Ewing is watching Saige’s battle closely.

Ewing: (You’ve got this, I know you do.)

Houston: My students are performing well. This is unusual… I like it!

Adrian: Yeah, well, you’re lucky Walker let you have all four of Hayze’s brothers.

Fatal: Is that what we’re referring to them as now?

Adrian: I think it fits, “The personalities” was never that catchy.

Houston: Hey! It was my teachings that refined them into the warriors you see today!

Fatal and Adrian look at Houston with an eyebrow raised.

Houston: Don’t look at me like that!

Adrian chuckles.

Adrian: Well, they’re putting on a great show so far nonetheless, right, Ewing?

Ewing doesn’t respond.

Adrian: Ewing?

Ewing: Yes? Sorry, I was watching a little too closely.

Fatal: Are you okay? I know this must be a little… “weird” for you. This event is your last act as Principal of U.A.

Ewing: Yes, but… I’m not really concerned with that.

Fatal: What do you mean?

Ewing: I made peace with my forced retirement many months ago.

Fatal: So… then what’s wrong?

Ewing:

Fatal, Adrian, and Houston smile.

Houston: I’m happy for you, Mr. Ewing.

Ewing laughs.

Ewing: You haven’t called me that in years.

Adrian: And you haven’t smiled like that in years.

Ewing: *nasal grunt* Touche.

Fatal places her hand on her stomach.

Fatal: I’m glad you’re excited to reconnect with your family. I hope I have grandchildren someday.

Adrian: Me too.

Adrian and Fatal smile at each other as Ewing focuses on Saige again.

Ewing: (Show everyone why you’re the best, Saige.)

Saige gets to her feet.

Saige: (Alright, back in action.)

Impulse slides down the wall and lands safely on the ground.

Saige: (Impulse did good slowing Grace down, but a little concussion won’t tame that raging bull. No, we need to take her down, and I’m the only one who can do it.)

Grace stands up, wobbling.

Grace: Ouch… brain hurty…

Impulse looks around at the four girls.

Impulse: (It looks like I’m the only one in good condition, so I should be the one to send Grace out of this Royale!) Hey, Grace! You and I aren’t done yet! That coin was only the start!

Grace: YAY!

Blair: How are we losing to this?

Grace: You beat me before too!

Blair: FUCK!

Impulse: Well, I’m not going to waste any more time!

Impulse charges toward Grace.

Blair: What are you going to hit her again? That worked out great last time!

Impulse: No way! I’ve got a better idea!

Impulse grabs Grace’s hips and tosses her in the air.

Grace: WEEEE!

Impulse charges up the area wall and jumps toward Grace, grabbing her in midair.

Impulse: Hi-Speed Removal!

Impulse starts spinning with Grace, eventually tossing her towards the area’s edge.

Blair: He got her!

Impulse: (Grace is helpless when flying through the air! She’s done now!)

Ash grabs Grace’s hand, holding her from falling.

Blair: What?!

Impulse: Huh?

Impulse lands safely as Ash hoists Grace up.

Grace: I knew you loved me, White!

Blair: Ash! What the hell!

Impulse: Yeah! I had her!

Ash: And who would have had you, Impulse!

Impulse: Wh- huh?

Blair: What are you saying, Ash?

Ash: This is a Battle Royale! So, once Grace is defeated, we have to turn on each other. Impulse hasn’t taken any damage so far, so he’d be in the best position to beat the rest of us.

Impulse: Well, I-

Ash: If I let you defeat Grace quickly, it’s terrible for me. We’re working together now, but we’re still individuals in the eye of this tournament.

Walker smiles.

Walker: (Good.) Watch Ash closely. She’s an excellent example to follow.

Ivy: She is?

Walker: Of all my students, there’s one category in which Ash has grown the most.

Ivy: Hm? Which one?

Walker: Instincts.

Blair gets to her feet.

Blair: Ash! You’re overthinking this! Grace is too powerful when she’s this charged up!

Ash: And who’s fault is that?

Impulse: Hey! Don’t blame me for my own ignorance!

Blair punches Impulse, sending him tumbling against the ground.

Impulse: Yup… bad joke.

Blair: Fine, Ash! If you want to play for yourself, so will I!

Blair launches twin beams of lava at Ash and Grace.

Blair: Laval Lambasting!

Ash: Blair!

Grace: Don’t worry, White!

Grace leaps in front of Ash, taking the lava attack head-on.

Grace: My head may hurt, but I’m still headstrong!

The lava scorches Grace’s skin.

Grace: OH YEAH!

Ash: Grace? Why?

Grace: Just returning the favor!

Impulse gets to his feet.

Impulse: (If Ash won’t let me beat Grace, I’ll just have to take her out first!)

Blair’s attack ends, and Grace’s skin is smoking.

Blair: *frustrated grunt*

Ash: Are you alright?

Grace: HELL YEAH, I AM!

Grace roars.

Grace: You’re going down, T.T.!

Ash gets in front of Grace.

Grace: Huh? What are you doing, White?

Ash: You’ve gotta battle Impulse first!

Grace: What? Why?

Ash: Because he’ll just toss you off the area again!

Grace: Hm…

Blair: (I see what Ash is doing.)

Grace: I don’t know… I feel like it would be more fun to even the score with T.T.

Ash: Well, that’s not.

Impulse: *from afar* Blackout Blitzkrieg!

Impulse speeds toward Ash, wielding a powerful lightning charge in his hand.

Ash: What?!

Impulse: I’ll take you out, then Grace!

Grace: If that’s the case!

Grace punches Ash in the face.

Ash: AHHHH!

Ash tumbles against the ground, lying motionless.

Impulse: Hey!

Grace: Well, Pulsey, are you ready to hit me again?

Impulse: *grunts*

Saige: Impulse! Do it!

Impulse: Hm?

Saige: Just trust me!

Grace: Listen to the woman!

Impulse: Alright, if you say so! Blackout Blitzkrieg!

Impulse fires a beam of electricity at Grace; however, she leaps over it to dodge.

Impulse: Huh?

Blair: Grace is avoiding pain!

Grace: It’s called learning from past mistakes! I’m already charged up enough to take you down!

Grace uppercuts Impulse, sending him flying through the air.

Impulse: AHHHHHHHH!

Grace: Sorry, Pulsey, but it’s time for my finisher!

Suddenly, Saige blasts herself toward Grace using a mini rocket thruster she created with her quirk.

Saige: Let’s go for a ride!

Saige grabs onto Grace.

Grace: What the?

Saige: Thanks for the opening, Impulse!

Impulse smacks against the ground.

Impulse: *groans* No problem…

Saige and Grace careen off the edge.

Blair: Saige!

Grace laughs.

Grace: I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting a sacrifice play. Clever.

Saige: You weren’t expecting it because that’s not what I’m doing.

Grace: Huh?

Saige kicks herself off of Grace and blasts towards the edge of another area.

Grace: Damn… I can’t even be mad.

Grace falls out of the coin machine and plummets into the water below.

Grace: *spits water out of mouth* Well, that was fun while it lasted!

The crowd cheers.

Boom: With a beautiful fake-out sacrifice play, Saige Neidert has eliminated Grace LaFleur! Incredible!

Ewing stands up in his seat.

Ewing: Yes! Great work, Saige! Kick their asses!

Fatal: Someone’s happy…

Adrian: He’s retiring. Let him enjoy it.

Kevin stands up.

Kevin: Okay, Wrath, you want me to join the fight? Well, I’ll be happy to accommodate that request.

Wrath: Oh, I’m terrified of the cripple in a rust bucket.

Kevin: You should be. MKIII, initiate knuckle crack.

MKIII: Knuckle Crack Initiating.

Kevin’s exoskeleton cracks each of his knuckles individually.

Wrath: Ooh… wow…

Bruno slowly gets to his feet.

Bruno: Wrath, don’t mock something you don’t understand.

Wrath: Shut up!

Alexis: Aren’t you happy he’s okay?

Wrath: Fuck you too!

Kevin: MKIII, identify target.

The MKIII deploys a visor over Kevin’s eyes and scans Wrath.

MKIII: Target lock: Wrath Newcomb, Quirk: Fire.

Kevin: Recommend attack.

MKIII: Recommending Attack: Foam Launcher. Probability of success is 98%.

Kevin: Sounds good to me! 200%!

Kevin’s Exoskeleton lights up.

MKII: Absorbing Adrenaline. Converting into Raw Power. Initiate Ass-Kicking.

The rocket thrusters in Kevin’s boots activate, and he propels himself toward Wrath.

Wrath: *nasal grunt* Like I can’t deal with that!

Wrath creates two fireballs in the shape of amaryllises. Then, Wrath begins blasting a barrage of Amaryllis fireballs at Kevin.

Wrath: Infinite Assault: Burning Amaryllis! I’ll melt that tin can right off your body!

Kevin: MKIII, Initiate Active Defense System!

MKIII: Converting Adrenaline into Plasma. Activating Turrets.

Compartments on Kevin’s shoulder and knee pads open, revealing four small laser weapons.

MKIII: Opening Fire.

The lasers blast and dispel each of Wrath’s fireballs.

Jace: Damn! Kevin’s packing heat!

Isaiah: Wrath’s attack is like nothing to him!

Lilith: Go get him, Kev!

Wrath’s attack ends.

Wrath: Fucking horseshit! Fine, I’ll just hit you with something you can’t blast away!

A grenade pin of fire forms on Wrath’s bicep as his palm heats up.

MKIII: Infinite Assault: Blast Burn incoming. Probability of suit survival: 0%.

Kevin: I guess I shouldn’t let him hit me then, huh?

Wrath: Just try to dodge! We’re in a confined space. There’s nowhere for you to run!

Kevin: Hm… good point.

Wrath: I’m gonna enjoy this!

Suddenly, a stab wound appears on Wrath’s forearm.

Wrath: AHHHHHH!

Wrath falls to his knees, holding his arm in pain.

Alec: Did you forget me?

Alec has stabbed his own bicep.

Wrath: *frustrated grunt*

Kevin: You’re helping me? Man, what did I miss these last few months!

Alec: Nothing, I’m not helping you. Wrath’s my victim, and I’m not letting him walk away without a couple scars!

Kevin: MKIII, assessment?

MKIII: There is a 78% chance that is a lie.

Kevin: Huh.

Alec: Now you’re making me regret doing that!

Alexis turns to Alec.

Alexis: I always knew you were a good guy deep down.

Alec: Shut up. I do whatever I want.

Alexis: Sure…

Alec: Can that tone-

Wrath: Infinite Assault: Blast Burn!

Alec and Alexis: Huh?

Wrath fires a powerful nova at Alec and Alexis.

Wrath: You think I’m afraid of your “soul link?” Well, FUCK YOU! I’LL WITHSTAND MY OWN ATTACK!

Alec and Alexis watch as the fire blast approaches them rapidly.

Alec: Well, no way I’m getting out of this…

Alexis: Are you going to sacrifice yourself for me again?

Alec: Not really. I’m going down anyway.

Alec grabs Alexis.

Alec: But at least I get to secure a rooting interest this way!

Alec tosses Alexis out of the nova’s blast radius.

Alec: You’d better not waste this!

Blast Burn crashes into Alec, scorching his skin and sending him flying out of the coin machine.

Alec and Wrath: AHHHHHH!

Alec splashes into the water below, and Wrath falls to his knees in pain.

Wrath: Eat that, bitch.

Boom: Wrath Newcomb has sent Alec Vyxon out of the Battle Royale!

Kevin lands on the ground and claps.

Kevin: Damn, that was impressive.

Bruno: Wrath! That was a little excessive!

Wrath: I don’t care! He was getting on my nerves.

Alexis: Ceremonious Dance: Kamikaze Formation!

Wrath and Bruno: Huh?

A barrage of Origami birds crashes into Wrath, exploding on impact.

Wrath: AHHHHHHH!

Wrath is sent flying, barely stopping before the area’s edge.

Wrath: *frustrated grunt*

Kevin: Damn, Alexis!

Alexis: Alec may be a piece of shit, but he helped me out. So, I might as well take the time to avenge his defeat!

Bruno: (Wrath’s temper got the better of him there. He’s too heavily damaged to-)

Wrath: AHHHHHHH!

Wrath is already back on his feet.

Alexis: Seriously?!

Kevin: Awesome.

Wrath: If you think I’m going down that easily, YOU’RE DEAD WRONG!

The crowd cheers.

Alexis: *nasal grunt* I guess I forgot who you originate from.

Wrath: Don’t compare me to him. This isn’t perseverance. IT’S PURE RAGE!

Wrath’s skin starts to heat up.

Kevin: I don’t know if I like the looks of this…

MKIII: Danger Detected, Retreat Recommended.

Kevin: Huh?

Fire emits from Wrath’s pores.

Wrath: Inferno Overdrive!

Bruno: Oh boy…

Wrath speeds towards Alexis.

Alexis: (That speed!)

Wrath: YOU’RE GOING DOWN!

Just before Wrath’s fist makes contact with Alexis, he changes course and delivers a fire-coated punch to Kevin’s chest.

Kevin: AHHHHHH!

Kevin slams into the wall of the area right beside Bruno. His chest plate is significantly melted, while his shoulder plates are partially melted.

Kevin: *groans*

MKIII: Critical Damage Sustained!

Bruno: I know how that feels…

Wrath roars.

Wrath: You want firepower! Well, you’ve got it!

Sydney continues swimming furiously as Hayze’s shadow hands continue snatching at her.

Sydney: (If he thinks this lame strategy will work, he’s got another thing coming!)

Domino is watching from the top row of the stadium.

Domino: (Alright, kid, enough with the theatrics. This crowd is itching to watch its hero take home his first victory.)

Hayze takes a deep breath.

Hayze: (It’s time for me to drain the battlefield.)

The shadow hands stop.

Sydney: So, you’ve realized how pointless your strategy is?

Suddenly, a shadow hand snares Sydney from behind.

Sydney: (Huh?!)

Sydney looks down to see Hayze emerge from his sword's shadow.

Sydney: (No! He was distracting me!)

Sydney attempts to break free of her restraints, but one of the shadow hands grabs her rebreather.

Sydney: (Dammit!) DRAIN!

The water in the Nightmare area quickly drains out of the coin machine. Hayze holds on to his sword hilt to avoid being ejected and then frees Sydney from her shadow binding.

Sydney: You’re letting me go? How shameful to give up your advantage that easily.

Hayze: It wasn’t an advantage anymore, but I think you know that.

Sydney: *grunts*

One of Hayze’s shadow hands emerges from the ground and hands him Sydney’s rebreather.

Hayze: You probably have spares, so don’t even think about trying to flood the area again. With this in my possession, we’re on equal ground.

Sydney chuckles.

Hayze: Huh?

Sydney: Well played.

Hayze: W- was that a compliment?

Sydney: Yes, you’d better savor it because you’re not getting another one.

Hayze: Which only adds to my surprise. Can I assume this means you’re enjoying our rematch so far?

Sydney: Of course, it’s gone exactly as I expected.

Hayze: Hm?

Sydney: Are you really shocked that I anticipated you to conquer my Monsoon Manslaughter?

Hayze stares at Sydney.

Hayze: Humility doesn’t suit you, Sydney.

Sydney: I’m aware, but I’m willing to do anything to defeat you.

Hayze: Seriously? This match matters so much to you that you’re willing to swallow your pride?

Sydney: It’s my pride that’s driven me to this point. I promised myself I’d beat you to even the score, and I won’t let this opportunity pass me by.

Hayze: Alright, so you expected me to stop your flood, but as far as I’m aware, that’s your best attack. So, how are you supposed to win now?

Sydney laughs.

Domino: (What’s this girl up to?)

Sydney presses a button on her utility belt, deploying an eyepiece that she wears over her right eye.

Hayze: Huh?

Sydney: It’s time to unleash something the Support Class has been working on ever since I lost to you.

Hayze: I didn’t know Tara had a big project like that under her belt.

Sydney: I didn’t go to that crazy harlot! There are more students in the Support Classes than her.

Hayze: Okay… and how did you get them to do it?

Many third-year support class males with acne, glasses, and pocket protectors cheer for Sydney.

Support Student 1: We love you, Sydney!

Support Student 2: Show off our hard work!

Support Student 3: Please give us credit!

Hayze is dumbfounded.

Hayze: You have fans?

Sydney: I told them I’d break one of their legs each day if they didn't do it. They agreed instantly.

Hayze: But that doesn’t explain why they’re cheering for you.

Sydney: Look at them. Do you think they interact with women much?

Hayze: Fair…

Support Students: HEY!

Hayze: Alright, so what’s this gadget you’ve waited so long to debut?

Sydney: You’ll regret asking me that!

Suddenly, small mechanical attack pods deploy from various parts of Sydney’s costume. Totaling 12 machines in all. They hover around Sydney.

Sydney: I’m no fool, Hayze. I know you’re more powerful than I am. However, you’ve relied on plenty of gadgets, serums, and alternate versions of yourself, so I figured I should do the same if I want to defeat you.

The crowd is mesmerized by Sydney’s gadgets.

Hayze: What are those things?

Sydney: Why don’t you find out.

The bots fly to Hayze and surround him.

Hayze: Huh?

Sydney: It’s time for you to face the PANIK System!

The attack pods begin firing lasers at Hayze, flying around him to avoid a counterattack.

Hayze: AHHHHH!

Hayze rips his sword from the ground and attempts to swipe at the pods, but they easily avoid his attack.

Hayze: (They’re fast!)

Sydney: Nice try, but the PANIK System won’t be undone that simply.

Hayze: *grunts* Shadow Sneak!

Hayze sinks into his shadow.

Hayze: (If I move quickly, I can strike her down before those bots can have a chance to stop me!)

Hayze leaps out of Sydney’s shadow and swipes at her from behind.

Hayze: Sinister Slash-

The bots have already surrounded Sydney in a protective dome.

Hayze: (What?!)

The pods laser Hayze, sending him flying and tumbling against the ground. Sydney turns to face him as the bots hover around her.

Hayze: *groans*

The crowd is in awe.

Adrian: What the hell was that? Those drones flew back to her almost instantly!

Fatal: I know. I can’t believe machines could react that quickly.

Houston laughs.

Houston: That’s my girl, Sydney! Take him down!

Adrian: Do you know anything about this, Houston?

Houston: Only the core concept, but I’ll allow Sydney to explain.

Hayze has burn marks all over his body. He’s slow to his feet.

Hayze: What… was that?

Sydney: You’re looking at PANIKS, the Perfectly Automatic Neural Imaging Kill System. I can swarm an opponent and unleash a deadly assault by relaying mental commands to the attack pods.

Hayze: M- mental? So…

Sydney: Yes, they’re, in essence, an extension of my body. Blocking your last attack was the equivalent of swinging my arm around.

Hayze: I see…

The crowd has a mix of cheers and boos.

Crowd Member 1: This chick is incredible!

Crowd Member 2: Come on, Hayze! Fight back!

Crowd Member 3: Don’t worry about Hayze!

Crowd Member 2: Wh- why not?

Crowd Member 3: Because he’s smiling.

The crowd turns their attention to Hayze.

Hayze: Well, it’s a good thing I’m packing more than just my Shadow quirk.

Hayze’s wounds have already begun healing.

Sydney: Oh, trust me, I’m aware.

Sydney creates a water vortex beside her.

Sydney: That’s why I’m still planning to drown you like the rat you are! The PANIK System is all I need to slow you down.

Hayze: *grunts*

Sydney: Tsunami Cannon!

Sydney blasts Hayze with a continuous stream of water, but he blocks it with his sword.

Hayze: *pained grunts*

The force of the water pushes Hayze closer to the edge of the area.

Sydney: Don’t even try to escape into the shadows. PANIKS will find and destroy you!

Hayze is mere inches from the edge.

Hayze: (I’ve gotta think of something fast! Come on!)

“ Sydney: Tsunami Cannon!

Sydney fires another water blast at Tempest. He uses Shadow Sneak to ride underneath the water’s shadow until he emerges behind Sydney. “ - Chapter 196

Hayze: (I’m gonna get fried by her PANIK System again, but it’s my only choice!)

Hayze disappears into his shadow.

Sydney: *nasal grunt* (Knew it.)

Hayze emerges behind Sydney and is instantly blasted by PANIKS.

Hayze: AHHHHH!

Sydney: I’ve waited a long time for this, Hayze. You cannot escape defeat.

Hayze lies on the ground, injured.

Ivy: That defense system she has seems far too powerful!

Walker: Yes, and as she’s alluded to, it’s specially designed to counter Hayze’s strategy of exploiting holes in his opponent’s defense. However, there’s something you can learn from this.

Ivy: Hm? And that is?

Walker: I don’t spoon-feed. Figure it out.

Ivy: R- right, sorry.

Walker: Don’t apologize.

Ivy stares at Walker.

Walker: What?

Ivy: That’s… something Iota would say to me… when he was training me.

Walker stares at Ivy.

Walker: I see… Well, that’s where the similarities between us end.

Ivy: O- Okay…

Hayze is extremely slow to get up.

Sydney: You’re running out of energy. You won’t be able to heal PANIKS’ attacks soon.

Hayze: No, but I don’t need to.

Sydney: Hm?

Hayze: Because just like everything else I take on… I’ll find a way to beat you!

The crowd cheers for Hayze.

Sydney: *nasal grunt* We’ll see about that.

Silver forges his silver wrist blades.

Silver: You want to clash blades? Then let’s go!

Silver swipes at Blaze, but he blocks with his obsidian sword.

Blaze: You’ll have to be faster than that!

Silver: I know, that was a warm-up attack.

Blaze: Huh?

Silver uses his blades to twist Blaze’s sword from his hand.

Blaze: Hey!

Silver then kicks Blaze in the chest, knocking him back.

Calm: Wes, stay back. I must join the battle.

Wes: Huh? Wait, you’re leaving me?!

Calm: Yes, Blaze requires my assistance.

Wes: Well, can you give me back my gun, at least!

Calm: No.

Calm runs towards the battle.

Wes: *sighs*

Silver channels a mound of silver dust above his head.

Silver: Sorry, Romeo, but this is where you hit the road!

Blaze: No!

Silver sends the dust in a wave crashing toward Romeo.

Romeo: Duh…

Suddenly, water streams up from below the coin machine and into the Heaven Area. Blocking Silver’s dust wave.

Silver: Huh?

Calm: You shouldn’t forget your opponents, Silver.

The water absorbs all the silver dust and then retreats from the machine.

Silver: Hey!

Calm: By my count, you just lost a third of your dust supply. I’d be happy to rid you of the rest in a moment.

Silver: That’s fine. I don’t need it.

Silver creates elbow and shoulder blade blades out of his liquid silver.

Silver: (I have to take Romeo out now! I’m losing control of this situation!) Blade Storm!

Silver charges toward Calm and Romeo, running past Blaze in the process.

Blaze: Hey! Get back here!

Blaze begins firing microwaves at Silver, but he turns around and easily blocks each one with his blades.

Silver: Sorry, Blaze, but only one member of your family can match my strength!

Blaze: *frustrated grunt*

Blaze glances at Wes.

Blaze: *nasal grunt*

Blaze fires a microwave at Wes.

Silver: What’s that supposed to do!

Wes: AH!

Blaze: You have a quirk!

Wes: Oh… fuck!

Wes transforms his skin into a mirror, deflecting the microwave at Silver.

Silver: What the?!

The microwave catches Silver by surprise, blasting and burning his shoulder significantly. He writhes on the ground in pain.

Silver: *pained grunt* Clever play…

Calm’s eyes narrow.

Calm: (Now would be an opportune time to wipe Silver out, but removing him from the equation does not benefit me. However… there is another target I can go after.)

Blaze smiles.

Blaze: (I wish you were watching, Dad, but you can see the replay-)

Calm fires Wes’ gun at Wes, deflecting the bullet into Blaze’s left thigh.

Blaze: AHHHHHH!

Blaze falls to his knees in pain.

Wes: C- Calm?

Blaze: What the hell?

Calm: My apologies, Blaze, but I must look out for my own best interest.

Blaze: Why would you do that?! Silver is our common enemy!

Calm: Yes, but I’m preparing myself for victory after he has been defeated.

Blaze: *frustrated grunt*

Silver gets to his knees.

Silver: Glad to see you’re not viewing this as a team sport, Calm.

Calm: Yes, but you’re still my primary target.

Calm readies his trident.

Calm: And now that Blaze has been sufficiently wounded, it’s time for me to finish you off.

Silver: Bring it!

Calm streams another wave of water into the machine.

Calm: Prepare to be defeated.

Gus winces.

Gus: (I’ve gotta help Silver! With his dust useless against Calm’s water attacks, there’s nothing he can do to avoid being swept away.)

Gus looks down at his gas mask attached to his belt.

Calm: Get ready! It’s time for Torrential Tribute-

Gus: Gas Grenade!

Calm, Silver, Blaze, and Wes: Huh?

Gus chucks a gas grenade at Romeo’s feet.

Romeo: Yum!

Calm: Romeo! No!

Romeo attempts to eat the grenade, but it blows up in his face, filling his lungs with toxic air.

Romeo: OWIE!

Romeo staggers around before falling off the area and careening into the water below.

Blaze: Oh no! That means…

Gavin starts laughing maniacally.

Gavin: It’s ass gas time!

Gavin does a handstand and points his butt to the sky.

Gavin: ASS GAS…

Silver: Don’t worry, everyone, I’ll-

Wes pulls out his katana and charges toward Gavin.

Calm, Blaze, and Silver: Wes?

Wes leaps towards Gavin.

Gavin: ASSASSINATION!

Wes positions his sword above Gavin’s butt, reflecting his goofy gas into a cloud that engulfs Gavin.

Gavin: MY ASS GAS NOOOOOOO!

Wes plugs his nose and runs from the gas as quickly as possible.

Gus: Man, I don’t want to know what that stuff can do at double strength!

The gas clears, and Gavin is bumbling around.

Gavin: I’m thirsty…

Gavin leaps off the edge and careens into the water below.

Wes, Silver, Calm, and Blaze: …

Gus: Huh…

Aaron transforms his left arm into an RPG.

Aaron: Hey, Zach! Looks like I’m about to go 3-0 against you!

Tobias: Aaron, be careful. He might-

Aaron: I can’t hear you over the sound of the rocket!

Aaron fires the rocket at Zach.

Zach: Thanks, bud!

Zach extends his bone tail and catches the rocket.

Tobias: He’s done that before, you know.

Aaron: Yeah, but let’s just say I don’t care about the collateral damage.

Tobias: Why, you-

Zach redirects the missile at Tobias. It blasts and sends him crashing against the ground.

Tobias: *pained grunt*

Justus: Aaron, we’re on the same side!

Aaron: We’re in an alliance, Justus. It only functions if we can trust each other.

Justus: You’re the one breaking that trust!

Aaron: Okay, and Tobias keeping the information that Zach was here to himself wasn’t “breaking that trust?”

Justus: *grunts* Fair point.

Tobias: I was trying to protect you two! That’s why I didn’t fight alongside you!

Aaron: Well, I guess we’ll never know. What matters to me is that you lied to us by omission, which doesn’t fly in my book.

Tobias: *frustrated grunt*

Tobias takes a deep breath.

Tobias: (Calm down, don’t allow yourself to get caught up in his stupidity.)

Gale: Is your lover’s quarrel done yet?

Gale has gotten to his feet.

Gale: Because I’m ready for round two.

Zach: Let me handle this, Gale!

Gale: I don’t need your help.

Justus: You’d be wise to accept Zach’s help.

Justus readies his Jet Boots.

Justus: Your last barrage has left you open to defeat.

Gale: Hm… good point.

Gale walks toward the edge of the area.

Gale: I guess I’ll go somewhere where they don’t know that.

Aaron: What’s he up to-

Gale jumps off the edge.

Aaron, Justus, Tobias, and Zach: Huh?!

Gale: Cya, suckers!

Gale glides away to another area.

Zach: Gale!

Aaron shrugs.

Aaron: Whatever, I guess now we can all beat up on Zach together.

Zach: *grunts* Great…

Tobias: *whispers* Zach, pretend you do not hear me speaking.

Zach: Hm?

Tobias: *whispers* I am going to assist you. When Aaron strikes, I will counter for you.

Zach glances at Tobias.

Tobias: *whispers* If you are wondering if you can trust me. Simply put, you can’t. However, I am a man of my word.

Zach gulps.

Aaron: Alright, boys. I’ll start. And if he’s still standing, you can finish him off.

Justus: Be careful, Aaron.

Tobias: I hope you’re not planning on using another rocket.

Aaron: Nah, I think you learned my lesson.

Tobias: *grunts*

Aaron transforms his arms into dual Browning LMGs.

Aaron: Let’s see how many bullets it takes to wear down your bone claws, Zach!

Aaron opens fire with a barrage of bullets.

Zach: *grunts* (Do I trust Tobias or?)

Tobias chucks his cane at Aaron’s legs.

Aaron: Woah!

Aaron falls backward, redirecting his barrage toward the area’s ceiling.

Tobias: Strike now, Zach!

Zach: Right!

Justus: Tobias, you traitor!

Tobias: I was the one double-crossed first, Justus. I’m simply taking things into my own hands!

Zach charges toward Aaron.

Justus: (Aaron’s still in pain from the arrow Gale stabbed him with! He needs a moment to recover!)

Justus jets toward Zach.

Justus: Hammer of Justice!

Justus attempts to punch Zach, but he blocks with his bone claws.

Zach: Funny, I once took that exact attack from your dad head-on. Of course, he crushed my claws.

Justus: That’s fine.

Justus uses his other fist to punch Zach in the stomach.

Justus: I don’t need to break your claws.

Zach: *pained grunt*

Zach falls to his knees. Justus then kicks him in the face, knocking him down.

Aaron: Thanks for the help, Justus.

Justus: No problem, Aaron.

Aaron gets to his feet.

Aaron: (I guess it’s time to unveil my new ultimate technique.) Keep them busy for a second, alright?

Justus: Got it.

Tobias and Zach: Hm?

Tobias charges toward Aaron.

Tobias: (He’s planning something big; I can’t let him charge up-)

Tobias leaps into the air as Justus’ shield whizzes past him.

Justus: You’re not going anywhere.

Tobias: *grunts*

Aaron lies down on his back.

Aaron: Let’s go!

Aaron puts his arms together, transforming them into a Bateleur FV2 rocket launcher.

Aaron: Charge up!

All 40 launch tubes light up.

Tobias: (We don’t have much time!)

Justus jets toward Tobias.

Justus: Hammer of Justice!

Tobias dodges, but the two immediately enter a fistfight.

Tobias: He’s already betrayed me once. What makes you think he won’t take the opportunity to wipe you out, too?

Justus: I trust Aaron.

Tobias: Then you’re a fool!

Justus: If trusting a friend is foolish, I don’t want to be intelligent!

Justus punches Tobias in the face, knocking him down.

Tobias: *grunts* I see…

Suddenly, Zach appears and attempts to stab Justus in the back.

Zach: Take this, Justus!

Justus: Huh?

Justus catches Zach’s claws.

Justus: You shouldn’t have announced yourself, Zach!

Zach: No, I should have!

Zach’s bone tail stabs into Justus’ lower abdomen.

Justus: AHHHH!

Justus falls to his knees, holding his bleeding wound.

Zach: Tobias, come on! We’ve gotta attack now!

Zach offers Tobias his hand.

Tobias: R- right.

Zach helps Tobias up, and the pair charges toward Aaron.

Tobias: You strike his arms. I’ll go for the decisive blow-

Aaron: Too late!

Tobias and Zach: Huh?!

Aaron’s cannon has charged up.

Aaron: Now, ladies in the audience! Feast your eyes on my newest onslaught attack!

Aaron fires 40 missiles into the air.

Aaron: Cerulean Skyfire!

The rockets descend down upon Tobias and Zach. Each one splits into four smaller rockets propelled by blue flames.

Zach: Dang it!

The rockets blast Tobias and Zach, sending them flying off the edge of the area.

Tobias and Zach: AHHHHH!

Aaron sits up and catches his breath; he’s visibly exhausted.

Aaron: Alright… looks like we cleared this area, Justus.

Justus: Yes… Now, if you don’t mind. I need a second to recover.

Saige: Are you two so sure you’re done here?

Aaron and Justus: Huh?

Saige has arrived in the Earth Area.

Saige: Ready for another round, boys?