The armored car carrying Scarlett is on the highway in the middle of the city. Two police officers are in the front seats, while Exciton and two others are in the back with Scarlett.
Exciton:
How much longer is this ride?
Officer 1:
About 45 minutes.
Exciton:
I don’t like that.
Officer 2:
Why, Exciton? The battle is over, and all her accomplices are dead or captured. Shouldn’t we have nothing to worry about?
Exciton:
One would think that, but… I’ve got a bad feeling that it’s in a certain someone’s best interest to stop this transport.
Officer 2:
Huh?
Officer 1:
Who?
Marsh is perched atop a skyscraper, following the car in his sniper scope. He’s keeping his sight perfectly locked on the driver’s head. He taps on his earpiece.
Marsh:
You boys ready to start this rodeo?
Zaire:
*earpiece* Yes, take the shot.
Marsh fires his sniper.
Officer 3:
So you’re retiring tomorrow, huh?
Officer 4:
Yup, I can’t wait to spend more time with my 5 daughters.
Officer 3:
Wasn’t one of them born yesterday too?
Officer 4:
Yeah, I haven’t even met her yet-
Marsh’s bullet pierces the window and zooms through both officers’ skulls.
Exciton:
What the hell!
The car swerves out of control and drives over the median; it flips on its side and then rolls upside down.
Exciton:
*groans* I fucking knew it! Are you guys alrigh-
One of the officers was crushed beneath Scarlett’s prison. The other officer has a big gash on his head from the crash and has blood pouring from it.
Officer 1:
*groans*
Exciton:
Jesus Christ!
Exciton grabs a nearby first aid kit and applies a small towel to the officer’s head.
Officer 1:
Ah, man… he was supposed to get married tomorrow.
Exciton:
Why did they only put cops on this transport with major upcoming live events!
A warp gate opens on the highway 30 yards from the armored car. Zaire exits with two boys. One has frost on each breath he takes, wearing a winter coat, and the other boy has no hair on his head in any form, wearing a black tank top.
Khold:
Alright, let’s get this done.
Zaire:
Be careful, Khold; Mara said she saw Exciton in there.
Khold:
The number two hero? Well, looks like I’m gonna have an excellent resume booster!
Blaine:
Quiet down, brother. Not one of us can stand up to Exciton’s might.
Khold:
Quiet down? Who do you think you’re talking to?
Blaine:
A whiny brat.
Khold:
Why you little!
Zaire gets between the two of them.
Zaire:
Quit bickering.
Khold:
He started it!
Blaine:
I apologize for my brother’s anger issues, Zaire.
Zaire:
I don’t care, just stick to the plan and let’s get this job done.
Blaine:
Understood. Brother, why don’t you do something for once?
Khold:
*frustrated grunt*
Khold kneels down and begins coating the ground, including the armored car in ice.
Exciton:
What the hell!
Blaine steps forward.
Blaine:
Good work, brother.
Khold:
Shut up.
Blaine launches a black fireball at the armored car’s back doors, destroying them instantly.
Zaire:
Good, now-
Exciton leaps out of the armored car and fires a barrage of crystals at Blaine.
Blaine:
Out of three targets, you really chose me?
Blaine fires a trio of black fireballs at the crystal barrage, melting the attack.
Exciton:
You’re packing some heat, huh?
Blaine:
Those crystals required some of my strongest fireballs; I can see why Exciton is highly regarded.
Zaire:
*whispering* You two hold him off. I’ll retrieve the Queen.
Khold cracks his neck.
Khold:
Oh, I’ll do more than hold him off.
Zaire:
Don’t be foolish.
Zaire warps away.
Exciton:
(I should have brought more backup. That teleporter will try and sneak her out.)
Exciton starts to back closer to the car.
Khold:
Where do you think you’re going? We’re the main event!
Blaine:
My brother is saying that we won’t allow you to protect your cargo.
Exciton:
I don’t think you two know who you’re dealing with.
Blaine:
Funny, do you?
Exciton:
(Hm?)
Khold:
You’re going down, hero!
Khold sends a wave of glaciers at Exciton.
Exciton:
I doubt that.
Exciton counters with his own wave of crystal spikes, stopping both attacks in their tracks.
Khold:
*frustrated grunt* My ice is better than your stupid crystals!
Exciton:
No, it isn’t.
Exciton coats his entire left arm in a crystal shell and then leaps high into the air.
Exciton:
Exciton Burst!
Exciton fires a concentrated barrage of crystals at Khold. Khold attempts to create a glacier to protect himself, but the speed of the attack is too fast, and they slice and stab into Khold, knocking him to the ground in bloody pain.
Khold:
*groans*
Blaine:
Number 2 hero, brother.
Khold:
SHUT THE HELL UP! I REMEMBER!
Exciton is dumbfounded.
Exciton:
(These two are complete stooges. Although… that might work to my advantage.)
Exciton runs back to the armored car as Blaine and Khold continue bickering.
Zaire:
Stop right there!
Zaire is holding the final officer at gunpoint.
Zaire:
One step closer, and he dies.
Officer 1:
Please, Mr. Exciton, my daughter is getting married in 4 hours!
Exciton:
What the fuck?!
Zaire:
Let us take the Vampire, and we won’t harm anyone.
Exciton:
Three dead cops is “not harming anyone?”
Zaire:
Anyone else then, I don’t care.
Exciton:
(I hate to say it, but one life might not be worth letting them take her…)
The radio at the front of the car turns on.
Dispatch:
*radio* Exciton, don’t worry, we’re sending a whole squadron of cops that are retiring tomorrow to help you out!
Exciton:
NO!
Zaire:
Well, Exciton? Do you want more innocent police officers’ blood on your hands, or will you cooperate with us?
Exciton clenches his fists.
Exciton:
Just go.
Zaire:
Pleasure doing business with you.
Zaire opens a warp gate beneath Scarlett’s prison. He looks over at Khold and Blaine, who are wrestling.
Zaire:
*sighs*
He opens a warp gate beneath them.
Khold:
Wh-
Blaine:
Woah!
Zaire releases the officer and jumps through his warp gate, then the gates close.
Officer 1:
Sorry, Mr. Exciton…
Exciton:
It’s alright; I should have brought more backup.
A bunch of cop cars arrive on the scene. Exciton looks around and notices the black flames Blaine used are still burning.
Exciton:
(Hm…)
At the hospital, Justus is walking down the hall with the assistance of Ash and Hayze. They’re both talking louder than usual so Justus can hear.
Justus:
They said that my inner ear was damaged, so it will take some time to regain the ability to balance correctly.
Hayze:
Jesus, you must have fought someone with some insane sound abilities.
Justus:
Yeah… I did…
Ash looks away.
Hayze:
The rest of us are heading back to U.A. today, so I’ll talk to Tara and see if she can make a super hearing aid for you.
Justus:
Thanks. Is everyone heading back besides me?
They turn into Justus’ room, and he sits on his bed.
Hayze:
No… unfortunately.
Ash:
Kevin and Zach are in the ICU now. They won’t tell us anything until they have a definitive update. For now, all we know is they’re in bad shape.
Hayze:
The good news is they made it through their surgeries.
Justus:
I see… but everyone else is okay outside of us?
Hayze:
Impact needs a few days rest to recover from the poison that was injected into his body, but otherwise, we’re all good to go.
Justus:
That’s good to hear. I guess Kevin, Zach, and I will get closer during our recovery.
Ash:
Justus…
Justus:
Hm?
Ash:
I… they brought her body here.
Justus’ eyes widen.
Hayze:
Brought who?
Justus:
Hayze, can you help me to the morgue?
Hayze:
Yeah, sure, but do you mind explaining why?
Justus:
I need to see her…
Aaron stretches his legs in the hallway outside his room.
Aaron:
Good as new!
Alexis:
It’s crazy how effective medical care is with quirks. Wounds like those would have had you in a wheelchair for a month.
Aaron:
Yeah, it’s an excellent time to be alive! And speaking of my wounds…
Aaron barges into Wes’ room. The bed is empty, with Verity sitting beside it.
Verity:
Hello, Aaron.
Aaron:
Where is he hiding?
Verity:
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Aaron:
Verity, don’t lie to me; you would only be in this room because Wes is here.
Verity:
He’s in the bathroom.
Wes:
*muffled* NOOOOO!
Aaron cracks his knuckles.
Aaron:
YOU JUST HAD TO LET HIM TAKE THE GUN WITH INCENDIARY ROUNDS, HUH?!
Wes:
*muffled* IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!
Aaron:
Yeah, and now I’m about to “accidentally” shove my foot up your ass!
Wes:
*muffled* THAT’S NOT AN ACCIDENT!
Aaron starts pulling on the doorknob to the bathroom.
Alexis:
I’m glad everything is the same as always here.
Verity:
Me too; seeing them in a fused form was bizarre.
Alexis:
Fused? Wait, are you saying those two used Yul’s fusion energy?
Verity:
Yes, and that’s how they defeated their opponent and escaped Soulvania together.
Alexis:
Wow, I can’t even imagine what a combined version of those two would be like.
Verity stares at Alexis.
Alexis:
It was like 80% Aaron, wasn’t it?
Verity:
85.
Alexis:
*sighs* Why am I not surprised?
Aaron:
Oh wait, now that you mention it, that reminds me.
Alexis:
Huh?
Verity:
Hm?
Aaron:
Us four should go on a double date.
Alexis:
What?
Wes:
*muffled* NO!
Verity:
Yes.
Aaron:
See? Verity gets it.
Alexis:
Aaron, you and I haven’t even been on a regular date.
Aaron:
That doesn’t sound like a no.
Alexis:
Well, I’m not opposed, but… why a double date?
Aaron:
I promised Verity here I’d force Wes to go on a date with her. I don’t like leaving lingering promises, so I thought I’d get that done right away.
Alexis:
Oh… well, in that case, I’m in.
Wes:
*muffled* ALEXIS! NO!
Aaron:
Hear that, Wes, you’re going on your first date! Aren’t you thrilled?!
Wes:
*muffled* NO!
Justus, Ash, Hayze, and a doctor are in the hospital’s morgue.
Doctor:
I can’t say I condone a patient in your condition coming down here.
Hayze:
You probably shouldn’t try to argue, our class- we can be a little stubborn.
Doctor:
*sighs* You wanted to see the Jane Doe from the Vampire Queen incident, right?
Justus:
Yes.
The doctor opens one of the storage containers, revealing Terus’ body.
Doctor:
Can you identify her?
Justus:
Her name is Terus Summers.
Doctor:
Thank you, and what’s your relation to her?
Justus:
She was my half-sister.
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Hayze:
*under his breath* What?
Ash:
*whispering* It’s a long story.
Justus stares at Terus.
Justus:
Who do I have to get in contact with to schedule a funeral?
Doctor:
You can call a nearby funeral home, and they’ll help you with the process. I’d recommend contacting your mother to see if she can-
Justus:
I don’t need to call her; I’ll pay for everything myself.
Ash:
Justus?
Hayze:
You can afford that?
Justus:
My father left his entire estate to me. I didn’t want to talk about it with any of you because it felt wrong for me to gain so much money without working for it, but I’m glad I have it for something like this.
Justus stares at Terus.
Justus:
(I’m sorry this happened to you…)
Justus starts to get wobbly.
Doctor:
Alright, that’s it. I’m sorry, but I can’t allow this patient to stay out of bed.
Hayze helps Justus back into his wheelchair.
Doctor:
You two should go with the rest of your group.
The doctor starts wheeling Justus back to his room.
Hayze:
Do you know the details?
Ash:
Colossus apparently got around a lot around the time Justus was born. That girl, Terus, is his half-sister, about 2 years younger than him. She said that there were a lot more of Colossus’ children around. He’s the oldest, but she resented him for being treated like his only child.
Hayze:
And so she took him into a Soulvania to kill him?
Ash:
Yeah… I can’t imagine how he’s feeling right now.
Hayze:
Neither can I…
Ash:
Hopefully, the teachers will let us visit him, Zach, and Kevin often.
Hayze:
I’m sure they will.
Hayze and Ash exit the morgue.
Hayze:
You and Justus got real close over the summer, huh?
Ash:
Yeah, he helped me train to get stronger with my quirk. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
Hayze:
That’s cool; I bet you guys bonded during the Final Exams.
Ash:
We did… but if I’m honest, Hayze, the friendship I have with Justus now is the one I expected to have with you.
Hayze:
Huh? What?
Ash:
I’ll see you later.
Ash walks off.
Hayze:
Ash?
Silver, Saige, Sydney, and Blair are all sitting and waiting by the ICU.
Blair:
*whispering to Saige* What’s
she
doing here?
Saige:
Maybe she has a crush on Zach or Kevin!
Sydney:
I can hear you!
Saige:
Teehee.
Sydney:
I have nowhere else to be, so I might as well sit here and wait for our escort back to the school.
Blair:
Okay, well, the lobby is that way.
Sydney:
I don’t want to sit by myself!
Saige:
But you always do that.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Silver:
Girls… let’s just leave her alone.
Saige:
But that’s no fun!
Blair:
Yeah, and she’s also a bitch!
Sydney:
*under her breath* I wish I drowned you the first time…
Verity, Alexis, and Aaron, dragging a beaten Wes by the collar, approach the group.
Alexis:
Anything new?
Blair:
Nope.
Silver:
I was hoping we’d get some form of an update before we had to leave.
Saige:
I guess we’ll just have to wait for the teachers to tell us what’s happening at school.
Aaron:
We should barge in there and figure everything out for ourselves.
Hayze:
I don’t think that’s a good idea, Aaron.
Hayze arrives, and Blair instantly looks away from him.
Silver:
Hey, Hayze, where were you?
Hayze:
I was helping Justus out with Ash, but he needed a break, so I figured this would be where everyone else was.
Alexis:
Before you ask, there’s nothing new.
Hayze:
Damn… I guess all we can do is hope…
Kevin wakes up in his hospital bed; he can’t move a muscle. Recovery Girl and Walker are in the room as well.
Kevin:
*groans*
Recovery Girl:
I wouldn’t recommend even attempting to move.
Kevin:
I’m… alive?
Recovery Girl:
Barely, you got lucky they were able to get you out of there so quickly. I’ve never seen someone in as bad a condition as you.
Kevin:
Lucky, eh?
Kevin is silent for a few moments.
Kevin:
Should I even ask?
Recovery Girl:
You’re going to have to hear it eventually.
Kevin:
Well… in that case… lay it on me.
Recovery Girl takes a deep breath.
Recovery Girl:
Kevin, the damage to your muscles and bones was beyond anything salvageable for a regular life. It will take years of physical therapy and rehab for you to be able to walk and use your arms to a degree where you can live without assistance. You’re alive, but at least for now, you’re a quadriplegic.
Kevin just stares at the ceiling.
Kevin:
Can you say the words? I just… I need to hear them to believe it.
Recovery Girl hesitates.
Walker:
Kevin, your hero career is over.
Kevin’s expression stays the same.
Kevin:
How is everyone else?
Recovery Girl:
They’re all fine besides Justus; he had some damage to his ears. Zach Crawford was in bad shape too, but it looks like he’ll make a full recovery after some time.
Kevin smiles.
Kevin:
So, it was just me then… the only one who didn’t make it out… good.
Recovery Girl:
You’re taking this better than I expected.
Kevin:
Well, I can only move my head and face, so it’s hard to show a visible reaction, haha.
Recovery Girl:
(To make a joke after hearing that news… it’s pretty admirable.)
Kevin:
Can I see my friends?
Recovery Girl:
Of course, I’m sure Zach would also like to see them.
Recovery Girl leaves the room.
Kevin:
(I guess I should have asked what happened to the Vampire. I already know I didn’t beat her, but somebody else probably did.)
Walker:
We can work something out for education to continue, obviously not with the hero course, but we can move you to general studies and use a tutor to-
Kevin:
I’d rather not think about that right now, sorry.
Walker:
I understand; this is a lot to take in.
Recovery Girl informs the students outside about the news. Everyone is shocked except Sydney.
Blair:
No way…
Alexis:
He’s really… done?
Recovery Girl:
I’m afraid so, but that was the case when he entered this hospital. There was nothing we could do besides save his life.
Aaron:
*frustrated grunt* I can’t believe it.
Aaron punches the wall.
Silver:
Zach’s gonna be okay, though?
Recovery Girl:
After a bit of time, yes.
Wes:
At least there’s some good news.
Hayze sits down in disbelief.
Hayze:
(Kevin… even the Gamma Ring couldn’t save you?)
Recovery Girl:
If you all want to see them, come along.
Everyone besides Sydney and Verity follows Recovery Girl.
Sydney:
You’re not going?
Verity:
I don’t know either of them well; I don’t feel it’s my place to come along. I assume it’s the same for you.
Sydney:
You’re closer to them than I am, so that’s why I asked.
Verity:
You like being around them more than you let on.
Sydney:
What did I tell you about reading my mind!
Verity:
I didn’t need my quirk for that one.
Sydney:
*huffs* Whatever.
The group reaches Kevin and Zach’s rooms.
Silver:
I’ll go see Zach. I don’t want him to feel like we don’t care.
Wes:
Yeah, I’ll go too.
Alexis, Saige, Aaron, Blair, and Hayze enter Kevin’s room. Walker excuses himself.
Kevin:
Hey guys…
Aaron:
How did you get crippled before we could fight again?! Now I’ll never get to settle the score!
Kevin:
That’s right, bitch, 1-0 forever!
Hayze:
So, it’s true then… you’re really… done?
Kevin:
Yeah… it sucks, but it’s alright.
Blair:
How is it “alright?” This isn’t just your career that’s over; you’ll also have trouble moving for the rest of your life.
Alexis:
Blair…
Blair:
Sorry…
Kevin:
Don’t worry, I get it, but I thought I was gonna die when I faced off against that vampiric bitch.
Saige:
So, you were actually fighting her?
Kevin:
Yeah, and I got her pretty good, but I made a mistake at the very end that cost me.
Hayze:
I wish we could have been there to help.
Kevin:
Nah, I actually liked that it turned out the way it did. It felt good to be standing up to someone that powerful all on my own.
Hayze:
But… maybe it wouldn’t have turned out like this…
Kevin:
Maybe, but there’s no point in thinking about that. What happened, happened.
Alexis:
You seem so at peace with everything.
Kevin:
Waking up in this room like this was unexpected, so I’m considering it a good thing. I could only put up the fight I did because I pushed myself so far past my limit that my body could never recover. I decided to break that seal, and when I did, I fully anticipated it would lead to my death. My career as a hero was going to end in that facility regardless of anything I could have said or done. I knew that, and that’s why it’s easy for me to accept this outcome. At least now I have a fighting chance.
Saige:
A fighting chance at what?
Kevin:
Look at my hand.
They all look at Kevin’s hand; his index finger is moving slightly.
Hayze:
You can still move!
Kevin:
My hero days may be over, but I will fight again. That’s my new dream, and I promise I will achieve it!
Everyone smiles.
Kevin:
It may take years, maybe even decades, but that battle won’t be my last. You guys keep working hard to become heroes while I grapple with this new challenge, and someday, hopefully, our paths will intertwine again.
Hayze:
They will.
Kevin:
My current goal is to be able to stand again in a month.
Blair:
Isn’t that a little ambitious?
Kevin:
Nope, my limit may be lower than it was before, but I know I can break it again. Good luck to you guys; just be sure you don’t forget about me.
Hayze:
We won’t, Kev, we won’t.
They all exit Kevin’s room.
Aaron:
Man, that guy got me fired up. Let’s head back to school now so I can beat the shit out of Alden for practice.
Alexis:
What about Wes?
Aaron:
I don’t want my own sloppy seconds.
Saige:
I bet it’s about time for us to-
Zach:
Hey, guys!
Zach is standing in the hall with Silver and Wes trying to stop him.
Wes:
Zach! You’re not supposed to be out of bed!
Silver:
Let alone walking around!
Zach:
It’s just a couple flesh wounds, guys. No big deal!
Nurse:
*from afar* WHAT THE HELL IS THAT PATIENT DOING OUT OF BED!
Wes:
Sorry! Zach, do you have any idea what ICU stands for?
Zach:
I’m cool, you?
Wes:
NO!
Zach:
It’s alright, guys. I’m perfectly fine. After my fight with that big maniac, I’m ready to take just about anybody on! Aaron! It’s time for you and me to fight again!
Aaron:
I’m game!
Alexis:
AARON!
Alexis and Blair have to hold Aaron back.
Hayze:
Zach, everyone needs time to recover, even you. What’s the rush?
Zach:
We’ve waited long enough to address the Jace situation… I’m tired of it. I want to go back and beat some sense into that guy.
Hayze:
I know you two were pretty close. I understand how you feel, but Jace is much stronger now than ever. So we need you at 100% for that, okay?
Zach:
I’m at 100%!
Hayze:
Your legs are shaking like twigs in the wind.
Zach:
*frustrated grunt*
Hayze places his hand on Zach’s shoulder.
Hayze:
Don’t worry, we won’t leave you out of saving Jace, Isaiah, and Lilith. You’re one of us, and we’ll figure that mess out together.
Zach:
*nasal grunt* Right, and-
A bunch of nurses come over and grab Zach by the arms.
Nurse 1:
You need to stay in bed!
Nurse 2:
Come on, now!
Zach:
Wait! No! I’m fine!
The nurses drag Zach back.
Alexis:
I guess we’ll see him later…
Walker:
All of you, come on, it’s time to go.
The students follow behind Mr. Walker. Saige walks beside Hayze at the back.
Saige:
So, how’s your mistress doing?
Hayze:
Please don’t refer to her like that; I don’t think I’m capable of seeing Ivy in that light.
Saige:
Is she on our side now?
Hayze:
That’s up to her; I told her she doesn’t have to use her quirk ever again. All I know is she’s not on the wrong side anymore.
Saige:
Hm… well, that’s good.
Hayze:
I- I’m sorry if you don’t like what I-
Saige:
I can’t say I’m a huge fan of hers. But I wasn’t around the night she killed that teacher, and I wasn’t really a part of the mall fight, so my disdain for her isn’t as set in stone as just about everyone else.
Hayze:
I see… Well, she isn’t the person that everyone thinks she is.
Saige:
And I believe you on that.
Hayze:
Thanks, Saige.
Saige:
Sorry, I only accept thanks in the form of sexual favors, so please rephrase that.
Hayze:
Fuck you.
Saige:
Worth a shot.
Walker, Fatal, Aster, Daniele, Yul, Tyson, and Ash await outside the hospital with two vans pulled up. Aaron, Wes, Silver, Hayze, Alexis, Saige, Blair, Verity, and Sydney arrive.
Walker:
Okay, everyone, we’re returning to school now. You’ll report to classes tomorrow. Third-years, stay posted on the next steps for your work studies; I’m not sure if they’ll give you any time off. I know for sure the second-years are receiving a break.
Aster:
Yessir, Mr. Walker.
Walker:
This back van will be for myself and 2-A. Third-years and 2-B, you’re with Fatal in the front car. I want to congratulate you all on a successful mission, but don’t let it go to your heads. Let’s get going.
Everyone starts heading to their respective car, with Hayze going with 2-B.
Saige:
Hayze?
Hayze:
This is my ride; I’ll catch up with you guys later.
Silver:
What do you mean? You’re with us.
Walker:
Not anymore. Hayze has been moved to Class 2-B permanently, effective immediately.
Blair:
What?!
Saige:
Huh?
Sydney:
NO!
Walker:
There won’t be an explanation; get in the cars.
Hayze salutes 2-A and enters the front van as his classmates watch somberly.
Verity:
So, you’re with us now?
Hayze:
Yup, I pissed off Mr. Walker pretty bad.
Daniele:
Wait, that’s why he moved your class?
Aster:
Walker always struck me as a pretty tame dude; I can’t believe he would do that for personal reasons.
Tyson:
You must have done something
really
bad.
Hayze:
That’s a matter of opinion.
Sydney looks pissed off.
Sydney:
*under her breath* I can’t believe I have to deal with him every day now.
Verity:
Sydney is excited, by the way.
Hayze:
I could tell.
Sydney:
I HATE BOTH OF YOU!
Later, the Class 2-A van arrives in front of their dorm.
Walker:
I’ll see you all tomorrow, have a good night’s rest.
The van drives off, leaving just the students.
Wes:
Okay, what the fuck happened with Hayze?
Aaron:
I’m happy Mr. Walker is back, but I don’t know what he was thinking.
Alexis:
Maybe we should try talking to him tomorrow?
Silver:
I get the vibe that might not be the best idea. Whatever Hayze did, it was heinous enough that it pissed Mr. Walker off royally.
Saige:
(This has to have something to do with the masked girl. It’s the only thing I can think of.)
Alexis:
Perhaps it was his punishment for going to fight the Vampire Queen.
Wes:
He didn’t seem pissed at Aster, though, and he did the exact same thing.
Silver:
Well, Aster is a year older than us and much more powerful, but I do agree; it doesn’t make sense.
Aaron:
What do you think, Blair?
Blair:
I- I- I… I’m not sure.
Alexis:
(We shouldn’t ask her about him right now. They left things pretty tense.) Eh, that’s alright. We can ask Hayze for details later; I’m sure he knows what happened. Let’s just enjoy ourselves now that we’re back.
Ash:
Um… guys?
Everyone turns to Ash; she’s staring at the front steps of their dorm.
Aaron:
What’s up, Ash?
Ash:
Not that I miss him, but… where’s Alden?
Alden is nowhere to be seen.
Wes:
They didn’t let that bastard in, did they?!
Aaron:
We got a roach problem; call the exterminator!
Silver:
Now isn’t the time for jokes, guys. It’s dinner time; Alden would never miss that.
Wes:
Shit, you’re right…
Saige:
And there’s no way they’d let him inside.
Alexis:
So, he’s missing, and now that you mention it… the campus is pretty deserted for a Sunday afternoon…
Silver:
And nobody has come out to greet us.
Blair:
Let’s head inside…
The seven students enter the dorm, and nobody is in the common area.
Alexis:
Hello? Is anyone here?
Wes:
This is creepy…
The fridge is open; Ash walks over to see it’s completely empty.
Ash:
Well, I guess we’re going to the food court tonight…
Aaron:
We were only gone a few days; what could have happened?
They hear footsteps coming down the stairs.
Saige:
Is that someone?
It’s Demetri.
Demetri:
Oh, you guys are back.
Aaron:
Well, thanks for the warm welcome, asshole.
Alexis:
Demetri, where is everyone? Why is this place like a ghost town?
Demetri:
Well, it’s only Gus, Eve, and I left, at least last I saw. They might have been taken for all I know.
Silver:
Why just you three?
Ash:
And what do you mean by “taken?”
Demetri:
*sighs* Grab a seat;
a lot
happened while you were gone.
Hayze, Verity, and Sydney arrive at class 2-B’s dorm. Bruno comes out to greet them.
Bruno:
Welcome back, my fri-
Bruno notices Hayze.
Hayze:
Hey.
Bruno:
Why are you here?
Verity:
He was moved to our class at Sydney’s request.
Sydney:
What! No!
Bruno:
Is this true, Hayze?
Hayze:
As far as I’m aware.
Bruno:
Then good job, Sydney! You’ve recruited us a strong ally!
Sydney:
I’m going to my room.
Sydney storms off to the front door.
Verity:
Not to sound ungrateful, but are you the only one who missed us?
Bruno:
Well… of those of us that are left…
Hayze:
Um? What does that mean?
Sydney:
What the hell happened in here?!
The common area of Class 2-B’s dorm is a complete mess.
Bruno:
Follow me. There’s much to discuss.
Bruno, Sydney, Hayze, and Verity enter the dorm. Romeo runs up and kisses Sydney’s hand.
Romeo:
Sydney, my sweet! I’m so glad you’ve returned to-
Sydney breaks Romeo’s jaw.
Romeo:
*choking on his own teeth*
Bruno:
Gavin! Call Recovery Girl! Tell her it happened again!
Gavin:
Okie dokie artichokie!
Bruno flips over their couches so they can sit down. He hands them their SS Badges and explains the SS Tournament to them.
Hayze:
Okay… so what does this tournament have to do with what happened here?
Bruno:
*sighs* It all started when that lunatic from your former class, Jace, kicked in our door. He wanted to fight everyone with a simple condition… if he was victorious, they would join his club.
Hayze:
The Vanguard…
Bruno:
Yes, given our class had seen Jace in action, they believed they could defeat him… they were wrong. Killian, Talon, Charlotte, Desiree, Hailey, Fabio, Filip, Reed, Ester, Ryan, and Whitney were all defeated by him… and when they got back up… it was like they were completely different people.
Hayze:
So he used the ante to lure them in… that bastard!
Bruno:
Yes, and once he had the firepower of 13 hero course students on his side, he turned his attention to the rest of the student body. Infecting every single first-year within a day. Then they spent the next two days converting the second and third years to their ranks.
Verity:
So… how many students are left?
Bruno:
Well, we can get a rough estimate by looking at the leaderboard.
Bruno finds their TV, carries it over, and places it before them. He turns it on to reveal the leaderboard for the tournament.
Hayze:
What?!
Sydney:
They have that many points only a few days in?!
Bruno:
The school hasn’t made any statement on the events, but as far as I can tell, they weren’t expecting it to progress this quickly and have these kinds of effects.
Hayze:
Wait… does this mean Angel and Karma were also assimilated?
Bruno:
Yes, I’m afraid.
Hayze:
Dammit… Do you know anything about Eve, Gus, or Demetri?
Hayze:
What?!
Sydney:
They have that many points only a few days in?!
Bruno:
The school hasn’t made any statement on the events, but as far as I can tell, they weren’t expecting it to progress this quickly and have these kinds of effects.
Hayze:
Wait… does this mean Angel and Karma were also assimilated?
Bruno:
Yes, I’m afraid.
Hayze:
Dammit… Do you know anything about Eve, Gus, or Demetri?
Bruno:
That girl, Eve, has been doing headcounts at all of the dorms each night, trying to encourage students not to accept challenges from Vanguard members, but… it’s not that simple.
Sydney:
What do you mean?
Bruno:
Anyone who is a member of their “club” wears a distinctive black cloak and praises their Vanguard loudly. If they see someone who isn’t like them, they swarm and force you to accept their challenge. Of course, if you win, they’ll just have someone else challenge you… and that cycle will continue until you drop… and then you get back up as one of them.
Hayze:
*sighs*
Verity:
We’ve already encountered Gavin and Romeo, but what about Alec, Grace, and Tobias? You didn’t mention any of them.
Bruno:
Alec is out eating; he’s not afraid of the drones. Tobias, as per usual, is camped out in his room, and Grace is-
Grace:
Hey everyone!
Grace walks up behind them, wearing nothing but a towel… on her head. Hayze and Bruno look away.
Sydney:
Put some damn clothes on!
Hayze:
You guys have communal showers in your common area too?
Sydney:
NO! WE DON’T!
Verity:
We have private showers in our rooms.
Hayze:
I guess getting moved to his class has its positives.
Grace’s eyes light up, and she leaps onto the couch next to Hayze.
Grace:
You’re a part of our class now? THAT’S AWESOME! WE SHOULD FIGHT RIGHT NOW!
Hayze:
Ugh… If you put some clothes on, I’ll bitch slap you.
Grace pulls out a contract, a plume, and a jar of ink.
Grace:
I need that to be legally binding.
Hayze:
Wait… you’re naked. Where were you-
Sydney:
Jesus Christ, I’ll do to you what I did to Romeo if you just go!
Grace looks over at Romeo being evacuated to the nurse’s office.
Grace:
*excited gasp* I know Sydney would never lie about that! No contract is needed.
Grace leaps off the couch and runs to her room.
Hayze:
Does she always do that…
Verity:
Walk around naked? A couple times a week.
Hayze:
*sighs*
Bruno clears his throat.
Bruno:
Anyway, that’s the situation we’re in now.
Hayze:
How come you guys didn’t fall victim to them yet?
Bruno:
My quirk allows me to charge through their crowds and escape easily. Alec is far too deadly for them, and Tobias can hear them coming before they even attempt anything. Romeo has been crying and hiding in his room for the last few days, and Gavin… Well, he’s Gavin.
Hayze:
What about Grace?
Bruno:
Do you need another demonstration?
Hayze:
No, no, thank you.
Bruno turns to Verity.
Bruno:
I know this will sound misogynistic, Verity, but you should stay with me anytime you leave this dorm. I wouldn’t want you to-
Verity:
Don’t worry, Bruno. I understand and agree.
Bruno:
Thank you. Hayze, what are your thoughts on this?
Hayze:
Huh?
Bruno:
I’ve seen you in action many times, and I respect your strategic acumen and leadership capabilities; I’d like to hear your input on this matter.
Sydney:
Gag me.
Hayze thinks for a moment.
Hayze:
I’d like to bring all of the remaining members of this class together for a meeting tomorrow. If the school isn’t going to do anything to help, we need to take matters into our own hands.
Bruno:
I can arrange that. Tobias may be difficult, but everyone else should be okay.
Hayze:
Good. I’m gonna see if someone important has survived this initial takeover tomorrow. She could be of great help to us.
Bruno:
I doubt anyone outside the hero course is not a Vanguard member at this point, but we can hope.
Hayze:
Yeah… we can.
Sydney:
You losers can continue to “strategize” I’m going to my room.
Verity:
Oh, that reminds me, Hayze. You should take the only empty room in the dorm. It’s next door to Sydney’s.
Sydney:
WH- FUCK!
Demetri finishes explaining everything to the 2-A students.
Aaron:
Jesus…
Wes:
I’m never leaving this dorm…
Demetri:
I haven’t yet. I’m skipping class tomorrow. I don’t want to end up as one of them.
Blair:
Yeah? Well, you’re just a coward.
Demetri:
If cowardice is a synonym for smart now, then yes. You’ve seen the way Jace, Lilith, and Isaiah have been acting. Now, the whole school is like that… I ain’t joining that outfit.
Ash:
So, Karma and Angel are with them now?
Demetri:
Yeah, poor guys didn’t know what hit ‘em.
Silver:
So, if Eve is out right now… where is Gus?
Alexis:
And I guess Alden?
Demetri:
Oh, Gus got really freaked out the first night they started taking over and ate everything in the fridge. Then got horrible indigestion and has been in Recovery Girl’s office all weekend. Alden… I assume he got assimilated.
Wes:
I’m surprised they’d want him.
Demetri:
Punching bag, maybe? I don’t know.
Eve enters the dorm; her SS Badge reads 10.
Eve:
*sighs* I can’t believe it.
Blair:
Eve!
Eve:
You guys! You’re back!
Eve hugs Blair.
Blair:
Demetri told us everything; I’m glad you’re alright.
Eve:
Yeah, I’m happy you guys are all…
Eve notices Justus, Kevin, Zach, and Hayze are missing.
Eve:
Back?
The group informs Eve and Demetri about their four classmates' statuses.
Demetri:
Kevin’s really retired? That sucks…
Eve:
Well, at least Hayze is gone. I’ll miss Kev, but I’m glad he doesn’t have to deal with this.
Silver:
You were doing a headcount, right? What’s the status of everyone?
Eve:
Right now, every single student outside us, a handful of 2-B, and all third-year hero students are converted into the Vanguard.
Everyone is shocked.
Eve:
Yeah… it’s terrible, and the teachers aren’t canceling the tournament for some reason…
Aaron:
Then it’s up to us to figure this out.
Alexis:
Yeah, it’s too bad we’re down A LOT of firepower right now.
Wes:
And our leader…
Eve:
We don’t need that guy. We’re all smart and powerful!
Silver:
Yeah, but does anyone have any ideas?
Everyone is silent.
Saige:
(This is bad…)
Meanwhile, inside another dorm painted entirely black, Jace, Lilith, Isaiah, Angel, Karma, and Killian gather inside a conference room. At the front of the room is a TV displaying Vanguard cloaked in darkness.
Vanguard:
*speakers* Let’s start with a roll call.
Jace:
Fool.
Lilith:
Empress.
Isaiah:
Temperance.
Angel:
Lovers.
Karma:
Moon.
Killian:
Chariot.
Vanguard:
Good, all of my lieutenants are here. You’ve done well to expand our ranks in just a few short days.
Jace:
Thank you, sir, but the job isn’t done yet.
Vanguard:
No, it isn’t, and there are some new arrivals to the tournament.
Vanguard displays the 2-A and 2-B groups returning from their missions on screen.
Vanguard:
I want them all.
Jace:
Understood, sir.
Killian:
None of them will escape.
Vanguard smiles.
Vanguard:
Soon, everyone will join the Vanguard.
