The crowd gasps as Hayze and Silencer lock gazes.

Silencer: (He’s here?)

Hayze: Answer me! Where are you going?!

Silencer: I’ve made my point. Ceremonies like these are a waste of time. I’m going to protect the streets from villains, unlike these show ponies.

Hayze: So, you think you can just show up here, maim a person on live television and leave? Man, it must get cold up there on your high horse.

Crowd: Ooooh!

Silencer glances at the crowd.

Silencer: (If this was anyone else… I’d ignore them, but he could easily undo everything I just did.) I think you’re confusing me with someone who cares.

Hayze: You haven’t left yet, so I think you do.

Silencer chuckles.

Silencer: Alright, kid, what do you want?

Hayze: For you to shut up.

Silencer: Well, that’s a tough ask.

Hayze: You may not be like other heroes, but you are one yourself! The Hero Association learned from its mistakes and is trying to make changes for the better. It’s easy for someone like you to criticize them and say what you would have done. But you didn’t do anything yourself!

Silencer: I am a pro hero in the same way a tomato is a fruit, only in name.

Hayze: What?

Silencer: To change how heroes operate, I joined the Hero Association. It’s the only way I could legally fight the good fight. Otherwise, I’d be labeled a vigilante or, worse… a villain. If I could continue fighting villains without joining the association, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Hayze: *grunts*

Domino is running through the stadium to get backstage.

Domino: (I told him to stick to the script!)

Silencer stares at Hayze.

Silencer: Are you done yet? I have better places to be.

Hayze: You can leave. Nobody wants you here anyway.

Silencer: Did you not hear the crowd a few minutes ago?

Hayze: I did, but this event is for the best heroes, and you’re nothing more than a self-absorbed windbag.

Crowd: Ooooh!

Exciton: (What’s Hayze doing? Sure, Silencer is a nutjob, but picking a fight with him here? On national television?)

Silencer: What do you think you are? Do you know why the other nine heroes on this stage stood by and let me speak? Because the people who support them support me more. You believe too much in your own hype to let something like that deter you from looking like a fool.

Crowd: Ooooh!

Hayze: I don’t care about popularity.

The crowd starts murmuring with surprise.

Hayze: Being a hero is about protecting and saving people. For me, It was never about the fame or money that comes with it. I wouldn’t have come here tonight if wiser and more experienced people didn’t encourage me to do it. This job isn’t perfect, but I’ve chosen to care more about the good than the bad. Being a pro means something to me. I grew up respecting heroes and continue to be inspired by them. So, I don’t care how many followers you have. I won’t stand by and let you bad-mouth the people I look up to! The Association isn’t perfect, but they’re making strides in the right direction. I don’t like that you’re the number one hero, but that’s because of your attitude. Not because I don’t believe you can be an effective hero. So, you can stand around and criticize your “fellow” heroes, but at least they’re trying to fix something that’s bruised instead of pretending it’s broken. I respect them for that.

Hayze turns to the crowd.

Hayze: You can applaud me or boo me. I don’t care. My opinions and actions won’t change because of you. I may not be right, but I know he’s wrong.

The stadium is silent for a few moments.

Crowd Member: That’s my number one hero!

The crowd erupts in a thunderous roar. Hayze and Silencer continue staring each other down.

Exciton: (What did I just witness?)

Domino enters backstage and approaches Blair.

Domino: Blair, get him! RIGHT NOW!

Blair: I- yessir!

The stadium is in pandemonium.

Boom: Okay, everyone! Please calm down!

Blair runs out on stage and grabs Hayze’s hand.

Blair: Hayze, come on!

Hayze: R- right…

Blair and Hayze exit the stage as Silencer continues staring at Hayze.

Silencer: (You win this round, Hayze.)

Silencer tugs on the rope and is pulled up into the helicopter.

Boom: Uh… I don’t know what to do now!

Impact: Sweet, the ceremony is over early.

Boom: What?!

Domino, Hayze, and Blair exit the stadium through a secret path.

Domino: How big of an idiot are you?

Hayze: I’m sorry, I just-

Domino: Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to yourself. You just put yourself in an awful situation, kid.

Hayze: I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t care what they thought of me.

Domino: Yeah, that’s because you’re a 19-year-old kid who doesn’t understand that there’s a reason every other hero cares! You’re not special, kid. You’re dumb.

Blair: Hayze stood up for what’s right! You shouldn’t criticize him for that.

Domino: I’ll criticize him as much as I want. He just made his life and my job much more difficult.

Hayze: So, what? I supported the Hero Association. What’s the big deal?

Domino pinches the bridge of his nose.

Domino: The big deal is you’ve now attached yourself to the Association's rule changes. If they fail, you’re going to be criticized heavily. You’ll be a lightning rod for negative attention. I know you don’t understand the P.R. world, but this is what we call a nightmare. Sure, you’ll have a lot of positive press tomorrow, but that could turn sour within the next few months. Oh, and you know what the kicker is? You’re not a professional hero yet, so you can’t even help demonstrate the success of the rules you just supported!

Hayze doesn’t have a response.

Domino: *sighs* I’ll clean up as much of this mess as possible. Which, because I’m good at my job, will be a lot. However, I need you to listen to me when I give you advice, got it? I know I’m lecturing you right now, but remember: my job is to help you. Therefore, I don’t say or do things that aren’t in your best interest. But I can’t be the only one of us doing that.

Hayze: R- right…

Domino lights a cigarette.

Domino: You two go ahead. This tunnel will lead you to a private parking garage. The driver will bring you back home.

Blair: You’re not coming?

Domino: No, I have calls to make. The cleaning process starts immediately. There won’t be any time to wait. Just go; I’ll be in touch sometime tomorrow.

Hayze and Blair look at each other before departing.

Blair: Maybe they should teach us about this stuff in school…

Hayze: Why should they? It’s the worst part.

Blair looks at Hayze with concern.

Blair: You put that bastard in his place. I’m proud of you for that.

Hayze smiles at Blair.

Hayze: Thank you, Blair.

Hayze and Blair hold hands as they exit the stadium.

Blair: Don’t worry about Silencer; he’s just a douche.

Silencer’s helicopter lands on the roof of a skyscraper. A man in a well-pressed suit holding a glass of alcohol has awaited their return.

Silas: That was an outstanding performance.

Silencer: You didn’t tell me that he would be there.

Silas: His interference was an unforeseen event.

Silencer: So, you knew!

Silas: Yes, but I didn’t think he’d have the balls to do what he did. It’s okay, though. You got your message across.

Silencer: And then he wiped out most of our progress.

Silas: That’s fine. You’re the number one hero for a reason. So people will side with you.

Silencer: Judging by that crowd’s reaction to him, I’d say we have a year before that’s not the case anymore.

Silas: And that’s why none of this is a problem. That kid just attached himself to the Association and threw his support behind them. So if the Association fails, the public’s love affair with him won’t last.

Silencer is quiet.

Silas: All you need to do is keep up the excellent work. Reaching the number one spot was something we thought wouldn’t be possible until a few months ago. The heroes’ new rules have given the public more say in which heroes are ranked higher than others, and they have spoken. With you holding this position, other heroes who share your ideas won’t be afraid anymore. Our movement has only just begun. Chin up. Tonight was a win.

A few moments of silence pass.

Silencer: Alright, you’ve convinced me.

Silas: Good, then head home, relax, and have a good night’s sleep. We’ll discuss the next steps in the morning.

Silencer: Right.

Silencer starts walking to the roof exit.

Silencer: Silas, don’t omit details from me ever again.

Silas: Understood.

Silencer departs.

Silas: You’re one difficult client, Silencer, that’s for sure.

Silas takes a sip from his glass.

Silas: But don’t worry, that kid just screwed himself. The school year is over, so Hayze will be on the bench for the next few months while you can show the world that it’s time for a new age of heroes.

Silas’ phone starts ringing.

Silas: Hm?

Silas picks up the call.

Silas: Hello?

Domino: *phone* That was some stunt you pulled.

Silas smiles.

Silas: Domino, this is unexpected.

Domino: Really? Our clients just duked it out on National Television. The top two trending topics on Blue Bird are Hayze and Silencer.

Silas: Mhm, so why are you calling me? Want to schedule a public apology? Because Silencer refuses.

Domino: No, I’m calling to threaten you.

This catches Silas off guard.

Silas: What?

Domino: I know why a radical like Silencer chose you as his agent. You’re willing to do things others aren’t, such as condoning your client to maim a villain on live TV.

Silas: Your point?

Domino: After what happened tonight, you have two options. A, ignore Hayze and let time dictate his public perception or B, knock him down yourself.

Silas takes a sip.

Silas: Those are my “only” two options?

Domino: Don’t be coy; I’ve been in this business far longer than you. You’re unorthodox, but you’re not stupid. You’ve already chosen which one you’re going with.

Silas: Interesting theory, so where does that leave you?

Domino: Well, I know for a fact you chose option A.

Silas’ grip on his glass tightens.

Silas: Oh, I have?

Domino: You’re predictable, so yes.

Silas bites his tongue as Domino smokes his cigarette.

Domino: Anyway, here’s my threat. I’ll make Hayze the talk of the town tomorrow, causing Silencer’s anointment as the number one hero to be an afterthought. When that happens, you will sit quietly and not switch to option B.

Silas grinds his teeth.

Domino: If you do not, I will bury Silencer.

Silas opens his mouth to speak.

Domino: Before you say anything else, I’ll remind you that your client is a borderline vigilante, and mine is a 19-year-old kid. I’ll give you one guess which one has more dirt to uncover.

Silas closes his mouth.

Domino: Alright, that’s all. I love our little talks.

Domino hangs up. Silas immediately throws his phone at the helicopter, breaking it.

Silas: Where do you get off talking to me like that?!

Silas takes a deep breath and composes himself.

Silas: Don’t let him get under your skin. It doesn’t matter what Domino does to prop Hayze up. If the Association’s rules fail, he’ll fall. He knows that. Why else would he call me? He wants to pretend he’s confident, but he knows his client backed himself into a corner. I promised Silencer I would help change the hero world, and I won’t let some twerp student stop that. Everything will be fine.

Domino takes a massive inhale of his cigarette and blows a huge cloud of smoke.

Domino: (That should keep Silas and Silencer off our backs, but I must make sure Hayze stays in the public eye. If he stays dormant for the whole Summer, we’re playing with fire. The kid took his fate out of his hands, and now it’s my job to get it back. But how?)

Domino flashes back to when he first met Hayze. The two enter his room.

Domino: Where can I sit?

Hayze: Uh, my desk chair is fine. There’s some stuff on it, but you can move that.

Domino: Okay,

Domino goes to Hayze’s chair and picks up some papers stacked on the seat. On top of the pile is Hayze’s S.S. Badge. Domino picks it up and examines it.

Domino: What’s this?

Hayze: Oh, that’s my S.S. Badge.

Domino: S.S.?

Hayze: Soul Survivor. It was a long-term tournament the school had going on to replace the Sports Festival. That badge signifies whether a student is or isn’t still in it.

Domino: Interesting, but I can’t tell whether you’re in the tournament or not.

Hayze: That’s because, after the Vanguard incident, the tournament was put on hiatus. We still haven’t gotten an update on when or if it will resume.

Domino: How many people were left?

Hayze: I’m not sure, but it couldn’t be too many. Aaron’s team wiped out most of the student body during our coup, so almost the school was eliminated.

Domino: Hm. Well, enough about that.

Hayze takes a seat on his bed as Domino sits at Hayze’s desk.

Domino: Do you mind if I smoke in here?

The flashback ends.

Domino: (Maybe…)

Jagger enters Scarlett’s holding area with a bag.

Mara: Jagger? What are you-

Jagger: Master requires your services.

Mara: Hm? Why?

Jagger: I’m not allowed to say he wants to speak to you privately. I’ll take over your shift.

Mara: Okay.

Mara looks at the bag Jagger is holding.

Mara: (Should I ask? No… there’s no need.)

Mara departs.

Scarlett: Lying to her about Iota? Interesting.

Jagger: I’m not lying. He actually wants her. I had to volunteer to “watch” you, of course.

Scarlett: What does he need her for?

Jagger: Iota wants to locate the gate sooner rather than later.

Scarlett: Why is he in such a rush?

Jagger: Once he confirms or denies Vanguard’s story, he can make his next move accordingly. If the Gate is real, our priorities will shift.

Scarlett: I see…

Jagger: Mara is highly intelligent, so he wants her to assist Zaire in using Vanguard’s last name to find more clues.

Scarlett: Not you?

Jagger: *nasal grunt* He initially wanted me, but I recommended Mara instead. If we can get her out of this room more often, we can have more face-to-face meetings. Also, I needed to get Zaire off my back.

Scarlett: Smart… so, what’s in that bag?

Jagger: A gift.

Jagger offers Scarlett the bag.

Jagger: It was your idea that got me out of that situation with Zaire, so it’s the least I can do.

Scarlett looks through the bag.

Jagger: A new change of underwear is all you’ll get for clothing. They’ll know something is up if they can see you’ve changed.

Scarlett: Oh, and a nice bag of blood. Where did you get this?

Jagger: Our medical supplies. We have them for transfusions. Nobody will notice if a random A+ goes missing.

Scarlett: Not my favorite flavor, but good enough.

Scarlett starts downing the blood.

Scarlett: Ah… this is nice, but I’ll need more from you eventually.

Jagger: Like what?

Scarlett: Out of this cell would be a start… unless you prefer I stay in here?

Jagger: I do.

Scarlett laughs.

Scarlett: I appreciate your honesty. Even if it does hurt my feelings.

Jagger: I don’t want you rebuilding your criminal empire to be on my plate. Besides, Iota will never allow you to leave this place while he’s alive.

Scarlett: I know, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

Scarlett finishes the blood bag.

Scarlett: *moans* I prefer it from the source, but I haven’t had human blood in so long… It’s so delicious…

Jagger: Quit being a freak and change. Discard that empty blood bag and your disgusting old garments in the bag. I can’t let you keep any contraband.

Scarlett: Fine…

Scarlett begins removing her underwear.

Scarlett: Tell me something, Jagger.

Jagger: Hm?

Scarlett: What will you do if Iota decides to execute me?

Jagger stares at Scarlett.

Jagger: Why do you ask?

Scarlett: I’ve been in this prison for half a year. He’s kept me alive as a future asset, but the future is here, and I’m still unused.

Jagger: He won’t kill you. Feeding you a rat for dinner isn’t a hassle, and you’re not a threat in this state.

Scarlett: That doesn’t answer my question.

Jagger narrows his eyes.

Jagger: This is a partnership, but I’m not willing to risk myself further than necessary. I know you feel the same way. If Iota orders your execution, I’ll protest, but not enough to arouse suspicion.

Scarlett smiles. She places her old underwear and the empty blood bag in the bag and hands it to Jagger.

Scarlett: Thank you.

Jagger: I’ll be back. I need to dispose of this bag.

Jagger exits.

Scarlett: (He’s a helpful asset, but it’s clear that if I want out of this prison, I need to have my hands in more than one cookie jar.)

The following morning at Hayze’s house, Hayze is seated on his couch, staring at his off TV.

Hayze: (Do I dare…)

Hayze glances at his phone.

Hayze: (I haven’t turned that on since last night… I really don’t want to talk about it…)

There’s a knock on Hayze’s door. His entire body gets tense.

Hayze: (None of the lights are on; they have no reason to believe I’m home.)

The person keeps knocking.

Hayze: (Who could it be? It can’t be Blair; she said she’d be busy today. Domino? Maybe, but he’ll give up eventually. OH GOD, WHAT IF IT’S-)

A pink translucent brick smashes through Hayze’s window.

Hayze: WHAT THE FUCK?!

Saige: *muffled* I KNEW YOU WERE IN THERE! HAYZE, OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW!

Hayze: *sighs* Do I have to?

Suddenly, Hayze’s door gets blasted down by a cannonball.

Hayze: JESUS CHRIST! I WAS KIDDING!

Saige enters Hayze’s house.

Saige: That’s what happens when you ignore me!

Hayze: What are you, a dog?

Saige: Ruff!

Hayze: Goddammit…

Saige: So, you did things last night.

Hayze stares at Saige.

Hayze: Just get to the point…

Saige: Have you seen the news?

Hayze: I’d rather not.

Saige beats Hayze over the head with a baseball bat.

Hayze: AHHHHH!

Saige sits down on the couch and puts Hayze’s concussed head in her lap.

Saige: Let’s watch it together!

Hayze: *groans*

Saige: Good attitude!

Saige starts flipping through various news channels.

Commentator 1: Silencer was entirely out of line. What the hell is he doing? He’s supposed to be the number one hero. Act like it.

Commentator 2: What Silencer did last night was rebel against the Hero Association, and I was more than happy to see it. The Association has lied to us and concealed information that we have a right to know. I don’t trust them, and I’m glad our new number-one hero doesn’t either.

Commentator 3: Adam Hayze is a student, and he had the guts to get on that stage and tell Silencer precisely what everyone should have been thinking. “Where do you get off?” I understand the Association has given us many reasons to not believe in them, but these people have defended us for YEARS. Why is Silencer so special that he can do something like that? It’s laughable that we needed a student to tell Silencer off when nine top heroes were on that stage.

Commentator 4: We saw the immaturity of a kid that many people have put too much stock into. Did Adam Hayze defeat Vanguard? Yes. But he is a STUDENT, and he showcased that beautifully last night. Silencer’s methods are extreme, but he has a point, and as the number one hero, he has the right to convey that point without a teenager lecturing him.

Commentator 5: Did that not feel like something Colossus would do? Regardless of your feelings on the Hero Association and Silencer, we can all agree that this kid is special. Aster Maddox, a.k.a. Phoenix, was on that stage following in Colossus’ footsteps, but I have more faith in Hayze than-

Hayze turns off the TV.

Saige: So?

Hayze: So what? I hate hearing my name mentioned in the same vein as Colossus… What have I done to deserve that?

Saige: Seriously?

Hayze: I know I beat Vanguard and Iota, kind of… but Colossus was unstoppable. I’m not…

Saige: Who cares?

Hayze: Huh?

Saige: Hayze, I wanted you to see what people were saying about you for one reason: their opinions don’t matter. Sure, everyone’s treating you like you’re Colossus, but you’re not. So, stop worrying about that. You’re Hayze, and you’re already a great hero. If you become the greatest, that’s awesome, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t.

Hayze and Saige sit in silence as Hayze takes in Saige’s words.

Hayze: Thanks… Saige… that helps.

Saige: Good, then we need to discuss something else.

Hayze: Huh?

Saige starts twirling her baseball bat.

Saige: You need to grow up and not throw tantrums anymore!

Hayze: *nervous grunt*

Saige: Silencer made you mad, but you can’t burst out like that! IT’S NOT A GOOD THING!

Hayze: I couldn’t let him keep badmouthing the-

Saige: Yes! Yes, you could!

Hayze: I… Fine, I didn’t want to-

Saige: Hayze, remember that talk we had after Alaska? Sometimes, the right thing to do isn’t the best thing to do!

Hayze goes quiet.

Hayze: I… yeah, I remember.

Saige: You put yourself in danger doing that. Do you think Blair, Blaze, or our other friends want that? No.

Hayze: I know…

Saige: Do you? Because you keep doing the same thing over and over again!

Hayze is in deep thought.

Hayze: Everything I thought I knew about being a hero… feels like it was wrong. It was on this couch I vowed to be the hero that would save everyone. But… that promise made me-

Saige slaps Hayze.

Hayze: AH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!

Saige: You just made a mistake. There’s no need to go through an identity crisis. Just promise me you’ll stop making that stupid mistake anymore!

Hayze: *sighs* Okay, I will.

Saige: Good! Then we-

Suddenly, the two of them hear a beeping sound.

Saige: Huh?

Hayze: What’s that?

Hayze and Saige stand up and head towards the noise.

Hayze: It’s in here.

Hayze enters his bedroom and locates the noise source: his S.S. Badge.

Hayze: What the?

Hayze picks up the badge, and the alarm stops. The display shows text.

Hayze: U.A. Fountain, 9 p.m.

Saige: It looks like the hiatus is over.

Hayze: Weird timing… You should head back home and check your badge-

Hayze turns around to see Saige hiding a spycam on his bookshelf.

Hayze: Saige!

Saige: What, you’re okay with the 15 I have in your dorm room, but this one crosses the line?

Hayze: THEY ALL CROSSED THE LINE!

Saige: I’m sorry, I thought this was America!

Hayze: It is! And that’s against the law!

Saige: *huffs*

Hayze: What are you pouting for!

Saige: Well, I guess we’d better head to my apartment.

Saige grabs Hayze’s hand and starts dragging him.

Hayze: Huh? Why do I have to come?!

Saige: I’ll get lonely!

Hayze: When aren’t you lonely?!

Saige: When I’m with you!

Hayze: *sighs*

Saige: Hey, now that I think about it… where are the others?

Hayze: Huh? You mean like Calm and Impulse?

Saige: Yeah, I thought they were staying with you.

Hayze: They are. Calm is actually meditating in his room right now.

Saige: Oh, are we disturbing him?

Hayze: Probably.

Calm is trying to tone out Saige and Hayze’s voices.

Calm: *sighs*

Saige smirks.

Saige: What if he’s doing something else that starts with ‘M?’

Hayze: Please stop…

Saige: Fine, what about the others?

Hayze: Gale’s on date.

Saige: With whom?

Gale is seated with Whitney and Charlotte at a table, who give each other death stares.

Gale: (I gotta keep my floozies in order.)

Impulse is seated at another table.

Impulse: *sighs* Jesus, Gale…

Saige laughs.

Saige: That’s awesome!

Hayze: Yeah, Impulse is on standby to rescue him if things go wrong.

Saige: And what about Wrath?

Hayze: He didn’t say…

Wrath is at a bookstore, wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, and a mask.

Wrath: “How to Speak to Women for Dummies.” No, that’s not good enough.

Wrath finds a different book.

Wrath: Ah, this one is perfect.

The book is titled: “How to Speak to Angry Women for Dummies.”

Saige: Well, that’s great. NOW COME ON!

Hayze: Yay… I didn’t have anything to do today…

Saige: Nope, not when you’re with me!

That night, Hayze and Saige arrive at U.A.’s main gate.

Hayze: I guess it’s time to find out what this is about.

Aaron: *from afar* Hayze! Saige!

They look to their side to see Aaron and Alexis approaching.

Hayze: Hey, Aaron and Alexis.

Aaron: It looks like it’s time for this tournament to get back underway! I’m fucking ready!

Saige: That’s good… but something seems different about you.

Alexis: He lost a lot of weight.

Aaron: Deadweight, to be specific.

Saige: Oh, right! Where’s Wes?

Aaron: Eh, he probably didn’t get invited.

Wes is hiding behind a nearby tree.

Wes: (FUCK YOU, AARON! I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO GET DRAGGED HERE BY MY ANKLES!)

Hayze: Well, let’s head inside and see what’s happening.

Hayze, Aaron, Saige, and Alexis enter through the gate. Wes scurries in behind them.

Wes: (Haha! Fuck you, Aaron!)

Walker, Ewing, Adrian, Daniele, Yul, and Aster are at the fountain. In front of them is a crowd of 11 students: Blair, Gus, Zach, Ash, Gavin, Alec, Bruno, Romeo, Grace, Sydney, and Tobias.

Walker: Ah, there’s the last of them.

Zach: Hayze! Aaron! There you guys are!

Blair: I was starting to wonder if you guys were invited.

Alexis: Don’t worry, we were.

Aaron: Interesting crowd… where are Justus and Silver?

Walker clears his throat to get everyone’s attention.

Walker: Thank you all for being here. We’re glad we got 16 out of 17.

Aaron: 17? So, someone else is supposed to be here?

Walker: Yes, but I’ll explain that in a few minutes. For now, listen to Ewing.

Hayze: (Just Ewing?)

Ewing steps forward.

Ewing: It’s good to see all of you.

Ewing goes quiet.

Hayze: /Is something wrong with him?/

Saige: /Not that I’m aware of, but I’ve never seen him like this./

Ewing: I guess I should tell you now rather than wait until the start of next year.

Aaron: Huh?

Alexis: What’s he talking about?

Ewing: Starting in a few months, I will no longer be the principal of U.A.

Everyone is shocked.

Zach: What?! Why?!

Walker: You kids may have found a way around getting punished for committing a coup against this school, but there are consequences to any action in the real world.

Ewing: Vanguard infiltrated this school, first as a brainwashing cult and then physically as a staff member. Most of the student body was assimilated into doing his bidding, mildly setting back their education and worrying their parents and guardians. That was my fault.

Ash: But… weren’t you under his control?

Zach: Yeah! They can’t blame you for that!

Walker: They can, and they did.

Ash and Zach are taken aback.

Ewing: Someone had to take the fall, and I deserved to be that person.

Gus: But then, who will be our new principal? Mr. Walker or Adrian?

Adrian: No, the Hero Association has formed a committee to find Ewing’s replacement. Walker is a member; they’ll begin that process within the next week.

Hayze: (This obviously isn’t a decision they made recently; why tell us now?)

Ewing: The Association gave me the privilege of finishing off this last year as Principal. They could have dismissed me on the spot and had Adrian or Walker take over as Interim Principal, but they didn’t out of respect for my career. So now that the year is up, I’m basically a “lame duck” principal. However… We still have some unfinished business.

Everyone’s interest is piqued.

Ewing: At the time of the S.S. Tournament’s suspension, 25 students remained.

Bruno: 25? Where did you get that number?

Walker: On the day of your coup, your S.S. Badges were still tracking your battles. Anyone standing here was either not defeated or lost to someone not in the tournament.

Hayze: (That explains why Justus and Silver aren’t here.)

Saige: Technically, Sydney, Blair, Ash, and I were defeated by Hayze. And Romeo was dominated by Gale.

Hayze and Romeo: Why do you have to mention that…

Walker: The only matches that counted were those that involved a member of the Vanguard. And Gale was not a part of the tournament, despite being a piece of Hayze.

Adrian: Anyone who was a part of the Vanguard was eliminated that day alongside Demetri, Silver, and Eve, who were defeated by Justus.

Alexis: But you mentioned there were 25, and 16 of us are here. So, who is missing?

Ash: Wait… are you counting Kevin?!

Walker: Yes, Kevin was a part of the tournament when it was established and was not eliminated. He’s not here because I assume he doesn’t have his badge.

Hayze: I have it; I’ll track him down.

Walker: Good.

Adrian: Aster, Daniele, and Yul were also still in the tournament, but…

Aster: It’d be pretty unfair for us to continue competing.

Daniele: So we’re bowing out.

Yul: Mhm.

Walker: Yes, however, they each will give their badge to someone else to fight in their place. This can be anyone of their choosing.

Hayze: Okay, so that makes 20. Who are the last five?

Adrian pulls out four S.S. Badges.

Adrian: Tyson, Angel, Karma, and Hailey were still in the tournament when they passed.

Everyone gets quiet.

Ewing: We think it would be best if the four new students were allowed to join the tournament in their honor.

Hayze: You mean Calm, Gale, Impulse, and Wrath?

Walker: Yes, and if any of them win, the Association will make a large donation to the families of those students. If they don’t win, they’ll get a smaller one.

Ash: That’s a good idea.

Zach: Yeah, I’m sure Angel wouldn’t want his spot going to waste.

Walker: Then it’s settled. 24 students will compete, with 3 to be determined.

Gus: But, wait, wasn’t there another-

Walker: Any questions?

Aaron: I know you’ll probably get to this soon, but I’m ready now. Compete in what?

Ewing smiles.

Ewing: A tournament, what else?

Zach: Another one?

Wes: *from afar* Yay… I get to lose in the first round again…

Aaron: Was that Wes?

Wes hides behind a tree.

Aaron: It must have been the wind.

Ewing: Don’t worry, this will be a special tournament. One you’ve never been a part of before.

Alec: Huh?

Bruno: What do you mean, sir?

Ewing: It’ll be a Battle Royale.

Everyone is surprised.

Ewing: 24 Students will enter a single arena for one massive battle. The winner will be the last man or woman standing.

Aaron: *nasal grunt* Sounds fun!

Walker: We won’t give you any technical details, but this will act similar to the Showcase Festival from last year.

Adrian: You’ll have a chance to compete in front of a live stadium of people once again.

Zach, Grace, and Aaron look pumped. Wes is worried, while Alec, Sydney, and Tobias try to hide their excitement.

Ewing: This tournament will be my final act as Principal of U.A. All I ask… is for you to put on a great show.

Aaron: Oh, we will.

Sydney: Will the prize be the same as expected for the winner?

Walker: No, but the prize will remain a mystery until the Battle Royale is complete.

Sydney: Boring…

Walker: Let’s just say it’s something worth fighting for.

Aaron: Good enough for me!

Adrian: We’ve already sent out the promos and advertisements, so get ready. This is going to be a big event.

Hayze smiles.

Hayze: (I see… between the roar of the crowd, the mystery prize, and Ewing’s retirement. They want us to know we have to put everything into this tournament. I know, I will. I’m no fool. I’m public enemy number one in this Battle Royale. I might even get teamed up on. So, this is my chance to prove to myself that no matter the situation, I will win.)

Hayze looks around at his classmates.

Hayze: (Now that I think about it… this is an opportunity for everyone here to prove they’ve got what it takes to be the best among us.)

Aaron: (I may have stumbled along the way, but this is my chance to finally win something! I won’t let it pass me by!)

Zach: (I’ve been passed over too many times, I’m gonna show everyone what I can do now!)

Wes: (A battle royale means I can’t lose in the first round! YES! HAHAHA!)

Blair: (I made it to the finals of our last tournament, so there’s only one thing left for me.)

Ewing: The S.S. Battle Royale will begin one week from tomorrow. Train well because this is your final chance to show the world you’re the next best hero prospect.

Everyone looks ready.

Ewing: We’re ready for a brawl.

After everyone has departed, Ewing, Adrian, Walker, Aster, Daniele, and Yul meet with one another.

Ewing: So, do any of you know who you’ll be giving your badge to?

Yul: I’m unsure… Demetri, Isaiah, and Jace were a part of my mock agency, but I don’t think they deserve a second chance in this tournament.

Daniele: Same here. Lilith was my only student who didn’t make the cut, but I’m not chomping at the bit to give her a shot.

Adrian: Aster?

Aster is in deep thought.

Aster: Well, honestly… I kind of just want to see the best fight possible.

Yul: So, you’re leaning towards Justus or Silver?

Aster: They’re the best on the bench, that’s for sure.

Daniele: Well, I can choose Silver if you pick Justus.

Aster: Yeah… Yul, do you mind picking Justus instead?

Yul: No, but why?

Aster: Principal Ewing, Mr. Walker, and Adrian, do I have to choose a student to give my badge to?

The three heroes look at each other.

Walker: Depends… who do you have in mind?

Aster smiles.

Aster: A blood relative of mine.