Hayze skis down a snowy mountain.

Hayze: Hey, I’m not actually that bad at this. How are you doing, Bl-

Blair tumbles past him.

Blair: SHIT! FUCK! AH!

Hayze watches as Blair slams into a tree.

Hayze: Are you okay, Blair?

Blair: *groans* I hate skiing…

Hayze: You should have told your mom before she chose this trip…

Blair: *sighs* We’ve been coming here after the school year ends since we were little. I’m in too deep at this point.

Hayze: (And she’s still bad at this?)

Hayze laughs nervously.

Hayze: We can go back to the lodge if you want.

Blair: No… It’s fine. (I may not like going down, but I am a fan of going up…)

Blair looks up at the ski lift as Aster and Daniele go by.

Daniele: Your sister doesn’t seem to be very good at this… how long did you say you’ve been skiing here?

Aster laughs.

Aster: That’s Blair for you. She’s… impatient.

Hayze: *from afar* I think you’re supposed to get your balance first…

Blair: *from afar* I’ll do that after I- AHHH!

Blair crashes into another tree.

Blair: *from afar* FUCK!

Aster: At least it’s Hayze's job to stop her from melting the snow on the mountain this year.

Hayze: *from afar* BLAIR! PUT THE LAVA DOWN!

Aster: Ah… good times.

Hayze: *from afar* AHHHHHHHH!

Daniele nervously looks away from Hayze and Blair.

Daniele: (I dreamed of this day… getting to spend time with Aster and his family…)

Daniele glances at Aster with a smile on her face.

Daniele: (This is what happens when you find the courage and go for what you want in life, Daniele. YOU GET REWARDED! HAHAHA!)

Aster: (I still can’t believe Daniele felt this way about me. She never gave off any signs whatsoever. So I was shocked when she said she loved me. I’ve dated many girls before, but never one I was friends with… It’s still a little awkward.)

Daniele and Aster are on opposite sides of the ski lift seat.

Aster: (And I think she feels the same way…)

Blair’s Mom is watching the two couples from the ski lodge through a pair of binoculars.

Blair’s Mom: Aw… My babies are so cute.

Blaze: Uh… Grandma, what are you doing?

Blair’s Mom doesn’t respond to Blaze.

Blaze: Hello?

Cari: She’s being weird; ignore her.

Cari is sitting on a chair, playing games on her phone.

Blaze: *sighs* Why does that run in this family?

Cari: It doesn’t. My sister raises the curve by a lot.

Blaze: You know you’re talking about my mom, right?

Cari: Yes.

Blaze stares at Cari.

Blaze: Aunt Saige told me you and my mom were good friends before she died.

Cari: And that’s how I know you’re lying about the future.

Blaze: I’m not! I-

Cari: Look, we’ve been over this a thousand times. Unless you’re willing to give spoilers about me, I don’t care.

Blaze: I HAVE! You died trying to protect me!

Cari: I don’t care about that! I just need to know for a fact that I don’t end up with Blair’s baby boobs!

Blaze: I WAS SIX WHEN YOU DIED! I DON’T KNOW!

Cari: Then I don’t care.

Blaze: *sighs* (Aunt Saige… I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about the “Maddox Mood.”)

Hayze and Blair return to the ski lift and get on a chair.

Hayze: I’m surprised we’re not getting recognized by anyone else. Especially Aster and I.

Blair: Well, we are pretty bundled up.

Blair leans on Hayze. He blushes.

Blair: I wish this trip didn’t have to end…

Hayze: Me neither…

Blair notices Hayze’s tone.

Blair: Are you still worried about the Honor Ceremony? Stop. Everything will be fine.

Hayze: I know, but… I’m just concerned about the public reception. Things could get wild…

Blair: The new rules have been in place for months now. It’s not like they’ll be announced at the event.

Hayze: Domino hasn’t told you who the Top 10 will be, right?

Blair: Outside of my brother being tenth? No. Why?

Hayze: No reason. Let’s just ignore that; we’re supposed to be having fun!

Blair looks concerned for a moment.

Blair: This is my favorite trip we’ve ever had.

Hayze: I’m glad to hear that.

Blair: The only thing that could make this better is if Dad was here. Too bad he’s still overseas.

Hayze: Yeah, wouldn’t that be-

Hayze starts to sweat profusely and slowly turns to look at Blair.

Hayze: Wait… if WHO was here?

Blair: My dad… What, did you think I didn’t have one?

Hayze: You’ve never mentioned him before… We've been dating for seven months, and I’ve never met him…

Blair: Oh yeah, he’s a hero who works overseas in countries that don’t have strong hero populations. Right now, he’s in Switzerland.

Hayze: That’s neat… what’s he like?

Blair: Oh, really protective. You know what’s funny? He always said he’d beat the shit out of the first boy I ever brought home.

Hayze is pale.

Hayze: Yeah… I’m sure the first boy you brought home got it good…

Blair laughs.

Blair: Don’t be modest! You’re the first!

The panic on Hayze’s face intensifies.

Hayze: Does he know about Blaze?

Blair: Oh my god! He doesn’t! That’ll be a great story!

The panic on Hayze’s face intensifies further.

Hayze: And uh… what’s his hero name by chance?

Blair: Blast, the explosive hero. He once blew a villain's arms and legs off with just his pinky!

Hayze shatters.

Blair: Hayze? Are you alright?

That night, Hayze sits by himself at a picnic table outside their cabin.

Hayze: (I’m gonna die… I don’t feel safe…)

Aster: Hey, brother!

Aster walks up behind Hayze and tosses him a can.

Hayze: Huh? Beer? What are you giving me this for?

Aster: Come on, dude, the government moved the drinking age to 18 a couple of months ago, and we’re on vacation! Loosen up!

Hayze hesitates and then cracks open the can and starts drinking it.

Aster: What are you doing out here by yourself?

Hayze: Just… thinking…

Aster: Honor Ceremony stressing you out?

Hayze: Yeah… are you also worried about the new #1?

Aster: Mhm… my publicist and Exciton gave me a pretty lengthy rundown on him. I know what I’m supposed to say when I get asked.

Hayze: I support the hero association… but I don’t like that these new rules allow someone like them to be #1.

Aster stares at Hayze.

Aster: That’s not true, well, partially.

Hayze: Huh? What are you talking about?

Aster: Be honest with me, Hayze. We’re kind of brothers, and I’ve talked to my publicist about the new rules.

Hayze goes quiet.

Aster: You don’t like that these rules mean you’d be the #1 hero if you were eligible.

Hayze doesn’t respond.

Aster: You need to stop doubting yourself. There’s a reason everyone believes in you. Why can’t you?

Hayze: Because this time a year ago, I was in Alaska running away from my problems. I’m not even sure who I am exactly…

Hayze places his hand over his white eye.

Hayze: Nobody else on this planet knows what it’s like to watch a piece of yourself literally die. I gave Wrath, Impulse, Gale, and Calm their freedom, and I’m proud of it, but it makes me ask myself… who the hell am I? I was in the right place at the right time to slice Iota’s hands off, and I shouldn’t have been the one fighting Vanguard. The number one hero is supposed to be the person everyone can count on at all times, but… am I that? You fought Tempest… he was my mistake.

Aster stares at Hayze.

Aster: It doesn’t matter if you are, Hayze. Colossus proved it best… You just have to be ready to play the part when the time comes.

The two of them are silent for a few moments.

Aster: Look, you need to stop thinking about that stuff. You still have a whole year until you graduate and have to worry about that.

Hayze: Yeah, you’re right.

Aster holds up his beer.

Aster: Let’s just be happy we’re on this trip with our awesome girlfriends.

Hayze: Amen.

Aster and Hayze cheers and drink.

Blair: *from afar* Hey! What are you doing?!

Blair has arrived.

Aster: Blair? What are you doing out here?

Blair: I’m looking for my neglectful boyfriend.

Hayze: Oh… he’s over there in the can.

Blair stares at Hayze with an angry expression.

Aster: Nice try.

Hayze: Worth a shot…

Blair snatches the beer from Hayze’s hand.

Blair: Don’t drink that! I don’t want Cari to say you’re only spending time with me cause you’re drunk!

Aster: Blair, Hayze is under a lot of stress. Let him relax a little. Plus, Cari will never be impressed with you.

Blair: *sighs* I guess you’re right… But I’m going to relax with you!

Blair starts drinking the beer.

Aster: Blair, I don’t know if that’s a good idea…

Blair: What? Why not?

Aster: We’re at a high altitude, so the buzz hits you much faster. And do you remember when I gave you apple juice and said it was wine?

Blair: Aster, I’m an adult! I can handle a little alcohol!

Literally five minutes later, Blair has stripped down to her underwear and is making snow angels.

Blair: YAY! NAKEY ANGELS!

Hayze: Blair! Put your clothes on!

Blair: N- no, *hiccups* You’re trying to trick me!

Hayze: Into what?!

Blair: Dying!

Hayze: What?!

Blair: I’M ON TO YOU!

Hayze adverts his eyes.

Hayze: Aster! Help!

Aster is already back inside.

Aster: *from afar* Good luck, Hayze!

Hayze: *sighs*

Blair sits up and looks at Hayze.

Blair: *whispers* Don’t tell Hayze, but I have a crush on him.

Hayze: I’m sure you do, Blair.

Hayze drapes Blair’s coat on her and starts carrying her.

Hayze: Come on, let’s get you inside.

Blair: Do you know what the snow and I have in common?

Hayze: Oh god…

Blair: We both need to get plowed… HAHAHA!

Hayze: Huh… you’re clever when you’re drunk. Neat.

Hayze enters the cabin with Blair.

Cari: The bimbo had to resort to stripping to seduce you. That’s just sad.

Blair’s Mom: Oh, no! What happened?!

Hayze: She uh… had too much to drink.

Blair’s Mom: Ah, that makes sense. Maddox women are known for being extreme lightweights.

Cari: Seriously? Our genetics suck!

Blair’s Mom takes Blair from Hayze.

Blair’s Mom: Thanks, Hayze. I’ll take her to her room.

Blair’s Mom walks off with Blair. Hayze takes a seat with Cari and Blaze.

Hayze: Hi, Cari.

Cari: Hello, person my sister is paying to pretend you’re in a relationship with her.

Hayze: Man, you’ve got us figured out.

Cari: It’s pretty obvious. She sucks.

Blaze: /Why are you indulging her?/

Hayze: /She’s 13. She’s not old enough to realize how great a sister she’s got./

Blaze: /I… right…/

Blaze walks off, and Hayze follows him.

Hayze: Are you alright, Blaze?

Blaze: Yeah… I just got reminded that I didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with siblings.

Hayze: Hey, neither did I.

Blaze: I guess that’s true…

Hayze: I know that it feels weird for you to be surrounded by a family like this. Because I feel the same way. You grew up in a dystopian world, so I can’t relate to that, but… not having a family is hard.

Blaze: Yeah… it is…

Hayze puts his hand on Blaze’s shoulder.

Hayze: But you don’t have to think about that anymore… because you have a family, and nothing will change that.

Blaze smiles.

Blaze: Right.

Hayze: Now, I’m going to make sure your mom doesn’t sleepwalk naked.

Blaze: Please do…

Hayze starts walking away.

Blaze: Uh… actually, one more thing, dad.

Hayze: Huh?

Blaze: Tomorrow, I want you to help me train.

Hayze: Y- you do?

Blaze: I’m tired of relying purely on my other skills and strategic abilities. I need to learn how to use my quirk more effectively in combat. And well… who better to learn from than the person who went through the same thing?

Hayze smiles.

Hayze: Alright, meet me outside tomorrow.

Blaze: W- Will do!

Hayze walks away.

Hayze: (Is this… excitement I feel?)

A portal opens in Vanguard’s decimated village. Zaire and Jagger step out.

Jagger: Well, if it isn’t a tragic backstory…

Zaire: Now isn’t the time for jokes. We must locate any clues that may have been left behind.

Jagger: Look, when you said destroyed, I didn’t expect there to be hardly anything standing.

Zaire: At least it means we won’t have many areas to search.

Jagger: Mhm… where should we start?

Zaire: I’m not sure. Do you have any ideas?

Jagger: (Why is he playing coy with me? The church is obvious… is he testing me?)

Zaire: (This is a simple test, even a moron should pass it.)

Jagger points to the church.

Jagger: Well, he was a man of faith, so the debris of that church oughta work.

Zaire: I concur. (Good. If Jagger is trying to earn my trust, it would be ideal for him if I was the one who found a clue first… if there is one, of course.)

Jagger: (I see what you’re up to, Zaire. You want to know if I’m just trying to pump up your ego by letting you be the one to find something first. Well, I’m no fool.)

The pair approaches the church and walks through the rubble.

Scarlett: (What’s the point of this? Who cares about who finds anything?)

Jagger: (We shouldn’t care, but Zaire is on to me. He remembers I allowed him to take all the credit for retrieving the Sigma Ring. If I keep doing things like that, he’ll know I’m indeed up to something.)

Scarlett: (So, just find it yourself.)

Jagger: (It’s not that easy either. My reaction to finding a clue will give him an eye into my intentions. If my reaction seems fake, he’ll see through me.)

Scarlett: (I see… you don’t want to find anything here.)

Jagger: (Not yet. I don’t gain anything from Iota finding Vanguard’s Gate. In fact, it might even cause him to adjust his plan, and I don’t want that. I need him to keep playing things slowly so I can as well. The ideal scenario is we find a clue that doesn’t assist us much at all, but… it will be something of substance to present to Iota. I need Zaire to find it, but I can’t look like I’m not trying.)

Scarlett: (Your games confuse me.)

Jagger: (Look, there’s a reason Zaire is Iota’s most trusted soldier. He thinks about details nobody else would. So if I’m going to beat him… I have to do the same.)

Jagger and Zaire start ripping up debris, searching.

Zaire: (Jagger looks convincing, but if he does have ill intentions… I’m not sure whether he would or wouldn’t want us to find a clue. Perhaps a test is in order.)

The duo searches for numerous minutes but finds nothing.

Zaire: Well, I guess it’s back to the drawing board.

Jagger: (Shit, what should I say?)

Zaire: Let’s head back. If there’s nothing in this church, we could be searching for a needle in a haystack.

Jagger is quiet.

Zaire: Jagger? Are you ready to go?

Jagger: No… we haven’t found Vanguard’s original home, right? Maybe something is there.

Zaire: We aren’t aware of Vanguard’s actual name, so figuring out which of these homes was his could be rather difficult. (His eagerness to continue looking tells me he wants us to find something, but his terrible idea shows that it’s not a strong desire. He could be appeasing me.)

Jagger: (I can sense his suspicions growing… I have to do something.)

Jagger notices the massive graveyard outback.

Jagger: Perhaps we should check over there.

Zaire: Hm?

Zaire thinks for a moment.

Zaire: You want to go graverobbing?

Jagger: We’ve done worse.

Zaire: That’s true. I suppose it can’t hurt. (I’m now more than 75% sure Jagger is up to something. If that number reaches 90, I’ll execute him.)

Jagger and Zaire inspect the many graves.

Jagger: (Zaire is playing me like a Fidel… fuck.)

Zaire: (If I’m honest, Jagger could do only one thing to show he’s not deceiving me, but I doubt he’ll do that.)

Jagger bites his nails.

Jagger: (Think, Jagger, think! If I don’t do something to throw him off the trail fast, I’m screwed!)

Scarlett: (May I present an idea?)

Jagger: Hm?

Zaire finishes examining each grave.

Zaire: (One last test, if Jagger fails, he’s dead.) Jagger, let’s-

Jagger: Zaire, I need to tell you something.

Zaire: Hm?

Jagger: I’ve been having doubts about Master Iota.

Zaire stares blankly at Jagger.

Zaire: You have?

Jagger: Yes… I have ever since he lost his hands… those few months where he was catatonic… they weren’t easy.

Zaire: Why are you telling me this? You know I’ll report it to Master.

Jagger: I can tell you don’t trust me.

Zaire doesn’t react.

Jagger: I’m not that stupid, Zaire. I know you’ve been testing me this whole time… and I know I’m failing.

Zaire continues staring at Jagger.

Jagger: I thought it would be best to air everything out with you. I still want to follow Master, but I can’t do that as a simple lackey anymore. That’s why I’ve been trying my hardest to get into his “inner circle.” I need to know more from the man himself if I want to regain faith in him. Honestly, when I helped you obtain the Sigma Ring… this was on my mind.

Zaire doesn’t move a muscle.

Jagger: I don’t care if you don’t trust me, but that’s the truth. I’ll keep searching this graveyard, if you decide I’m not worth keeping around… Well, first of all, fuck you, and second… so be it.

Jagger continues looking around.

Zaire: (He did the one thing…)

Zaire goes into deep thought.

Zaire: (Now the question is… was he lying to save his own ass? Or was he telling the truth to protect himself? It's a 50-50, and there’s no test I could administer to change that.)

Jagger: (It’s now a coin flip… Zaire either believes me or he doesn’t. I guess I’ll find out if I’m still breathing in a few moments.)

Jagger notices two small graves.

Jagger: Zaire, come here.

Zaire: Hm? (He won’t kill me, I’m his ride home.)

Zaire approaches the graves with Jagger.

Jagger: These graves, the people buried have the same surname.

Zaire: Yes, what’s your point?

Jagger: I’ve noticed many people with the same surname throughout this graveyard, but none were buried beside each other.

Zaire: I see… you’re insinuating that those graves were made without thought.

Jagger: Almost like someone was trying to dig them as fast as possible.

Zaire: Yes, Vanguard after his village was destroyed…

Jagger: And these two… they were made with care.

Zaire: His family.

Jagger: Bingo.

Zaire reads the names.

Zaire: Good; Abdullahi was his surname. That will assist our search.

Jagger: I guess that’s the best we’ll do here for now.

Zaire: Yes, let us return home and inform Master Iota.

Jagger: Right.

Zaire opens a warp gate.

Jagger: (It wasn’t the ideal scenario I hoped for, but it’s better than the worst case.)

Zaire: (Today’s findings were helpful regarding the search for the gate. As for Jagger… they were… inconclusive.)

Hayze and Blaze meet in the nearby snowy forest early in the morning.

Hayze: So, before we begin, I should ask about your combat experience.

Blaze: I’ve had several run-ins with various Iota and Vanguard soldiers, but the resistance typically had me play a support role on missions and fights.

Hayze: Alright, so we need to teach you some basics. Do you have a fighting style?

Blaze: Well, I rely on my weapons and try to outthink my opponent. My quirk acts more like a utility in combat than my primary method of attack, but I want to change that.

Hayze: (Where have I heard that before…) Okay, well, the first step is to identify your quirk’s strength and build your personal style around that. Blair’s a great example. Her quirk is excellent for blocking damage, so she fights defensively and waits for an opening to strike her opponents hard.

Blair: *from afar* Damn right!

Blair, her mom, and Cari are watching from afar. Cari is barely paying attention, while Blair looks sick.

Hayze: Why are you guys here?

Cari: *from afar* I’m hoping you’d lose an eye.

Blair’s Mom: *from afar* How could we miss a dad teaching his son how to savagely beat people!

Hayze: That’s not… alright, just stay back.

Blaze: Mom’s family is weird…

Hayze: Yeah, the more time I spend around Blair’s Mom, the more things start to add up.

Hayze pulls out a pocket mirror, a shower mirror, and a mirrored visor from a ski helmet.

Blaze: Huh? What are those for?

Hayze: You’ll see in a second. Just let me set them up.

Blair leans against a tree.

Blair: *groans*

Blair’s Mom: That’s why you don’t drink alcohol irresponsibly, Blair.

Blair: It was like half a can! How is that enough to make me blackout?!

Blair’s Mom: You’re a Maddox woman! That’s why!

Blair: *groans* I hate being a Maddox woman…

Cari: Same here… how am I supposed to be cool in High School if I can’t drink without taking my clothes off.

Blair’s Mom: Cari!

Blair’s Mom pats Cari on the back.

Blair’s Mom: You’ll make tons of friends like that!

Cari: Joy…

Blair: Wait… don’t tell me I did that last night!

Blair’s Mom: Oh, don’t get embarrassed, Blair. It’s nothing Hayze hasn’t seen before, right?

Blair starts whistling.

Cari: I knew their relationship was for show!

Blair’s Mom: Blair! I raised you better than that!

Blair: What?

Blair’s Mom: You’d better hop to it! I’m expecting grandbabies, you know!

Blair stares at her mother.

Blair: Oh god… it all comes full circle…

Blair’s Mom pulls out two handcuffs and offers them to Blair.

Blair: Wh- what are those?

Blair’s Mom: They're a Maddox family heirloom.

Cari: I don’t like where this is going…

Blair: Why?

Blair’s Mom: I used them to take your father’s virginity.

Blair and Cari stare at their mother blankly.

Blair’s Mom: He kept saying, *mocking* “premarital sex is a sin!” Well, I wasn’t waiting! So anyway, that’s the story of how Aster was conceived.

Dead silence.

Cari: Blair, take the handcuffs. She’s going to offer them to me if you don’t.

Blair: So much stuff is starting to make sense…

Hayze finishes placing the mirrors in various positions around himself and Blaze. He creates a shadow knife and carves a circle in a tree.

Hayze: Alright, I want you to hit the back of that tree without moving.

Blaze: Okay, wait… the back?!

Hayze: Yup. You can guess what the mirrors are for.

Blaze: Well, I’ve thought about the tactic before, but how practical could it be? If I bring mirrors to a fight, my opponent will destroy or avoid them.

Hayze: It’s not about the mirrors. It’s about practicing your aim and maintaining situational awareness. Mirrors aren’t the only thing microwaves can bounce off of. So, when you’re fighting, you should always take note of things you can use to extend your range. That’s something I do with Kha- my darkness quirk.

Blaze: Right.

Hayze: Your quirk’s best attribute is it can deal substantial damage in one hit. So, if we perfect your aim and extend your range…

Blaze: I could be a microwave sniper?

Hayze: Exactly.

Blaze: Alright, I’ll give it a try.

Blaze takes aim at the first mirror and fires a microwave. It bounces off and misses the second mirror by a lot.

Blaze: Damn…

Hayze: It’s alright. That’s what practice is for. You’ll get it eventually; just keep trying.

Blaze: Right!

Hours pass, and Blaze can eventually bounce the microwave off two mirrors. Blaze is exhausted.

Blaze: *under his breath* Not good enough…

Blair is still watching. Her mom and Cari have gone inside their cabin.

Blair: Wow…

Aster: Like father like son, eh?

Blair: Huh?

Blair looks over her shoulder to see Aster has been watching as well.

Blair: How long have you been there?

Aster: Long enough to notice the personality resemblance.

Blair: Yeah… he and Hayze are a lot alike…

Aster: Mhm, but he’s also like you.

Blair: Really? I haven’t seen much of that.

Aster: Just give it a second.

Blaze fires another microwave, but he’s unable to bounce off the second mirror this time.

Blaze: Dammit!

Blaze falls to his knees and punches the ground.

Blaze: Why can’t I get this!

Hayze stares at Blaze.

Hayze: Why don’t we take a break.

Blaze: No! I’m not giving up until I get this!

Blaze fires another wave but misses the first mirror.

Blaze: *frustrated grunt*

Hayze: Blaze, don’t let your anger get the better of you.

Blaze: I’m not angry. I’m just frustrated… I should have gotten this by now!

Hayze: You’ll never get this if you just keep hammering away at it. You have to stop, take a breath, and reassess what you’re doing wrong.

Blaze: No, I’m not taking a break! You gave me a task, and I won’t rest until it’s complete!

Aster glances at Blair.

Aster: He knows you’re watching, and he really wants to impress the people he admires. Who does that remind you of?

Blair: Great, so he has my negative qualities?

Aster: Who said that?

Blair stares at Aster for a moment before approaching Hayze and Blaze.

Blaze: I won’t give up!

Blair: It’s not giving up, Blaze.

Blaze: Huh? Mom?

Blair: Don’t let your emotions control you. You’re not tough because you refuse to take a break.

Blaze: I’m not trying to act tough!

Blair: Blaze, being strong isn’t blindly continuing to power through a difficult task… It's admitting when you’re wrong and trying something new. Unfortunately, that’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

Blaze stares at Blair for a moment, hesitates, and stands up.

Blaze: Alright, let’s head back…

Hayze and Blair both smile and nod. Daniele walks up to Aster.

Daniele: That kid’s lucky to have those two for parents.

Aster: Yeah… it only took him 16 years and a trip through time.

Daniele: Right… yeah… forgot about that.

Aster: I can’t wait to do that with my kid someday…

Daniele blushes.

Daniele: Y- yours?

Aster: I- I mean… not that I want a kid or anything… eh, screw this. I’m going back to the cabin.

Aster walks off.

Daniele: (*squeals internally*)

The next day, Hayze and Aster are loading the group’s luggage into Blair’s Mom’s car.

Aster: Where’s Blaze? He should be helping pack up.

Hayze: I have an idea… I’ll go get him.

Aster: Alright, but get back quick. I don’t want you skipping out, too!

Hayze walks into the forest and sees Blaze in the distance. He ducks behind a tree and watches.

Blaze: I can do this…

Blaze takes a breath and aims at the first mirror.

Hayze: (Good, he’s taking his time.)

Blaze fires a microwave. It bounces off all three mirrors and hits the tree.

Hayze: (He did it! But… why doesn’t he seem happy?)

Blaze inspects the tree with a stern expression.

Blaze: Not good enough…

Blaze missed the circle Hayze carved in the tree by merely a centimeter.

Hayze: (What?! I only did that to mark the tree; I didn’t want him to aim for that specifically!)

Blaze starts walking back to his starting position, but Hayze steps out from behind the tree and approaches him.

Hayze: Great work, Blaze!

Blaze: Oh, hey, dad… yeah, I finally started hitting the tree.

Hayze: Then you’re done! That’s what the goal was.

Blaze: Yeah… “was.”

Hayze places his hand on Blaze’s shoulder.

Hayze: You did good, be happy with that.

Blaze: Yeah, but I could have been better…

Hayze: Maybe… but that doesn’t mean you failed.

Blaze: R- right!

Hayze: Now, come on. We’re heading home.

Blaze: Mhm.

Hayze and Blaze return to the car, where the rest of the group is gathered.

Blair’s Mom: Hayze! There you are!

Hayze: Huh?

Blair’s Mom: I’m so thrilled you, Blaze, and Daniele could join us this year! We had such a great time!

Hayze: Yeah, it was fun.

Daniele: I enjoyed it!

Blaze: It was nice spending time with my family…

Blair’s Mom wipes a tear from her eye.

Blair’s Mom: And I’m so excited to watch my son and future son-in-law at the Honor Ceremony tomorrow! This is just the best week! I only wish your father was here.

Hayze: Yeah… could I get an ETA on when he’ll be back?

Aster: We never know with him. He drops in unannounced.

Hayze: *under his breath* So, I must live in fear…

Blair’s Mom: What was that?

Hayze: Nothing!

Cari honks the car horn.

Cari: LET’S GO ALREADY!

Blair’s Mom: Looks like it’s that time of the month for Cari!

Hayze, Blair, Blaze, and Daniele look at her in disgust.

Blair’s Mom: Oh, trust me, when you have a teenage daughter, you’ll know.

Blair: THAT’S NOT WHY WE’RE LOOKING AT YOU LIKE THIS!

Blair’s Mom: Well, it’s time to go!

Blair: *sighs* Don’t change the subject.

The group piles into the car together and departs.

Hayze: (This was relaxing, but now it’s time to get back to the serious stuff.)

The next day, Hayze and Blair are traveling to the Top 10 honor ceremony in a limousine. Domino is smoking in the car with them.

Blair: Do you mind?

Domino: Yes.

Blair: *frustrated grunt*

Hayze: Just roll down the windows…

Blair: *sighs* Fine…

As Blair rolls down her window, Hayze checks her out through the corner of his eye. She’s wearing a fabulous red dress.

Hayze: (Wow…)

Domino: Alright, kids, today is your Super Bowl. We’ve been training for weeks, don’t fuck this up.

Hayze and Blair: Right.

Domino examines the two of them.

Domino: I’m glad you both followed my outfit advice. For the most part…

Blair: What are you mad I didn’t stuff my bra like you told me to?

Hayze: What?!

Domino: Hey, be mad at yourself. It’s not my picture that’s going to be in magazines tomorrow.

Hayze: She’s beautiful the way she is.

Blair: Thank you, Hayze.

Blair and Hayze grasp each other’s hands.

Domino: Good, it’s best to start doing that now. Get in the mentality.

Blair: We are in the mentality.

Domino: Oh right, you two actually are a couple. Sorry, that’s not something I’m used to with my clients.

Hayze and Blair: Right…

The limo stops.

Domino: Alright, we’re here.

Domino puts out his cigarette.

Domino: It’s showtime, you two. Go out there and use what I’ve taught you.

The limo door opens.

Domino: And for the love of God, just stick to the script.

Blair and Hayze exit the limousine to thunderous cheers. Hayze looks down the red carpet leading to the stadium entrance. Massive crowds are on each side, trying to get his attention.

Hayze: (I’ve done this walk once before, but this is… overwhelming…)

Reporter: And there he is! Adam Hayze, the U.A. hero student who orchestrated the demise of Vanguard, the man who nearly threw our world into chaos! Look at the reception he’s receiving.

The crowd is going wild, and the security guards on each side of the red carpet are on high alert.

Crowd Member: Hayze! You’re better than any of these Top 10!

Crowd Member: You’re my hero!

Crowd Member: Don’t let a technicality stop you from being our #1!

Hayze starts trembling.

Hayze: (All of these people, they’re treating me like I’m…)

Blair tightens her grip on Hayze’s hand and starts walking forward.

Crowd Member: Hayze! You’re the only hero we need!

Crowd Member: Exciton, Vulcan, Lust? They’re all has-beens compared to you!

Crowd Member: We love you, Hayze!

Hayze hangs his head to avoid eye contact with the crowd as he and Blair power down the red carpet.

Hayze: (I’m just a student… Why don’t they understand that? I’m not a hero yet! Stop acting like I’m your savior! I’m not!)

Domino watches from the limo.

Domino: (I knew the crowd would get to him, but not this bad.)

Hayze and Blair enter the stadium to the main lobby. Hayze breathes a massive sigh of relief.

Blair: Are you alright?

Hayze: No… that’s the first time I’ve been that close to them. The way they were looking at me was-

Vulcan: Disgusting.

Hayze looks up and sees Vulcan and eight other Top 10 heroes in the lobby. Justus is with Vulcan, Yul and Zach are with Impact, Sydney and Kleptogirl with Lust, Aaron is with Big Tank, Eve is with Evergreen, and Kevin is with Gundam. Exciton, Aster, and Daniele are together.

Lust: Vulcan, leave him alone.

Vulcan: Oh, come on! Don’t tell me it doesn’t bother you that a student got a stronger reception than any of us!

Exciton: You can complain if you want, Vulcan, but there’s a reason for that. Get over it.

Vulcan: *frustrated grunt*

Inside the stadium arena, the seats are packed full of fans. A stage has been set up on the main floor. Behind the curtains, the top ten and their respective bodyguards are on either side of the stage. All the students, plus Aster, Daniele, and Yul gather backstage.

Aaron: Damn, Hayze, those fuckers really love you!

Sydney: They have the taste of people without tongues…

Hayze: Yeah… they sure do.

Aster: Well, I’d recommend just smiling and waving when they give you your special recognition.

Hayze: That’s the plan…

Zach: Hey… does anyone know where the last Top 10 hero is?

Hayze looks away nervously.

Eve: Whatever, he’s probably only number 8 or 9. Nothing to worry about.

Yul: It’s still unwise for them not to be here.

Kevin: Eh, it’ll be fine.

Justus: I wish I had your optimism, Kevin.

Kevin: Yeah, you do!

Suddenly, a hole emerges in the center of the stage, and Boom comes flying out.

Boom: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Bi-Annual Top 10 Hero Honor Ceremony!

The crowd cheers.

Hayze: (Here we go…)

Boom points to the Stadium’s jumbotron.

Boom: Tonight, we celebrate the newest version of the Top 10 Heroes! These guys are the best of the best, and you just know every villain is shaking in their boots when one of these heroes arrives! So, without any further delay, it’s time to introduce them!

The crowd goes fucking nuts.

Boom: First, we have a newcomer! Not just to the Top 10 but to the Hero World itself! Here he is, the first student to graduate from U.A. as a full-time hero since Colossus himself! YOUR NUMBER 10 HERO: PHOENIX!

The crowd cheers as Aster walks out on stage.

Blair: (nice work, bro.)

Boom: Next, another newcomer, and a young one at that. Fresh off her year as a sidekick, it’s your number 9 hero: Kleptogirl!

Kleptogirl walks on stage, holding a pair of panties in the air. She tosses them into the crowd.

Blair: H- whose are those?

Sydney: THAT WHORE!

Boom: Up two spots from his usual ranking, it’s the man with a freaking tank on his back. THE NUMBER 8 HERO: BIG TANK!

Big Tank: (It feels good to be a little higher on this list for once.)

Boom: Down a few spots, it’s the number 7 hero: Impact!

Zach: (Yikes… Mr. Impact took a major tumble… I guess he was right when he said his performance against Vanguard would prove costly.)

Boom: Making a triumphant return to the Top 10, it’s your number 6 hero: Gundam!

Kevin: YEAH! FUCK EVERYONE ELSE!

Boom: Climbing the ladder once again… or should I say vine? It’s your number 5 hero: Evergreen!

Evergreen is showered with cheers.

Aaron: Why’s she so popular?

Eve: Ms. Evergreen has spearheaded a lot of the rule changes that hold heroes more accountable for their wrongdoings. It’s one of the changes that’s been universally well-received.

Boom: Now it’s time for the hottest hero around. And I’m not talking about her quirk! The number four hero: LUST! In a double whammy, we also have her husband-to-be, the number three hero, EXCITON!

The crowd goes nuts as Lust and Exciton enter the stage, holding hands.

Lust: /I can’t believe they think we’re a couple! Can you believe it?!/

Exciton: /Yeah… I know, right…/

Boom: Rounding out our first nine heroes, a man with a flaming heart, the number two hero: Vulcan!

The reactions in the room are mixed between shock, cheers, and boos.

Zach: What?! Vulcan isn’t number one anymore?!

Kevin: Are you serious?

Justus: These rule changes are no joke…

Vulcan angrily joins his fellow heroes on stage.

Vulcan: *nasal grunt* (Just be happy I showed up, you bastards.)

The crowd starts murmuring.

Zach: Wait… so if Exciton and Lust are 3 and 4… who the heck is 1?

Boom: *whispering into an earpiece* Are they here or not?

Boom is silent for a few moments.

Boom: Unfortunately, the number one hero isn’t in attendance tonight, but I will still reveal their identity.

The crowd boos loudly.

Eve: Talk about a bad first impression.

Daniele: I know, right? Who would skip a moment like this?

Boom: They’re a newcomer to the list, and they aren’t exactly orthodox, but they’ve climbed the hero ladder for that exact reason. Your number one hero is-

Suddenly, a helicopter flies above the stage.

Boom: Huh? What the hell?

It slowly descends while hovering.

Aaron: What’s going on?!

Hayze: Trouble…

As everyone stares at the helicopter, someone is thrown out of it. The crowd gasps as a bloodied and beaten man smacks against the stage.

Man: *groans*

Boom: Wh- what?

A rope drops from the helicopter, and a person wearing a full silver bodysuit with purple accents descends onto the stage. They have two katanas strapped to their back and are wearing a silver helmet with a purple visor covering and concealing their entire face.

Silencer: Hello, everyone. I am your new number-one hero, Silencer.

Everyone is silent, staring at Silencer.

Silencer: It’s laughable that I’ve been given this title. I don’t operate like any other hero, but I get results.

Silencer glances at the rest of the top 10.

Silencer: The Hero Association has chosen to modify its ranking criteria, and my becoming the number one hero is proof that the people want change.

Vulcan: *frustrated grunt*

Silencer: You’re tired of the heroes that deceive you under the guise they’re “protecting you,” right?

The crowd hesitates and then lets out a thunderous “Yeah!”

Silencer: Well, I do not associate with them. I do not accept my position on this list.

Boom: Hey! Then why did you even come here?!

Silencer: Out of respect for the people who voted for me to be number one.

Boom has no response.

Silencer: To everyone who has admired my work, thank you. However, for those who aren’t aware of who I am, let me introduce myself to you.

Silencer puts their foot on the back of the bloodied man they threw from the helicopter.

Silencer: This is a villain who I just apprehended. He tried to use his quirk to “have his way” with innocent girls.

The crowd boos.

Hayze: (They’re eating out of the palm of his hand!)

Silencer: A normal hero would simply lock this scum of the Earth in a prison cell, but does that really stop them? This man won’t be rehabilitated, so what happens if he escapes from prison? He’ll try to do it all over again.

The crowd boos even harder.

Silencer: Well, that’s where I come in. A hero’s job should be to permanently rid the streets of villains, and I AM NOT AFRAID OF THAT TASK!

The crowd cheers.

Crowd: SILENCER! SILENCER! SILENCER!

Silencer takes out one of their katanas.

Aster: *under his breath* We have to do something!

Kleptogirl: /Don’t. If you interfere now, you’ll be dooming your career. Nobody can stop him./

Silencer grabs the villain’s hair and rips their head upward.

Villain: *pained grunts*

Silencer: His quirk is called Perfect Persuasion. If he establishes 20 seconds of uninterrupted eye contact, he can convince them to do anything he wishes one time. An ability like this is powerful, and the only way to stop him from abusing it is to take it from him.

The crowd cheers in agreement.

Zach: I don’t like where this is going.

Silencer kneels down as cheers shower them.

Silencer: I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect you… The other nine people on this stage… are not. AND NOW LET ME PROVE IT TO YOU!

Silencer slices out the villain’s retinas. The crowd is mixed with gasps but overwhelmed by cheers. The students are shocked, except Aaron.

Villain: AHHHHHHHHHHH!

Eve: What the fuck…

Zach: He’s…

Aaron: An anti-hero!

Hayze clenches his fist.

Silencer: I am not their number one hero. I AM YOUR NUMBER-ONE HERO!

The crowd goes wild.

Silencer: I appreciate all of your support, and I will continue to do the job these pathetic heroes think they’re doing.

Silencer grabs onto the helicopter rope.

Silencer: If more heroes were like me, Vanguard would have never happened. The association can pretend their rule changes will fix the problem, but they’ll never change anything if they don’t deal with the root causes…

Hayze grinds his teeth.

Silencer: Typical heroes just can’t get the job done.

Everyone is silent.

Silencer: Thank you for your time.

Hayze: Where do you think you’re going?!

Silencer: Huh?

Everyone looks to see Hayze has walked out on stage.

Domino: (WHAT THE FUCK IS HE DOING?!)