Hayze and Blaze stop at the fork in the trail that separated the group.
Hayze:
Yup, there are tracks heading in the opposite direction. They definitely got lost.
Blaze:
So, we need to follow them, right?
Hayze:
Mhm… but there’s one thing I need to take care of first.
Blaze:
Hm? And that is?
Hayze punches Blaze, knocking him to the ground.
Blaze:
*grunts* What was that for!
Hayze reaches for Blaze’s color and rips off the Epsilon Ring fragment.
Hayze:
I only caught a glimpse of it, but I knew what I saw. This is a ring fragment.
Blaze stands up.
Blaze:
Give that back! You don’t know what you’re doing!
Hayze:
Who are you really?! And how do you have this?!
Blaze doesn’t know how to respond.
Hayze:
Look, I know you’re not here to cause harm. You were the one who warned us about Vargas getting attacked after all, but I’m not going to go any further with you being a complete mystery. Tell me the truth now.
Blaze grinds his teeth.
Blaze:
(What do I do? If I tell him the truth, the ramifications could be catastrophic, but I need that fragment back if I want to go home.)
Hayze:
Cat got your tongue, huh?
Blaze:
I- I can’t tell you the truth. It’s… complicated.
Hayze:
Well, it’s going to be really complicated for you to find this white gemstone in the snow.
Blaze:
Wait, no!
Hayze enters his throwing motion.
Blaze:
I’m your son!
Hayze abruptly stops and looks at Blaze in shock.
Hayze:
You’re… what?
Blaze takes a deep breath.
Blaze:
What you’re holding is a fragment of the Epsilon Ring; it can control time, including the ability to travel back through it. I come from a time in which the world has been entirely destroyed by Vanguard and Iota. That’s how I knew Iota was close to acquiring the Sigma Ring from Vargas. Principal Ewing, Lust, Exciton, and Black Hollow are the only other people who know my secret, and as we speak, the latter two are en route to stop the Vanguard’s leader from gathering the Delta Ring. I wanted to save the world from the horrible future my reality has been plagued with… That’s why I’m here, and that’s why I lied to you. So, please give me that gem back.
Blaze extends his hand to Hayze. Hayze thinks for a second and then returns the fragment to him.
Blaze:
Thank you.
Hayze:
So… what’s your name… really?
Blaze:
It’s actually Blaze… Blaze Maddox.
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Blaze:
Blair is my mother, and I inherited this sword from her.
Blaze reveals the Obsidian Sword to Hayze.
Blaze:
You see, I never-
Hayze places his hands on Blaze’s shoulders.
Hayze:
Blaze, whatever you do, do not tell Blair she’s your mom.
Blaze:
Wh- why?
Hayze:
Just… trust me.
Blaze:
I- well, uh…
Hayze:
That aside, I need A LOT more details. Not just your backstory.
Blaze:
Ask away.
Khold steps towards Alexis.
Khold:
I think I’ll take the hottie.
Alexis:
Thanks?
Blaine:
Brother, I won the game, so I get first dibs.
Khold:
*frustrated grunt* Fine, make your choice.
Blaine laughs.
Blaine:
Don’t worry, I’ll play nice, brother. You can have her.
Khold:
Ha! You’re too soft, brother!
Demetri:
(Great… so I’m up against the cue ball?)
Khold:
What do you say, girly? Shall we fight at the same time as my brother, or should we kill you both at once?
Alexis:
One at a time sounds good.
Blaine:
Then you can go first, brother.
Khold:
Great!
Blaine looks at Demetri.
Blaine:
It’s your lucky day; you can live a little longer.
Demetri:
Great…
Demetri approaches Alexis.
Demetri:
*whispers* If I see an opening that could clinch the match for you, I’m gonna take it. We don’t have to play by their rules.
Alexis nods; she unzips her jacket and tosses it aside.
Alexis:
(We left on short notice, so I didn’t have time to get my paper cloak, so I only have my undershirt and underwear to work with. Things might get a little chilly, but I have to worry about winning first.)
Khold cracks his knuckles.
Khold:
You probably should have kept that jacket on; things are about to get… Cold.
Khold forms a bazooka made of ice.
Alexis:
(What is that?!)
Khold begins channeling snow into the cannon.
Khold:
Let’s see how long you can avoid getting frostbite! Ice Cannon!
Khold fires a blast of snow at Alexis.
Alexis:
(I can stop that!) Ceremonious Dance: Pelican Formation!
Alexis uses her undershirt to form a wall of origami birds to block the attack, but they prove utterly ineffective as the snow shot devasts the wall and slams into Alexis.
Alexis:
AHHHH!
Demetri:
Alexis!
Alexis crashes into a tree, and she falls to the snow-covered ground. Khold laughs hysterically.
Khold:
You actually thought paper could stop a blast of that force! Also, that probably wasn’t the best time to expose your midriff! HAHAHA!
Alexis gets to her feet, shivering like crazy.
Alexis:
(I’ve never seen something like that. My birds didn’t stand a chance!)
Khold begins reloading his cannon.
Khold:
Now that I know you can’t stop this, it’s time for some fun!
Alexis gulps.
Alexis:
(I have to attack now! I can’t let him fire that cannon again!)
Alexis uses the remainder of her undershirt to form an Origami Bird swarm.
Alexis:
Ceremonious Dance: Kamikaze Formation!
The swarm flies into the air and begins diving toward Khold.
Khold:
Hahaha! You think that scares me?! It’s time for a bit of frost breath!
Khold exhales frost from his mouth at the swarm, and as the birds fly into it, they become encased in ice, fall to the ground and shatter.
Alexis:
(No way!)
Khold:
Nice try, but now it’s my turn! Ice Cannon!
Khold fires another snow blast at Alexis, blasting her back into the tree.
Alexis:
AHHHHHHH!
Demetri trembles.
Demetri:
(This isn’t fair! Alexis wasn’t supposed to fight anyone out here! None of us were! We were just supposed to show up, save this old dude named Vargas and leave. If any fighting was gonna happen, it would have been Lust or Hayze’s job. Alexis doesn’t have her vast supply of paper to work with, so she’s using the scraps she always keeps on her. But that isn’t enough, and this guy’s quirk is a perfect counter! How is she supposed to use her origami birds if this guy freezes them?! And whenever she uses her paper, she strengthens his attacks because she has fewer clothes to keep her warm! This is bad!)
Blaine notices Demetri’s demeanor.
Blaine:
If you’re scared now, little man, then y going to be terrified when our fight begins.
Demetri:
(Oh, please don’t tell me that guy is actually stronger than this cold freak.)
Alexis stands up slowly; her skin is slightly blue.
Khold:
Need some hot chocolate?
Alexis:
No, I’m warm enough.
Khold:
Really? Because I don’t think dressing like a whore was recommended on the forecast.
Alexis:
Hey, I can’t make my own paper, so I have to work with what I got.
Khold:
Well, it looks like that isn’t enough. There’s nothing you can do against my ice attacks.
Alexis smiles.
Alexis:
Oh really?
Khold:
Hm?
Alexis:
I have one move I think you’d like to see.
The birds from Alexis’ earlier wall fly out of the snow and into the air. Then she uses her paper panties to create a new patch of paper birds that join them in the sky.
Khold:
What’s this about?
Alexis:
My ultimate attack, and boy, is it a doozy.
Khold:
Oh really? Because it looks the same as all your other attacks. LAME!
Alexis:
(He’s cocky… this gives me an idea.) You think so? Well, how about we play a game then?
Khold:
I’m listening.
Alexis:
You can’t dodge my attack or block it in any way. If you survive, I’ll let you hit me as hard as you can.
Khold:
And what if I don’t?
Alexis stares at Khold.
Khold:
Oh, right… Well, you’ve made an interesting offer.
Blaine:
(I don’t like this…) Brother, don’t fall for it. She’s goading you.
Khold:
Shut up, brother! This is my fight, and I call the shots! You’re on, girl!
Alexis gets a glint in her eye.
Alexis:
Alright, you asked for it!
Alexis’ flock of small origami birds form into a larger bird and set themselves ablaze.
Khold:
What the hell?!
Blaine:
I told you, brother!
Alexis:
Ceremonious Dance: Phoenix Formation!
The blazing phoenix descends upon Khold.
Blaine:
Brother! Dodge!
Khold:
I’m a man of my word, Blaine! I refuse to back down from this challenge!
The phoenix strikes Khold, lighting the area around him on fire, melting his Ice Cannon, and burning off his jacket.
Khold:
AHHHHHHH!
Demetri:
Nice, Alexis! You got him with the perfect move to counter his ice!
Alexis smiles.
Alexis:
(This might have been easier than I thought.)
The fire subsides, and Khold is still standing with steam coming from his body, breathing heavily.
Alexis:
Had enough?
Khold starts laughing.
Alexis:
Huh?!
Demetri:
Oh no…
Blaine breathes a sigh of relief.
Blaine:
(Dumbass.)
Khold:
Thank you, ma’am. Would I like another?
Alexis:
Don’t you mean, may
I
have another?
Khold:
If you insist!
Khold begins channeling the icy winds around his body.
Khold:
You had your turn at a free hit, so now it’s mine!
Alexis’ eyes widen in fear.
Alexis:
(Shit! What do I do now?!)
Khold:
You’re about to feel the rage of MY ultimate attack. One that will teach you why the Ice Age wiped out the dinosaurs!
Alexis is paralyzed in fear.
Demetri:
(Dammit! If Alexis gets hit by that attack, it’s all over!)
Khold finishes charging his attack.
Khold:
This is it! It’s time for a Cold Wave-
Demetri sucker punches Khold, blindsiding and knocking him into a tree.
Khold:
*groans*
Alexis:
Demetri!
Khold:
YOU CHEATERS! WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE VILLAINS HERE!
Demetri:
Call me whatever you want! I couldn’t stand by and let Alexis die like th-
Suddenly, Demetri gets hit in the leg by one of Blaine’s fireballs, knocking him to the ground.
Demetri:
AHHHHH!
Blaine steps forward.
Blaine:
We gave you the luxury of choosing to fight one at a time, but it seems you have rescinded our kindness.
Khold stands up.
Khold:
Yeah… now we’ll kill you both at once.
Demetri looks at the black flames covering his pant leg; he starts rolling on the ground to put them out, to no avail.
Demetri:
Jesus! These are some intense flames!
Alexis stares at Demetri, then turns her attention to the flame from earlier.
Alexis:
(His quirk…) Demetri! Take off your pants!
Demetri:
Huh? What? No!
Alexis:
Do it now, or else you’ll lose your leg!
Demetri hesitates, then does as Alexis tells him. The pants burn to a crisp.
Demetri:
Why did you tell me to do that? Now we’re both freezing!
Alexis:
That guy’s flames… look… they never go out.
Blaine:
Very perceptive, girl. My black flames can burn for seven days and seven nights. If your friend didn’t remove his trousers before the fire spread to his legs, he would have required amputation to live.
Demetri gulps.
Demetri:
Th- thanks… Alexis.
Alexis:
(So, we’re up against a guy with icy powers, the likes I’ve never seen before, and the strongest fire quirk on the planet. Great… we might as well start writing our obituaries now.)
Exciton kicks Vanguard in the jaw.
Vanguard:
*pained grunt*
Exciton:
Take this! Exciton Burst!
Exciton fires a barrage of crystals into Vanguard again.
Vanguard:
I’ve already proven that attack is futile! So what’s the point in trying it again?!
Exciton:
Well, it feels really good to see you in pain, asshole!
Exciton covers his fist in sharp crystals and stabs Vanguard through the chest.
Vanguard:
*coughing up blood* (Exciton is indeed more powerful than me, I need the Delta Ring… now!)
Rubber Man punches Wes in the chest.
Wes:
Ow!
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Rubber Man:
I’ll turn my attention to the guardian once I'm done with you. Hmm… now that I think about it, I wonder if she’s willing to trade your life for the ring?
Wes:
I don’t want to know the answer to that question.
Piper:
Your name is “Wes,” right? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve?
Wes:
Just one!
Wes pulls out his gun. Rubber Man and Piper are dumbfounded.
Piper:
Wh- did you have that the entire time!
Wes:
Yeah… I carry it with me everywhere.
Piper:
Then why didn’t you… ah, forget it.
Wes unsheathes his sword and coats the blade in mirror glass.
Piper:
*from afar* Oh, come on!
Wes:
Alright, Rubber Man, it’s time for this to end.
Rubber Man:
Really? So, you’re ready to kill me? An innocent hero?
Wes:
No, but I am willing to take out your kneecap!
Rubber Man:
Wh- what-
Wes reflects a bullet off his sword, and it fires into Rubber Man’s knee.
Rubber Man:
AHHH! DAMMIT!
Rubber Man falls to the ground, holding his knee in pain.
Wes:
Yeah! That’s right! Take that!
Rubber Man:
*frustrated grunt*
Piper:
(Wow, this kid actually made effective use of his quirk! Maybe we stand a chance after all!)
Rubber Man painfully gets to his feet.
Wes:
Ready for more? I have more than enough bullets to make your joints look like swiss cheese!
Rubber Man:
Ha, we’ll see about that!
Rubber Man telekinetically calls his book and quill to himself.
Rubber Man:
Let’s see if I can write a prediction to throw you off your game.
Wes:
Oh yeah, like that’s going to work! I saw what you did to Zach! You needed his blood to use that book against him, and as far as I’m aware, you don’t have any of my blood. So, that book won’t work on me at all!
Rubber Man smiles.
Rubber Man:
Who said I’m using it on you?
Wes:
Huh?
Rubber Man dabs the quill in his gunshot wound.
Wes:
(Oh… shit…)
Rubber Man begins writing in his book.
Wes:
Like, I’ll let you get away with this!
Wes starts reflecting bullets at Rubber Man, piercing his elbows and other knee, but he powers through the pain and finishes writing.
Rubber Man:
Haha, read it and weep. “Great at dodging bullets.”
Wes:
Whatever, I’ve already shot you enough times for that to not matter!
Rubber Man:
Master! I need your assistance!
Exciton and Vanguard look at Rubber Man and Wes; Vanguard uses the distraction to kick Exciton in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Vanguard then runs to Rubber Man.
Wes:
Hey! Stay back!
Wes fires three reflected bullets at Vanguard, but the wounds instantly heal.
Wes:
Oh… right…
Vanguard hits Wes upside the head with his crystallized arm, knocking him to the ground. Vanguard then uses the Gamma Ring to heal Rubber Man’s wounds.
Rubber Man:
Thank you, Master.
Vanguard:
Yes, now finish the job.
Wes:
(Shit!)
Piper begins playing her flute.
Piper:
(This is our chance!) Melodious Maestra: Song of Paralysis!
Rubber Man:
That won’t work!
Rubber Man wraps his stretched-out arms around Vanguard’s head, completely blocking his ears. Wes plugs his own ears.
Piper:
(Oh no!)
Vanguard:
Thank you, Rubber Man.
Vanguard breaks free of Rubber Man’s hold and returns to his fight with Exciton.
Piper:
Wes! Attack Rubber Man now while he’s unable to move!
Wes:
Right!
Wes picks up his gun and begins firing at Rubber Man but misses every shot.
Wes:
Oh, this is bullshit!
Rubber Man:
The tide of this battle is turning, fool!
Meanwhile, Alden finally breaks free of his restraints and removes his gag.
Alden:
Finally! Who would have thought cutting through rope using just your nails would take so long!
Alden looks around at the various battles.
Alden:
(Hm… they all look like they could use my help!)
Alden notices Black Hollow and Zach are passed out.
Alden:
(Later…)
Alden hides behind a Moai.
Alden:
(I’ll just wait for my chance to save the day right here!)
Aaron, Justus, and Silver are all writhing in pain on the ground.
Drunk Billy:
I think I’ll start the endgame by bringing the whole gang together!
Drunk Billy leaps over to Aaron and grabs him by the neck.
Aaron:
*choking*
Drunk Billy:
Have a nice trip!
Drunk Billy tosses Aaron over to Silver and Justus.
Drunk Billy:
Now I can kill all three of you at once!
Drunk Billy slowly struts towards the boys.
Silver:
Any ideas, guys?
Justus:
I’m out…
Aaron:
Yeah… it doesn’t matter what plan we come up with if he’s just going to withstand every attack we throw at him.
Silver:
We have to figure out an alternative way to beat him.
Justus:
But what?
Aaron looks over at the nearby ocean.
Aaron:
I think I’ve got one in mind…
Silver:
Hm?
Justus:
Like what, Aaron?
Aaron:
Even if his strength is boosted out of this world, he’s still human, right?
Silver:
For the most part…
Aaron:
Well, then, I guess it’s a good thing we have that ocean right there.
Silver and Justus both get looks of realization.
Silver:
I see! But how can we get him in there?
Aaron bangs his fists together.
Aaron:
My attacks may not be able to damage him, but they’ve still got the power to knock him back.
Silver:
Okay, and I can use my silver to bury him.
Justus:
Which leaves me in charge of setting everything up.
Aaron:
Yeah, sorry, dude, but you’ll have to take one for the team.
Justus:
Whatever it takes to win. Ready men?
Aaron and Silver:
Mhm.
Drunk Billy:
What are you boys talking about over there? If it’s a plan, I can guarantee it won’t work!
Justus stands up and charges at Drunk Billy.
Drunk Billy:
Oh boy, A volunteer!
Drunk Billy goes to punch Justus, but the boy dodges and gets behind Billy.
Drunk Billy:
What the hell?
Justus puts Billy in a full nelson, holding him in place.
Justus:
Now, guys! I can’t hold him for long!
Drunk Billy:
Let me punch you!
Silver gathers his silver dust into a massive mound, gets on top of it, and flies out over the ocean. Aaron runs in front of Drunk Billy and Justus, puts his hands together, and creates a Howitzer Cannon.
Aaron:
Man… who needs therapy when you got this?
Aaron begins charging the blast.
Drunk Billy:
Whatever the hell this is, it won’t work!
Aaron:
We’ll see about that!
Aaron spits on his howitzer; it instantly melts due to the immense heat the cannon is exuding.
Aaron:
Ah, I love when a plan comes together! HOWITZER BURST!
Aaron blasts Drunk Billy with a point-blank Howitzer blast, sending him and Justus flying 200 yards over the ocean.
Drunk Billy:
AHHHH!
Drunk Billy and Justus both slam into the ocean. Justus is knocked out cold and immediately begins sinking. Billy is unscathed by the blast and attempts to swim to the surface, but Silver’s dust mound suddenly flies into the ocean, dragging him deeper and deeper down.
Drunk Billy:
NO! NO! NO!
Silver hovers above the ocean on a tiny remainder of his silver dust.
Silver:
Cya, asshole!
Drunk Billy begins to lose consciousness.
Drunk Billy:
NOOOOOO!
Drunk Billy passes out, and Vanguard senses he’s lost control over him.
Vanguard:
(WHAT?!)
Exciton clocks Vanguard.
Exciton:
Pay attention to our fight, jackass!
Silver uses his dust to hoist Justus and Drunk Billy’s unconscious bodies out of the water.
Silver:
Come on, guys. Let’s get you back.
Aaron falls to a knee, and both of his arms are overheated.
Aaron:
(Damn, that took everything I had, and we didn’t even get to Vanguard yet.)
Rubber Man’s paralysis ends; he immediately begins beating the shit out of Wes.
Rubber Man:
Just try fighting back!
Wes:
It’s hard for me to do that since you took away my best weapon!
Piper simply watches.
Piper:
(There’s nothing I can do, I can’t paralyze him again for a few minutes, and none of my other songs can help if Wes can’t fight back!)
Black Hollow begins to wake up.
Black Hollow:
*grunts* Damn blindside…
Black Hollow stands up and regains his composure; he then examines the battlefield.
Black Hollow:
(Good, Piper still has the Delta Ring, although most students have seen better days. But it’s alright. Exciton is pummeling Vanguard, so we'll have everything wrapped up once I eliminate that other drone from the battle.)
Black Hollow goes invisible.
Rubber Man:
There’s nothing you can do to stop me. I could finish you now, but I think it’ll be A LOT more fun to make this painful for you! Mainly because you SHOT me so many times!
Wes:
I WAS JUST DOING MY JOB, MAN!
Rubber Man:
Oh yeah? Well, now it’s time for me to do my j-
Rubber Man suddenly passes out.
Wes:
Huh? Wh- what the hell?
Piper:
What?!
Black Hollow becomes visible; he karate chopped Rubber Man in the back of the neck, knocking him out cold.
Wes:
Black Hollow! You’re okay!
Black Hollow:
Yes, they only knocked me out momentarily.
Black Hollow picks up Rubber Man.
Black Hollow:
Grab your friend, Zach; we must protect them.
Wes:
R- right!
Vanguard clenches his fist.
Vanguard:
DAMMIT!
Exciton:
What’s wrong, Vanny? Are you upset that my squad beat yours, or are you just worried about the ass-kicking you’re about to receive?
Vanguard:
*frustrated grunt*
Black Hollow and Wes place Rubber Man and Zach next to Drunk Billy and Justus.
Black Hollow:
You three boys stay here and protect them; Exciton, Piper, and I can handle this.
Silver:
Right.
Aaron:
Yessir.
Wes:
No arguments here.
Piper and Black Hollow join Exciton and surround Vanguard.
Exciton:
It’s over, Vanguard. Hand over those rings now.
Vanguard:
(This can’t be happening! Victory was within my grasp! The Delta Ring is right there around that woman’s neck, and I can’t do anything to claim it!)
Vanguard looks around at the battlefield.
Vanguard:
(There’s no way I can bring any of these three under my control. They’re too smart to let that happen. And those three boys are too wounded from their battles with Rubber Man and Billy to be useful to me! I’m out of options! There’s nothing I can do!)
Flashes of a young boy and girl playing in a village flash through Vanguard’s head.
Boy:
*in Vanguard’s head* We love you, Ekon!
Girl:
*in Vanguard’s head* We know you’ll always be here to protect us!
Vanguard looks catatonic.
Exciton:
Man… he’s taking this hard.
Piper:
Well, his evil plan fell apart. I’m sure that’s tough for him.
Black Hollow:
He can make this easier on himself by surrendering now.
Tears start to flow down Vanguard’s face.
Vanguard:
(Brother… Sister… I’ve failed you… again…)
Exciton:
Alright, buddy, it’s time for you to-
Alden:
Don’t worry, guys, I’ve got this!
Alden runs out from behind a nearby Maoi and attempts to stab Vanguard in the neck with his nails.
Alden:
It’s time for my one-man show! Alden saves the world! Starring me, Alden!
Exciton:
Coat Check, no! What are you doing!
Alden:
Didn’t you hear me? Saving the-
Vanguard grabs Alden and throws him to the ground.
Vanguard:
(Yes! I forgot about this fool!)
Exciton:
Release him, Vanguard!
Black Hollow:
If you kill him, it won’t make things easier for you!
Vanguard:
Who said anything about killing him!
Vanguard places the Alpha Ring against Alden’s forehead.
Vanguard:
Obey me!
Alden springs up and faces the three pro heroes.
Exciton:
Ha! You think that kid can help you take us on?
Alden’s voice is randomly much deeper.
Alden:
I think you’ll be surprised at how useful I can be.
Exciton:
Huh?
Piper:
That’s strange…
Vanguard:
We’re going to find out this level of use right now.
Vanguard reaches into his pocket and pulls out his tarot cards.
Vanguard:
(It all comes down to this… Brother, Sister, guide me…)
Vanguard draws the top card and sheepishly looks at it. His eyes widen.
Vanguard:
(You’re… you’re kidding!)
Vanguard begins laughing maniacally.
Exciton:
What’s so funny?
Vanguard:
You three are done! It’s time for you to feast your eyes on The Emperor!
Alden:
Emperor? I like that a lot!
Vanguard backflips onto a nearby Moai.
Vanguard:
Now, my Emperor, fetch me the Delta Ring.
Alden:
Yes, Master!
Exciton:
Alright, coat check. Nobody here is afraid of you, so stand down! Exciton Burst!
Exciton fires a barrage of crystals at Alden, but they transform into bubbles before making an impact.
Exciton:
Wh- huh?
Black Hollow turns invisible, but Alden points at him, and he instantly reappears.
Black Hollow:
What?
Piper:
What kind of power is this?
Alden laughs.
Alden:
I am the Emperor, and I command respect. Even over the fabric of reality itself!
Exciton, Black Hollow, and Piper are shocked.
Wes:
I always knew Alden would get us all killed one day… I was just hoping it wouldn’t be today.
Zaire and Vargas continue staring at each other, not moving a muscle.
Signal:
*groans* (This battle has been nothing short of intense… I can’t believe these guys have been going at it this hard and for this long.)
Signal looks at his beacon and notices two icons approaching them.
Signal:
(Shit! Nobody can intercept those two before they get here.) Zaire! We’ve got company arriving in T-minus one minute!
Zaire:
*frustrated grunt*
Vargas:
*nasal grunt* It looks like this battle will end in 60 seconds, then. I’m not sure who the Academy sent, but I’m confident with their help, you’ll be defeated.
Zaire:
No… this battle will end
within
the next minute; hell, I’ll even go as low as 30 seconds.
Vargas:
Hm? You can’t be serious.
Zaire takes a deep breath.
Zaire:
When Master Iota found me, I was just a boy stealing bread from a bakery. I hadn’t eaten anything besides garbage in days… but the owner didn’t care; he savagely beat me. At that moment, I realized how godforsaken this world is. That a boy could be forced to live a life of such misery. All because my mother died giving birth to me, and my father abandoned me the first chance he got. Master Iota gave me a home and a purpose: to change the world for the better. So nobody would ever have to live a life like mine again. He gave me everything, so I will give this battle EVERYTHING I HAVE!
The Iota ring begins glowing.
Vargas:
What are you doing!
Zaire:
I will now use the Iota Ring’s powers to unlock my hidden potential, even for a few seconds!
Vargas:
I won’t let that happen!
Fire begins spiraling down Vargas’ upper arms and forearms.
Vargas:
(If he’s using the Iota Ring for that purpose, then he can’t use it to block Final Amaryllis this time!)
Zaire:
THIS BATTLE ENDS HERE!
Zaire opens a warp gate beneath Vargas’ feet, and he falls into it.
Vargas:
Woah!
Zaire then opens a second warp gate directly above that one.
Signal:
(What! I’ve never seen Zaire open two warp gates so close to each other before!
Vargas falls out of the top warp gate and into the bottom one, creating an infinite loop that creates more and more momentum for Vargas’ fall.
Zaire:
Now we’re thinking with portals!
Zaire breaks the cycle by moving the top portal just as Vargas falls out of it; he then opens a new gate aimed at a tree; Vargas flies out of it at an extreme speed and slams into the tree, breaking his back, legs, right arm, and some ribs.
Vargas:
AHHHHHHH!
Zaire falls to his knees in immense pain as Vargas smashes into the ground a bloody mess.
Zaire and Vargas:
*groan*
Signal:
Zaire!
Signal runs to Zaire’s aid.
Zaire:
Get… the ring… you fool.
Signal:
Uh… about that.
Lust, Saige, and Eve arrive on their snowmobiles.
Lust:
Saige, Eve, tend to Vargas!
Saige:
Yes, ma’am!
Lust runs up and faces Zaire and Signal.
Lust:
This ends here.
Zaire:
(Dammit…)
Eve and Saige run to Vargas.
Eve:
He’s in bad shape.
Saige:
But he still has the ring, good.
Vargas:
You… you’re Ewing’s granddaughter, right?
Saige:
Yessir, and don’t worry, we’re here to protect you.
Vargas:
*pained grunt* I think you’re too late for that…
Eve:
We’ll get you out of here alive, sir.
Vargas:
Good luck with that. *coughs up blood*
Zaire gets to his feet.
Signal:
Zaire, you’re pretty beaten up; I think it’s time to retreat.
Zaire:
No! We’re not leaving without that ring! Now, disable their vehicles.
Signal:
But, Zaire-
Zaire:
That’s an order, Signal!
Signal does as he’s told. He short-circuits the electrical systems inside the snowmobiles, disabling them.
Zaire:
Now, leave me to fight Lust.
Signal:
Right.
Signal backs off to resume spectating.
Zaire:
I’m ready for my next challenger.
Lust:
Well, you’re looking at her.
Zaire:
Then let’s begin.
Lust:
Let’s.
Blaze finishes explaining everything to Hayze.
Hayze:
I see… I had a feeling we couldn’t trust that Butler guy. So, he’s responsible for everything that happened to my friends!
Blaze:
Yeah, hopefully, Exciton and Black Hollow can defeat him. Otherwise-
Hayze:
Let’s not worry about that right now. You mentioned that our timelines are different, correct? What do you think caused that?
Blaze:
Well, I’m not sure, but I believe the event that split our timelines occurred during your mission to stop the Vampire Queen.
Hayze:
Hm? And why is that?
Blaze:
Because, in my time, Lust, Exciton, Vulcan, Black Hollow, and Aster Maddox all died during the nerve gas strike the Queen launched.
Hayze:
Wait… not me?
Blaze:
No, and I’m aware of why. In this timeline, you saved those five from their untimely deaths.
Hayze:
I- I did? But I wasn’t even conscious.
Blaze:
You weren’t, but your personality, Khaos, was.
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Blaze:
The difference between our timelines is that Khaos only saved himself in mine; in this one, he rescued that entire group in this one. The Khaos I know is a savage monster that would murder anyone he came across; he would never save a life. So, why did your Khaos do it?
“
Khaos:
I hate the same things you do, and I like the same things you do. As you recall, I’m bound from being able to kill anyone that you don’t hate. It’s not that I can’t. It’s that my existence would be unraveled if I did. Say I killed Blair. How would you feel?)
Hayze:
(I’d kill you.)
Khaos:
(Like you could, but that’s my point. You’d hate me, and by the rules of my existence. I’d hate me, thus creating a paradox that would destroy me.)
Khaos:
(Anyway, the opposite applies. If I were to help Ivy and save her the way you want to.)
Hayze:
(I’d actually begin to like you.)
Khaos:
(Yes, which would strengthen my power to the point where I could become the host of this body.) “
— Chapter 147
Hayze:
(There’s no way the opposite could apply to him… right? Thoughts, guys?)
Hayze’s other personalities appear as spirits around him.
Impulse:
(That would explain why we haven’t seen Khaos since that day.)
Calm:
(And why he hasn’t tried to claim control of your body either.)
Wrath:
(The little bastard is going soft and is ashamed! HAHAHA!)
Gale:
(Didn’t you go soft already?)
Wrath:
(Shut the hell up! So did you!)
Gale:
(Yeah, but I’m me, so who cares.)
Wrath:
(Fuck you.)
Calm:
(What do you think this means, Hayze?)
Hayze:
(I’m not sure, but one thing is clear… me saving Ivy was the thing that split the timelines. I’m confident in Blaze’s time… I killed Ivy in the Vampire Queen’s facility.)
Impulse:
(Wow… no wonder you needed that spirit guide from your old pal Jake to keep you in line. If you didn’t do that…)
Hayze:
(The world would have ended…)
Blaze:
Uh… are you still there?
Hayze:
Oh, sorry, I was talking to the others.
Blaze:
What… others?
Hayze hops on the snowmobile.
Hayze:
Come on, this was a long enough pitstop. It’s time to find the others and rescue them if they’re in danger, right, Son?
Blaze smiles.
Blaze:
Yeah, let’s go!
Blaze gets on the snowmobile too, and they drive off down the other pathway.
Blaze:
(You were right, Aunt Saige, there is something about him that just… inspires confidence.)
