My Superhero Academy: Crisis of Infinite Reboots

Squad 1

The sight of a falling girl drives people to act as a winged harness and an arm brace as he took to the air.

Calculating, he tried to catch Iona without hurting her, even if he needed to land on a pile of snow.

"There it is" He said, with a grunt. "Ow" he held his arm.

He really needs to check that.

Well, better to take the sleeping beauty with the others.

Edited by Blueace on Apr 2nd 2019 at 6:00:28 AM

Wake me up at your own risk.

Saint Academy Front Yard — March 22

It had been nearly two weeks since Gaea made their last desperate assault on Super City. The good news was that Gaea no more. Their attack ensured that most of the public saw them as nothing more as deranged psychopaths at best and terrorists at worst, with no room for sympathy. Additionally, someone had apparently slipped the IRS Gaea's financial records, ensuring that whatever remained of them would swiftly be dealt with. Not that it would bring back the countless lives lost during the invasion. Or the Saint.

It wasn't clear how or why, nor were most willing to believe it. But the facts were facts. The Saint, the world's symbol of peace, was no more. The official story was that Saint valiantly gave his life defending the populace, perishing in one final desperate struggle. For if they knew the true cause of his death, it would only serve to further demoralize the population. But regardless of his passing, the Saint was still dead. For now most were still taking it in, coming to terms with the new state of things. But it was only a matter of time before everything would start falling apart at the seams. The Saint was the glue that held the world together. With him gone, everything he built was in danger of being undone. No doubt others would step up to try and hold it all together, but one couldn't be faulted for wondering if it could be done. Or if they should even try.

Still, for now that didn't matter. All that mattered was honoring those who had fallen. The Saint included. A memorial had been scheduled at Saint Academy to remember those who were gone, and to celebrate the Saint's memory. And yet that wasn't all. Apparently the school was set to deliver an announcement after the remembrances. Some were saying that perhaps it was to announce the school's closure. After all, it didn't make much sense to have a Saint Academy without the Saint, did it? Still, one supposed they would just have to wait. For now everyone was gathered in the front yard, sitting down in folding chairs and reminiscing amongst themselves as they struggled to come to grips with it the tragedy of two weeks past. A stage had been placed in the back with most of the staff sitting patiently atop it. For now all that was left to do was wait.

Edited by kkhohoho on Apr 2nd 2019 at 7:58:25 AM

Doctor Who — Long Way Around: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13536044/1/Doctor-Who-Long-Way-Around

Epilogue – Front Yard

Out of the three, only Evelyn seemed to be the most affected. But perhaps that was her sympathy for the others who had looked up to him. But then again, she had too. It was just a shame she'd never gotten to appreciate the Saint as much as she could've.

Ash was thinking much the same thing, but was sitting silently; her arms crossed. The girl had become less comical over the past couple weeks. Less dry. More severe. She'd been thinking. A lot. It was jarring, really. It wasn't quite trauma, but that battle had affected her. Everything had. And she wasn't used to it.

The girl barely swore now. But that was only because she barely spoke anything other than short sentences.

Yoko was perhaps the most composed. But she had an entire millennium of painful deaths to look back on. She was numb to it. But she still recognised the pain in some of the others, and still felt that hollow feeling of loss associated with someone significant passing away. The fox hadn't connected with Saint all too well, but she knew how much he meant to some in the class. And that was enough to keep her head ducked low in respect.

The unstated question still managed to ring loud and clear.

What now?

bork

Epilogue - Zach

Growing up in this day and age, and this generation, it was hard to not have an opinion of Saint. Bright eyed admiration. Reluctant respect. For Zach? Well, he was the reason he wanted to become a hero. Someone he could look up to. He had plenty of inspiration through the years from various forms of heroes, but Saint was always prevalent.

Zach felt comfort knowing a good chunk of the class also felt numb at the mere concept he was actually gone.

His hands were currently folded in his lap and his head dutifully bowed down, eyes closed and listening to the chatter of his classmates around him, again, comforted for the fact no one else knew where to go from here.

He almost didn't feel there. Between what happened two weeks ago, the various meetings with Laurie...it was all so overwhelming.

He looked up from his little world and wondered how everyone else looked...

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Aster (2)

Aster was wheeled in on a wheelchair by Avajax in human form, nearly covered head to toe in bandages (except for the face; there was just a pink Hello Kitty bandage across her nose) and sporting a cast on one leg and a brace on the other.

She lazily flapped a few fingers in greeting to her classmates and whomever else was gathered there, since she didn't feel like moving much.

Avajax smiled grimly, but then immediately became aware of his sharp teeth and awkwardly stopped.

---

Perry (4)

Perry had been crying non-stop ever since Saint had been announced dead, both sad for his passing and angry at herself for not being able to at least call his spirit up to comfort everyone.

She'd latched onto Orthus' leg for comfort.

Edited by JumpingFruit on Apr 2nd 2019 at 10:43:41 AM

I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.

Epilogue - Demons

Mikael stood, stone faced, awaiting the memorial in silence. His face showed no emotion, nothing but placid coldness. But his hands were clenched into tight fists, shaking ever so slightly as his nails dug into his palm.

Idealistic fool.

He'd never idolized the Saint in the way others had. Even as a child, the pragmatism his Opa had drilled into him was at odds with the Saint's wide-eyed optimism. But by all accounts, the Saint had been a paragon of virtue, and had brought about change, justice, and hope.

You carried this world upon your shoulders, but why was it your burden alone to bear?

And now the world was in ruins, the Saint's ideals ground to rubble and dust. On some level, Mikael could not help but blame the Saint. The world's Symbol of Peace had left no successor, no plan in place for his own death. Had he thought himself invincible? No, the Saint was humble, not arrogant. So why?

He was an optimist. Of course he, that impossible man, would believe the world could live on without him.

"Man, everyone's bummed, huh?" Ellie popped into existence next to Mikael. She didn't seem particularly sad. Not happy, but despite her black funeral dress, she lacked the air of depression around Mikael and the others.

"Yes, that tends to happen when world famous icons die unexpectedly." Mikael deadpanned. "I suppose that's just another difference between Earth and the Abyss."

"Not really." Ellie's eyes turned downward. "I'm sure many would weep if Lucifer were to fall. There'd just be more blood and sex at the funeral."

Mikael snorted. "Sounds about right."

They said nothing for a moment. Then, suddenly, Ellie spoke up.

"He said he believed in me." She met Mikael's eyes. "The Saint. He was one of the first humans to tell me that I could be a good person, and I knew he meant it. I'm not gonna let him down."

"Neither will I." Mikael agreed. He placed a fist over his heart. "We must be heroes, now more than ever."

"Yeah." Ellie mimicked his motion. "No matter the pain we face."

There was another pause, and Ellie reached for her stomach. Her dress shifted, revealing a bottle hidden in the folds of the cloth. She raised it to her lips and took a gulp. Mikael eyed her sternly, and held out his hand.

"Hey. Give it." He said. She hesitated, but acquiesced.

Mikael promptly drained about half the bottle of whisky in one pull, and Ellie giggled. "'Attaboy."

He smiled at her. "This is probably not healthy."

"Whisky?"

"No, I mean getting drunk to not deal with our feelings."

"Probably, yeah."

They then shared a kiss as they waited for the service to start.

What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?

Sally simply sat in her chair, on her lap was a bouquet of lilies and carnations to lay at the memorial. She was quiet and it was clear there was sorrow in her eyes. On hand, Gaea was finally stopped and no one amongst Class 1 and most of the staff survived. On the other hand, both the Saint and countless innocent people were killed in the process. Sally thought about the people who might have lost their loved ones due to this. The Saint was a great hero and to her, it wasn't fair how he was killed like that. The only comfort that could be given was that deceased were in a better place and can hopefully rest easy. As she looked around at the class, she could tell how hurt everyone was, physically and emotionally.

"Why does it have to be this way..."

Finn sat in his chair, with his fists clenched. He looked about mere minutes away from breaking down and trying hard not to. He remembered when he made it to the bar, how he was told The Saint was dead, how he broke down trying to deny by yelling for Saint to wake up because he can't be dead. That whole night he couldn't sleep. He got calls from his family, trying to make sure he didn't die in the attack they saw in the news. To Finn, the grieving process was something he understood. He knew all of those emotions would come and he would have to overcome them as time went on. However, there was one thing that kept eating away at him. It was the fact that him calling out Saint for the test was the last thing he ever said to his face. He avoided him afterwards in the weeks before his death. Saint was a hero who did what he could because it was the right thing to do. Hell, he may have been the reason why some of the people here today were alive. He had flaws like everyone though and only now did Finn fully realize that.

"Why didn't I talk to you one last time? I'm sorry for being stubborn jackass...You deserved better..." He muttered under his breath.

Just an adorable fan girl and cosplayer ヾ(*・ω・)ノ💝💟

Squad 1

Funerals always weighed heavily on the people attending it. Most of the time, the only thing one could do was to try and show your respect, and for someone to be the strong one to catch the others. Time has passed and the tears should have dried by now.

But the feeling of the world shattering just won't leave.

Walking seemed like an extremely heavy task, and the feeling of things being hopeless keeps pressing against his chest.

While the class survived, the sheer amount of casualties, especially the Saint, was a shadow that loomed over all of them. It just didn't feel real.

The future was always a mystery, things happen so fast and so unexpectedly that any plan could be easily derailed. The best one could do is to hold on and try to keep afloat, moving according to their best instincts.

But now, he had no idea of what to do. Tomorrow feels so far away.

But the now, he'll just look after the others.

It's simple, hopefully, a stone cold bastard like him can do this right.

Squad 2/Iridium Wonders

Rage is a powerful emotion. It can make you push, stand up and right any wrong he could find.

But once the wrath burns, there is nothing but ash and a powerful numbness.

So, after the screaming and crying is done, the days just passed by his eyes, as he tried to not break down, and help his friends hold on if they needed it.

The price for their victory was too high, and the Saint's death isn't something he is gonna let be in vain. He needed to be better, to try and inspire others, but it was something difficult, when he didn't know if he believed in himself enough to do so.

If you can't believe in yourself A voice said, a memory far in the past Believe in those who believe in you

So, with that, he looked for Sally, after all, he'd be a terrible boyfriend if he wasn't trying to be supportive in these dark moments.

Wake me up at your own risk.

Vivian-Still Not Safe

Vivian was standing at the back of the ceremony. Not because she didn't care (she did) but because she didn't trust anything now. They'd thought they were safe, that they'd won, and got hit hard as a result. So now she wasn't taking any chances. The whole group of them, clumped together and without the Saint? Perfect target. Her shoulder blades itched.

It had given her an excuse to wear a snazzy red suit and pink tie (her only formalwear) but she felt no urge to sit with the others. She knew many of them were suffering, but it...just didn't feel safe. If only there were some kind of defenses, some way she could ensure that this all went smoothly.

Edited by Booky on Apr 3rd 2019 at 7:33:09 AM

Schoolyard

The sheer despair and trepidation continued to hang over everyone present like a heavy load, but nonetheless, there was still a service to be held. Sitting at the front of the row of teachers, Kilgore slowly rose from his seat and walked over to the podium, only briefly teleporting in and out to retrieve his notes that he had forgotten under his chair. Still, despite his seeming reluctance, he didn't appear to be quite as morose as most of the others. In fact, all of the teachers seemed the same way. As if they were privy to a joke most were not in on.

"You know, I'm not really big on speeches. Oh, occasionally I might go on about the proper conduct expected in a classroom, or on the wonders of souffle. But I've never been the sort to give one that actually means something. But Saint meant a lot to everyone. I'm not going to say he was perfect. Hell, I still remember the time he put a kick-me note on my back. But damn if he didn't come close to it. And he was darn good at his job. I don't think I can count how many times he's saved the planet. Or of the impact he's had on everyone and everything else. In fact, if it weren't for him I'd probably in some slum instead of talking to you all right now. I owe him a lot. We all do. But now he's gone. And the world's a helluva lot poorer for it."

He cleared his throat. "So. It's been decided amongst the staff that without the Saint, there isn't much need for a Saint Academy. Even with everything that's been going on for the last couple of years." He waited for a moment to let the anxiety and tension grow before continuing on, as if for dramatic effect. "As such, we figured there's only thing to do. And that's to turn this into another school altogether." As expected, gasps and shock were present throughout the entire audience, but a deft hand from Kilgore was enough to settle them down.

He took a swig of water from a bottle sitting on a nearby stool. "Now to be clear, it's not as if we're pulling this out of nowhere. In fact, the Saint himself was working on something along those lines just before he bought it. If he or others like him ever fell, then he wanted to know it wasn't all for nothing. That there were those who could continue what he started. And he wanted a place where those who had already proved themselves or needed a place to do so could become even better. To surpass even himself. And after talking about it amongst ourselves, we decided that we more or less agreed. Because even if there isn't one of you who can do it on your lonesome — and let's face it, that's a tall order — then maybe you can still do it together. And I think that would make him happier than anything anyone else could've done."

Another swig. "So. As this school's acting Principal, I hereby declare that this fall, Saint Academy will be rebranded Saint University! A place where everyone no matter where they've come from or what they've done can learn how to be the best hero they can be! Or to be an ever better one. Because even if the Saint's no longer here, we can still keep his memory alive as best we can. And as long as we do, then he'll never really be gone. At the end of the day, he's only gone if we let him be."

After first there was a long silence. There was the odd whisper or murmur, but most seemed to be taking it in as if properly digesting it. And as if on cue, the crowd suddenly erupted into a thunder of joyous cheers. Some were happy that the school wasn't being closed, others caught up in the sheer thrill of the moment. But no matter the reason, there no longer seemed anything to be too sad about. Of course, it wouldn't last. At the end of the day the Saint was still dead, as were countless others. But for now, for this moment, there was still something to be hopeful for.

Edited by kkhohoho on Apr 3rd 2019 at 9:31:38 AM

Doctor Who — Long Way Around: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13536044/1/Doctor-Who-Long-Way-Around

Aster (2)

Avajax let out a loud war-whoop at Kilgore's speech, clapping his metal-bound hands with enough force to fell several men and perhaps even a horse.

Aster matched her great-times-many grandfather's shout with an exclamation of her own—though it had accidentally come out in an eldritch language—and wriggled her fingers in agreement.

---

Perry (4)

Perry had managed to stem the flow of tears momentarily to listen to Kilgore's speech, and seemed to be cheered much afterwards.

She looked over her friends—old and new, dead and alive—then back at the stage where Kilgore stood.

Well.

There probably wasn't a better time for this.

Perry stood up braving the pain of her curse, and raised a fist in solidarity. Her ghostly friends gathered on and around her.

"GO MISTER KILGORE! YOU GOOD!" she shouted, shaking her fist as she cheered his speech.

Edited by JumpingFruit on Apr 3rd 2019 at 7:46:17 AM

I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.

Zach

Saint...University? So...he didn't need to stop coming? That actually brought a smile to his face. Yeah, the situation was still terrible, but they could still come to school, and they could still learn and be...well, be the heroes they knew they could be!

He found himself clapping along with the rest of the obviously ecstatic classmates, wishing he could hoot and holler with the rest of them but...alas, it wasn't in the cards.

Next year was going to be wild...college, fatherhood, marriage...

...Shoot, he honestly couldn't wait.

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Shane

Shane for his part somberly attended the event - he had not even known at what cost victory, but now...now and seeing all this, hearing what actually happened—-it really made him glad that Elim wasn't just locked up. That fucker was dust now. But the fact was, the Saint was gone. Not coming back. Not suddenly gonna turn up - Elim ripped off his head in a completely apropos of nothing hit.

But when Kilgore gave his speech, Shane turned his head from just looking at the ground, musing about the dead and dying...and he slowly smiled.

He looked out and then thought about it - the Saint really wouldn't want his death to be the cause for despair and hopelessness. He was the symbol of peace, of hope, of the potential of people. And Shane had never really been involved with him, but he really, really respected that.

And this event had deepened that respect.

He had thought when he came in here to attend, in this stuffy tuxedo and tie, that this was the end. Ohhhh no, no no no, he thought to himself as he looked out and thought he saw someone jumping and racing through the sky.

No.

This was only just the beginning of a new phase in all their lives. Him. Zach. Yoko. Ellie. Mikael. Martin. Aaron.

While he intended to pursue justice his own way, he wouldn't let down those around him. He'd be there when they needed him, no matter what. And he wouldn't let the future be dominated by cynicists like Elim and Leon.

---

Van

Van, too, had been there when the announcement was made, and he knew from personal experience and the evidence at the site what truly happened. He however left shortly after the speech ended, turning into a swirl of bats that flew off upon seeing a one-eyed raven perched by his position.

Reforming at a dark cave within a nearby hill, Van looked around and then turned when he heard someone approach.

"...Hello, little brother."

Van's older brother Sabas was perpetually shirtless, covered in red ink depicting odd symbols, and wearing what looked like a tattered robe tied to his waist. His rakishly handsome face was offset at least a little for most by the fact one of his eyes perpetually glowed red. What looked like a gourd of some kind rested upon his back...

...In addition to a large sword-shaped silhouette.

There was a respectful moment of silence between the two.

Then, Sabas spoke, "You know, our older brother Edgar..." He took the sword off his back, seeming to relish getting it away from him, "Found this accursed thing in the depths of the castle of Vlad Dracul. He...knows not what it is, just that it wants to be with you."

Van promptly took it up, feeling a sudden weight to the thing beyond its typical weight as an o-dachi.

"What...is this thing?"

"That is for you to find out, Vandes." Sabas stated, and then he chuckled, "I don't know what it is, but it is supremely unlucky for something like that to WANT you. Have you offended some petty god, Van?"

Van chuckled outloud, "Not as far as I know. But if this thing really does have some element of its own will, I'll be glad to take it off your hands."

Sabas promptly dissolved into a stream of shadows that flowed away, leaving one final cryptic sentence, "...I wouldn't be so eager to afflict it upon yourself."

Sign on for this After The End Fantasy RP.

Martin and Clay

It probably wasn't good that the one thing that Martin felt most during the service was an intense feeling of relief. After taking down the main ship of the fleet he had been interviewed across every publication imaginable, and even weeks after his celebrity hadn't died down. Of course he wasn't exactly unhappy about this, as he could use the platform given to him in order to push more people to help out, but it was still tiring.

"So, a university for heroes, can't say it seems much different from a school but then I don't get a lot of what you guys do," Clay stood next to Martin, pulling out a cigarette and pulling a slow drag off of it, placing a small bulb at the end so that no smoke would actually escape. "Gotta say its mighty convenient that they roll these for you."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you smoked."

"Don't exactly, hate everything about it," he took another drag. "But its tradition with the Riders, when someone important dies we light a smoke in their honor, don't make a lick of sense to me."

Martin shrugged at that, not able to find anything else to say. "So, have you thought it over?"

Clay seemed thoughtful for a moment. "You realize that starting from scratch is going to be difficult right? I can throw some of my funds at it, but money ain't going to get you what you need to start your own team."

"It is a place to start. The University will be a good place to build up sponsors, and if its possible there might be people we could pull to our side. Without Saint around I can't really say I trust the current Guardians roster to live up to his ideal."

The world was going to change, both of them could feel it on the wind. The Saint had pushed for what was considered 'modern heroism', where heroes captured villains and tried to reform them rather then just executing them. Some might hold to the Saint's ideals, but with pressure from outside it would be hard to say who would hold to the spirit of heroism.

Clay sighed and put out the cigarette. "Well I'm in, forming your own posse usual ends up better then trying to fall into one," he offered his hand and the two young men shook on it before turning. "Now if you don't mind, I think I might surprise my lady with a gift."

Martin laughed a bit. "And Mahvash is probably wondering where I am at this point." the two turned and walked away from each other.

No matter what came next, the two would be living in interesting times.

Be better, because what is the harm in trying?

Epilogue – Front Yard

Two of the three let out a sigh. Yoko whooped along with the others and drew Zach into an enthusiastic side-hug. Ash shook her head slightly but didn't bother hiding her smile, and Evelyn had an air of content happiness and relief. It wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Welp. If I ain't bein' a hero, imma find a #$&%ing great excuse to stick around anyway.

I wonder if I should tell Zach how far along I am... nahhh...!

Maybe this way... I can keep getting better...!

Evelyn eventually joined in the clapping, but Ash stayed silent. Grinning a little to herself as she crossed her arms and looked out to the side. The anxious Vivian caught her eye, and she gave her a salute. Yeah. She could make something like this work.

Hero or no, they were basically family now. And with something as precious as this, they all yearned to make it last for as long as possible.

bork

Epilogue – Dante

So the Saint is dead.

It's depressing, to say the least...the American Symbol Of Peace...beheaded brutally...

Well, while the Saint wasn't in Italy at his prime, Dante felt like his actions influenced the rest of the globe...

And, because of this, his death be a great, mourned and grieved loss for the world.

Dante started to clap at Kilgore's speech.

But, with autumnal rebrandment of the Academy, there could be hope! Hope that he and Class 1 would have more chances at becoming someone like the Saint, or something even better! Hope that he will finally defeat Dementius! Hope that he will finally know what's the deal with his mom! His father didn't say much about , besides the fact that she was a former member of Saint's group, the Protectors, and that's she is one who studies demon and angels alike...nothing much after that...

Mother! Where are you? Will I find you? How will you react to my growth as a hero?

Epilogue – Iuvem

With the Saint's death...a lot of things changed: his form, Class 1 and the world's general outlook on the metahuman situation and the Academy itself.

Earth and its creatures are interesting but...these conflicts...this evil...he...he can't—

???

Hmm..., Iuvem was somewhere, Is this...my mindscape?, he thought.

He walked in the mindscape for a while. Before he stopped. He noticed something; Something...odd.

There were two children playing cheerfully on a seesaw. One had a "light and white" theme, while the other one had a golden theme.

The light-themed child suddenly jumped off the seesaw. He then landed on it with such force that the golden-themed child got blasted away. The golden child landed with a noisy thud.

   Hahahahah!   , the light child triumphly laughed,    Feel the seesaw effect, Zalah!   , the light child exclaimed dramatically at the newly-named Zalah.

Zalah made an annoyed face.    uuuugh...this was so unnecessary of you, Teroras...   , he quietly spoke to Teroras.

   Chill down, Zal! Maybe let's go to another corner of Jupiturd's mind!   , Teroras said to Zalah,    This place is starting to get really boring!   , he admitted with a bit of shade.

   Jupiturd?   , Teroras and Zalah turned towards the voice:Iuvem,    This un-affectionate nickname seems familiar...   , a snarl appeared on his face,    YOU ARE THE DAEVAS THAT DESTROYED ME!   , he yelled, wrathful.

Zalah looked worried and Teroras looked annoyed.

You might know everything I'm going to do...but that's not going to help you, since I KNOW EVERYTHING YOU'RE GOING TO DO! STRANGE, ISN'T IT?

Around the World in 80 Minutes

---

Mahvash arrived as she did to the service, and technically on time. She'd only just arrived from surveying the various vigils and the former battlespace in Super City. Saint had died, but the world remained, like when anyone fell. What she wanted to observe was what was brewing in Saint's wake. What openings had appeared. Who was poised to exploit them? Who was exploiting the vacuum already? How could she put her house and class (the provisional, extended house of a sort) into place to reap the gains from the vacuum? Yes, she'd give the class time to work through their sense of loss, but that didn't mean sit back and lose time and opportunities.

This planet itself beats the hell out of Settlers of Catan. She'd been quite surprised that the local opinion of Gaea actually slipped, suffered sustained damage even. Technically it was an achievement; though... This time the public and dense city were the primary targets and not the school or a duped wolf pack, so makes sense. Meh. That behavior gave her data for later.

---

Saint Academy Front Yard

---

A funeral was also a spectacle. One maneuvered for status in the clan, or, in the case of celebrity, among all of his former followers. And Red made a play for succession. Saint himself had left no plan, and his world had fallen like the house of cards it was.

Mahvash herself hovered near to keep company to and support the Wonders. Even were she to dwell on Saint, the cape and she had never had even one non-antagonistic interaction. Besides, she'd known he was dead for weeks, and known that he was dying for over a year. And notably, despite her being right there, his soul didn't even reach out. Not that it would have been perfect, but... And Due to the Dead probably demanded she not be on the grounds, but due to the living...

"Superstar," Mahvash appeared in front of Martin. Just appeared as she did. And gave him no warning nor much time before wrapping him up. The man kept himself together, even working through the interviews. And laying his own foundations for succeeding Saint. Twas grand. Still.

Edited by CenturyEye on Apr 4th 2019 at 5:59:52 AM

Look with century eyes... With our backs to the arch And the wreck of our kind We will stare straight ahead For the rest of our lives

Epilogue

Sam just applauded at the speech, but he was feeling like things wouldn't be the same. He placed a hand on Zach's shoulder, wondering if there was something to say.

But then, an University? He had to think. He still wanted to be a hero, even if he knew that he was really far from being a symbol, but there was something he could do.

Even if taking a trip to a very cold place during the summer sounds really tempting, if only to get his thoughts in order.

Perhaps talking to the others would give him some clarity, so he signaled that he wanted to talk.

---

Ryuu held Sally's hand during this speech, as he thought of the future. Of course, he'll go to the university, and be the greatest he can be. But he needed to start making plans, and maybe train as hard as he can.

But being a friend and boyfriend came first, and there are a lot of people to be there for now.

Wake me up at your own risk.

Zach

The cold hand on his shoulder caught his attention even over the dull roar of the crowd, and he turned his attention to notice Sam off to the side, gesturing for him, and likely others, to come have a quick talk.

He gestured over to where he was to Yoko, and stood up and approached his cryokinetic friend.

Everything okay, Sam? He was of course worried about his friend, given that he still hadn't gotten any help since the last time he pushed himself, arms crossed over his chest.

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Sam

Sam just sighed, feeling more awkward than usual. This was not easy.

"Just reconsidering all my life" He said, before trying to calm down "Just, this whole thing makes me think of the past, the future and my place in all of this"

Looking up, he wondered how messed up he was.

"It all changes, and makes me wonder where I fit in all of this, particularly in the class"

Running a hand through his hair, he simply said what he wanted.

"Mostly, if I am actually a good friend to the people in here, and if I actually do any good around here"

Wake me up at your own risk.

Zach

Zach stared at Sam for what felt like solid minutes when, in reality, it was seconds. Then, he made his move forward and walked up beside Sam, staring at him for a minute-

*whack*

His hand connected with the back of his head as he wrote his sentence.

I don't like it when you get so down on yourself, Sam. Especially when you act like you're not one of the nicest people I've met in my life. I can't speak for everyone here, but...dude, you helped me propose, Sam, I can't stress enough how much that means to me. You're like, my best fucking friend. I think you do plenty...and then some.

Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?

Epilogue

“Are my boys being silly over here?”

*whack* *whack*

Immediately after this dual-slap event, the kitsune who had delivered it promptly scooped them both up into a mutual high from behind, grinning uncontrollably even as she let them down again. Turning to Sam for a moment, she bowed—halfway to the ground, which wasn't really a thing someone of her newfound stature should be obliged to do. But she did anyway.

“I think it's everyone's fault for not saying it flat-out enough. Myself included. Arigatō, Sam. I don't think we'd be the same without you here.”

She winked at Zach as she ruffled Sam's head in a fond manner, before pausing with a slight furrow of her brows; leaning down a little and poking him on the forehead in a pointed fashion.

“Don't put yourself down, Sam. It's okay to be proud of what you do every once in a while. God if you haven't earned it by now. And that whole proposal thing. You'll be a great uncle, you know that~?”

bork

Sally sat quietly listening and looking at the rest of the Iridium Wonders, making sure as they were doing okay emotionally. Finally, the speech ended with the announcement of a university to continue everyone's education and The Saint's work. There was cheers and happiness through the crowd and she smiled a bit. Even in bad situations, there is good that can still happen. She knew university would be harder.Leaning on Ryuu's shoulder, she thought how they all would keep going and continue to get stronger.

Finn listened as Kilgore spoke. When Kilgore mentioned that the academy might be gone, Finn held his head down. He thought the rumor of the school closing down he heard was true. He looked up when he heard that it was being rebranded as an university instead. He was shocked though happy and hey, everyone else looked happy as well about the announcement. However, after some cheering, Finn felt a little strange. He slowly got up and went to the back of the area. He stood there, thinking about a lot now that university was in the cards and what he would do now.

Just an adorable fan girl and cosplayer ヾ(*・ω・)ノ💝💟

Martin

Martin accepted Mahvash's embrace, being one of the things he could still enjoy without having to worry about anything else since this whole mess had started. "Sorry I haven't been around too much, apparently trying to fill the shoes of the worlds greatest hero isn't an easy endeavor." despite it being a joke it was obvious the young man was exhausted, more in a physical sense then an emotional one. While he had always looked up to Saint the man wouldn't want his legacy to be mourned. Tears wouldn't bring back the dead, but actions could honor them at the very least.

For a moment he simply kissed her and let his mind slowly wind down from the constant chaos it had been in. "My mom has been saying she wants to meet you, if we have any free time it would probably be good before they think I am using my fame to take advantage of some poor girl," he sighed, mainly because that was one of the guilt lines his mom had used to try to expiate the process. "Also, how has your 'work' been progressing? Anyone that would make a good fit for your 'Shadows?'" if he was going to put together a new hero team to replace what Saint had been he couldn't do it alone, Mahvash had her own plans, and together they might just be able to hold up the world.

Or at least, stand together and pick up the pieces.

Be better, because what is the harm in trying?

Saint Academy Front Yard - Memorial Service

---

"Don't fill his' shoes." Mahvash said it flatly. From the mask of perfection he wore burning him out to the optimism and the whole world peace thing, well, they could plan it later. Humans gave Due to the Dead. Usually. "You have your own."

The man had his own fruits to offer, and... "'Some poor girl'?" She clamped her hand over her mouth after they had parted lips, emphasizing rather than hiding her brief, innocent cackling. She only moved to spread her fan before her mouth after. "Ah, meet your mother, we did take a rain check on the theatre. We should have a nice meet and greet." I haven't unfolded in a while, and after all the time I spent building it, I really shouldn't just stretch out when I want something utterly erased.

"As for work," her lips never moved, but her smile had turned benign. And she held it, never moving her lips once, instead letting the message travel through communion if Martin let it. "Well, 'shadows' cannot be the name. Much too corny. Considering we may be in close contact, it can go nameless." She tilted her head. "I'm not going to give the job my parents' missions. They have another purpose entirely, and its more useful as is. That said, among their priestly duties, my loving parents are adept at finding and discreetly training up all kinds, and keeping connections to power players all over open for access and things."

She exhaled a bit, despite never having taken a breath. "That's why I have so much Mission Creep from house patron. They want a really big house." She shrugged. "And that'll help us now. We can borrow from the mission's talent pool for a small cadre of mystery folks to act discreetly and uniformed, 'ground-level' supers to interact with the populace. The latter integrated with humans schooled alongside them can become a deep reaching and well dispersed force of rangers. I'll focus on having people apply their Mundane Utility. Ever Green alone is a one woman UNFAO, even if I don't have her. Yet. Anyway, procurement and subtlety and industrial organization is my parents' specialty, so we may be doing meet the parents' twice over. And we're building a new model in a world whose whole vision of heroes is dominated by the old, ruptured one. This'll be quite a showing."

Look with century eyes... With our backs to the arch And the wreck of our kind We will stare straight ahead For the rest of our lives