Jagger and Marsh reach the top of the small mountain overlooking the Alaskan forest.
Jagger:
I don’t know why Zaire sent me with you. Sure, I’m a ranged fighter, but not
this
kind of range!
Marsh:
Simmer down; I need to concentrate if I want to bag this guardian.
Jagger:
*nasal grunt* Fine, then I’m just going to relax by this tree.
Marsh:
Whatever.
Marsh removes his sniper from his back, lies down, and begins surveying the area.
Marsh:
(Zaire said they were in a large clearing… there it is.)
Marsh spots Lust and Zaire squaring off, with Saige and Eve tending to Vargas.
Marsh:
It looks like Zaire finished the guardian off.
Jagger:
Really? Already?
Marsh:
Yeah, but those bogeys we saw approaching them arrived in time to save the old man’s life. And, unfortunately, it looks like one of them is Lust.
Jagger:
You mean the Number 5 hero, Lust?
Marsh:
The very same.
Jagger:
What could she be doing here? And how could they have known this attack was happening?
Marsh:
Don’t know, and don’t care.
Marsh scopes in on Lust.
Marsh:
Last time I took aim at this hottie, I missed.
Marsh lifts up his mask, revealing his right eye.
Marsh:
That won’t happen again.
Jagger grabs the barrel of Marsh’s gun.
Marsh:
Hey! Hands off!
Jagger:
Don’t fire.
Marsh:
What? Why?
Jagger:
If you eliminate Lust, Zaire will retrieve the Sigma Ring with no problem.
Marsh:
Isn’t that the point?
Jagger:
Hasn’t it ever bothered you that Zaire gets preferential treatment over the rest of us?
Marsh:
… Go on.
Jagger:
He knows more about the “Iota Movement” than any of us. Why? Because Zaire has never failed him. He’ll take the blame if this mission fails, and Master won’t hold him in high regard anymore.
Marsh thinks for a moment.
Marsh:
What are you getting at? If you want this mission to fail, why are you even a part of the Movement?
Jagger:
For the same reason as everyone else: I have nowhere else to go.
Marsh:
Yeah, but we’re all here because Master gave us this chance. That’s why we’re loyal to him; that’s why I’M loyal to him.
Jagger:
Loyalty is a two-way street, Marsh. Look at what happened to Ivy; she was once Master’s Number 1 enforcer, and now where is she? Gone. Master sent Adonis, Yusuf, and me on a mission that had a 90% chance of resulting in our deaths. Adonis learned that the hard way. Ever since that moment, I’ve known what I am to Master Iota: expendable. So, I’ll continue to be his soldier, but not a loyal one. I won’t force you to do as I say, but keep what I’ve said here in mind.
Jagger lets go of Marsh’s gun. Marsh stares at him for a moment.
Signal:
*beacon* Marsh, are you in position yet? Zaire could really use your help! Lust just showed up, and he’s weakened from his battle with the guardian.
Marsh thinks for a moment and then speaks into his beacon.
Marsh:
Sorry, Signal, but this mountain doesn’t give me a good enough view of the clearing to take a shot. I’ll try to find a new angle.
Signal:
*beacon* Damn! Okay, well, hurry!
Marsh:
Roger.
Jagger leans against a nearby tree.
Jagger:
You made the right choice.
Marsh:
I don’t care about your opinion. I did that because I wanted to. (And I’ll happily change my mind if I so desire.)
Zaire catches his breath.
Lust:
You’re not looking too good there; maybe you should call it quits?
Zaire:
I’m fine, but you won’t be soon enough.
Lust notices the Iota Ring.
Lust:
So, you must be Iota’s right-hand man if he trusted you with that. Don’t think you can fool me with it; I saw his battle with Colossus, and the “Mental Mirage” trick isn’t gonna work.
Zaire:
I don’t need tricks. I have power.
Lust:
Yeah, well, so do I! Smile Cannon!
Lust launches a Smile Cannon at Zaire; he blocks using a warp gate that opens beside Saige.
Saige:
*moans* OH GOD, YES!
Eve:
Uh… Ms. Lust, please don’t try that again!
Lust:
I see, so that’s your ability.
Zaire:
Yes, and it will make all of your projectile-based attacks useless.
Lust giggles.
Zaire:
Hm?
Lust:
Then I guess it’s a good thing those aren’t the only attacks in my arsenal.
Lust does a summer salt to move towards Zaire.
Zaire:
(What the hell?)
Lust finishes her flip by kicking Zaire square in the chest, knocking him back.
Zaire:
*pained grunt*
Lust:
Did I crack any ribs, or do I need to try again?
Zaire:
Your gymnastics don’t scare me!
Lust:
Oh, okay then, let’s try something different.
Zaire:
What?
Lust leaps in the air and does a twirl.
Lust:
Pounding Pirouette!
Lust kicks Zaire in the side of his face, sending him flying and tumbling against the ground.
Lust:
So, how do you like my ballet?
Zaire:
*frustrated grunt*
Eve and Saige watch in amazement.
Eve:
Her movements are so fluid, and her strikes, although light, pack so much force.
Saige:
There’s a reason she’s such a high rank at her age.
Signal:
(Ah, man! Finishing off the guardian must have burnt up a ton of Zaire’s energy; he’s not reacting to her attacks at all! I wish I could help, but he said he doesn’t want it.)
Zaire slowly gets to his feet.
Zaire:
(It doesn’t matter how hard I push myself. Like Sisyphus, I will not stop!)
Zaire uses the Iota Ring to rip a tree from the ground.
Lust:
Huh?
Zaire:
The power of Iota will defeat you!
Zaire throws the tree at Lust.
Lust:
No, it won’t. Because we’re entering my smile world!
Saige:
Hooray!
Eve:
Oh no!
Lust creates her “Happy Field,” causing Zaire to lose concentration and miss his tree-throwing attack. Both he and Signal hunch over.
Zaire:
(Did- did she just give me a boner?)
Signal:
(This is awkward…)
Eve:
Oh god, is this what it’s like to be Saige!
Saige:
Yup, isn’t it great!
Eve:
Nobody should be this horny by default!
Zaire falls to his knees.
Lust:
Is the power of Smile World overwhelming you?
Zaire:
(I won’t let this foolishness bring me down!)
Zaire adjusts himself and stands up.
Zaire:
If you think this battle will be easy, you’re in for a nasty surprise! I will not be denied.
Lust:
We’ll see about that because when I’m done with you, you’ll turn that frown upside and down!
Ash and Gus arrive at a frozen-over pond. Gus keels over and falls face-first into the snow.
Ash:
Gus! Are you alright?!
Gus:
We’ve been walking for so long… When is it gonna stop?
Ash:
Gus, it’s been like 10 minutes.
Gus:
And that’s a really long time, Ash! Plus, it’s super cold.
Ash:
I won’t argue with you, but we need to keep moving. Otherwise, we might be found by those two villains from earlier.
Gus:
That’s okay! We can take them. I mean, you’re here, Ash!
Ash:
Huh? M- me?
Gus:
Yeah! I saw you beat Angel like it was nothing! And he was strong enough to make the second round of the Sports Festival.
Ash:
So did I…
Gus:
Yeah, and you kicked his ass! You’ve gotten so much stronger since last year. Hell, you might have grown the most out of anybody. You beat Zach and gave Kevin a run for his money. So even if those guys find us, I know I’m safe with you here.
Ash blushes.
Ash:
Thanks, Gus… I appreciate it.
Gus:
So… does that mean we can take a break?
Ash:
*sighs* Sure.
Gus:
Yay!
Gus lies down beside a tree and starts power napping.
Ash:
That’s… not what I had in mind.
Ash looks at her reflection in the ice.
Ash:
(Gus is right… I have changed a lot. When I first applied to U.A. I didn’t think I could make it in, but… I knew I’d regret not trying. And that’s when I met Hayze, and between the Entrance Exam, the exercise against Colossus, and the Sports Festival, he showed me just how powerful my quirk could really be.)
“
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. “
— Chapter 164
Ash:
(Maybe I was a little harsh with him, but I really looked up to Hayze. He was an example that all of us “weaker” heroes could follow. He showed everyone that with enough smarts and determination, you could defeat anyone you set your mind to. But… with the lies and omissions of truth, it’s… hard for me to look at him the same way I did before. I thought Hayze was my friend, but we drifted apart, and now I wonder-)
Gus:
*choking* Ash! Help!
Ash quickly turns around to see Julio choking Gus with a Yo-yo.
Julio:
Well, well, well, it looks like it’s my lucky day! I get to kill two birds with one stone!
Ash:
Let Gus go!
Julio:
Make me!
Ash:
With pleasure!
Ash passes out and falls over.
Julio:
Huh? What the fu-
Ash possesses Julio’s body and releases Gus.
Gus:
*gasps for air* Thank you, Ash!
Julio (Ash):
Don’t worry about it, Gus. Now it’s time for me to inflict some damage!)
Julio walks over to Ash’s body and pulls out her knife.
Julio (Ash):
(This was one of the people who fought Mr. Walker the night EMD died. It’s time for some payback!)
Julio stabs himself in the penis. Ash leaves his body and returns to her own.
Julio:
AHHHHHH!
Julio falls to the ground in agonizing pain; Ash walks over to Gus, who looks terrified.
Ash:
Are you alright, Gus?
Julio:
*from afar* SHE STABBED MA DICK, MAN!
Gus:
Y- y- y- yes!
Ash:
Why are you scared?
Gus:
Uh…
Julio:
*from afar* IT HURTS SO MUCH!
Gus:
Reasons…
Yusuf watches from behind a nearby tree, sweating profusely.
Yusuf:
(What the fuck! How did she make Julio stab himself in the penis!)
Julio:
YUSUF! HELP ME!
Yusuf:
(DON’T SAY MY NAME!)
Ash and Gus look around.
Ash:
It looks like he has a buddy.
Gus:
Yeah… but where is he?
Julio:
YUSUF! PLEASE!
Yusuf is shaking like a leaf but still hiding.
Ash:
*yelling* I don’t know where you are, but I know you’re around here, and if you don’t show yourself in the next 10 seconds, I’m going to kill your friend!
Julio:
OH, COME ON!
Ash:
*whispers* Gus, be ready to create a smokescreen if he tries anything.
Gus:
Right.
Yusuf is visibly terrified.
Yusuf:
(I’m just the support! I’m not ready to fight, and I’m certainly not ready to have my dick cut off! Wait, I have an idea!) *whispers into beacon* Marsh! Are you there? Julio and I are in trouble!
Marsh:
*beacon* What? What is it?
Yusuf:
*whispering* Keep your voice down! We found two heroes, but they took out Julio, and I’m next! I need your help, and fast!
Marsh:
*beacon* *sighs* Fine.
Marsh looks for Yusuf and Julio’s icons on his beacon.
Marsh:
(Julio’s location is still transmitting, so they must have just incapacitated him.) *beacon* Yusuf, you’re right next to that icy pond, right?
Yusuf:
*beacon* *whispering* Yeah, we are.
Marsh:
Well, I’ve got bad news, I don’t have a clear sightline, so I can only lay suppressing fire.
Yusuf:
*beacon* *whispering* That’s fine. Just make them think you can hit them!
Marsh:
On it.
Jagger starts walking away.
Marsh:
Where are you off to?
Jagger:
If Julio is down and you can’t accurately hit them, then Yusuf is pretty much dead unless someone goes down there to help him.
Marsh:
*nasal grunt* Good luck.
Jagger:
I don’t need luck.
Jagger departs.
Ash:
Alright, 5… 4…
Julio:
Yusuf! COME ON, MAN!
Ash:
3… 2…
Suddenly, a sniper shot hits the tree beside Ash and Gus.
Gus:
Oh shit!
Ash:
Duck for cover!
Ash and Gus hide behind two separate trees. As three more shots rain down on them.
Julio:
(Oh, thank god, he called in Marsh!)
Julio starts painfully crawling away.
Gus:
Ash, what do we do?
Ash:
I don’t know, one wrong move, and we’ll get a bullet to the head.
Gus:
*gulps* Well, I could make a smokescreen.
Ash:
That’s not a good idea with the other one skulking around.
Gus:
Oh… right… him…
Ash:
(Wait, he could be our ticket to safety!)
Ash passes out. Her body slides down the tree and sits at its base.
Gus:
Ash?
Ash searches the area in her astral form.
Ash:
(He has to be behind one of these trees.)
Ash spots Yusuf and immediately enters his body.
Yusuf (Ash):
(Okay, now I just need to figure out how he communicated with the sniper.)
Ash notices the beacon and sees that it’s measuring Yusuf’s pulse.
Yusuf (Ash):
(This is just like…) *yelling* Gus! Smash the device on the other one’s arm!
Gus:
Wh- what?
Yusuf (Ash):
Just trust me!
Gus:
Oh… okay…
Gus takes a deep breath.
Gus:
AHHHH!
Gus runs toward Julio and grabs the beacon.
Julio:
Woah- what the fuck, what are you doing!
Gus punches his beacon, disabling it; Ash does the same with Yusuf’s.
Marsh:
(I wish those damn guys would try to lead them into the open so I can actually see-)
Yusuf and Julio’s icons disappear on Marsh’s beacon.
Marsh:
(Huh… looks like those heroes came to play. They finished off Julio and flushed Yusuf out like it was nothing. I bet they figured I would stop firing if they killed those two, and hey, they were right.)
Marsh returns to watching Lust and Zaire’s battle.
Yusuf (Ash):
Phew… I think it worked.
Yusuf approaches Gus.
Julio:
Yusuf! Get this guy off me!
Yusuf (Ash):
Okay, Gus, let’s tie these two up.
Gus:
Right, Ash.
Julio:
(Ash? Oh shit, this chick can take over bodies! That’s how she got me!) Ha! You don’t have ropes. What are you gonna tie us up with?
Gus ties Yusuf and Julio up using Julio’s Yo-yos.
Julio:
Oh, this is bullshit.
Ash returns to her own body.
Yusuf:
Huh?! What? What’s going on?!
Julio:
Can you guys at least stab his dick too?
Yusuf:
NO, PLEASE!
Ash:
Nobody is getting their balls cut off as long as you guys answer my questions.
Julio:
WHAT?!
Yusuf:
I’ll tell you anything!
Gus:
See, Ash? I told you you changed.
Ash:
You’re right, Gus. I feel so much more assertive now.
Julio:
I FUCKING HATE THIS!
Blaine and Khold chuckle to themselves.
Blaine:
So, is it time, brother?
Khold:
I’d say so, brother?
Alexis:
Time? Time for what?
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Blaine and Khold chuckle at each other.
Khold:
You’re about to feel the wrath of our combination moves.
Blaine:
A series of devastating attacks that all who have ever felt them have perished.
Demetri:
I uh… don’t think I like the sound of that.
Blaine:
But the question is, brother… Who will face our fury first?
Khold:
The girl was going to stay true to our bargain; I can tell she had no thoughts of dodging. So, I say we bring down the hammer on this rule breaker.
Demetri gulps.
Alexis:
(Sorry, Demetri, but it’s better you than me. You might actually live…)
Khold forms ice between his hands while Blaine does the same with his fire.
Khold:
Which attack first, brother?
Blaine:
We should go with our standard opener.
Khold:
Then let’s go!
Demetri starts running.
Demetri:
Like I’m gonna stand still and let this happen!
Khold and Blaine launch their fire and ice beams together; they form a single blast of black, boiling hot water.
Blaine and Khold:
It’s time for Pain Water: Geyser of Torment!
Demetri ducks behind a tree.
Demetri:
(I’m safe!)
The beam collides with the tree and quickly burns a hole straight through it; it then blasts Demetri in the back.
Demetri:
AHHHHHHHHHH!
Demetri falls to the ground in agonizing pain; the geyser burnt through his jacket and shirt, searing third-degree burns into his back. Alexis is shocked.
Alexis:
(What… what was that?)
Khold:
Looks like he made the unfortunate mistake of thinking wood isn’t flammable!
Blaine:
That will teach him to never break the rules again.
Khold:
So, missy, are you ready for your turn?
Alexis turns her attention back to Blaine and Khold.
Alexis:
*grunts* (What should I do? Running is futile, and I only have a little paper left. If I use that to stop their attack, I might not have enough left to beat them!)
A bead of sweat rolls down Alexis’ face.
Khold:
Look at that, brother, she’s thinking so hard she’s sweating!
Blaine:
Pretty impressive in this cold, but it’s all for naught.
Khold forms ice between his hands while Blaine does the same with his fire.
Alexis:
(This is it, Alexis, you must choose!)
Khold and Blaine launch their fire and ice beams together; they form a single blast of black, boiling hot water.
Blaine and Khold:
Pain Water: Geyser of Torment!
As the blast careens toward Alexis, she uses her paper bra to form a final swarm of origami birds.
Alexis:
(It’s good that I have a sense of humor!) Ceremonious Dance: Nightjar Formation!
The paper Alexis used to form her flock was flash paper bombs; they detonate and blind Blaine and Khold.
Blaine:
AH!
Khold:
What the hell?!
Their attack veers off course and misses Alexis entirely.
Alexis:
(I’ve gotta run!)
Alexis runs off and hides behind a tree as Blaine and Khold regain their sight.
Khold:
Dammit! She escaped!
Blaine:
No, she didn’t. She’s still here.
Khold:
Huh? How do you know?
Blaine:
Her friend is still writhing in pain over there. She’s a hero; she wouldn’t leave him behind.
Khold:
Ha! Then she’s hiding behind one of these trees. Let’s torch the forest and find her!
Blaine:
How about we make a game out of it instead, brother?
Khold:
Hm? Go on.
Blaine:
We each take turns destroying a tree, and whoever finds her gets to kill her.
Khold:
Oh boy, I like that! And the loser has to kill the other one.
Blaine looks at Demetri lying half-naked in the snow.
Blaine:
I’d say that’s a fair punishment.
Alexis buttons up her shirt and shivers.
Alexis:
(What do I do now? I’m out of paper, and outside of Demetri’s sucker punch, we haven’t landed a hit on them.)
Alexis looks at Demetri.
Alexis:
(He’s basically down for the count… so it all lies on my shoulders. If I don’t figure something out soon… we’ll die!)
Snow starts falling.
Alexis:
(Without paper… I’m basically quirkless. What can I do?)
Flashes of Alexis’ mom and dad, her 2-A classmates, and Aaron go through her mind.
Alexis:
(I’m sorry, everyone… but it doesn’t look like I’ll ever see any of you again…)
Alexis starts to cry.
Alexis:
(I’m so sorry…)
Blaine blasts a tree.
Khold:
Looks like you guessed wrong! My turn!
Khold covers another tree in ice; it then breaks into a thousand pieces.
Khold:
*frustrated grunt*
Blaine:
Ha, you guessed wrong too, brother! Back to me!
Hayze and Blaze find the three abandoned snowmobiles.
Blaze:
What happened?
Hayze inspects the vehicles.
Hayze:
It looks like they found some company, and one of them froze their snowmobiles in place.)
Blaze:
Hey! There are a lot of footprints over here!
Hayze and Blaze find the three separate trails of tracks.
Blaze:
Three? Did they split up?
Hayze:
It looks like it. But I’m counting a lot more than just six sets of feet.
Blaze:
Hm? How many?
Hayze:
10. Four people went to the west, four to the south, and two to the east.
Blaze:
So, which one should we follow?
Hayze:
*sighs* Well, that’s tough… the most likely scenario is they came across a group of four villains, and they split into three pairs to escape, more than likely under cover of Gus’ smokescreen. The villains decided it wouldn’t be safe for anyone to go alone, so they also split into pairs and followed two trails, leaving the third alone.
Blaze:
So then the south and east groups could be in danger.
Hayze:
Yeah, so our best choice would be to split up.
Blaze:
Are you sure?
Hayze:
If you’re my son, then you can handle yourself.
Blaze:
Uh- well, yeah, but-
Hayze:
You’ll be fine. Blair, Alexis, Ash, and Ivy can handle themselves, so as long as Demetri and Gus aren’t together, we’ll have assistance.
Blaze:
Right.
Hayze:
Alright, I’ll see you later.
Hayze starts following the South Trail.
Blaze:
Hey, wait! Shouldn’t you take the snowmobile?
Hayze:
Do you think it’s a coincidence that the villains found my friends?
Blaze:
You think they were tracking the snowmobiles?
Hayze:
I don’t think; I know. Stay on foot and keep your guard up.
Blaze:
Will do, and actually, before you leave, take this.
Blaze tosses Hayze one of his Thyagodryphen.
Hayze:
Huh? What is this?
Blaze:
Medicine, if someone’s in trouble, use it.
Blaze runs down the East Trail.
Hayze:
Wait, what do you mean by “trouble?”
Blaze is already too far to hear Hayze.
Hayze:
(Guess I’ll just hope I don’t have to find out.)
Alden cracks his neck.
Alden:
Now, what will you “heroes” do to stop me? Nothing, that’s what.
Exciton:
I’m having difficulty taking this guy seriously when he has a load in his pants.
Black Hollow:
He’s dangerous, Exciton. We need to take him out to get to Vanguard, and his quirk seems like it will make that very tough.
Piper:
Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him.
Piper brings her flute to her mouth.
Piper:
(I took down this kid once before, I can do it again!) Melodious Maestra: Song of-
Alden:
We’re not going to be having any of that.
Alden transforms Piper’s flute into a firework that explodes in her face, sending her flying back, unconscious.
Exciton:
Piper!
Black Hollow:
He really can control reality!
Vanguard begins removing the various crystals Exciton shot into his body.
Vanguard:
(Of all my tarot abilities, two stand above all the others. The first is The World, and the second is the Emperor. This card gives Alden the power to control reality, but he can only use it on objects about the size of one of those Maoi or smaller, and quirks, of course. However, this quirk is so powerful that Alden might be the most powerful person on this island now. I rarely see someone who represents the Emperor's authoritarian personality with 0 regard for those around him. Alden is the definition of Ego, and he’s given me my second chance at victory!)
Alden begins walking towards Piper.
Alden:
This will be easier than I thought.
Exciton:
Hey! Get back here!
Exciton lunges at Alden and coats both of his fists in crystals.
Alden:
You didn’t learn your lesson!
Alden transforms Exciton’s crystal gauntlets into peanut butter.
Exciton:
What the hell?!
Alden:
Hope you’re not allergic! HAHAHA!
Black Hollow charges at Alden.
Black Hollow:
(He’s transformed our quirks and objects into other things, so let’s see how he stops an ordinary punch!)
Black Hollow attempts to punch Alden, but he disappears.
Black Hollow:
What?!
Suddenly, Black Hollow feels an invisible force punch his chest.
Black Hollow:
*pained grunt*
Exciton:
What was that?
Black Hollow then feels a force against his face that sends him flying back onto the ground. Alden appears.
Black Hollow:
W- was that you?
Alden:
Yes, I swapped our quirks.
Black Hollow’s nails grow uncontrollably.
Exciton:
What the!
Alden:
Don’t worry, it only lasts a minute, although it doesn’t matter to me. The Emperor is the only quirk I need.
Alden laughs maniacally.
Silver:
This is bad…
Aaron:
I never thought I’d see the day that Alden can make two of the top three heroes look like amateurs.
Wes:
So… if he gets that ring, what happens?
Aaron clenches his fist.
Aaron:
He’s not going to.
Aaron stands up and reaches into his pocket.
Aaron:
Come on, Wes! We’re going in there!
Wes:
Woah, woah, woah, no way! I’m not getting my ass kicked by Alden! I have standards!
Aaron:
We’re not getting our asses kicked.
Wes:
Mind explaining how?
Aaron:
Because
we’re
not going to be fighting.
Wes:
I’m lost.
Silver:
What are you saying, Aaron?
Alden reaches Piper and rips the Delta Ring from her neck.
Vanguard:
Alden! Yes, my boy! Now bring me that ring!
Exciton:
*frustrated grunt* How are we supposed to stop him if we can’t hit him!
Black Hollow:
I don’t know, but we must do something!
Alden begins his throwing motion.
Alden:
Master Vanguard! Catch!
Alden throws the ring at Vanguard.
Vanguard:
Yes!
Exciton and Black Hollow:
No!
The ring is intercepted mid-air by a person with shotgun barrels on his heels, propelling him through the air.
Vanguard:
No!
Exciton and Black Hollow:
Yes!
The hero lands on the ground safely with the ring in hand.
Alden:
Who are you?
Aarow:
Your worst nightmare, Alden.
Alden:
You’re going to have to be more specific.
Aarow:
*nasal grunt* My name is Aarow; I’m the fused version of Aaron Zamora and Wes Zunino!
Alden:
Fusion?
Black Hollow:
Since when could they do that?
Exciton:
And why didn’t they do it sooner.
Aarow cracks his knuckles and neck.
Aarow:
I’ve got about 1732 seconds left to knock you around with, and I’m going to savor each and every single one of them!
Alden:
I’d love to see you try to defeat me.
Aarow:
Oh, I will.
Alden:
We’ll see about that cocky attitude of yours when I rip that ring from your fingers!
Aarow:
Oh yeah, about that…
Aarow swallows the ring.
Vanguard, Alden, Exciton, Silver, and Black Hollow:
WHAT?!
Aarow:
Now, the only way you’re getting that ring is by killing me, and that’s not going to happen. Plus, when I defuse, I have no clue where it goes!
Silver:
Well… his Wes is showing, that’s for sure.
Alden laughs.
Aarow:
What’s so funny?
Alden:
Do you really think that’s going to work? Watch this!
Alden picks up a rock off the ground.
Alden:
I just have to switch this rock with the ring, and you’ll be sunk.
Aarow:
Go ahead and try.
Alden:
I will!
Alden swaps the ring with the rock.
Alden:
See? I told you-
Aarow:
Thanks a lot!
Aarow creates a pirate cannon in his chest and fires the rock at Alden. Nailing him in the forehead.
Alden:
AHHH!
Alden drops the ring.
Aarow:
Hot potato! Someone’s gotta get that!
Black Hollow:
I will!
Black Hollow scoops the ring off the ground.
Alden:
Cheap trick!
Aarow:
It’s not my fault you fell for it!
Exciton:
(It doesn’t seem like he can use the Emperor in quick succession. That’s what Aarow was testing for. If it didn’t work, Coat Check would have the ring like before, and nothing would be lost. The kid’s smart.)
Silver gets a smile on his face.
Silver:
(Nice thinking, Aarow. You can take the wimp out of Alden, but you can’t take Alden out of the wimp. Ultimately, this is still Alden we’re dealing with, and he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. In fact, I think I have an idea.)
Silver looks back at Zach, Justus, Rubber Man, and Drunk Billy.
Silver:
(They’ll be fine. Besides, the ring is the priority.)
Alden gets to his feet.
Alden:
I won’t fall for your stupid tactics again. Besides, you’re not even my target anymore.
Aarow:
Hm?
Alden picks up the rock and turns his attention to Black Hollow.
Alden:
I’ll just get the ring back this way!
Exciton:
I wouldn’t do that, Hoss.
Alden:
Why not?
Exciton:
Aarow’s attack showed us your weakness. If you try switching that rock with the ring again, Aarow and I will nail you with everything we’ve got.
Aarow:
Yeah, and I’ve got a salvo with your name on it!
Exciton:
So, your goose is cooked no matter what!
Alden laughs.
Alden:
If that’s the case, I’ll just have to remove you two from the equation.
Aarow and Exciton:
Huh?
Alden charges at Aarow.
Aarow:
Oh, you’re on!
Aarow uses his rocket heels to fly into the air; he creates two bazookas jutting out of his forearms.
Aarow:
Big Bang Blow!
As Aarow’s rockets soar toward Alden, Exciton prepares his crystal attack.
Exciton:
The second he transforms those rockets into something else, he’s going down!
Alden uses the Emperor to change the rocket’s course and aim them at Exciton instead.
Exciton:
Oh crap! Crystal barrier!
Exciton blocks the rockets with a wall of crystals.
Exciton:
Phew…
Aarow:
Sorry!
Alden uses the distraction to turn around and switch the rock with the ring.
Alden:
Now it’s my-
Black Hollow is gone.
Alden:
Wh- where did he go?!
Black Hollow is hiding behind a nearby rock, invisible.
Black Hollow:
(It might be overkill to take cover as well, but we can’t take any chances, this ring is far too important.)
Silver:
*whispering* Black Hollow? Are you here?
Silver has snuck up onto the battlefield.
Black Hollow:
Huh? Silver? What are you doing here?
Alden frantically searches around for Black Hollow.
Alden:
Where is he!
Aarow lands on the ground, laughing.
Aarow:
What did your plan not work? Aw… too bad!
Alden:
Don’t patronize me!
Aarow:
I’ll do whatever I want.
Exciton:
(Nice work, B.H., now that the ring is out of sight, Aarow and I can finish this guy with no problem.)
Vanguard grinds his teeth.
Vanguard:
(Dammit! This fused warrior has thrown a wrench in my plans! Alden would be fine if he had to deal with just Exciton and Black Hollow, but three fighters of this caliber are too much for him! So what can I do?)
Vanguard frantically looks around and spots the unprotected bodies of Rubber Man, Drunk Billy, Justus, and Zach.
Vanguard:
(Hm…)
Alden takes a deep breath.
Alden:
(It’s alright, all I need to do is take out one of them, and everything will be fine! Aarow is weaker than Exciton, so I’ll choose him!)
Alden extends his nails and points at Aarow.
Alden:
You’re going down, fool!
Aarow:
Oh really? What, are you going to try swapping our quirks? A powerful ability has to have a weakness, and I’m guessing that one requires you to be pretty close to me.
Alden:
*frustrated grunt*
Aarow:
I thought so, don’t even try it.
Alden:
I’ll destroy you!
Aarow rockets back into the air.
Aarow:
Hey, Alden! I’ve been waiting a long time to say this to you!
Alden:
Huh?
Aarow:
It’s time to die!
Aarow creates missile salvos out of his upper arms and lower legs.
Aarow:
Mirror, mirror on the wall, tell me who’s dumbest of them all!
Alden:
You!
Aarow:
Wrong answer!
Aarow fires a non-stop barrage of missiles at Alden.
Alden:
(I can’t stop all of those!)
Alden begins running for his life, but the rockets blast the ground behind him, sending him flying.
Exciton:
Aarow! Dial it back! You can’t actually kill him!
Aarow:
*groans* Fine!
Aarow ends his attack prematurely. Alden gets to his feet in visible pain.
Alden:
You will not stop me!
Aarow:
If we keep having to pull our punches, then yeah, we won’t.
Exciton:
Look, the kid’s a piece of shit, but we still can’t end an innocent life.
Aarow:
I know, I know.
Vanguard reaches the unconscious group.
Vanguard:
(I can’t use the ring on Billy or Rubber Man again, so I’ll have to rely on one of these two.)
Vanguard pulls out his deck of tarot cards and looks at Zach.
Vanguard:
(Please…)
Vanguard draws the top card: The Strength Upright.
Vanguard:
(Inner strength, bravery, compassion, and focus are all qualities that Zach Crawford exemplifies. Unfortunately, my Strength quirk won’t help in this instance, so he’s useless to me.)
Vanguard turns to Justus.
Vanguard:
(So… Justus is my only hope.)
Vanguard places his hands together for prayer.
Vanguard:
(Dear God… Stay out of this!)
Vanguard flips the Top Card and drops it in shock.
Vanguard:
(My destiny will be fulfilled!)
Aarow and Exciton stare down Alden.
Exciton:
(FInishing this kid off could be a problem, Aarow’s got the power to do it, but he could kill this kid, so it looks like it comes down to me.) *whispers* Aarow, you’ve gotta get him to use his quirk, and I’ll go for the kill.
Aarow:
*whispers* Fine, but I won’t go easy on him.
Aarow creates two grenade launchers from his palms.
Aarow:
Ready for the end?
Alden:
Are you?
Aarow:
I’m tired of your attitude!
Aarow fires two HE grenades at Alden.
Alden:
I’ve got you now!
Alden changes the grenades to flashbangs and closes his eyes.
Exciton:
Lookout!
The flashbangs go off, blinding Aarow and Exciton.
Alden:
This is the end.
Alden picks up a miscellaneous crystal off the ground and charges at Exciton.
Alden:
(I can still kill the number two hero!)
Suddenly, a burst of silver dust emerges from the ground beneath Alden like a geyser.
Alden:
WH- WHAT THE HELL?!
Alden goes soaring into the sky. Silver comes running out from behind a Moai and puts his fist in the air.
Silver:
You may be able to bend reality, Alden, but there’s no escaping this fate!
Alden:
AHHHHH!
Alden lands back-first on Silver’s fist, breaking his spine. Silver tosses him aside.
Alden:
*groans*
Vanguard starts to sweat.
Vanguard:
(I need to act quickly, but there’s one problem. I used Absolute Command on Rubber Man and Billy because they have no relation to these heroes. However, Justus is friends with some of them, so they could easily break him free of Absolute Command’s grasp. So, I need to use Partial Command, but how can I convince him to join me?)
Vanguard looks at Zach.
Vanguard:
Perfect!
Aarow, Exciton, and Silver surround Alden.
Alden:
*groans*
Silver:
He shit himself again; I heard it when I broke his back.
Exciton:
Wanna take turns beating him up?
Aarow:
No way! All together!
Alden:
G- guys… it’s me, Alden; I’m back from the Vanguard! You don’t need to-
Aarow, Exciton, and Silver start kicking the shit out of Alden.
Alden:
AHHHH!
Vanguard uses the Gamma Ring to heal Justus.
Justus:
*groans* Wh- what happened?
Vanguard:
Welcome back, Justus.
Justus:
Vanguard!
Justus jumps to his feet.
Vanguard:
Woah, woah, woah, slow down there, tiger. Otherwise, your friend Zach might not be with us much longer.
Vanguard is holding his crystallized arm to Zach’s neck. Justus goes to yell for his friends.
Vanguard:
I wouldn’t do that! I’m holding this sharp crystal up to Zach’s carotid artery. You’re a smart kid, right? So you should know what happens if that gets severed.
Justus:
Wh- what do you want?
Vanguard:
I want you to join me.
Justus:
What? Never!
Vanguard:
Then I guess Zach here dies.
Justus is taken aback.
Vanguard:
There are only two choices here, Justus. Either join me or watch your friend here bleed out before your eyes. Sure, I’ll be defeated, but Zach’s blood will be on your hands. So, what will it be? You have five seconds to answer.
Justus:
Even if I join you. I could just leave immediately! Once Zach is safe, I’ll no longer be bound to our agreement.
Vanguard:
No, trust me. You won’t.
Justus:
H- how do you know?
Vanguard:
Because you’re honorable, Justus. If you make a promise to someone, you’ll never break it, and once your brain is rewired, you’ll be mine for good.
Justus gulps.
Vanguard:
Now, remember, this is time sensitive. 5…
Justus:
(What do I do?)
Vanguard:
4…
Justus:
(If I join Vanguard, I could endanger my friends.)
Vanguard:
3…
Justus:
(But if I don’t… Zach will die.)
Vanguard:
2…
Justus:
(Is one life worth risking potentially millions?)
“
Hayze:
Justus… when I was very young, a hero told me, “Kid, the hardest part about this job is that you can’t save everybody.” and I told him: “says who?”
Justus is shocked.
Hayze:
From that day forward, I wanted to be a hero so that I could save everyone. It may be foolish, but I won’t be bogged down by other people’s expectations of me. “
— Chapter 26
Vanguard:
1.
The group finishes beating up Alden.
Exciton:
Alright, he’s down. Come on out, Black Hollow.
Black Hollow emerges from the nearby Maoi.
Exciton:
Silver, that was a great plan; you got him there.
Silver:
Yeah, while watching the battle, I realized Alden, even with his Vanguard ability, was still Alden at the end of the day, so I knew if I got him in the air, he’d be helpless as usual.
Aarow:
I wish I could have gotten the final blow, but hey, as long as he’s defeated, we’re fine.
Exciton:
Alright, Silver, you grab Alden, and Aarow, you get Piper. Black Hollow and I will finish off Vanguard.
Aarow and Silver:
Right.
Silver and Aarow do as they are told. Exciton and Black Hollow look to the Maoi Vanguard was on earlier.
Exciton:
Alright, Vanguard, it’s your turn- What?!
Black Hollow:
He’s gone!
Aarow:
Wh- where is he?
Exciton:
Black Hollow! Keep the ring close to you!
Black Hollow:
Right! I w-
Suddenly, the Delta Ring disappears from Black Hollow’s hand.
Black Hollow:
What?!
Exciton:
Where did it go?!
The group hears maniacal laughter from afar. They all turn to see Justus.
Silver:
Justus! You’re awake!
Aarow:
Did you see what happened to the ring?
Justus:
Oh… you mean this ring?
Justus reveals the Delta Ring is in his possession.
Exciton:
What? How did you get your hands on that?
Black Hollow:
Justus, return that to me at once! We’ve lost sight of Vanguard and need to keep that ring in safe hands!
Justus:
I know exactly where Vanguard is.
Silver:
Huh?
Aarow:
Really? Then where is he?
Justus throws the ring toward a Maoi.
Aarow and Silver:
Justus!
Black Hollow and Exciton:
What are you doing?!
Vanguard emerges from behind the Maoi and catches the ring.
Justus:
He’s right there.
The group looks on in shock as Vanguard admires the ring and chuckles to himself.
Silver:
Justus… how could you?
Justus:
I’m not Justus anymore.
Silver:
What?
Aarow:
Oh no… he got him.
Vanguard pulls out the tarot card from earlier and reveals it.
Vanguard:
The World, reversed. Representing Incompletion and lack of closure. It’s hard to imagine how this card couldn’t apply to a boy that spent his whole life building up to a moment that will never come.
Silver:
Defeating his father…
Vanguard:
Yes, and how ironic is it that The World was the final piece I needed to complete my journey…
Black Hollow:
Your journey towards what?
Vanguard smiles.
Vanguard:
Creating a new world!
Vanguard smashes the crystals on his arm against the Moai and places the Delta Ring on his finger.
Vanguard:
YOU’RE IN MY WORLD NOW!
The whole group trembles.
Black Hollow:
It’s over…
Silver:
He’s won…
