and Alden have been tied to chairs.
Lilith:
Welcome to my room, boys.
They look around the room; it’s filled with BDSM equipment and toys.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
OH GOD!
Their faces alternate between excitement and terror.
Lilith:
That was a pretty elaborate plan you guys came up with.
Demetri:
Y- yup!
Isaiah:
Totally us!
Lilith:
I know it wasn’t.
They all gulp.
Lilith:
It looks like I have a secret admirer, and I want to know who it is.
Demetri:
We’ll never tell you!
Alden:
Yeah! We’re loyal!
Lilith:
Really? Well then.
Lilith grabs a massive twenty-five-inch dildo. They all look horrified.
Demetri:
What are you going to do to us!
Lilith:
That’s not the question you should be asking.
Demetri:
Huh?
Isaiah:
What should we be asking then?
Lilith:
What are YOU going to do to ME?
They all look confused.
Lilith:
I bet you’re all expecting me to say, “Whichever one of you gives me the name of the mastermind behind your plan goes free while the other two suffer,” right?
They look at each other for a second and then nod.
Lilith:
Well, that’s not what’s going to happen here. You see… I’m a sub.
Demetri, Isaiah, and Alden:
Oh… OH…. OHHHHHHHH!
Lilith:
So, whichever one of you gives me the mastermind’s name gets to have fun with me.
Alden opens his mouth.
Lilith:
Not you.
Alden:
AWWWWW!
Lilith gets up close to Isaiah and Demetri. Their faces are red.
Demetri:
I’ve never been so tempted in my life.
Isaiah:
Oh god…
Lilith:
However, there’s one more part of the agreement.
Demetri and Isaiah:
Huh?
Lilith:
You have to join the Vanguard.
Demetri and Isaiah are both taken aback.
Demetri:
No way!
Isaiah:
Yeah! This awesome thing you’re offering us isn’t as awesome if we can’t be ourselves when we enjoy it!
Alden:
What he said!
Demetri, Isaiah, and Lilith:
Shut up, Alden!
Alden:
*sobs*
Lilith:
Well, let’s see if I can convince you otherwise.
Lilith opens a drawer and pulls out two tarot card decks.
Lilith:
Let’s see what cards you two get.
Lilith shuffles both decks. She places one each in front of Demetri and Isaiah.
Lilith:
Ready?
Lilith flips over the top card of both decks at the same time. They’re both the Temperance upside down.
Demetri:
Wh-
Isaiah:
Huh?
Lilith:
I’m not surprised. The Temperance reversed represents extremes, excess, and a lack of balance. You both are extreme perverts that can’t balance your libido to save your lives. You both crave excess amounts of erotic pleasure, and it’s held you back since the moment you began your careers here at U.A. Think about how different everything would be if you just could keep your dick in your pants every once and a while. The Vanguard could help you fix that; I could help you fix that. Think of how strong you could become; I was devastated by Jace, but then I put up a great fight against Blair. You two are on the cusp of greatness.
Demetri and Isaiah both have stern looks on their faces.
Demetri:
We’re not stupid, Lilith!
Isaiah:
Yeah, you’re not yourself anymore! The real Lilith would never make us this incredible dominator offer!
Demetri:
Yeah!
Lilith:
Oh yeah? Then where did all of this BDSM stuff come from? We’ve only been back from the exams for a few days, and I haven’t left campus once.
Isaiah and Demetri don’t have a response.
Lilith:
I have a massive humiliation kink, but the old Lilith was too afraid to admit it. I always loved when you guys would try to peep at me changing. It felt amazing. Being a part of the Vanguard allows you to finally remove your restraints. You can be happy for the first time in your life and do what you always wished you could… Like me.
Lilith winks.
Isaiah:
Oh god…
Demetri:
While this may be the best thing to ever happen to me! I’m not going to fall for your persuasions!
Isaiah:
Yeah! Everyone is counting on us to help save you and Jace from whatever is controlling you!
Demetri:
We’ve come a long way from where we started, and we’re not throwing that all away!
Demetri and Isaiah look at each other.
Demetri:
We’re best friends, and we’ll stick together through thick and thin.
Isaiah:
Yeah, we aren’t going to be the next victims of this brainwashing virus.
Lilith looks unenthused.
Lilith:
(Looks like I’ll need to use my final trump card.) Alright, I concede. I guess my hymen will remain untorn.
Something snaps in Isaiah’s head.
Isaiah:
IT WAS HAYZE!
Demetri:
Isaiah!
Alden:
Aw man…
Lilith:
Good.
Isaiah:
Hayze wanted to see you naked because he thinks that will help break you free of this! NOW PLEASE LET ME GO!
Lilith unties Isaiah.
Demetri:
Isaiah! What the fuck!
Alden:
Great, now I don’t get to see Lilith naked, and there will be videos of me cumming my pants on the internet. What a day…
Isaiah:
Alright, Lilith! Now let’s have some fun!
Lilith:
Of course, but first.
Lilith offers Isaiah her hand.
Demetri:
Isaiah, don’t!
Isaiah:
I’m sorry, Demetri, but I can’t let the best offer I’ll ever get in my life slip by!
Demetri:
FUCK YOU!
Isaiah takes her hand.
Lilith:
Just look into my eyes, Isaiah, and you will see the light.
Isaiah stares into Lilith’s eyes. A purple Alpha symbol appears for a moment before Isaiah passes out.
Demetri:
Isaiah!
Isaiah:
*groans*
Demetri:
Are you alright?
Isaiah:
Alright? I’m more than alright.
Isaiah stands up and smiles.
Isaiah:
Finally, everything is clear to me.
Lilith:
Hello, Temperance.
Isaiah:
Hi there, Empress.
Alden:
Uh… that’s not good, right?
Demetri:
She got him…
Lilith wraps her arms around Isaiah.
Lilith:
Great! And now we can have a night of fun!
Isaiah:
Unlikely.
Lilith:
Huh?
Isaiah:
Now that I have joined the Vanguard. I finally understand what I must do. Women are a distraction. If I want to be the best I can be, I need to rethink my priorities.
Lilith:
Wh- what?
Isaiah turns to leave.
Isaiah:
I’m going to read a book and exercise a little.
Isaiah exits.
Demetri:
You monster! Look what you did to him!
Lilith:
What, you think I’m happy about it? All that work just to get blue balled? I didn’t know his favorite version of himself would be celibate!
Lilith unties Demetri.
Lilith:
You’re free to go.
Demetri:
Wh- huh?
Lilith:
I got everything I wanted, cya.
Demetri is confused.
Lilith:
Go now! Before I change my mind!
Demetri runs off.
Lilith:
(Ha, the Vanguard has now expanded.)
Alden:
So… it’s just us now, huh?
Lilith chucks Alden out the window.
Alden:
AHHHHH!
The next day, all of the students, minus Demetri, Isaiah, Jace, and Lilith, are gathered on the main floor, ready to depart for their classes.
Zach:
Man, where are Isaiah and Demetri?
Hayze:
(They didn’t get back to me last night, I hope nothing happened.)
Demetri comes wallowing down the stairs.
Angel:
Hey, Demetri!
Demetri falls to his knees in defeat.
Angel:
Uh… is something wrong?
Demetri:
They got him…
Zach:
Got who?
Demetri:
Isaiah! He’s one of them now!
Everyone is surprised, especially Hayze.
Hayze:
(Wh- what?)
Suddenly, Jace, Lilith, and Isaiah come marching down the stairs, each wearing their black cloaks of the Vanguard.
Karma:
He’s right…
Eve:
Great…
Hayze gulps.
Isaiah:
Now that I’ve seen the light, everyone, I’d like to ask you all to join the Vanguard! It truly is exquisite!
Everyone looks tense.
Zach:
How could this happen…
Jace:
If anyone else would like to join us, just let us know.
Jace, Lilith, and Isaiah leave.
Silver:
And this is why we made the rules.
Blair:
Yeah, so let’s follow them from now on.
Hayze:
(What have I done…)
That night, Hayze is in deep thought while taking a shower.
“
Hayze:
The best thing we can do now is not allow anyone else to become like them. We have to stop this infection. “
Hayze punches the wall.
Hayze:
(I said that not even three days ago, and look what I did… I served Isaiah up to them like a thanksgiving dinner. How could I let my hatred of Iota cloud my judgment? What the hell is wrong with me?)
“
Hayze:
(It has to be Iota! Who else could be it! He wants the rings, and he knows that two are here! So, he’s infiltrating the school using my friends as his puppets! I don’t care what it takes! I will reveal the truth. You’ve caused too much pain for me and my classmates, Iota! I won’t let you do any more harm!) “
Hayze:
(I just wanted to protect my friends… and instead, I did the opposite…)
Hayze stops the water.
Hayze:
(I can’t tell if I’m crying or not…)
Hayze steps out of the shower.
Lilith:
Cute.
Hayze:
Huh?
Lilith is standing by the shower’s entrance in a towel. Hayze retreats back into his stall.
Hayze:
Lilith! What are you doing here!
Lilith:
Oh, so it’s okay for you to invade my privacy, but I can’t invade yours?
Hayze:
*grunts* So he told you…
Lilith:
Yeah, and boy was surprised to hear it was you.
Hayze is quiet.
Lilith:
It’s cute that you moved on from Blair so quickly, but I didn’t think you had a crush on me.
Hayze:
What do you want?
Lilith:
Just to thank you and give you a message.
Hayze:
Huh? Thank me?
Lilith:
Thank you for giving the Vanguard its newest member. I was worried we’d have trouble expanding, but you fixed that.
Hayze:
*grunts*
Lilith:
Second.
Lilith approaches Hayze.
Lilith:
The Vanguard will not be stopped.
Hayze:
Lilith, this isn’t you.
Lilith:
Of course it’s me. This is the best I’ve felt in my entire life, Hayze. But, frankly, I’m a little upset that you aren’t happy for me.
Hayze:
How could I be? Lilith, you’re being controlled. I don’t know by who, but I want to help you.
Lilith:
Funny, I want to help you too.
Hayze:
Hm?
Lilith:
If you join the Vanguard, you can be the person you’ve always wanted to be. You can save people, just like I’m trying to protect you.
Hayze:
Trying to protect me from what?
Lilith:
A life of misery.
Hayze stares at Lilith.
Lilith:
Soon, you’ll join the Vanguard, Hayze, everyone will.
Lilith drops her towel and enters the shower stall next to Hayze.
Lilith:
There, you got what you wanted. I hope it was worth “sacrificing” Isaiah for.
Hayze looks defeated.
Hayze:
(So… it isn’t Iota.)
Hayze’s arm begins shaking.
“
Eve:
You’re selfish, you’re a liar, you’re arrogant, you’re dangerous, and you’re not welcome here. You talk about being the hero who saves everyone and becoming the next greatest hero ever. But, from everything I’ve seen, you’re a villain.
“
— Chapter 111
Hayze:
(She was right…)
