Hayze arrives at Recovery Girl’s office and knocks on the door. He’s a box with him.

Recovery Girl: Hello, Hayze. What brings you here?

Hayze: I was wondering if I could visit Lara.

Recovery Girl hesitates.

Recovery Girl: She would rather be alone right now. Of course, I won’t stop you from trying to see her anyway.

Hayze: No, it’s okay, I understand. Could you give her this for me then?

Hayze hands Recovery Girl the box.

Recovery Girl: I will. Have a good day, Hayze.

Hayze: You too, Recovery Girl. Oh, and don’t tell her I was the one who brought it, okay?

Recovery Girl: Oh… Sure, I won’t, but… Why?

Hayze: She’s… A little reclusive.

Recovery Girl: I’ve gathered that.

Hayze: I’d rather not seem like I’m trying too hard to be her friend.

Recovery Girl: I see… Well, I’ll deliver this to her then.

Hayze: Thanks, Recovery Girl.

Hayze walks off. Recovery Girl closes the door and walks to Lara’s bed.

Recovery Girl: You had another visitor, but I denied their request like you asked.

Lara has a literal mound of ice on her backside.

Lara: Thank you… I’d rather not have anyone see me like this…

Recovery Girl: I’m sure everyone understands. They left you a gift, though.

Lara: A gift? From who?

Recovery Girl: They asked me not to say.

Lara hesitates but then takes the box from Recovery Girl. There’s a note on top.

Lara: “Thank you for all your help at the dance. Things could have turned out much worse if not for you.” *sighs* He’s too kind for his own good.

Lara flashes back to her phone call with Silas following the events of Homecoming.

Silas: What do you mean you’re bedridden?!

Lara: I’m sorry, sir, but there was an incident at U.A., and I had to get involved otherwise-

Silas: No, you didn’t!

Lara: Huh?

Silas: You know your job, Ms. Glass, and I want it completed. You’ve done well assimilating yourself into Class 3-A, but now it’s time to bring me results. I think you did this to get your deadline moved back, but that’s not happening. I want something juicy to give the press by the end of the week.

Lara bites her lip.

Lara: I understand, sir.

Silas: Good. I don’t want any more excuses, Ms. Glass.

The flashback ends.

Lara: (Lest he forgets, I’m still trying to be a hero. I’m not his dog.)

Lara opens the box to find her headphones sparkling like brand new.

Lara: Wow… (That’s right, I threw these at that girl. They must have been damaged, but why would he take the time to repair and upgrade this?)

Lust, Kleptogirl, Daniele, Hayze, Blair, Saige, Fang, Sydney, Grace, and three other heroes are gathered in a conference room at the Lust Hero Agency. One hero is Blader, another has a bunch of light bulbs on his costume, and the last is dressed like a Shaman.

Lust: Thank you all for being here today. As you know, this meeting is highly confidential as we’ll discuss a mission our agency will undertake alongside the other Top 10 heroes.

Flash: The Top 10 heroes all working together on a single objective? This could only mean…

Necroid: It’s for Iota.

Lust: Yes. There have been many summits between Vulcan, Exciton, myself, and the others. We’ve devised a plan to siege his hideout and take him down once and for all.

Kleptogirl lays down a piece of paper with a birds-eye view of Iota’s facility and the surrounding area.

Lust: As you can see, the Iota Movement has found shelter in an abandoned factory in the desert. Hayze, why don’t you do the honors of explaining the plan to our colleagues?

Hayze: M- me? Really?

Lust: You did more of the planning than I did. It would be best if you relayed it.

Hayze: Alright.

Flash: Woah! I’m not listening to some Provisional Hero, Ms. Lust!

Lust: Will you listen to me?

Flash: W- well, yeah…

Lust: Then, listen to Hayze.

Flash: *sighs* Fine.

Hayze stands up.

Hayze: The plan is actually relatively simple. We must eliminate one target before anything else can happen during the mission.

Flash: Iota? That’s obvious.

Hayze: No, his second-in-command: Zaire. His warp gate quirk enables the Iota Movement to appear wherever they like and escape easily. We must get rid of or distract him before anything else can happen. The worst-case scenario is Iota fleeing at the start of the mission.

Sydney: That makes sense, but how do we plan on doing that? It’s not like he’s ever been on the front line.

Hayze: With a stealthy infiltration. This team will be headed by Impact and Phantom Walker. With the latter’s pocket dimension quirk, they can safely bring a small group onto the facility’s roof undetected. From there, that team will shut down any security measures and surveillance equipment while attempting to find and defeat Zaire. Once those objectives have been accomplished, the rest of the mission can commence. First, the Frontal Assault team will move in. This group will be headed by Big Tank, and they’ll knock on the facility's front door, causing an all-out war between the Iota Movement and our troops. This will be a distraction while four infiltration teams enter the building from the East, West, North East, and North West. These teams will be headed by Exciton, Evergreen, Ms. Lust, and Vulcan. After that, we’ll find and capture Iota. Any questions?

Flash: Yeah, what’s our plan for those wounded in the battle? You won’t get any ambulances out there, and I wouldn’t feel good about having medical heroes on the front lines.

Hayze: We’ll establish a headquarters ten miles south of the facility. A support team will be headed by Gundam, our communications officer, who will relay information about the mission to all units. In addition, a medical wing will be commanded by our own Necroid, who will be our healer.

Grace: Ten miles seems far for us to bring our wounded.

Hayze: Not when we have Impulse. He’s able to swiftly retrieve everyone and bring them to safety.

Grace: Hm… smart.

Kleptogirl grabs a bunch of folders and starts passing them around.

Hayze: Your assignments are included in each of these files. Read them thoroughly because this mission is delicate. We can’t afford to make any mistakes. Iota has three rings and is the most dangerous human there is. We must defeat him.

Everyone nods in agreement.

Lust: We’ll give you some time to look through your dossiers. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Lust smiles and places her hand on Hayze’s shoulder.

Lust: Good work.

Hayze: Thanks… I just hope this mission goes as well in practice as it looks on paper.

Lust: It will trust me.

The entire Iota Movement has gathered on the ground floor of Iota’s facility. Iota stands on the railing above the group.

Iota: Everyone, the day fast approaches. One we’ve known would come for a long time… the Heroes are coming, and they are looking to destroy everything we’ve built.

Everyone boos.

Iota: But don’t worry. They don’t know we’re aware, and that ignorance will cost them dearly.

Iota’s metal hand tightens its grip on the rails.

Iota: This battle will be imperative in this war between peace and chaos. Victory is the only option, and defeat means eradication. So stand with me, and we will score a decisive blow against the “heroes!”

The Iota Movement cheers.

Iota: Security measures will be on high alert. We don’t know when they’re coming, but it will be soon. Zaire will handle your assignments.

Iota walks back into his office and falls to his knees.

Iota: (I’m growing weaker by the day, but that won’t be an issue as long as everything goes to plan.)

Back at U.A., Hayze is holding a little baby girl in his hands while sitting on a park bench with Fatal.

Hayze: Wow… she’s beautiful.

Fatal: Thanks. It feels good to be out of the house for once.

Hayze: You should eventually let the others see her, besides the obvious exceptions.

Fatal: Oh, don’t worry. I’m stopping over there after we’re done here. I just wanted you to meet her first.

Hayze: Oh, wow… Thank you.

Fatal looks at the sky and recalls when Hayze saved her life against Nitroglis.

Fatal: Meeting you changed Adrian’s and my life a lot.

Hayze: It did?

Fatal: Yeah… even though I was your mentor… you taught me, too. Such as how this serum’s side effects aren’t curses… they can be blessings if we’re willing to try and make them that way. And you showed me that I can impact someone’s life using my own as an example. I didn’t think I had done enough with my life until then. Sure, I was a successful hero and made a nice living, but I was the first human on Earth to have an artificially created quirk. Shouldn’t I have been more? That’s when I realized life isn’t just about you or your accomplishments… it’s about the imprint you leave on those you meet through it. I never thought I was cut out to be a mother, but mentoring you made me realize I could be.

Hayze smiles.

Fatal: Adrian thinks highly of you, too… in a way, you were like our first child.

Hayze: Well, you guys are the closest I’ve been to having parental figures in my life. So… Thank you for that.

Fatal: You haven’t asked what we named her yet.

Hayze: I was getting to that!

Fatal: It’s Kelsey… Kelsey Rodgers.

Hayze: After Dr. Moore? That’s awesome.

Fatal: Yeah… I want this little girl to grow up knowing her Auntie was a great woman.

Hayze: She was…

Hayze and Fatal are quiet for a moment.

Fatal: Do you want to know her middle name?

Hayze: S- sure?

Fatal: It’s Hazel.

Hayze is surprised.

Hayze: Is that… after me?

Fatal: Yeah, I always wanted to name my first kid after my favorite student.

Hayze blushes.

Hayze: That’s… thank you. That means a lot to me.

Fatal: Don’t mention it. Now, give her to me. She needs to eat.

Hayze hands Kelsey to Fatal. She starts feeding the child with a bottle.

Hayze: Ms. Lust told me you’re going on this mission.

Fatal: Yeah… is that a problem?

Hayze: I’m just worried… I’m sure Adrian is, too.

Fatal: He is, but we agreed that being a mother wouldn’t derail my career. I’m still the same badass bitch I’ve always been.

Hayze: That’s good to hear.

Fatal: I’d consider staying back if this was any other mission, but this is Ivan. I want to be there when we finally take him down. Plus, he’s kept his men from killing me in the past, so he’s probably the safest villain for me to fight.

Hayze: I guess that’s true.

Fatal: Don’t think about me too much. Just focus on your job. I saw that you’re with the stealth team.

Hayze: Mhm…

Fatal: You’re with Damien, so everything will be fine. But be careful in there… one mistake and everything could go haywire.

Hayze: Trust me, I’m ready.

Fatal: I know.

Fatal stands up and places Kelsey in her stroller.

Fatal: I’ll see you later, Hayze.

Hayze: Bye, Ms. Fatal.

Fatal leaves.

Hayze: *sighs* (I’m just glad she’s happy. Especially after all the pain I’ve caused her.)

A few nights later, at the 3-A dorm, the students gather in the common area. They’ve arranged some chairs around the couches so everyone can sit down. Everyone except Alden and Lara is in attendance.

Zach: It’s kind of strange how often we do these final pow-wows.

Silver: That’s what happens when you’re the best. People count on you.

Saige: Or we’re just good cannon fodder.

Zach: Yeah, I like Silver’s take better.

Zach goes to sit in a seat, but Daisuke quickly takes it.

Daisuke: Oh, sorry, Zach. I didn’t see you there.

Zach: Oh, it’s alright, Dice!

Aaron stands up.

Aaron: So, it’s that time again where-

Alexis: Aaron, let Hayze do the talking.

Aaron: Wh- but I-

Alexis: You’re not the class leader, now sit down.

Aaron: *under his breath* I bet I got a bigger dick.

Aaron sits down, and Hayze stands up.

Hayze: So, it’s that time again when we say a few words before going to battle. I’d love to say that we’ll all be fine and everyone will make it back, but… we all know that probably won’t be true. But let’s not think about the danger zone we’re entering and be proud of ourselves for being strong enough to participate in a mission like this. We’re already the best class to ever set foot at this school, but this only cements our legacy. I have faith in everyone here, but make sure you believe in yourself. Otherwise, don’t go on the mission…

Nobody reacts.

Hayze: With that said, we will defeat Iota and get revenge for those he’s taken from us, like EMD, Colossus, and… Jake.

Everyone looks somber.

Ash: (I’ve grown so much since we first faced Iota. It’s time to show him what I’ve got.)

Aaron: (I’m gonna blast those bastards for everything they’ve put us through.)

Wes: (I’m ready to be useful and help takedown Iota.)

Eve: (This is my first major mission, and I’ll show everyone why it won’t be my last.)

Blair: (I didn’t blossom into the woman I am today so I could die tomorrow.)

Isaiah: (No distractions tomorrow, this is for all the marbles.)

Alexis: (I’m the girl with few ambitions, but defeating Iota is one of them.)

Gus: (I want to avenge those of us who aren’t here today.)

Demetri: (It’s time to spread my wings and fly.)

Zach: (I’m not afraid of dying. I’ve come close enough to know being on the brink only makes me stronger, so bring everything you've got, Iota.)

Lilith: (I’ll do everything I can!)

Silver: (This is what I was born to do.)

Justus: (Father, I will avenge you.)

Saige: (I may not have been around since the start, but I’ll make up for it by clearing out the Iota Movement.)

Fang: (Taking down the Top Villain in America within my first 2 months here? That’ll help build up my reputation in China.)

Ozzie: (I’m ready to help my new mates in any way I can!)

Daisuke: (I can see the future, but even I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I’ll do everything I can to bring down Iota.)

Hayze clenches his fist.

Hayze: (I’ve been waiting so long to bring you down… I won’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers!)

Suddenly, the chandelier’s chain snaps, and it plummets, but Daisuke leaps out of the way as it crushes his chair.

Eve: Jesus Christ!

Hayze: Daisuke! Are you alright?

Daisuke: I’m fine, don’t worry.

Zach: Man, it’s a good thing you took that seat, huh?

Daisuke: Indeed it is.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Zach: I don’t know what I… would have… done…

Daisuke: Is something wrong, Zach?

Zach: No- no, everything’s fine.

Aaron: I’ll get that cleaned up.

Zach stares at Daisuke as everyone begins to disperse and intermingle.

Zach: Hm…

Daisuke arrives at his room and unlocks it.

Zach: Daisuke!

Daisuke: Hm? Yes, Zach?

Zach: You had a vision… didn’t you?

Daisuke is quiet for a moment.

Daisuke: Yes, I did.

Zach: What exactly did you see?

Daisuke: I saw the chandelier crush and kill you.

Zach: Wh- why didn’t you tell me?! You didn’t need to put yourself in danger for me!

Daisuke stares at Zach.

Daisuke: Because… you don’t want to hear my explanation.

Zach: Try me.

Daisuke: Zach… I’ve saved your life three times now.

Zach: Wh- what?

Daisuke: Do you remember that day you and Jace were running, and I stopped you from getting caught in the rain?

Zach: Y- yeah?

Daisuke: I foresaw you being struck by lightning and dying. Then, when you fought Gale during the Homecoming Dance, I saw you missing the pool and crushing your head against the pavement. That’s why I was there to catch you.

Zach: W- why do you keep seeing me die?

Daisuke hesitates.

Zach: Tell me!

Daisuke: Because you’re doomed, Zach.

Zach: Wh- what?

Daisuke: My quirk allows me to alter the events I see in my visions, but whatever is supposed to happen will happen one way or another.

Zach: But that doesn’t make any sense! What about when you stopped Isaiah from crashing that plane?!

Daisuke: My vision didn’t center around the plane crashing. I never saw that happen. That vision’s gist was that Isaiah would slip and errantly fire his laser blast. That still happened, but I altered what he hit. The core outcome of the vision cannot be changed; if I try to do so, I’ll keep seeing those visions repeatedly until they come to fruition.

Zach is speechless.

Zach: How… how are you sure?

Daisuke is quiet for a moment.

Daisuke: When I was young, I had a vision of my mother tripping and falling down the stairs. So, I spent all day keeping her from going upstairs so she could never go down. Then, three weeks later, I saw her choke on some food and die. So, I taught myself the Heimlich. This process continued for two years. Sometimes, the following vision would take weeks or months. Other times, they’d come a day or two later. But I kept preventing them.

Zach: Wh- why did you stop? You said it only went on for two years. Does that mean if I survive two years, I’ll be free?!

Daisuke looks away.

Daisuke: She got cancer.

Zach staggers backward in stunned silence.

Daisuke: No matter what I do… You’re going to die, Zach…

Zach falls to his knees in anguish.

Zach: Why? Why me…

Daisuke: I don’t know…

Daisuke kneels down and places his hand on Zach’s shoulder.

Daisuke: But I’m going to continue saving your life, Zach.

Zach: I can’t force you to do that.

Daisuke: You don’t have to. I will do it out of the kindness of my heart.

Zach: But why? You barely even know me! Why give yourself that kind of burden?!

Daisuke goes quiet.

Daisuke: Because I realized something after all my futile attempts to keep my mother alive… My quirk’s purpose isn’t to change someone’s fate. Instead, it’s about allowing them to choose the ideal version of that fate. You’re going to die, Zach, but together… we can make your death mean something.

Zach looks at Daisuke with a slight glimmer of hope.

Zach: Thanks, Dais… That makes me feel a little better.

Daisuke: I know this is a lot to absorb… but there is one good thing.

Zach: Huh?

Daisuke: Since you can only die after one of my visions. You’re technically immortal until the next one comes.

Zach: What do you mean?

Daisuke: If you were to jump from a window on this floor, you would not die because I have not foreseen that fate. Perhaps Lilith would notice this and fly out to catch you, or Alden would break your fall; either way, you would not die.

Zach: That’s… crazy…

Zach’s eyes light up.

Zach: Wait a second! So… that means I can beat Iota!

Daisuke: I… I don’t follow.

Zach: If I fight Iota and have you by my side… he can’t beat me!

Daisuke: I- I guess that makes sense.

Zach: Then there’s our goal! I’ve gotta come up with some cool moves! Cya tomorrow, Daisuke! Oh, and keep this under wraps, okay? I don’t want to worry everyone!

Zach runs off with a smile on his face.

Daisuke: (I just told him he’s going to die, and he runs off excited… he’s a good man, and it’s unfortunate this fate has befallen him.)

The next day, all of Class 3-A ride into a temporary facility set up as the operation's headquarters.

Zach: Wow…

Aaron: Man, this feels like we’re the military.

Lilith: It’s kind of intimidating.

Gundam is standing at the center of a control room with Verity, Daniele, and Calm manning the computers. Kevin and Impulse are also in the room.

Gundam: Support team, ready?

Verity, Daniele, and Calm: Yessir!

Gundam: Alright, let’s get Operation: Incise Iota underway.

Gundam speaks into his headset.

Gundam: *intercom* Zulu Team, head out.

Silver: That’s us, Hayze.

Hayze: Yeah, let’s get moving.

Zach: Good luck, guys!

Aaron: Knock ‘em dead.

Demetri: And don’t die yourselves…

Eve slaps Demetri.

Eve: Shut up, dumbass.

Blair grabs Hayze’s hand.

Blair: Be careful.

Hayze: I will, don’t worry.

Hayze looks at his class.

Hayze: The Iota Movement falls today, guys!

Everyone: Yeah!

Hayze, Silver, Lara, and Fang walk away.

Fang: You give great speeches.

Hayze: Heh, thanks.

Fang: Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Hayze: We’ve all got each other’s backs. We’re a team.

Fang: Right!

Impact, Kleptogirl, and a hero with wheels on his hands and feet drive up to Hayze, Silver, Lara, and Fang in a pair of Humvees.

Impact: Alright, everyone. Get in!

Dasher: I think we’re missing Phantom Walker.

Silver: Where could he be?

Walker: I’m right here.

Walker approaches the vehicle, but he’s not alone. Ivy is with him.

Ivy: Hello, Hayze.

Hayze: Ivy?! What are you doing here?

Walker: She’s with me.

Hayze: I can see that, but why? She’s not a hero.

Impact: Walker is an S-tier hero, so he has the ability to grant temporary provisional hero privileges to any person who has logged at least 500 hours of training with him.

Silver: You became an S-tier hero? When?

Walker: When my student defeated Vanguard. That did wonders for my popularity.

Hayze: Heh… right…

Walker: Ivy knows a lot about Iota’s habits. She may not have lived in this facility, but she knows how the other one was organized. So if they’re similar, she can act as a guide for us.

Ivy: I won’t let you down.

Walker: She’s also very powerful, but I’ll let her show you that herself if we run into trouble.

Silver: Zaire is a formidable opponent, so we could use the help.

Hayze: Welcome aboard, Ivy.

Ivy: Thanks. (This is what I’ve been training for.)

The group enters the two Humvees and drives off.

Gundam: Everyone else. Get into position and await your signal.

Gundam pulls out a flare gun.

Gundam: When you see this orange flare in the sky, mobilize.

Zulu team drives through the desert. Lara winces in pain as the group goes over bumps.

Hayze: Are you alright?

Lara: I’m still sore.

Fang: Well, we’re glad you’re here with us.

Silver: Yes, your skills will help us infiltrate Iota’s headquarters.

Lara: I’m aware, Luv. I wouldn’t be on this team otherwise.

Hayze: Silver’s saying he’s glad you are. We all are; you’re part of our class, and we’re like a family.

Lara: (Like a family?)

Dasher: Cut the chit-chat. We’re here.

The humvee stops below a dune, and the group exits and hides at the top. Dasher surveys the area with binoculars.

Dasher: There’s a weak spot in their security at the south corner of the facility. If we teleport there, we should be fine.

Walker: Right, hand me the binoculars.

Walker zooms in on the area Dasher pointed out and opens a portal.

Walker: Impact and Kleptogirl, you’re first.

Impact and Kleptogirl: Right.

The pair enters the portal, and it closes. Walker opens an exit portal on top of Iota’s facility and watches Impact and Kleptogirl give him a thumbs-up.

Walker: Alright, we’re going to go two at a time.

Silver and Dasher, Lara and Fang, and Ivy and Hayze teleport to the facility. Walker arrives last.

Impact: There are two guards next to the stairwell. Silverstripe and Hayze, take them out.

Silver goes invisible as Hayze uses shadow sneak.

Iota Grunt 1: Did I tell you I got a date with Shelby tomorrow?

Iota Grunt 2: Damn, you finally asked her out?!

Iota Grunt 1: Yup, I can’t wait. It took me 3 years, but I finally-

Silver and Hayze appear behind the grunts and break their necks.

Hayze: I haven’t seen these two before.

Silver: The Iota Movement is filled with more scum than the ones we’ve encountered. I’m sure these two were just as diabolical.

The rest of Zulu Team gathers at the door, and Lara picks the lock.

Dasher: Alright, stay behind me.

The group covertly walks down the staircase. Iota watches them from a control room with Zaire while Vince, Wyatt, and Signal are manning the computers.

Iota: They’re finally here…

Zaire: Launch all Level 10 security measures.

Eventually, Zulu Team reaches a long, empty-looking hallway.

Walker: It’s too quiet…

Impact: Yeah… a facility of this size can hold at least a couple hundred people. There should be someone everywhere.

Ivy: You don’t think they knew we were coming and evacuated?

Walker: No, otherwise, there wouldn’t have been guards on the roof.

Impact: Exposé, see if you can hack into anything. I know they’re jamming all signals, but maybe your equipment will work inside.

Lara: I can try.

Lara takes out her laptop and sits down on the staircase.

Impact: Kleptogirl and Phantom Walker, keep an eye on the top of the staircase.

Kleptogirl and Walker: Right.

The pair heads upstairs.

Dasher: I’ll scout down one of these hallways. Stay here; I’ll be back in a moment.

Impact: No, Dasher, stay with us. We don’t want to move until we know everything is safe.

Dasher: Yeah, and that’s what I’m going to do.

Impact: We need to wait for Exposé to-

Dasher: To what? Find out she can’t do anything because our signals are jammed? I’m not going to waste any time!

Impact: Well…

Lara types away.

Silver: How’s it looking?

Lara: There’s a chance I can break through; I just need to mask myself as an Iota Movement computer.

Impact: See? We have to wait.

Dasher: Hacking takes time, Impact! The rest of the teams are waiting for us! We have to move!

Impact: Dasher! No!

Dasher starts running down the hall at high speed, thanks to the wheels on his feet.

Dasher: See? Nothing’s-

Suddenly, Dasher’s legs get lasered off.

Dasher: AHHHHHH!

Silver: Holy shit!

Dasher falls forward, but his torso and head are also sliced through by lasers, killing him.

Impact: DASHER!

Silver: What was that?

Lara: He ran into a laser grid.

Fang: Wh- what? Did you hack into the system?!

Lara: No, I just used basic deduction.

Fang: Oh…

Lara: The only way we can make it through the laser system is for me to deactivate them, but that will take some time.

Impact: How much?

Lara: A while.

Impact: *frustrated grunt*

Hayze: That’s not the only way.

Impact: Hm?

Hayze: My shadow sneak ability can bring us through the laser maze.

Impact: That could work… but we don’t know which way is the right way. We’d have to split up.

Hayze: Yeah, but that would have to happen anyway.

Impact thinks for a moment.

Impact: (Dasher was foolish, but he made a good point. The longer we stay here, the more likely we will be detected. If that happens, Iota can mobilize a defensive strategy or escape before the rest of the mission even begins.) Alright, fine, but I’m unsure how to divide ourselves.

Hayze: That’s simple. Team A will have Lara, while Team B will take Mr. Walker.

Impact: Why are those two being divided?

Hayze: Once Lara has hacked the system, she can point out or disable traps. And Walker is safe because Iota won’t kill him. So if he leads Team B, they’ll be safe.

Impact: I see… good thinking. So, we’ll have three of you students go with Walker to keep you safe while Kleptogirl and I go with Exposé.

Hayze: I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Impact: Hm? Then what do you suggest?

Hayze: Team B should consist of the pros, while Team A should be the provisional heroes.

Impact: What?! No way! Then we can’t protect you guys!

Hayze: We can protect ourselves. If you and Kleptogirl travel with Walker, you can easily find and defeat Zaire. The rest of us will only slow you down. But, if we find him first, we have the numbers to hold our own. If we split into mixed groups of provisional heroes and pros, we’re splintering those two aspects.

Impact stares at Hayze.

Impact: Alright, I trust your judgment, Hayze.

Hayze: Thank you.

Impact: We’re splitting up! Stay safe, everyone!

Hayze uses shadow sneak to bypass the laser grids down the two hallways. Dropping Fang, Silver, Lara, and Ivy on one side and Impact, Kleptogirl, and Walker on the other.

Walker: I disagree with this strategy, but Impact is in charge, so I won’t argue.

Hayze: Trust me, Mr. Walker. Can you say with a straight face that Dasher was more powerful than me?

Walker: No… but don’t get too arrogant, Hayze. The lives of your teammates are in your hands.

Hayze: I know, but we both know my feelings on that.

Walker stares at Hayze for a moment.

Walker: Right, see you later.

Hayze: Of course.

Hayze leaves.

Impact: Walker, they’ll be fine. Now, lead the way.

Walker: I know, but I’m their teacher. I have to worry.

Hayze returns to his team.

Fang: Are you sure it’s wise for us to split off from the pros?

Hayze: Yes. I believe that this group can defeat Zaire and anyone else we encounter.

Silver: I agree, and I trust Hayze.

Ivy: Me too.

Fang: Alright, then count me in.

Lara: I’m almost finished.

Hayze: Great. Can you lead the way?

Lara: Yes.

Iota watches closely.

Zaire: They’ve split up.

Iota: Yes, but not how I would have expected, but that might be good for us.

Zaire: Do you want me to send “him” in?

Iota: Hm… yes, I think it’s time.

Zaire warps away.

Vince: What would you like us to do with the other group, Master?

Iota: Keep them busy with low-level traps and security. I don’t care much for them.

Vince: Understood.

Kevin taps his foot impatiently inside the Hero’s Control Room.

Kevin: Why haven’t we heard back from them yet?

Gundam: We knew it would take some time for them to accomplish their task. Be patient.

Kevin: *sighs* I know… I just… I don’t like being here.

Kevin is in a wheelchair.

Kevin: Why am I here instead of on a team?

Gundam: Because you’re a last resort, Kevin. I’m sorry, but they’ve already shown they have the technology to make your exo-suit inert. It’s too dangerous for you.

Kevin clenches his fist.

Kevin: I wanna be there for my friends…

Gundam: Then help out here. Help Calm man the communications station.

Kevin: I thought our signals were jammed?

Gundam: Not all of them.

Gundam points to a printer.

Kevin: Paper notes?

Gundam: With Impulse’s speed, he can act as our “carrier pigeon.”

Impulse: It’s not a fun job, but it’s mine.

Impulse takes the note from Calm.

Calm: Delta Team is slightly out of position.

Impulse: Roger.

Impulse zooms off.

Gundam: It’s not practical, but it’s the best we can do.

Kevin: Whatever works. I guess I’ll help.

Gundam: Good.

Two Humvees stop in the desert West of Iota’s facility. Evergreen, Boom, Blair, and Saige step out of one.

Evergreen: Stay alert; we don’t know when the signal will come, so we must be on our toes.

Boom: Sounds good.

Blair and Saige: Right.

Aster, Gunslinger, Gale, and Blaze exit the other humvee.

Blair: Bl- Blaze! What are you doing here?!

Blaze: H- hi, Mom…

Aster: He’s with me.

Blair: And why was I not aware of this?!

Aster: Because I knew you’d react like this.

Blair: *frustrated grunt*

Aster: Look, I’ve been training Blaze in my free time ever since I entered the Top 10. He’s ready to assist us, and I’m not letting him out of my sight.

Blaze: Yeah, Uncle Aster has been a great mentor.

Blair: *sighs* Fine, but I don’t like it!

Evergreen approaches the Maddox family.

Evergreen: Phoenix, where is Silencer?

Aster: Over there.

Silencer is standing on top of a small hill, staring at the facility.

Evergreen: He’ll blow our cover!

Aster: I have a feeling he doesn’t care…

Evergreen: *frustrated grunt*

Silencer’s eyes narrow as she examines the facility.

Silencer: (So many villains to silence…)

Silencer glances at her team.

Silencer: (I’ll follow their plan for now, but I won’t let these “heroes” interfere with my vision.)

Blaze approaches Blair.

Blaze: I’m sorry if you’re upset I came, Mom, but I know I can hold my own out here.

Blair: *sighs* I know… I’m just a worrywart.

Blaze: Does that mean you’re worried about dad?

Blair: No, it’s kind of hard to worry about him anymore. He takes down any opponent he faces…

Blaze: Yeah, I don’t think there’s any challenge he can’t overcome.

Blair: Me neither.

Hayze, Fang, Silver, and Ivy follow Lara through the halls.

Silver: *to Hayze* Do you have any Iota goons you hope we face?

Hayze: The one we’re hunting. I have a score to settle with him.

Silver: That’s right… he killed someone close to you.

Hayze: Yeah, my mentor, Vargas. I need to avenge his death.

Silver: Don’t worry. We will.

Hayze smiles.

Hayze: Yeah, we will.

Lara stops.

Hayze: Is something wrong, Lara?

Lara: Yes, the traps in this area have been disabled.

Fang: Isn’t that what we want?

Lara: I wasn’t the one who disabled them.

Silver: Wait a second… Do you guys hear that?

Everyone stops and listens.

Hayze: Is that… an engine?

Suddenly, a person wearing a black hoodie and a helmet with a tinted visor comes driving down the hallway on a chopper motorcycle.

Silver: Any idea who that is, Ivy?

Ivy: No, I’ve never seen him before.

The biker comes to a screeching halt before the group.

Biker: Well, well, well… look at you… so many friends.

Silver: Who are you?

Biker: I’m an old friend…

Silver: Old friend? Of who?

The Biker points at Hayze.

Biker: It’s been a long time, Hayze.

Silver: I thought you didn’t have any old friends?

Hayze: I don’t… I have no clue what this guy is talking about.

The Biker laughs.

Biker: You sure do love lying, huh?

Hayze: What?

Biker: Here, why don’t I refresh your memory?

The biker removes his mask. It’s Iota’s grunt with the tribal tattoo on his face.

Hayze: L- Luke?

Luke: In the flesh.