Night, 8:04 PM
Lying in the bed of the white sick bay room was Tomika Smith—still unconscious, but looking stable.
Seated close beside her was her twin, Tyler Smith, speaking softly over the phone with Bethany.
"You don't need to come here, Beth," Tyler said. "I'll bring her home as soon as she wakes up."
Bethany's worried voice came through the speaker.
"It won't feel right if I don't come. I should at least check up on my boyfriend's sister—she's like my sister too."
"I know… but don't worry, okay? She's fine. We'll be coming home soon," Tyler said, trying to sound reassuring.
"Okay… if you say so," Bethany replied gently.
The call ended.
Tyler sat in silence, frustration etched across his face.
"She's not okay," he muttered to himself. "Larry said a couple of hours... It's been five. Still no sign of her waking up."
Just then, Larry walked in.
"You're still here? Nice job, big brother," Larry said, half-smiling.
Tyler raised his head, eyes tired and voice edged with bitterness.
"There's nothing nice about this," he said, standing up suddenly. "You said a couple of hours, man. She's still not awake. What's going on?"
Larry crossed his arms, his tone turning sharp.
"Hey, don't raise your voice at me. I did say a couple of hours—but from what I can see, nothing's wrong with her. Maybe… she just needs more rest."
"Rest? For how long?" Tyler snapped.
"I don't know! Look, it's not my fault she got hurt in the first place. This is on you, Tyler. You let it happen."
Larry paused, then added coldly:
"Just leave the room. Let her rest. Get out."
He turned to check Tomika's vitals.
Stung by Larry's words, Tyler stepped back, guilt washing over him. Without another word, he walked out of the sick bay—his head low—and exited The Fortress, passing the living room without speaking to anyone.
Moments later, Larry stepped out as well.
Derick glanced up from the couch and asked,
"What happened between you two? He walked out without saying a word."
"Dude's just frustrated," Larry replied, flopping onto the couch. "Honestly, it's better he left. He was getting ready to start whining again."
Stretching out, Larry pointed toward the TV.
"So… what's on tonight?"
"The Maddinton Show," Rudy answered casually.
"What's that?" Larry blinked, unfamiliar.
Jakson smirked.
"You don't know Maddinton Show? Damn, Larry, you're lagging behind."
"How come I don't know, but you guys do?" Larry asked, looking between them.
Raymond chimed in as he walked into the room.
"It's a show where hot girls get invited. They put their numbers on-screen and whoever calls first gets to go on a date with whichever girl he picks."
Larry stared at him, stunned.
"Even you, Vice Cap?! You all been gatekeeping this show from me?"
"Shhh—it's starting," Jakson whispered.
The screen lit up, and instantly, the guys snapped to attention, phones in hand.
Max was the first to dial a number—and he got through.
The others groaned in jealousy… but before long, most of them were lucky enough to land dates too.
While the squad got hyped over the show, Tyler arrived at his motorhome—alone, and heavy with thoughts.
8:45 p.m.
"I'm home," Tyler said quietly as he stepped into the motorhome.
"Hey, welcome back. How is she—" Bethany's voice trailed off as she looked behind him, noticing someone was missing. "Babe… where's Tomika?"
Tyler sank into the chair. "She's still there. Still unconscious."
Bethany sat next to him, concern growing. "But… I thought you said she'd be awake before bringing her home?"
"That's what I thought too." Tyler looked away. "But apparently, I'm the reason she hasn't woken up."
"No," Bethany said, firmly. "Who told you that?"
"He's not wrong, babe," Tyler muttered. "I promised myself I'd protect both of you… and I failed. I couldn't do anything against Scythe. And now, my own blood is lying in a hospital bed—because of me."
"Tyler, stop." Bethany moved closer, pulling him into a hug. "You've always protected us. Always. You were outmatched, caught off guard—anyone in your shoes would've struggled. You're not the cause. You're the reason she's still alive."
He turned, and their lips met in a slow, heartfelt kiss.
1:29 a.m.
Tyler and Bethany lay on the bed in the dimly lit room. She was asleep, head resting gently on his bare chest, dressed in a light nightgown. Tyler, however, stared up at the ceiling, eyes wide open. One arm was behind his head, the other holding her protectively.
"I can't even sleep," he whispered. "Closing my eyes feels forced. My conscience won't let me rest."
A deep sigh escaped him.
Suddenly, a flashback hit—his parents, standing side by side, their backs turned. His father's voice echoed:
"Always protect your sister, Tyler. She's your only family. Do everything in your power to fend off whoever or whatever tries to hurt her."
The vision faded.
Tyler exhaled sharply. "I know I messed up. But I haven't broken my promise yet. I'll protect her. I'll protect Bethany too. And I'll make Scythe pay. My plan hasn't changed."
Elsewhere in Ultra City...
In a dim apartment room, Craig—known publicly as Scythe—lay alone on a bed. His eyes stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"I keep trying and trying… but it's never enough," he said aloud. "Mom, Sis… I wish we could go back. Be a happy family again."
He closed his eyes, and a flashback emerged—his mother's battered face, speaking softly:
"Keep your sister safe, Craig. I won't always be here. Promise me you'll protect her."
The memory faded.
Scythe sat up slowly. "Tomorrow, I'll continue what I started… and I'll finish it."
The Next Day — 9:12 a.m.
Tyler's phone rang loudly in the motorhome.
He answered, voice low. "Hello?"
Larry's voice came through, a mix of urgency and excitement. "Hey, Mr. Revenge. Got some good news for you."
Tyler straightened up. "What is it? Is she awake?"
"Not yet—but this might lift your mood. Scythe's been spotted. He's on a rooftop downtown."
Tyler's tone turned dark. "You serious?"
"Dead serious. Suit up. It's go time."
Without hesitation, Tyler ended the call, kissed Bethany gently on the head—still asleep—and bolted out of the motorhome. Within seconds, he was airborne, slicing through the morning sky.
Tyler landed on the rooftop, fully suited as Thunderstorm. Across from him, Scythe stood, arms crossed.
"I've been waiting, Thunderstorm," Scythe said coolly. "What took you so long?"
Tyler's eyes burned with fury. He pointed directly at him.
"Shut up," he growled. "Let's end this."
The wind howled around them as the two stood face to face, poised for an epic round two.