Save the Earth

[Matt Abbot adjusts the camera on his laptop. He's still in his Vegas hotel room--funny, since a lot of the group has gotten home?

But right now, Matt is in his room with his hoodie zipped up all the way (Matt it's hot, stop). His hair is ruffled and it looks like he's had trouble sleeping, but--

Behind him another another boy is sitting up, rubbing sleep out of his eyes in confusion. He is wearing Matt's pajamas. Please do not ask.]

Good morning, Vegas and good nearly afternoon, Locke City. I have once again implemented a dastardly scheme. Since my last hostage got away from me, I have taken a new one. Except this time it is a Vegas native. I believe he was trying to hero at me or something, but I turned the tables on him and now he is my captive.

I will be returning with him to Locke eventually. In the mean time, I will try to continue more evildoing.

[The video cuts out. Matt knows he's going over the top. People might yell at him becuase Serious Things happened. But fuck it. He needs the amusement and maybe a few people will play along.

Then he switches to text.]

Got out of the hospital yesterday. No permanent damages, just some bruises and a few cracked ribs. Should be home by the beginning of July.

And I'm sorry. I should've had a better eye on things. I hope everybody's okay.

[Replies will also be coming from substitutable! Who has just reapped in with a new reincarnation and has no idea he was being recorded.]

[Matt Abbot sits before you today in a spinny desk chair, illuminated by his laptop screen. If you thought Matt couldn’t get dumber, you were wrong. You were very wrong. He is making good on his threats of stupidity so over the top they’re impossible to believe. Today Matt is wearing a surprisingly well made masquerade-style eye mask, black with a diagonal cut of blue over his left eye. And he is also wearing a surprising well made collared cape, black with a blue lining. He is also just wearing generally nice clothing under it because you can totally dress like a supervillain and still be stylish.

He steeples his fingers, a sly(ish) smile on his face.]

Greetings, Numbered. As I have been recently freed from the mortal prison of mandatory education, I am now free to pursue any future I wish. … Until August because I have already paid my tuition deposit.

But until August, Locke City, you are being watched. I will be your worst nightmare. I will be a supervillain the likes of which none of you have ever seen before. Such dastardly deeds as speaking in a fake New Jersey accent, directing tourists to the wrong streets and ripping tags off mattresses will happen on the streets every day for as long as I remain in its borders. I will accomplish all my good deeds by questionable means, causing me to become a terrible menace who will puzzle philosophy majors because no one can tell if I'm actually being a bad person. [He leans back in his chair, doing his best to look mysterious and dangerous.]

My first dastardly deed will be a kidnapping. Next Monday, June 16th, I will be kidnapping one of your number, heroes, and taking him with me to Las Vegas. If you wish to guarantee his safety, there is room for two others to accompany us on our cross-country trip. If you wish to ensure his safe return to New Jersey, then you may contact me and we will discuss plans.

[And with that the video turns off. However, Matt is still going, typing. He’s posting a selfie, too, of him in graduation robes. He’s got the National Honor Society gold graduation stole and everything.]

Graduation’s next weekend, too. My parents and my aunt and uncle are the reason I can take the trip--the car’s a graduation thing. Being serious for a second, though, if you want to come, the car is big enough that it won’t be an awful trip. Leaving the 16th at 8AM. If you’re under 18, I need parental permission. I’ll text you my number.