Hayze opens a cabinet. It’s filled with spare lab coats.

Hayze: Well, the guy really liked his doctor stereotypes.

Hayze tosses a lab coat to Alexis and places one over Saige’s shoulders.

Hayze: How are you feeling, Saige?

Saige: Not good… half of my body is numb, and I think I’m high on morphine.

Hayze: That’s… good?

Ash is unconscious, Blair is tending to her body, and Hayze tosses her a lab coat to put on Ash.

Blair: What do we do if Ash doesn’t find anything?

Alexis: Well, I won’t be of any help without my costume, and outside of astral scouting, Ash won’t be either.

Hayze: Plus, we need to get Saige to the surface.

Saige: What do you mean? I’m completely fine. Hayze can carry me piggyback style.

Hayze: I’m not doing that.

Saige: Oh, come on! My butt is numb!

Blair: I’ll carry you, Saige.

Saige: That’s also good!

Hayze: The only place we’re carrying you is out of this facility.

Saige: No way, I can still fight.

Hayze: No, you can’t.

Alexis: Saige, novocaine can last up to 5 hours, and you just said you’re hopped up on morphine…

Saige: *sighs* Okay… fine.

Blair: It’s not like any of this matters, though. We have no idea how to get out of this place.

Alexis: That is true…

Ash returns to her body.

Ash: I’m back.

Blair: What did you see?

Ash: I found a staircase that can take us off this floor, but… nothing else.

Alexis: Was it up or down?

Ash: Both, by the looks of it.

Hayze: Well, if that’s all we have to work with, we’ll have to head that way and decide from there. Mind leading the way?

Ash: Nope, follow me.

Blair walks over to Saige.

Saige: Yay! Nude piggyback ride!

Blair picks Saige up princess-style.

Saige: BOOOOOOO!

Blair: I can’t tell if this is the morphine or actually you.

Saige: A little column A, a little column B.

Blair: *sighs* You’d better keep that labcoat on.

Saige: No promises.

Hayze: Come on, let’s go.

Silver and Sydney continue to hear dripping water grow louder and louder.

Silver: It’s getting closer.

Sydney: Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s nothing.

Silver: What? Have you forgotten we’re inside The Vampire Queen’s headquarters?

Sydney: No.

Sydney continues walking down the hall.

Silver: Wh- where are you going?

Sydney: If she’s sending something to stop us, we must be close to her. I’ll use my quirk to create a trail for the others to follow to her lair.

Silver: Okay, but what about this thing?

Sydney: I’m sure you can handle it. Just catch up once you’re done.

Silver: (Was that a compliment?)

Silver turns to face the direction of the sound.

Silver: (Whatever, I’m sure whoever it is will use Soulvania to force the battle into a one-on-one anyway, and I’d rather it be me than her.)

Sydney: I’ll leave water droplets for you to foll-

Voice: Hey there, princess.

Sydney stops.

Sydney: (That voice…)

Silver: (Princess?)

A shadowy figure slowly comes into view; his arms are made entirely of water.

Aquafist: Oh boy… It's been quite a while.

Silver looks back at Sydney.

Silver: Do you know him?

Aquafist: Do you not recognize the dishonored former #4 hero, Aquafist?

Silver: Wait…

Sydney turns around and walks in front of Silver.

Sydney: Hello, father.

Silver: *grunts* So, he is your father.

Sydney: What gutter did The Vampire Queen scrape you out of?

Aquafist: My, my, where did this attitude come from? You were such a sweet and innocent little girl.

Sydney: It probably developed sometime after I had the pleasure of watching you get hauled away to prison.

Silver: (She’s so serious, not even a hint of her usual snarkiness.)

Aquafist: You say that as if you’re proud that you got your daddy a life sentence.

Sydney: I am, and you’re not my dad.

Aquafist: What do you mean? You just called me “father,” didn’t you?

Sydney: You are my biological father, but a dad doesn’t strike his child because he’s angry.

Aquafist: It’s called “parenting.”

Sydney doesn’t react.

Aquafist: And you really think it didn’t help? Look at you; you’re attending the best hero school in the country. I’d say I was a great dad.

Sydney: I’m who I am today because I put you away all those years ago. You being out of my life was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Aquafist: Ah, I guess that’s the hardest part of being a parent. The kids are always so ungrateful.

Sydney looks unphased.

Silver: (How can she be so calm hearing him say shit like that?)

Sydney: Enough with the small talk; activate your Soulvania so we can get this battle started.

Silver: Wh- what?!

Aquafist: Do you think I’m stupid-

Sydney: Yes.

Aquafist’s eyes narrow.

Aquafist: I know the second I trap us inside a Soulvania, you’ll flood it and drown me.

Sydney: Yes, so why don’t you do it already?

Aquafist laughs loudly.

Silver: (This might be the most uncomfortable conversation I’ve ever heard.)

Aquafist: I love you, Sydney. I’m so glad you finally became the strong independent girl I dreamed of.

Sydney: Fuck you.

Aquafist: And that attitude is why I’m gonna kill you.

Silver: (What!)

Aquafist: It’s every father’s worst nightmare to watch their little girl grow up without them, but mine got me locked up in prison. I know it’s cliche, but I brought you into this world, and now I’m going to take you out of it!

Sydney: How typical; you know parenting is about the child, not the parent, right?

Silver: Your father just told you he wants to kill you, and you’re not shaken at all by it?

Sydney: Do you know how long it took me to gather the strength to sneak out of my bedroom one night and run to the police station, knowing full well what the repercussions would be? I decided to remove him from my life a long time ago, and that hasn’t changed.

Silver: (Damn…)

Sydney: You continue forward while I kill him.

Silver: But, I-

Sydney: I don’t want your help.

Aquafist: He’s not going anywhere.

Sydney: Hm?

Silver: Huh?

Aquafist: I won’t pass up the chance to kill my daughter and Silverclad’s son. It’s like a two-for-one special.

Silver: My father?

Aquafist: Yeah, I fucking hate that guy, so this will be cathartic!

A blast door suddenly shuts behind Silver and Sydney.

Silver: Huh?

Aquafist bursts towards Sydney and Silver and grabs them by their necks.

Silver: *choking*

Sydney: *choking* I’ll drown you!

Aquafist: I’ve already got you in checkmate. You can't do anything to me if I keep the boy off his feet and your hands restricted!

Sydney: *choking* My hands aren’t-

Two more arms of water emerge from Aquafist’s arms and pin Sydney’s hands down.

Sydney: *choking* Fuck you!

Aquafist: Ah, doesn’t this bring back good memories?

Six more arms of water materialize from Aquafist’s arms and repeatedly punch Sydney and Silver.

Aquafist: YOU COULDN’T JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! YOU HAD TO TALK AND RUIN ME! WELL, NOW I’M GONNA RUIN YOU!

Sydney: *choking* You already ruined me.

Silver: (I may not be able to use my silver dust, but I still have plenty of other tricks.)

Silver forms his wrist blade and attempts to slice at Aquafist, but the villain uses one of his many arms to block Silver’s blade.

Silver: *choking* Huh?!

Aquafist: Nice try, but I’m prepared for anything!

Sydney kicks Aquafist in the nuts. He staggers backward in pain, releasing Silver and Sydney.

Aquafist: AH! YOU BITCH!

Sydney: You should have held down my legs too.

Silver: Nice job.

Sydney: You’re welcome, and don’t be such an idiot next time.

Silver: Huh?

Sydney: He was once the #4 hero, so he’s not an easy opponent to face. Sure, he’s not as strong as he used to be, but that doesn’t change anything. Simple attacks aren’t going to cut it against him.

Silver: Didn’t you just kick him in the balls? Is that not simple?

Sydney: I’m his daughter; he’ll always underestimate me.

Silver: Ouch…

Sydney approaches Aquafist.

Sydney: This shouldn’t take long.

Silver: Yeah, for us.

Sydney: You can help. Just don’t get in my way.

Silver: (And I thought Eve was bad…)

Vulcan, Black Hollow, Tyson, and Kevin continue down their hallway.

Tyson: We’ve been walking for a pretty long time. Is there any chance we’re going in the wrong direction?

Vulcan: Don’t question me, provisional hero.

Tyson: Hey man, all I’m saying is that if we were going the right way, would The Vampire Queen really leave us alone for this long?

Black Hollow: Tyson.

Kevin: With all due respect, Vulcan. I agree with Tyson; she’s clearly been watching us from the start; if we were getting closer, wouldn’t she be trying to stop us?

Vulcan stops.

Vulcan: You have a point.

Black Hollow: (Hm…)

Kevin: So, what should we do?

Tyson: I mean, I’m only pointing out the problem. I don’t have any clue how to fix it.

Vulcan: All of you get back.

Kevin: What?

Tyson: Huh?

Vulcan begins oozing lava from his fingertips. Then, the lava starts merging together to form a massive serpent made of lava behind him.

Tyson: Woah…

Kevin: That never stops being cool.

Vulcan: We’re going down.

The lava serpent dives into the floor, melting a hole through it.

Tyson: *under his breath* Why didn’t we do this an hour ago?

Black Hollow: Just as there’s no guarantee we’ll find The Vampire Queen by walking forward, there’s also no guarantee this will work either.

Tyson: That’s fair.

Vulcan: Follow me closely.

Vulcan leaps down the hole.

Tyson: Man, everything that guy does is menacing.

Out of nowhere, they hear a loud, blood-curdling roar.

Tyson: Uh… what was that?

Kevin: (I know that screech…)

The hallway starts shaking.

Tyson: Something big is coming!

Black Hollow: Down the hole! Now!

Tyson leaps down the hole; Black Hollow looks back to see Kevin standing still.

Black Hollow: Kevin! I said down the hole! That’s an order!

Kevin: I’m sorry, Black Hollow, but that’s an order I have to disobey.

Black Hollow: Wh- what?

Kevin leaps over the hole.

Black Hollow: Kevin!

Kevin: (How did she get one of them…)

A massive shadowy figure quickly comes into view down the hallway. It’s one of Iota’s Clones from the invasion of Nashville.

Black Hollow: One of those!

Kevin: One of me. You go ahead, Black Hollow; I’ll catch up after dealing with this thing.

Black Hollow: Kevin, I can’t allow that.

A white aura surrounds Kevin’s arms.

Clone: DIE!

The Clone tries to punch Kevin, but he blocks with his arms.

Kevin: I’m not as critical to the mission as you are, Black Hollow, don’t waste your time on this beast. Let me handle it.

Kevin winds back his right arm; it changes to blood red. Then, he punches the clone in the stomach with extreme force, sending him tumbling through the halls.

Kevin: After all, I know better than anyone what it’s capable of.

Black Hollow pauses.

Black Hollow: Alright, but if you have trouble, please retreat and find us.

Kevin: Will do, sir.

Black Hollow leaps down the hole. The clone gets back to his feet.

Clone: DIE!

Kevin: Yeah, yeah, I know.

The Clone charges at Kevin.

Kevin: (I thought they killed all of these back during the invasion… I guess it’s not hard to believe there were a couple stragglers left around.)

The Clone lunges at Kevin.

Kevin: (It’s alright, though, I can handle this monstrosity.)

Kevin blocks with his arms again.

Clone: DIE!

Kevin: Huh?

The Clone coats its hands and forearms in silver alloy.

Kevin: Oh, shi-

The Clone’s metal fist breaks through Kevin’s defense, sending him flying backward.

Kevin: Forgot they could do that…

The Clone starts banging its chest like a gorilla.

Kevin: I hate that we’re related…

Kevin notices the clone has many scars on its chest, arms, and back.

Kevin: What did they do to you?

The clone creates two wrist blades similar to the ones Silver uses.

Kevin: What!

Clone: DIE!

The Clone begins slicing at him, but Kevin dodges each attack.

Kevin: (These things are supposed to be mindless animals; how is this one smart enough to use this technique? Whatever, it doesn’t matter!)

The skin on Kevin’s arms turns bright red. He catches both of the wrist blades, one in each hand. They slice into his palms, causing him to bleed.

Clone: *frustrated roar*

Kevin: You may be strong, but you’re not as good as the original!

Kevin unleashes a barrage of kicks into the Clone’s lower chest.

Kevin: Fusilade!

The clone slides backward and falls to his knees.

Kevin: Don’t worry, those ribs weren’t important.

Clone: DIE!

Kevin: I know, I know- Oh no!

The clone raises its hand and creates a Soulvania around Kevin and himself.

Kevin: They taught it how to do that? Jesus Christ…

The clone laughs loudly.

Clone: YOU DIE NOW!

Kevin: I’m locked in a confined space with an absolute death machine… neat.

Vulcan, Black Hollow, and Tyson continue down their new hallway.

Vulcan: I’m surprised that boy hasn’t caught up to us already; those clones were easy prey during the assault.

Black Hollow: It’s only been a few minutes, Vulcan. You shouldn’t expect the impossible out of him.

Vulcan: What I expect is results. I’ll be very disappointed if he isn’t here in the next 10 minutes.

Tyson: How’d they even get one of those mongrels? Weren’t they all killed?

Black Hollow: We didn’t have an exact number of clones we needed to kill; we just assumed they were all gone when there was no more commotion.

Vulcan: There could be many more lying around, but who cares if they’re not causing problems.

Tyson: I see…

Vulcan: I do find it promising that the Queen sent it to attack us, however.

Tyson: Yeah, I guess moving down a floor must have pissed her off.

Black Hollow: I agree.

Vulcan: Now, we must continue forward until we- huh?

Black Hollow: Yes, Vulcan?

Tyson: What’s going on- oh shit!

They spot Justus crawling out of one of the rooms, a bloody mess. They run to Justus’ aid.

Vulcan: Are you alright, son?

Justus: *groans*

Tyson: Is that a yes?

Black Hollow: He’s got a lot of blood coming from his ears; his hearing could be damaged.

Vulcan: He’s also very badly injured; he needs to get to the surface for medical attention.

Black Hollow: I’ll take him and use my speed to find the exit.

Tyson: No, let me help him, Black Hollow. You need to go with Vulcan to find The Vampire Queen.

Black Hollow: But, Tyson, you don’t have any way to find the exit quickly.

Tyson: Maybe not, but this is what we’re here for, to assist you guys. It’d be foolish for me to continue on instead of you. I’ll find the way out, and save Justus, trust me.

Vulcan: I agree with the boy, Black Hollow. We’re close, and I’d prefer your assistance over his.

Black Hollow thinks for a moment.

Black Hollow: Alright, just be careful.

Tyson: Careful is my middle name.

Vulcan: Let’s go, Black Hollow.

Black Hollow: Right.

Vulcan and Black Hollow run off.

Tyson: It ain’t flashy, but this is what real heroes do.

Tyson straps Justus’ shield to his arm and hoists Justus’ arm over his shoulder to carry him.

Tyson: Alright, buddy, let’s go.

Justus: Wait…

Tyson: Huh? What is it?

Justus: Please, don’t leave her down here.

Tyson: Her? Whose her?

Tyson looks back and sees Terus’ body.

Tyson: You want me to carry a corpse? I’m only one man, you know.

Justus: Please…

Tyson stares at the corpse.

Tyson: *sighs*

Ivy enters Wirths’ lab and finds it a destroyed mess.

Ivy: I see the good doctor didn’t have a fun time.

She spots Wirths’ corpse.

Ivy: Not a fun time indeed.

Ivy spots a trail of blood droplets leading down the hallway.

Ivy: Interesting.

Big Tank, Walker, and Fatal walk in awkward silence.

Big Tank: I hope by now one of Vulcan or Exciton has reached The Vampire Queen’s lair.

Fatal: Uh-huh.

Walker: Hopefully.

More awkward silence.

Big Tank: You know, I brought you two on to this mission because I thought you’d quell any childishness from your students, but apparently, I had that wrong.

Walker: My apologies, Big Tank, but we-

Big Tank: Look, I don’t care what’s going on between you two, but either set it aside or head back to the surface.

Big Tank storms ahead of them.

Fatal: *whispering* Look, I’m sorry. Can we talk after this is over, please? I’m worried about you.

Walker: *whispering* We can, but there’s no guarantee I’ll listen.

Fatal: *groans*

Big Tank: I found something.

Fatal: Huh?

Big Tank has discovered the door to the armory.

Fatal: They must have a lot of weapons in here.

Big Tank: We should see what kind of firepower they’re packing.

Walker: I agree, but unfortunately, it looks like the door is locked.

Big Tank: *nasal grunt* Nothing’s locked when I’m around.

Big Tank aims one of his forearm cannons at the door.

Big Tank: I’d cover your ears.

Big Tank blasts down the door; they enter the massive armory filled with guns.

Fatal: That’s a whole lot of weapons.

Big Tank: Enough for a small army. She must have been getting them through illegal means and arms deals. She’s ready for a war if we don’t take her down.

Fatal: Yeah, and this explains that group of armed guards that attacked us earlier.

Big Tank: Alright, let’s blow this place up.

Fatal picks up an MP5.

Fatal: Could come in handy.

Walker: There’s something off about this…

Big Tank: Hm? What do you mean? It’s an armory.

Walker: Yeah… but something is missing.

Big Tank: Like what?

Walker: Where are the explosives?

Voice: That’s a great question!

Fatal: Huh?

They all look back. A man with a rack of dynamite sticks on his shoulders is there.

Fatal: You!

Nitroglis: Hello there!

Big Tank: Who is this?

Fatal: Some douchebag villain I took down a while back; he’s big on explosions.

Nitroglis: Yes, and you ruined my explosive finale that day. So, I thought I’d get some payback.

Fatal: Pfft, I kicked your ass once; I can do it again.

Nitroglis: Oh really? I’d love to see you try.

Fatal: Watch me.

Fatal points the MP5 at Nitroglis.

Walker: (This seems too easy.) Rachel! Don’t!

Fatal pulls the trigger. However, the gun explodes, badly burning and injuring her arms and upper body.

Fatal: AH!

Walker: Rachel!

Big Tank: What was that?

Nitroglis: I hoped you would be dumb enough to use one of the trick guns.

Fatal: T- trick guns?

Nitroglis: Everything here is rigged to explode when the trigger is pulled.

Walker: I see… so this armory is a ruse.

Nitroglis: Of course! Did you really think The Vampire Queen would let you waltz into her weapons room? Nope! This room was set up so I could annihilate anyone unfortunate enough to step inside! And with a lot of poking and prodding, we got you here!

Big Tank: Whatever. You’re a fool if you think you stand a chance against me!

Big Tank aims his forearm cannons at Nitroglis.

Fatal: No! Big Tank! Don’t do it!

Big Tank: Huh? Why!

Fatal: He’s immune to explosions; his body treats them like a gust of wind. So your attacks are useless against him.

Big Tank: What?!

Nitroglis picks up an AK47 off the ground.

Nitroglis: Indeedy do! And don’t think about getting up close and personal with me because one pull of the trigger and this gun will explode in your face!

Nitroglis laughs maniacally.

Big Tank: So this is the Queen’s game, huh? Pit us up against an opponent in an environment suited for them?

Nitroglis: Not you!

Big Tank: Huh?

Nitroglis: All I want is girly. You two blokes can leave if you so choose!

Walker: We’re not leaving Fatal behind.

Nitroglis: I’m afraid that’s not your choice.

Nitroglis raises his hand in the air.

Walker: Oh no!

Nitroglis: It’s time for some fun!

A soulvania begins to form.

Nitroglis: My target is sighted!

Walker: No way!

Walker wraps his arms around Fatal as the Soulvania encompasses her; it only pushes Big Tank back.

Big Tank: *grunts* Damn!

Nitroglis: Well, well, well, looks like we got an unfortunate tagalong. No matter, I’ll just kill you both.

Fatal: Damien! Why did you do that!

Walker: You’re injured. I won’t let you fight him alone.

Fatal: Only one of us can leave this circle! You know that right?! Now one of us has to die!

Walker: Yeah, I do.

Walker stands up and takes a few steps closer to Nitroglis.

Walker: Your battle is with me.

Nitroglis laughs.

Nitroglis: Do you not realize what’s going on? You’re trapped in a confined space filled with exploding guns and a guy with a ton of dynamite on his shoulders! You’re basically dead already!

Walker: We’ll see about that.

Fatal slowly stands up.

Fatal: Don’t forget about me, Damien.

Walker: Rachel, stay back; I can handle this.

Fatal: No way, I’m not some damsel in distress; I can stand on my own two feet.

Nitroglis: For however long you have them.

Walker: You’re not a damsel, but I-

Fatal: If I die, you’re not responsible.

Walker is taken aback.

Fatal: There, since you’ve clearly shown you need to hear that whenever anyone does anything around you.

Walker doesn’t have a response.

Nitroglis: Man, I can taste the tension.

Fatal stands beside Walker.

Fatal: We’ll handle him together, got that?

Walker: Fine. Big Tank, you can sneak along the walls of the Soulvania. It luckily doesn’t fill the whole room, so you can get out of here and continue forward.

Big Tank: Do you two have this handled?

Walker: We don’t have a choice, but yes. You need to find The Vampire Queen’s lair.

Big Tank: Alright, just be careful. I don’t want this to be the last time I see either of you.

Nitroglis: No promises.

Fatal: Shut up!

Nitroglis: I see your sense of humor went with your eye.

Fatal: I see all those explosions finally took your hearing.

Nitroglis: See? It’s just like last time! Only with a better ending!

Fatal: Yeah, this time, you’ll be 6 feet under.

Nitroglis: Unlikely.

Big Tank reaches the exit to the room.

Big Tank: (I hope whatever those two have going on doesn’t affect them in this fight.)

Fatal: *whispering* Alright, what’s the plan?

Walker: *whispering* I’ll use my portals to stop any of his dynamite sticks from going off. An explosion of that size could cause a chain reaction with all these guns.

Fatal: Okay, and what about offense?

Walker: We’ll improvise.

Fatal: Improvising isn’t a plan!

Walker: Do you have a better one?

Fatal: Well- I- Uh…

Nitroglis: Enough talk!

Nitroglis ignites two sticks of dynamite and throws them at Walker and Fatal.

Walker: I’ve got left.

Fatal: And I’ll get the right!

Walker opens a portal that absorbs one stick while Fatal uses her muscle boost to increase her speed and quickly puts out the second dynamite’s fuse.

Nitroglis: Impressive, but let’s see you do that a dozen more times!

Fatal: *frustrated grunt*

Walker: (This is a dangerous situation, we’ll have to play our cards perfectly to escape this.)

Scarlett materializes from shadows inside the control room, breathing heavily and using a wall to hold her balance.

Scarlett: What the hell was that! For a moment, that boy had the power of Colossus!

Scarlett struggles to the computers.

Scarlett: (This was a setback I was not anticipating, I must recuperate my strength.)

Scarlett presses a button on her controls.

Scarlett: Ivy, I need Dr. Wirths. WHERE IS HE!

Ivy: *intercom* Dead, my Queen.

Scarlett: WHAT!

Scarlett smashes a monitor screen.

Ivy: *intercom* I’m in pursuit of whoever killed him now. Would you like me to change course?

Scarlett takes a few deep breaths and collects herself.

Scarlett: No, that’s fine. Kill them all.

Ivy: Yes, ma’am.

Scarlett looks through the monitors.

Scarlett: (Hayze and his group will be eliminated by Ivy, and Aquafist should dispatch those two with ease. Nitroglis’ powder keg marks an inevitable death for Femme Fatal and Phantom Walker.

Phoenix and Linguistia are making progress, but they’re of no concern. So that leaves Vulcan, Black Hollow, Exciton, Lust, and Big Tank all for me. Once I regain my strength, I’ll kill them all. But I need to pick a meal first. Phoenix could be an ideal target.)

Scarlett presses a button.

Scarlett: Major Minor, I’m sending you the location of a target. Eliminate his companions and leave him for me.

Major Minor: *intercom* Yes, my Queen! I will not fail you!

Scarlett: Yes, yes, I don’t care, just go!

Major Minor: *intercom* Okay!

Scarlett: *sighs* ( Major is a wildcard, but he’s quite powerful. I hate relying on that fool to do anything efficiently, but I need to replenish my energy.)

Aster, Daniele, and Fishface turn a corner and find another downward staircase.

Fishface: Oh, come on…

Aster: We just have to be careful, that’s all.

Aster creates a flame on the middle step, causing spikes to emerge from the entire staircase.

Aster: See? Nothing to worry about.

Fishface: Look, man, after watching Doorman get turned into a silly straw, I don’t think I’m capable of not worrying.

Daniele stares at Aster out of the corner of her eye.

Daniele: (Aster was always calm in the face of danger, but ever since the Showcase festival, he’s been even better at it. It’s so inspiring…)

Aster: You want to go first, Daniele?

Daniele: Wh- I wasn’t daydreaming!

Aster: I wasn’t accusing you of-

Daniele: I’ll go first!

Daniele climbs on the staircase railing and starts going down. Aster and Fishface follow suit.

Fishface: So, Daniele, what’s it like working with Lust? I hear she’s, uh… different.

Daniele: If you’re referring to Ms. Lust’s unusual quirk, it’s like walking on eggshells. If you’re referring to her unique personality, it’s rather endearing. Ms. Lust facilitates an enjoyable work environment that encourages learning and defeating villains with a smile on your face… and theirs.

Fishface: Oh, I… uh… I wasn’t expecting that answer.

Daniele: Then what were you expecting?

Aster: Don’t worry, Fishface, this is just how Daniele is; she’s super analytical and studious. She takes notes on everything.

Fishface: Woah, really? Like even when you go to the bathroom?

Daniele: Wh- No! *under her breath* It’s essential to maintain good health…

Aster laughs.

Daniele: Why are you laughing at me!

Aster: I’m not laughing at you. I like that you’re that serious about everything; it’s cute.

Daniele: C- c- c- c- c-

Daniele stops; she’s blushing a lot.

Fishface: Huh?

Aster: Daniele? Is something wrong? Your face looks really red.

Daniele: (Oh god, what would Ms. Lust say at a time like this!)

“ Lust: Remember, Daniele! If you like a boy, the best way to his heart is to make him smile. “

Daniele: (I’M NOT DOING THAT! *groans* Okay, what would Kleptogirl say?)

“ Kleptogirl: Have you tried seducing him? “

Daniele: (THAT DOESN’T HELP EITHER!) *groans loudly*

Aster: Daniele, seriously, are you okay?

Daniele: Yeah… I’m fine…

Daniele slowly continues down the railing. Eventually, they all reach the bottom.

Daniele: (Regain your composure, Daniele, you’re a big girl. It’s embarrassing to get distracted by a guy like that.)

Aster: What happened there? You usually are pretty composed.

Daniele: I’m fine. I just got a little lightheaded for a second.

Aster: Do you need to take a break?

Fishface: Oh, come on! This is a mission!

Fishface takes the lead.

Fishface: She’s probably just PMSing! Let’s go! We can’t let her hold us back!

Daniele: WHAT?!

Suddenly, a group of 20 armed grunts appears from the shadows down the hallway.

Grunt 1: Tango spotted! Open fire!

Fishface: Oh no!

Aster: Crap! You guys take cover! I’ll let them kill me and then incinerate them all with my-

Voice: Hold it right there!

Aster: Huh?

A person forces their way through the crowd of grunts.

Grunt 1: *under his breath* Oh god… it’s the lieutenant…

Grunt 2: *under his breath* I thought we told him the invasion was tomorrow?

Grunt 3: *under his breath* We did; I don’t know how he found out!

Aster: What’s going on?

Daniele: I have no idea…

Voice: It’s time! You three don’t stand a chance against me!

Major Minor shoots out of the crowd of grunts.

Major Minor: I’m Major Minor! The Head of Security for the Vampire Queen! HOOHAA!

The grunts are all silent. Aster, Fishface, and Daniele are dumbfounded.

Major Minor: I see you’re taken aback by my incredible prowess. It’s alright. I understand.

Daniele: We’re taken aback by something else…

Aster: You’re quite the uh… person?

Major Minor: You’re probably paralyzed by my stature. It’s alright; I’ll make your deaths quick and painful!

Daniele: The only thing dead here is your fashion sense.

Major Minor: Take that back! I’ll have you know that my mother knitted this dress for me.

Daniele: What?!

Aster: *sighs* We don’t have time for this. I’ll just take care of him.

Aster starts to approach Major Minor, but Fishface stops him.

Fishface: Sorry, bud, but this is a real hero’s job.

Aster: Yeah… that’s why I’m going ahead…

Fishface: Wh- I’M TALKING ABOUT ME!

Aster: You… you sure?

Fishface: Yes! What kind of hero would I be if I let a student take on a villain! Besides, this guy is a joke. I’ll kill him with one bite to the jugular.

Aster: Whatever, suit yourself.

Fishface approaches Major Minor.

Major Minor: So you’ll be my first victim?

Fishface: No, you’ll be mine!

Major Minor: Men, take notes.

Grunt 1: We told you that we’re not following your orders while you’re wearing that dress!

Major Minor: I know. That’s why I’m telling you to take notes.

Fishface: *nasal grunt* What’s that supposed to mean?

Major Minor: They clearly haven’t seen me in action enough, so I’ll have to give them a demonstration. Maybe then they won’t be so insubordinate.

Fishface: Nope, they’ll laugh at your cross-dressing ass as I wipe the floor with you!

Major Minor: I highly doubt that. Let’s begin!

Major Minor creates a Soulvania around himself and Fishface.

Daniele: I know he’s pathetic, but Fishface can’t seriously lose, right?

Aster: This “Major Minor” looks like a pretty big pushover, so I’d say that even that kid Alden could defeat him.

Fishface: I CAN HEAR YOU GUYS!

Daniele: We’re aware.

Aster: Why do you think we’re speaking this loudly?

Fishface: I DON’T KNOW WHO THAT IS, BUT I CAN TELL BY YOUR TONE OF VOICE HE’S NOT STRONG!

Major Minor claps his hands together.

Major Minor: It’s time for you to face the wrath of my quirk!

Fishface: Show me your worst!

Major Minor slaps the ground… nothing happens.

Fishface: Huh? That’s it? Ha! This will be easier than I thought!

Fishface lunges at Major Minor.

Fishface: You’re going down! BREAKNECK BITE!

Major Minor: You’ve walked right into my trap!

Suddenly, a bamboo stick emerges from the ground and skewers Fishface through his penis and out his asshole, ending his attack.

Fishface: AHHHHHHHHHH!

Aster: What?!

Daniele: What was that?!

Grunts: Huh?!

Major Minor: You fell victim to my ultimate quirk! I’m the master of Traps!

Aster and Daniele are dumbfounded.

Major Minor: My quirk allows me to lay any type of trap in a 10-meter radius. That trap lasts until it’s either triggered or disarmed. Unfortunately, this little fool ran headfirst into my bamboo snare!

Fishface: AHHHHHH! SOMEONE HELP ME!

Major Minor whips out a machete.

Major Minor: If you say so!

Fishface: What?! NO! NO!

Everyone watches in horror as Major Minor guts Fishface like a fish, killing him.

Aster: Jesus…

Daniele: Well, that was disgusting...

The Soulvania fades away.

Major Minor: Alright, one down, one to go.

Aster: One?

Major Minor: That’s right, the female’s ticket is next to be punched.

Aster: Why?!

Major Minor: The Queen has requested I save you for her. Those are my orders, and I carry them out.

Aster: I won’t let you do that.

Major Minor raises his hand in the air.

Major Minor: I’m afraid that isn’t your choice, son.

Aster: Daniele! Run!

Daniele: No way.

Aster: What!

Major Minor forms a Soulvania around himself and Daniele, pushing Aster back.

Aster: Daniele!

Daniele: I’m fine taking on this guy, Aster. I am the #3 student, remember? I’m not scared.

Aster: Yeah… but-

Daniele: But nothing. If he wants to fight me, I’ll give him a fight. I’m not gonna run, that’s for damn sure.

Major Minor: I like your attitude, little lady. Too bad I’ll have to-

Daniele quickly pulls out a metal double-pointed needle and throws it into Major Minor’s calf.

Major Minor: AHH! WHAT THE HELL!

Daniele: Don’t call me little, bitch.

Aster smiles.

Aster: (I forgot how scary a fighter Daniele can be.)

Scarlett grinds her teeth, watching Major Minor.

Scarlett: (I can’t rely on that fool, I have to figure out a different target, but who…)

Scarlett looks at the monitor she smashed. Kevin and the Clone are on it, and she smiles.

Scarlett: (Yeah… he’ll do.)

Scarlett fades into the shadows.

Scarlett: (I may have lost many battles, but the war will still be mine!)