Hayze has a confused expression.

Saige: It’s rude to stand a girl up, you know?

Hayze: Uh… I’m sorry?

Saige: You should be, you had me all excited to meet you, and then you’re not even there for my first day, so rude.

Hayze: N- no, I mean, I’m sorry, but who are you?

Saige gets a frustrated look on her face.

Saige: How do you not know who I am!

Hayze: Am… am I supposed to?

Saige: Of course!

Hayze: (I’m generally good with remembering people, there’s no way I’ve met this girl before… right?) Is your name uh… Michelle?

Saige looks at Hayze with contempt.

Hayze: Was I close?

Saige: No.

Hayze: Shit.

Saige: Seriously, how could you not know who I am!

Hayze: I don’t know! There are 7 billion people on the planet; excuse me for not knowing all of ‘em!

Saige: Don’t yell at me!

Hayze: You yelled first!

Saige: *whimpers*

Hayze: Oh uh- no, I’m uh-

Saige starts laughing.

Saige: Ha-ha, just kidding!

Hayze: Wh…

Saige walks past Hayze into his house.

Saige: This is cozy.

Hayze: (I’m so confused…)

Hayze closes the door.

Hayze: Alright, now that you’ve barged into my home-

Saige covers Hayze’s mouth.

Saige: Sh… let’s talk away from the windows.

Hayze: (Well, she’s annoying, but I guess there are worse things than a cute stranger showing up at my door and forcing her way into my home…)

Hayze nods, Saige removes her hand. They both sit down in the kitchen.

Hayze: So... what was that about?

Saige: Oh nothing, I was just messing with you.

Hayze: Of course, you were… You know, I’m still waiting for you to tell me who you are.

Saige: I can’t believe that none of them told you I was coming! *sighs*

Hayze: Can you stop being ambiguous!

Saige: Oh fine, my name is Saige, and I’m the newest student of Class 1-A.

Hayze looks surprised.

Hayze: New student? I thought U.A.’s hero course only allows for 40 students to be in the program… Wait a second! Does that mean-

Saige: No ceiling guy is still there.

Hayze: Well, at least they moved him into the ceiling…

Saige: But wow, they really didn’t tell you. I guess that means I have to explain a lot, but first, you have to explain why you weren't at school today. You really blue-balled me.

Hayze: Oh… You don’t need to-

Saige: Yes, I do, and it better be a good reason!

Hayze: (This girl is… assertive… that’s for sure.) I was in the hospital because of something that happened during my internship. The school told me to take an extra day to recover; I wasn’t allowed to go. Are you happy with that answer?

Saige: Hm… I guess.

Hayze: You “guess?” They literally would have forced me to go home!

Saige: Well, then I could have at least followed you here, and we would have had this conversion already!

Hayze stares at Saige, dumbfounded.

Hayze: Who the hell are you?

Saige: I guess I should cut to the chase, shouldn’t I?

Hayze: Yes! Because I’m getting pretty close to calling the cops.

Saige: There’s not really a simple way to say this, so I’ll just be incredibly blunt.

Saige gets a stern look on her face.

Saige: I also received the Quirk Serum.

Hayze is shocked.

Hayze: Wait… what? You- you did? Wait… that means you were the second person that Dr. Moore mentioned to me.

Saige: Yes, and I only recently was informed that you were the third. *under her breath* Buncha jerks.

Hayze: What was that?

Saige: Nothing! Anyway, that’s why I’m here; I just had to meet you.

Hayze: I- I don’t know what to say… I knew that there was someone else, but they didn’t tell me anything about you.

Saige: Honestly, it’s not that surprising now that I think about it...

Hayze: Mind filling me in?

Saige: Was the principal angry when he found out Dr. Moore used the serum again?

Hayze: Um... yeah… why?

Saige: Because he’s my grandfather…

Hayze is shocked.

Hayze: Alright, you’re hitting me with a lot of curveballs here. Principal Ewing is your grandfather?

Saige: Yes, and don’t worry, I’ll explain. When Adrian told my grandfather about the quirk serum, he was initially fascinated with it. That was magnified after he learned that Dr. Moore’s sister had already received the serum many years prior. Femme Fatal went from being a kid without a quirk to a student at the best hero school in the country. Needless to say, he was impressed. I was 8 years old at the time, and... quirkless, I got bullied in school for not having a quirk. He realized if the serum was used on me at that age, I’d be able to go through the rest of my adolescence as an ordinary girl. He was being brash, but he just wanted to make me happy… so he brought the idea up to Dr. Moore. She assured him it was completely safe and that there were no adverse side effects… at least that she knew of at the time. The idea of having a quirk of my own was so exciting, and being that I was so young, I just went along with it. The experiment was a complete success, and my quirk became a reality…

Hayze: (Principal Ewing must really care about her. I mean, I know she’s his granddaughter, but the amount of risk he took to do that… can’t be overlooked.)

Saige: After Fatal lost control for the first time, my grandfather knew what that could mean for me, and he was NOT pleased with Dr. Moore.

Hayze: What? But… if I’m following your timeline correctly, Fatal would have gone close to a decade without showing signs of side effects. So Dr. Moore had every right to assume it was safe.

Saige: That’s true, but my grandfather needed someone to blame… other than himself. You see, Fatal may have gone a long time without problems, but I wasn’t that lucky. The defects started to show when I was only 11 years old.

Hayze: Are you serious?

Saige: That was one of the most challenging times of my life… not knowing who I was or wasn’t, not knowing if I was in control of my own body, and even if I was, I didn’t know if it would last… it wasn’t easy.

Hayze: I’m… I’m so sorry…

Saige: Don’t worry about it. After all, the past is the past… It took me a while, but I eventually overcame my newfound problems, and I guess that leads me into part of why I came here to talk to you.

Hayze: Hm?

Saige: I assume the reason you ended up in the hospital was because of what happened during your internship. When you lost control for the first time.

Hayze: Y- yeah… I uh did, at least that’s what Adrian told me.

Saige: So you don’t remember it?

Hayze: No.

Saige: I guess you should consider yourself lucky. When it happens, it's like watching the world through someone else’s eyes, but they’re actually your own.

Hayze: Adrian told me that my transformation was different. He said with Fatal, it’s like there’s a struggle for control, but in my case, it was as if “the other guy” didn’t even have to worry about me.

Saige: (That is different…)

Hayze: Can I ask you something?

Saige: Hm? What is it?

Hayze: If you’re from around here, why weren’t you attending U.A. in the first place?

Saige: I didn’t want special treatment or to be looked at differently because of my grandfather’s position at the school.

Hayze: And you don’t care about that now?

Saige: Of course I do. The difference now is that you’re here.

Hayze: W- what?

Saige: Fatal disagreed with the serum being used on me, she resented me for it, so I couldn’t even ask her for advice or help. I want to help you so that you don’t go through the same struggle I went through.

Hayze: Uh…

Saige: When I found out about you, I switched schools without hesitation. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to know someone I could actually talk to about my quirk. You’re the only one who can understand me.

Hayze: I… uh...

Saige: So please, let me help you.

Hayze stares at Saige for a second, unsure what to say.

Hayze: Saige, you’re kind of springing a lot on me here… I don’t know.

Saige: Huh… what?

Hayze: I appreciate your offer to try and help me, but I think I have it handled. You shouldn’t waste your time on me.

Saige: W- what? Did you not listen to any of what I said?

Hayze: I did, you had a rough time, but I’m not 12 like you were. I can keep my emotions in check. So you don’t need to worry about me.

Saige: You’re not serious… are you? This isn’t something you can “handle” on your own.

Hayze: You did.

Saige: Yeah… but I wish I didn’t have to.

Hayze: Everything terrible in my life that I’ve ever had to deal with I’ve dealt with on my own, I understand if you want to help, but I don’t need your attention. Being alone all my life has taught me how to solve my own problems so that I don’t inconvenience others.

Saige: The tough guy act really doesn’t suit you.

Hayze: Maybe not, but I-

Saige stands up.

Saige: I understand what you’re saying, but I speak from experience: you don’t want to go fight this battle alone.

Hayze: Trust me, I’m more than used to that feeling. I’ve relied on others for too long. It’s time for me to fight my own battles.

Saige: Just because you’re used to it doesn’t mean you need to stay that way.

Hayze doesn’t respond.

Saige: *smiles* Well, this was a productive talk; I guess I should be heading home now.

Hayze: You’re leaving?

Saige: Why were you hoping for something else? *winks*

Hayze: No, it’s just kind of abrupt. You went from serious to cheerful in like half a second.

Saige: I can tell that you’re set in your ways and that I won’t be able to change your mind in one night, which is fine. I’ll get my way eventually.

Hayze: Uh… okay…

Saige: It was nice meeting you. I look forward to seeing you in school tomorrow, Hayzey.

Hayze: Please don’t call me that…

Saige: Not until you agree to let me help you, bye-bye!

Saige leaves.

Hayze: (I have a feeling that girl is gonna be trouble for me…)

Saige walks down the street. She turns the corner as Adrian is standing there waiting for her.

Adrian: So, how did it go?

Saige: You really shouldn’t have erased his memories of what happened. He doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation.

Adrian: I didn’t have a choice. Unfortunately, it’s okay. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.

Saige: That’s good.

Adrian: I assume that means he didn’t agree to your offer.

Saige: Nope, but he’ll come around.

Adrian: *nasal grunt* So, did you like him? I mean, you did switch schools just to meet the guy.

Saige: Yeah, I can already read him easily.

Adrian: And what’s your evaluation?

Saige: Distant and cold on the outside, sympathetic and warm on the inside. It’s a tough combo for getting to know someone, but once you crack through the shell, you're golden.

Adrian: You didn’t answer my initial question, though.

Saige: Hm?

Adrian: Do you like him?

Saige: Of course!

Saige begins walking away.

Saige: He’s gonna be my new best friend, whether he likes it or not.

Adrian: Oh boy…

As Saige departs, Adrian looks back at Hayze’s house.

Adrian: (Hayze, you’re gonna wanna see things Saige’s way sooner rather than later…)

Hayze walks into the classroom the next day. Alden is climbing into the ceiling.

Hayze: (She wasn’t kidding about that… huh.)

Aaron slaps Hayze on the back.

Aaron: Good to have you back, buddy!

Hayze: Nice to see you too, Aaron…

Aaron: So get this dude, there’s a new chick in the class, and she was asking about you.

Hayze: Oh, I’m aware.

Aaron: So she actually met up with you at your house? Damn Hayze, I like your style!

Hayze: Wait… how did you- Oh… you gave her my address, didn’t you?

Aaron: I had to look out for you, buddy. Hot girl was looking your way, and I had to help her find you.

Hayze: *sighs* Thanks…

Hayze walks toward his desk.

Blair: (Don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact)

Blair makes eye contact with Hayze.

Blair: (SHIT!)

Hayze: Hey Blair.

Blair: Hey…

Hayze takes a seat at his desk.

Blair: (I suck…)

Justus: I see you’ve decided to join us again.

Hayze: Yeah, internship week was intense, to say the least.

Justus: I don’t know if you’re aware, but the new girl was the top student of U.A. West.

Hayze: Wait, what? Top of her class? *under his breath* She didn’t tell me that.

Justus: So she actually showed up at your house?

Hayze stares at Justus.

Hayze: Yeah… she did.

Justus: She must be very powerful. I’m looking forward to seeing how she performs in today’s hero training.

Hayze: Yeah… that’ll be interesting.

Justus: I wonder how she stacks up against us.

Hayze: “Us” as in you and me or the whole class?

Justus: Either.

Hayze: So… Are we friends now or?

Justus: I’d say rivals.

Hayze: Okay, cool, sorry, I just wanted to make sure.

Justus: No, no, I think the clarification is good.

Ash approaches Hayze and Justus.

Ash: Hey Hayze! Glad to see you’re back! Are you alright?

Hayze: Nice to see you too, Ash. Yeah, I was just sick, that’s all.

Ash: Oh, that’s good. At least it wasn’t something concerning like a coma, right?

Hayze: (Oh boy…)

Saige walks into the classroom and starts walking toward her seat.

Hayze: *under his breath* Oh crap…

Justus: Hm?

Hayze: (Don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact)

Hayze makes eye contact with Saige.

Hayze: (SHIT!)

Saige: Hi, Hayzey!

Hayze: *groans*

Justus and Ash: Hayzey?

Blair: (HAYZEY!)

Hayze: *sighs* Hello, Saige.

Ash: You two know each other?

Hayze: *inhales* No.

Saige: Don’t lie! We’re best friends!

Hayze: You’re the liar here!

Walker walks into the classroom, everyone rushes to their seats.

Walker: Alright, let’s get started with today’s lessons.

Saige winks at Hayze, Hayze flips her off. The day goes on as usual. Eventually, the break before hero training arrives. Isaiah and Demetri regroup at Demetri’s seat.

Demetri: *whispering* Alright, so what notes did you have for Entropy?

Isaiah: *whispering* It has something to do with heat.

Demetri: *whispering* Alright, that’s a start.

Hayze is standing with Aaron and Wes.

Wes: So… what’s up with you and the new girl?

Hayze: Long story, don’t really want to say. Any ideas on what we’re doing in hero training today?

Aaron: Nah, just that the new teacher is leading it.

Hayze: New teacher?

The door opens, Adrian steps in.

Adrian: Hello, everyone.

Hayze: (DO I GET TO KNOW ANYTHING AROUND HERE!)

Adrian steps up the podium.

Adrian: Today’s hero training is going to be a callback exercise.

Kevin: (Callback?)

Adrian: Do you remember the exercises you did just before the Sports Festival? Well, we’re going to be using that same format once again. I watched the footage of your original attempts, and I think it will be good for me to see how you’ve progressed since then.

This piques everyone’s attention.

Adrian: Suit up and meet me at Facility J, where I’ll explain everything further.

Class: Yessir!

The whole class meets at the center of the facility.

Adrian: I guess I don’t really need to explain much, just that the teams have been randomly selected, and you’ll be put into a scenario where you’ll have to defeat a hero, that may be by fighting or another objective. The teams are as follows:

Group A: Silver, Gus, Jace, Karma, Zach, Justus, LilithGroup B: Jake, Angel, Alexis, Saige, Blair, Hayze, AaronGroup C: Eve, Isaiah, Wes, Kevin, Ashley, Alden, Demetri

Hayze: *sighs*

Saige: (Yay!)

Wes: (My team is so weak…)

Aaron: (Aw, Yeah!)

Alexis: (Eh, there are worse teams I could have been on.)

Zach: (Holy crap, my team is stacked!)

Isaiah and Demetri: (GODDAMN IT!)

Blair: (Maybe I can beat the shit out of that slut if I get the chance!)

Eve: (How I am this unlucky…)

Groups B and C follow Adrian to the viewing room. Group A stands ready; Justus and Silver shake hands.

Silver: It’s about time we got to fight alongside one another.

Justus: I agree. Whoever we’re facing won’t stand a chance.

Zach: Oh yeah, we’re taking this guy down, hard!

Gus sits down.

Jace: Dude, we’re about to get started.

Gus: Those three are about as strong a trio as we can ask for. They’ll carry us; I’m going to take a nap.

Jace: Uh….

Karma: Those boys are all over each other, I see…

Lilith: At least we got a powerful team.

Karma: Yeah, we’ll see how this goes. Hopefully, we’re not up against Colossus.

Lilith: Yeah… that’d be unlucky.

Karma: Jokes aside, I wonder what challenge Adrian has for us?

An intense light blares as a holographic destroyed city appears around them. Everyone looks around at the rubble and destruction.

Zach: So this is where we’re fighting, huh?

Justus: It’s different from last time. This city looks dead rather than lively.

Silver: Keep your guards up.

Adrian: *through an intercom* Your mission is simple, there is a safe house in this city somewhere, and you have to find it. If just one of you steps foot in the safe house, you all pass. The catch is that you’ll be given just a single hint: Look for the Subway. Your opponent is already in the arena. Good luck.

Karma: So, it looks like we’re going to have to find the subway system.

Jace: Should we split up and look around?

Zach: He did say only one of us has to get to the safe house. If the six of us search the city, we can win faster!

Justus: Wait, why six?

Zach and Jace point at Gus, who is sleeping on a rock.

Justus: Oh…

Silver: Splitting up would be more effective, but we need to stay in groups if we’re going to avoid getting picked off.

Lilith: We could do groups of 3! That way, we can outnumber whoever is attacking us and still search two different areas.

Justus: That’s a good idea, Lilith. Zach, Silver, you two are with me.

Silver: Hey, who said you could call the shots?

Justus: That’s the group you wanted anyway.

Silver: Yeah, but… fuck it, let’s go.

Karma: Jace, I guess you’re with Lilith and me.

Jace: Yeah… it looks like it.

Jace walks over to Karma and Lilith.

Jace: Alright, I guess we’ll take the east, and you guys get the west?

Justus: Sounds good.

Zach: We’ve got this, guys. No way we’re going to lose! This’ll be easy!

Gus: AHHHHHHH!

Suddenly Gus goes flying into the side of a building and smashes into it, cratering the building upon impact. Everyone is startled.

Zach: What was that!

Justus: Our opponent…

Everyone looks at the rock Gus was sleeping on. Houston is standing there, poised for another attack.

Houston: Did I hear the word easy?

Zach: *gulps*