Blaze emerges in the water below the coin machine.

Blaze: *groans* I failed…

A life preserver splashes into the water beside Blaze.

Blaze: Huh?

Blaze looks over at the loser boat filled with the other eliminated competitors. Wes is being lifted out of the water via a crane.

Blair: Come on, Blaze! You’ll catch a cold!

Saige: And maybe pink-eye. Alden just pooped in that pool.

Blaze: Yay…

Blair and Saige help Blaze into the boat.

Blaze: *pained grunt*

Saige: *yelling* Recovery Girl, Blaze is here!

Recovery Girl: *from afar* Alright, send him down, but I’ll be a minute. I’ve got my hands full with Calm and Bruno.

Saige: You heard the woman.

Blair helps Blaze to his feet.

Blair: Are you alright?

Blaze: I’m hurt in many places, but it’s nothing Recovery Girl can’t fix.

Blair: I’m not talking about your physical health. I know this tournament meant a lot to you.

Blaze: H- How?

Blair: Because you have that same look Hayze does when he feels like he let someone down.

Blaze is surprised.

Blaze: I just… I wanted to prove myself not just to you guys but to everyone. This was my chance to show you how strong I am.

Blair: Why?

Blaze: Wh- Huh?

Blair: What do you have to prove? You left your life in the future to come back and save humanity. I know Hayze and I weren’t there, and it wasn’t all that great, but you had a family. That takes more strength than so many people could ever possess. You’ve seen more tragedy and experienced more genuine pain than any of us. Strength isn’t just being able to win battles. You proved yourself the moment you arrived here.

Blaze stares at Blair.

Blaze: How… how did you know I was never planning on returning to my timeline?

Blair: Because as much as Saige annoys me, I know she probably cared about you a lot. And she would have wanted you to stay here with us.

Blaze: Y- you’re right… she did.

Blair: So, do you feel better?

Blaze: Yeah, I do.

Blair: Then go get healed quickly so we can watch Hayze win this thing together.

Blaze: Right!

Blaze heads inside the boat.

Saige: That was so adorable.

Blair: Thank you, Saige.

Saige: Hm? For what?

Blair: Obviously, it wasn’t this version of you, but… thank you for raising my son to be so great.

Saige smiles.

Saige: You’re welcome, Blair.

Blair: *sighs* Although, I have to admit I’m surprised you didn’t fuck him up.

Saige: Oh, me too!

Blair: That’s comforting…

Saige: I’m going to make him call me Aunty.

Blair: Please don’t.

Justus falls to a knee.

Aaron: Doing alright there, Justus?

Justus: Peachy… How come you’re not suffering from massive blood loss? You’ve had that bolt in your chest for a long time now.

Aaron: Yeah, but my blood loss was paused while I was fused with Wes, so I’m still okay.

Silver: Don’t feel bad, Justus. We’ve all got our issues.

Aaron’s arms are slightly red and steaming. Silver’s arm wounds have worsened to the point where he can barely lift them. Kevin’s suit is tattered, and Hayze’s many minor wounds have added up.

Aaron: Yeah! No excuses!

Hayze: So, why didn’t you guys include me in your little plan?

Silver: We knew you’d be against the spirit of it.

Kevin: And we couldn’t let it be too obvious that we were setting the stage for this showdown, so we included Tobias and Grace in the plan. Of course, Tobias had the same idea, so it didn’t take much to convince him.

Aaron: We were planning to wipe them out at the end, but Grace was defeated by someone else, and Tobias betrayed us. So, it all worked out.

Hayze: Interesting. I guess your intuition was correct. I’m not exactly a fan of this inorganic setup, but now we’re here, and I won’t hold back. So, how are we gonna do this?

Aaron, Kevin, Silver, and Justus look at Hayze.

Hayze: Oh… I see.

Aaron: Consider it a compliment, Hayze.

Kevin: Yeah, you’re the guy who beat Vanguard.

Silver: You’re not stronger than us.

Justus: But we know if we don’t work together to take you out, you’ll find a way to outsmart us to victory.

Hayze: (Fighting four of the strongest opponents I’ve ever faced simultaneously? I’m excited, but at the same time… this could get ugly if I don’t come up with a plan fast.)

Domino smokes his cigarette.

Domino: (This is perfect; now, if Hayze loses, he has the excuse that these four had to team up to defeat him, and if he wins, his popularity will go through the roof.)

Aaron transforms his arms into a mortar.

Aaron: Ballistic Bombardment Times 10!

Aaron launches 10 mortar shells into the sky, and they rain down upon everyone.

Kevin, Silver, and Justus: Huh?!

Hayze: Shadow Sneak!

Hayze sinks into his shadow as the mortars rain down upon Kevin, Silver, and Justus.

Kevin, Silver, and Justus: AHHHHHH!

Aaron reverts his arms. They’re a slightly darker shade of red.

Aaron: Dammit, he dodged! Oh no, guys!

Kevin: What the fuck, Aaron?!

Silver: You’re lucky my armor absorbed most of that!

Justus: Speak for yourself…

Aaron: Sorry, guys. I underestimated the spread of those mortars; my bad!

Kevin, Silver, and Justus: *frustrated grunts*

Hayze watches from inside the shadow world.

Hayze: (I’m not surprised that Aaron wants to win. He cares about beating me, but he won’t let the others have a leg up on him once I’m gone. If I want to break up this merry band, I need to exploit that.)

Aaron has rocket launchers pointed at the ground.

Aaron: Alright, Hayze! Come on out, or else we’ll find out how many rockets it takes to get to the center of your shadow.

Silver: Aaron, that’s never going to work.

Aaron: Not with that attitude!

Silver: *frustrated grunt* (Aaron’s in this for himself. He intentionally blasted the rest of us so we’d be weaker for the final battle. Whatever, I don’t need any advantages. I’ll wipe all three of them out when the time comes, regardless of my status.)

Justus: Silver! Behind you!

Silver: Huh?!

Hayze has emerged from Silver’s shadow with his executioner’s blade in hand.

Hayze: Sinister Slash!

Aaron: I’ve got it!

Silver: Don’t even think about it!

Silver creates a thick layer of silver armor on his torso to block and absorb Hayze’s attack.

Silver: Nice try; I’m flattered you targeted me first.

Hayze: Who said anything about that?

Hayze uses shadow paralysis on Silver and immediately chucks his sword at Aaron.

Hayze: Heads up!

Aaron: Oh, that’s adorable!

Silver: Aaron, don’t!

Aaron fires two rockets; the first one hits and destroys Hayze’s sword.

Hayze: Good luck, buddy.

Hayze sinks into his shadow.

Silver: Are you kidding me-

Silver gets hit by Aaron’s rocket, sending him flying.

Aaron: Oops.

Silver: *groans* Fucking… Christ…

Kevin looks down at his melted boot.

Kevin: MKIII, are we capable of flight?

MKIII: Nope.

Kevin: Okay… then tell me… should I trust Aaron, Justus, and Silver?

MKIII: Justus trustworthiness: 82%, Silver 46%, and dropping, Aaron 0%.

Kevin: Good to know… I’ll keep that in mind.

Silver is slow to his feet.

Silver: Aaron, if you do that again, I will kick your ass!

Aaron: Like you could!

Justus: Remember our goal, guys! We can’t turn on each other already!

Silver: Don’t act like you don’t know what he’s up to, Justus!

Justus: *grunts* I do, but-

Kevin: Let’s cut the chit-chat and get back to the action!

Aaron, Justus, and Silver: Huh?

Kevin’s shoulder plates open and fire two spheres into the air. He then puts sunglasses on.

Kevin: Let’s draw him out of the shadows! Flash Flare!

The spheres burst into blinding lights that brighten the entire arena.

Aaron, Justus, and Silver: AHHHH!

All the shadows in the arena are eradicated, forcing Hayze out of the shadow world and blinding him like everyone else.

Hayze: *grunts* Clever move, Kevin!

Kevin: You didn’t think I’d show up today with a couple surprises?

Hayze: Are you saying you had that installed specially for me?

Kevin: Perhaps, but now that I’ve got you where I want you…

A cylindrical device emerges from the wrist of Kevin’s exoskeleton and shifts into his hand.

MKIII: Converting Adrenaline into Plasma.

A beam of concentrated plasma shoots up from the cylinder; Kevin wields it as a sword.

Kevin: It’s time for me to get even!

Kevin bursts toward Hayze.

Hayze: (I can’t see, and my shadows are useless in this blinding light! How do I defend!)

Voice: (You don’t need the dark to make someone scared!)

Hayze: (Huh? What the?!)

Hayze’s white eye glows. Kevin slashes at Hayze.

Kevin: You’re going down, Hayze!

Hayze bites the plasma blade, stopping Kevin.

Kevin: Wh- what!

The crowd is shocked.

Ivy: Did he just bite plasma?!

Walker: (What the hell…)

Domino drops his cigarette.

Domino: (What?)

Kevin’s flash bombs deactivate and fall to the ground; he’s paralyzed with shock.

Aaron: What happened?! *frustrated grunt* My eyes are burning!

Kevin: How- How the hell…

Kevin notices a shadow hand emerging from between Hayze’s teeth, grabbing the sword. Making it appear as though he bit it.

Kevin: What?!

Justus regains his vision.

Justus: Kevin! Look out!

Kevin: Huh?

Hayze has materialized his shadow crossbow, shooting a bolt point-blank into Kevin’s lower abdomen.

Kevin: AHH!

Kevin falls over in pain. Hayze laughs.

Hayze: You may have destroyed all the shadows in the arena, but you couldn’t eliminate the ones inside my body!

The crowd cheers.

Blair: The shadows inside his body?

Saige: Wow…

Hayze turns his attention to Aaron.

Hayze: You’re next!

Hayze dispels his crossbow.

Hayze: Let’s have some fun!

Hayze materializes a new shadow weapon: a scythe with a hilt as long as he is tall.

Hayze: Shadow Scythe!

Hayze dives into his shadow. The blade of his scythe pokes out of the ground like a shark fin.

Hayze: Darkness Dive!

Hayze rushes toward Aaron.

Aaron: Woah! (This is aggressive for Hayze’s standards!)

Aaron aims his rocket at Hayze’s scythe blade.

Aaron: (But what if-)

Hayze appears behind Aaron.

Aaron: (He’s already behind me!)

Six shadow arms appear from Hayze’s back.

Hayze: Octuple Oscillation!

Hayze begins beating Aaron with a barrage of punches with his eight arms.

Aaron: *pained grunts*

Hayze finishes the barrage with a four-fist uppercut, sending Aaron through the air and crashing against the ground.

Aaron: *groans* Nice shot…

Hayze: And there’s more where that came from!

The crowd cheers again.

Adrian: (Something’s off…)

Hayze’s eye stops glowing.

Hayze: (What the hell was that?)

Justus jets toward Hayze.

Justus: Hammer of Justice!

Hayze: (Oh shit!)

Hayze is caught off guard, but he’s able to protect himself with a wall of shadows.

Justus: That won’t save you! Hammer of Justice: Final Order!

Justus’ fist collides with the shadow wall and smashes through it.

Hayze: Are you serious?!

Justus’ monstrous punch collides with Hayze’s chest, sending him flying.

Hayze: AHHHH!

Hayze rams into a coin pile in immense pain.

Hayze: *groans* Gonna feel that in the morning…

Justus: You’re lucky your shadows and my injuries severely weakened my attack. You wouldn’t be conscious otherwise.

Hayze: Yeah… I kind of figured.

Hayze coughs up blood.

Hayze: (“severely weakened” my ass. Justus hits harder than a Mack Truck going 100.)

Justus is breathing heavily. He’s starting to turn pale.

Justus: (I don’t have much longer… if I want to win… I have to do it now!)

Justus charges toward Hayze.

Justus: This is the end, Hayze! Colossal Justice!

Hayze: *grunts* (I can try to nail him with my shadow paralysis!)

Aaron: Cerulean Skyfire!

40 rockets descend down upon Justus and Hayze. Each one splits into four smaller rockets propelled by blue flames.

Justus: Aaron! What are you-

Aaron: I’m taking down two birds with one stone!

Hayze painfully stands up on the coin pile.

Hayze: (Looks like this is it for Justus and me!)

Voice: (Not if you use your full potential!)

Hayze’s white eye glows again.

Hayze: Shadow Scratch!

Hayze creates a shadow kunai and chucks it at Aaron’s shadow, piercing it.

Aaron: Huh?

Hayze: It’s time for you to become my shadow puppet!

Aaron’s arms transform into bazookas that fire rockets into his Cerulean Skyfire.

Aaron: Huh?!

The rockets collide, causing a massive chain reaction as all 42 missiles explode, showering the arena in smoke.

Aaron: *coughs* (How did he do that?!)

Hayze’s eye stops glowing.

Hayze: (Shadow Scratch? I’ve never used that before!)

Justus: Now, where were we!

Justus lunges at Hayze through the smoke.

Hayze: Shadow Sneak!

Hayze sinks into his shadow again.

Justus: Dammit!

Hayze floats in the shadow world.

Hayze: (What’s happening to me? I’m not losing control like I used to, but… it feels like I’m a different person.)

Voice: That’s because you are.

Hayze: Huh?!

Khaos has appeared in the shadow world.

Hayze: Kh- Khaos! You’re alive! How?!

Khaos: No, I’m not.

Hayze: Wh- huh?

Khaos: I’m just a hallucination. I’m a manifestation of your subconscious.

Hayze: So… I’m going crazy?

Khaos: No, but you’ve been under a lot of stress lately.

Hayze: Yeah, I have…

Khaos: You’re afraid.

Hayze: Of course I am, after what happened with Vanguard… I don’t know if I have what it takes to be the best. I led Angel, Karma, Tyson… and you to your deaths. Sure, I beat Vanguard, but what if that was just a fluke? What if that’s the best I’ll ever do. Everyone’s looking at me to be their hero, but for the first time… I’m not sure I can be. What if… what if their faith in me leads them to the same fate as you?

Khaos punches Hayze.

Hayze: Ah! What was that for?!

Khaos: To help you wake up. Why are you afraid?

Hayze: I just told you!

Khaos: No, you told me what you’re afraid of. Now, tell me why.

Hayze thinks for a moment.

Hayze: I don’t know if I’m good enough.

Khaos: Why? You’ve beaten many tough opponents and outsmarted the best of them, including me. What else is there for you to prove?

Hayze: I…

Hayze clenches his fist.

Hayze: I don’t know why I’m afraid!

Khaos: Well, then, don’t be.

Hayze: Is it really that easy?

Khaos: If you let your fear control you, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. People are counting on you if you let doubt hold you back. You know what will happen.

Hayze: Right… Thanks, Khaos.

Khaos: Thank yourself. I don’t exist anymore, and neither do you.

Hayze: Wh- what?

Khaos: I didn’t die, Hayze. I became a part of you again. You gained my power, and I don’t just mean my quirk.

Hayze: Huh?

Khaos: You also gained my confidence and ruthlessness.

Hayze: I don’t think I want one of those.

Khaos: Why? You always had it. It was just locked away inside your mind. Then, when I was born, it was freed. Now, it’s time for you to finally tap into your true power. It’s time for you to become me.

Khaos holds out his fist.

Khaos: We are one now, Hayze. Embrace the power.

Hayze hesitates.

Hayze: What happens if I can’t go back?

Khaos: What did I just tell you? You can’t let your fear control you.

Hayze stares at Khaos.

Hayze: Alright…

Hayze fist bumps Khaos.

Hayze: Let’s go win this thing.

In the arena, everyone is on edge.

Silver: (Where is he?)

Aaron: Got any more of those flash bombs, Kev?

Kevin: No, I was hoping those would be enough.

Aaron: Dummy.

Kevin: Don’t you have grenade launcher arms?

Aaron: Yes.

Kevin: Then why aren’t you-

Aaron: I just wanted to see if I could make you do it.

Kevin: *sighs*

Aaron transforms his arms into grenade launchers.

Aaron: Come out, come out, Hayze!

Hayze appears in the shadow of Justus’ shield halves, holding his scythe.

Aaron: Huh… that was easy.

Hayze: I hope you boys are ready.

Both of Hayze’s eyes are glowing.

Hayze and Khaos: Because things are about to get chaotic.

A circle of shadows appears around Hayze.

Hayze and Khaos: You should never make fun of someone for being afraid of the dark. You never know what nightmares lurk in the shadows!

Hayze becomes engulfed in shadows.

Kevin: What the fuck is that?

Aaron: I don’t know, but I’m not letting it continue!

Aaron fires two flash grenades at Hayze, but hands appear from the shadows around his body and toss them aside.

Aaron: Okay…

The shadows begin jetting into the sky, slowly forming into a massive raven that lets out an enormous screech.

Hayze and Khaos: It’s time to be afraid!

Silver clenches his fist.

Silver: (I was hoping to save this move to win the tournament, but by the looks of this attack… it might be now or never!)

Silver charges toward Hayze.

Justus: Silver!

Kevin: Someone’s revved up!

A myriad of shadow hands appear and attempt to stop Silver, but he uses his blades to slice through them.

Silver: I’m not afraid of your shadows!

Hayze and Khaos: You should be!

Hayze swipes at Silver with his scythe, but Silver blocks with his wrist blades.

Silver: This is now the third time we fought, and I won’t walk away 0 for 3!

Hayze: Yeah, ‘cause you’ll be limping!

Silver: No, I won’t.

Suddenly, Silver disappears into thin air.

Hayze: Huh?!

The whole stadium gasps.

Jace: How did he just do that?!

Lilith: It must be battle gear, right?!

Eve: I didn’t see any on him!

Hayze frantically looks around.

Hayze: (Where is he?!)

Silver: Silver Strike: Black Hollow!

Silver appears behind Hayze and stabs him in the back with his wrist blade.

Hayze: AHHHHHH!

Justus: What was that?!

Silver: Ferrokinetic Invisibility. I coated my body in a fine silver metal, allowing me to reflect light and blend into the background. This was the final technique Black Hollow had begun teaching me… we weren’t able to complete the training, so I had to finish what he started myself!

Hayze coughs up blood.

Silver: And now, as a tribute to him, I’ve used it to defeat my ultimate rival!

Hayze: I’m not done yet!

The Shadow Raven lets out an ear-piercing screech.

Silver: What?!

The Raven dives toward the arena floor.

Hayze: I refuse to lose!

The raven collides with Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin, enshrouding them in a fury of shadows.

Hayze and Khaos: NIHILISTIC NEVERMORE!

Flashes of their darkest memories and most profound fears go through each of their minds.

Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin: AHHHHHHHHHH!

The shadows fade. Aaron, Justus, and Kevin fall to their knees. Silver removes his blade from Hayze’s back and staggers backward before falling to his knees as well. Hayze collapses in pain after staggering forward.

Hayze: Not… done… yet…

All five are breathing heavily, exhausted, and bleeding from multiple wounds.

Fatal: Look at them… they’re all at their limits.

Adrian: Yeah, I’d be surprised if any of them have the energy to stand.

Houston: Well, someone has to win, and it looks like we’ll find out who that is in a few moments.

Hayze, Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin glance at each other.

Aaron: (They’re all weak.)

Aaron transforms one of his arms into a howitzer cannon.

Kevin: (I just need to take them out one at a time.)

Kevin’s laser cannon charges.

Justus: (If I do that.)

Justus reaches for half of his destroyed shield.

Silver: (I can win this thing!)

Silver grinds his wrist blades against the ground, creating silver dust.

Hayze: (They’re going down!)

Hayze creates his shadow crossbow.

Aaron: Half-Howitzer!

Kevin: Final Fusillade 20%!

Justus: Shield Bash!

Silver: Quicksilver Strike!

Hayze: Shadow Shot!

Kevin is decimated by Aaron’s Howitzer blast, Kevin’s plasma beam blasts Justus, Justus’ shield crashes into Silver’s chest, Hayze is pushed by Silver’s dust, and Aaron is skewered by Hayze’s bolt.

Hayze, Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin: AHHHHHHHHHH!

All five fall out of the arena at once, stunning the crowd.

Boom: Are you serious?!

Hayze, Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin splash into the water. The stadium is silent.

Crowd Member: Wait… so nobody wins?

Crowd Member: THAT’S BULLSHIT!

The crowd boos loudly.

Eve: Well, that’s charming.

Boom is panicking.

Boom: Uh… um! I… uh… (WHAT THE FUCK DO WE DO?!)

Walker teleports into Boom’s broadcast booth.

Boom: Oh, Walker! Thank god! What the fuck do we do!

Walker: Go to the replay…

Boom stares at Walker.

Boom: Ladies and Gentlemen! Have no fear! The S.S. Tournament has a winner! Remember, the rules state that competitors are only eliminated when they hit the water, so whoever of our final five splashed down last is our champion!

Everyone looks at the stadium jumbotron as it replays the tournament's finale in slow motion.

Boom: Alright… let’s see what happened.

Justus hits the water first, followed by Kevin.

Boom: In fifth and fourth place, respectively, Justus Grey and Kevin Bohm!

Subsequently, Hayze splashes down… followed by Aaron.

Boom: 3rd Place: Adam Hayze and our Runner-Up: Aaron Zamora! Which means…

Silver hits the water last.

Boom: Our Soul Survivor is… RYNE ‘SILVER’ VERDUGO!

The crowd cheers loudly.

Domino: (Well, he didn’t win, but he came close enough. I’d say this was successful.)

Domino exits.

Domino: (Enjoy your summer break, kid, because come fall. Your life will get crazy.)

The group on the boat fishes out Hayze, Aaron, Silver, Justus, and Kevin. Recovery Girl heals them.

Aaron: *groans* Oh, fuck… did I lose! I blame Wes!

Wes: Wh- HOW!

Kevin: I’m gonna need Gundam’s help getting out of here… I think I’m out of power.

Hayze sits up and looks at the jumbotron displaying Silver as the winner.

Hayze: *sighs*

Silver: What are you upset about?

Hayze: Huh?

Silver: I only won on a technicality. It’s hard to feel victorious because I fell slower than all of you.

Hayze: You say that…

Justus: We were all knocked unconscious by our final attacks. By any other tournament’s standards, it would have been a draw.

Aaron: I still wanted to win. I don’t give a fuck.

Kevin: I kind of give a fuck.

Silver: We went into this tournament hoping to find an answer as to which of us is the strongest, but we only ended up with more questions.

Justus: Well, this time next year… we’ll have our answers.

Hayze: Yeah… we will.

All five laugh together.

Blair: Hayze!

Blair helps Hayze to his feet.

Hayze: Hey, Blair… sorry, I couldn’t take home the victory.

Blair: Who cares? You made it farther than I did, and come on, beating Vanguard is way more impressive than winning this tournament.

Hayze: I guess you might be right…

Blair: “Might?” Hayze, look around.

The crowd is still cheering.

Blair: They don’t care that you came up short. They’re thrilled that U.A. has so many great heroes graduating next year. Especially you.

Hayze stares into the crowd.

Crowd Member: We love you, Hayze!

Crowd Member: You were awesome!

Hayze smiles.

Hayze: (Khaos… you were right. I lost, but they still believe in me. Whatever the challenge may be… I won’t back down. I will fight for everyone… I’m not gonna lie; My doubts aren’t completely gone, but I can never step into a fight doubting myself again. Too many people are counting on me.)

10 minutes later, the arena has reverted to normal. All 25 competitors are gathered in the center, with Ewing and Madame Mummary standing before them.

Ewing: Thank you to everyone for coming to this event and to those watching from home. This tournament was outstanding, and I couldn’t be more proud of this establishment and, more importantly, our students and staff for making it happen. This was a tumultuous year for U.A., but I’m glad we can walk away from it with our heads held high and our spirits even higher. This school is the most incredible hero education institute in the country, and we have the students to show for it!

The crowd cheers.

Crowd: U.A.! U.A.! U.A.!

Ewing gets choked up.

Ewing: Sadly, I will not be returning as principal of this school next year, but I know the future of this school is in good hands.

Madame Mummy hands Ewing a small wooden box.

Ewing: Now, for the tournament winner, Ryne ‘Silver’ Verdugo, please step forward.

Silver approaches Ewing, showered by cheers.

Ewing: Congratulations, Silver, on your victory. I’m proud that as my final act as principal of U.A., I present you with this symbol of your accomplishment here today.

Ewing opens the box, revealing a golden S.S. Badge. Silver takes and admires it.

Silver: Thank you, sir. I will cherish this.

Ewing: You’re welcome, and now for your prize.

Madame Mummy presents Silver with a piece of paper.

Madame Mummy: This coming school year, U.A. will have its first-ever homecoming, and you will choose the theme.

Silver: This uh… seems like a downgrade from the original prize.

Madame Mummy: You staged a coup against the school. Be happy you’re getting a prize.

Silver: Thank you so much.

Ewing: And with that, I’d like to thank you all for joining us for the finale of the S.S. Tournament! It was a pleasure to host this event.

Silas sips a cup of coffee, watching the end of the tournament.

Silas: (Domino, you should have just let that kid dig his own grave.)

Silas’ phone rings, and he answers it.

Silas: I assume you were watching?

Silencer: *phone* Yes, he’s going to be a nuisance.

Silas: I told you I’d take care of him.

Silencer: No, you said we’d let him fall with the Association, and I don’t see that happening. They love him.

Silas: Don’t worry, I have this handled. This was just a minor setback.

Silencer: And how many of those will you allow until they become major? I want to change the hero world. Colossus’ death opened the door for that, but this kid might just shut it if he’s allowed to continue.

Silas: I understand, and I need you to know that I am on your side. I have a plan in place. For the next few months, Adam Hayze is a civilian. The public will lose some interest as he’s out of their sight. Then, when the new school year starts, we’ll pull the rug out from beneath him.

Silencer: How?

Silas: By befriending him.

Silencer: What? You’re going to make friends with him?

Silas: No.

Silas picks up a file from the table next to him.

Silas: I have someone else in mind for that.

A few weeks following the S.S. Tournament’s conclusion. Adrian is standing at the church altar in a tuxedo, with Recovery Girl holding a piece of paper beside him. Walker and Houston are standing to the right of Adrian, a level below. In the church stands are various members of 2-A alongside U.A. teachers.

Silver: Don’t you think it’s weird that they invited so many of their students?

Saige: No, Adrian invited Hayze, and Ms. Fatal invited all of the 2-A girls and Verity. You’re just my plus 1.

Silver: *sighs* And why did you bring me again?

Saige: Because you’re so cute when you’re mad!

Silver: *sighs louder*

Justus turns to Ash.

Justus: Thanks for bringing me along. I’m very happy for them.

Ash: Me too, but I’d be lying if I didn’t mention you needed a day off from training.

Justus: Well, I need to keep working if I want to surpass Hayze and the others.

Ash: That’s true, but… it doesn’t hurt to enjoy the summer a little…, especially with… someone else.

Justus blushes.

Justus: Oh- right- well, uh… I guess you’re right about that.

Ash: I sure hope so!

Aaron passes Alexis a small bottle of vodka.

Aaron: Want some?

Alexis: Aaron!

Aaron: What, it’s a wedding!

Alexis: No, not that. What took you so long to offer?!

Aaron stares at Alexis.

Aaron: I love you.

Eve has her arms crossed and looks pissed.

Eve: Just remember, I only invited you, so I wouldn’t be the only one without a date.

Calm: That’s sad.

Eve: I will break you.

Wes looks tense.

Wes: (Why did I come here…)

Verity: You’re not allowed to leave until we finish dancing.

Wes: But I suck at dancing!

Verity: Good.

Wes: *groans*

The pianist begins playing, and the church doors open. Fatal comes walking down the aisle with her father. She’s wearing a stunning white dress.

Blair: I’m gonna look so much hotter on our wedding day.

Hayze: Blair, it’s not a competition.

Blair: Pfft, says you.

Fatal reaches the altar and faces Adrian.

Hayze: I wish Dr. Moore was here to see this…

Blair: I forgot how close you were with both of them.

Hayze: Yeah… honestly, they’re the closest thing I’ve had to parents since… you know. I’m really happy for them.

Recovery Girl officiates the wedding.

Recovery Girl: Do you, Rachel Moore, take Adrian Rodgers to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

Fatal: I do.

Recovery Girl: And do you, Adrian Rodgers, take Rachel Moore to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

Adrian: I do.

Recovery Girl: Then, by the authority vested in me by the State of Tennessee, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Adrian, you may kiss the bride.

Adrian and Fatal kiss to a shower of cheers from their family and friends.

Hayze (Naratting): And with that, our second year at U.A. had come to a close. Vanguard was defeated, the hero world finally had begun to move on from Colossus, and U.A. had recovered its reputation. However… there was still one man that shrouded our world with mystery…

Iota is sitting at the top level of the church, watching from the shadows with Zaire.

Zaire: We shouldn’t stay much longer… It’s only a matter of time before they notice us.

Iota: I know, we can go now. I just… I wanted to see the ceremony.

Both exit and leave via a warp gate out of sight from everyone. They return to Iota’s office.

Zaire: I know I sound like a broken record, Master, but that was too risky.

Iota: I’m aware, Zaire, and that’s the last I’ll hear of it.

Zaire: As you wish, my master.

Iota walks to his desk and pulls out a set of files.

Iota: Here, I need you to fetch some new recruits.

Zaire takes the files.

Zaire: New recruits? We haven’t done that in some time.

Iota: Yes, well, the time is coming for the Iota Movement to return to prominence.

Zaire: Are you sure? There are still so many unanswered questions.

Iota: I’m not getting any younger, Zaire. My days are numbered… The time to wait in the shadows is coming to a close. If we want answers, we must seek them out ourselves.

Zaire thinks for a moment.

Zaire: Give me a little more time. Please… I can figure out Vanguard’s puzzle. Believe in me, Master.

Iota stares at Zaire.

Iota: It will take some time for Vince to finish the “project,” so you have until then.

Zaire: Thank you, Master. You won’t regret it.

Iota: Good, now go. Collect our newest soldiers.

Zaire: Yes, Master.

Zaire warps away.

Iota: *sighs*

There’s a knock on the door.

Iota: Come in.

Yusuf and Mara enter.

Iota: Yusuf? Mara? Why are you both here?

Yusuf: Vince wants you to come to the lab for a “progress report.”

Mara: The prisoner wishes to have a word with you.

Iota: Okay, thank you. Yusuf, tell Vince I’ll be there in a moment.

Yusuf: Yes, Master.

Iota walks to the prison area.

Scarlett: Well, well, well, if it isn’t the man in charge.

Iota: Why did you ask for me?

Scarlett: I have some information that will be very helpful to you.

Iota stares at Scarlett.

Iota: You’ve been locked down here for over half a year. Why now?

Scarlett: Because I think you’re only keeping me around as a future asset.

Iota: You think, huh?

Scarlett laughs.

Scarlett: I’m no fool, Iota. You haven’t tried to get any information since I was locked up here. And I know you’ll never trust me enough to let me leave this cell. So, what could you want? Why leave me alive? There’s only one reason… You want Soulvania.

Iota stares at Scarlett.

Scarlett: You don’t have to answer. I already know. So, how about we cut to the chase.

Iota: I’m listening.

Scarlett: I have information you would love to possess, so I’ll give you one piece for a simple… standard of living improvement. Like maybe a human sacrifice to drink the blood of once a week. If we build a rapport and I have a life worth living, I’ll hand you the power of Soulvania.

Iota is quiet.

Scarlett: You don’t have to answer now, but-

Iota: Deal.

Scarlett smiles.

Scarlett: Want to make our first exchange?

Iota: It depends on the information you have.

Scarlett: How much do you hate the boy who took your hands?

Iota grinds his teeth.

Iota: You get one living human to drink a week.

Scarlett: Two.

Iota: One, take it or leave it.

Scarlett chuckles.

Scarlett: Can’t blame a girl for trying. Do you remember when I borrowed Zaire?

Iota: You used him to recruit enemies from your attacker's pasts. Why?

Scarlett: Well, there was one recruit I didn’t use. He was an old friend of Hayze.

Iota: I thought Hayze grew up without friends.

Scarlett: Oh, trust me… he did.

Iota: Why didn’t you use him?

Scarlett: Because I already had a plan for Hayze. It would have been redundant. Look, Iota, read up on him. I think you’ll be very… thrilled to have him in your ranks.

Iota stares at Scarlett.

Iota: Okay, thank you.

Scarlett: Can I request my special meal tonight?

Iota: No.

Iota exits.

Scarlett: (Sorry, Jagger, but I’m tired of being monogamous.)

Iota heads to the basement of his facility.

Iota: Vince, are they complete?

A 20-year-old boy with shaggy hair and a lab coat works on a mechanical object.

Vince: Ah, yes, Master Iota! I just finished testing them.

Vince grabs a briefcase and places it on his workbench. Iota approaches him.

Vince: Here you go, sir. I present to you the Avior Unit.

Vince opens the briefcase, revealing two cybernetic hands for Iota.

Vince: They’re to your exact specifications, Master.

Iota: Can I use them?

Vince: Yes, I’ve already installed the Avior control chip in your brain, so they’ll respond to your commands.

Vince helps Iota remove his prosthetic hands.

Vince: Go ahead.

The cybernetic hands power on and jet into the air.

Iota: Amazing…

Vince: Yes, would you like to test their combat functionality?

Iota: Of course.

Vince points to a crash test dummy in the corner of the room.

Vince: Give it a whirl.

The cybernetic hands blast toward the dummy, grabbing it by the neck. Instantly crushing its neck and popping its head clean off.

Iota: Perfect.

Vince: Now, try recalling them.

The cybernetic hands fly to Iota and attach to his wrists. He clasps his hands.

Iota: You’ve outdone yourself, Vince. I’m impressed beyond belief.

Vince: It was my pleasure, Master. I’m glad they’re to your liking.

Iota: Good work. I look forward to your next progress update.

Vince: Well, that’s actually right now.

Iota’s eyes widen.

Iota: You’re kidding.

Vince: No, the Altair Unit is ready for installation.

Iota smiles. Vince pulls out a second, much larger briefcase and opens it.

Iota: It’s beautiful…

Inside the case is a set of cybernetic augmentation gear, including turbine shoulders and jet propulsion legs.

Iota: I hope you’re watching, Dr. Moore… because you’re not the only one who can make quirks anymore.