The preliminary round went quickly. It netted ten teams that moved up to the semifinals, including three-time champion Intensity Institute. Few were surprised by the prelim results, for as the old saying goes, “A strong meteor shower separates the flyers from the fallers.”

The other schools in contention were, in no particular order, Wheeler-Nicholson Prep, CAD Academy, Powers Alternative Education, Cavalier Community School, Interstellar Magnet, Stalwart Secondary, Foundation for the Telepathic and Telekinetic Talented & Gifted, Super Hero High, and a controversial ad hoc team of upstart homeschooled super heroes from a small suburb on the planet Bismol, who went by the symbol

Round two, the semifinals, ramped up the competition. This time, Interview counted for 10 percent, Academics for 20 percent, and the all-important A/P test made up the rest with a whopping 70 percent. The competition was fierce, and in the end three teams were disqualified and two were wiped out, clearly out of their league. Many had scrapes to their bodies and their egos, and the coach of Intensity Institute threw a hurricane-force hissy fit before demanding a recount.

“And now, representing their schools in the final and most challenging round of the one hundredth annual Super Triathlon are…,” the Unseen Voice boomed across the LexCorp Arena, “CAD Academy, Interstellar Magnet, and…”—Wonder Woman held her breath—“Super Hero High!”

As the audience went wild, the team from Wheeler-Nicholson Prep threw down their weapons in protest and stomped on them. Then a clot of unruly parents from Cavalier Community School started a fight in the stands and had to be forcibly removed from the stadium.

Amidst the commotion and congratulations, the finalists took the stage. Ratcatcher, Magpie, and Heat Wave from CAD Academy oozed confidence as Captain Cold led them in a bow, his ice-blue eyes locking on Wonder Woman as he smirked.

Interstellar Magnet looked like they were in shock, and Team Super Hero High hugged and waved to their family and friends, who were all sitting together in the stands, cheering.

Soon the flashy halftime show was under way, featuring “the unique smilin’ ’n’ stylin’ of ultra-famous superstar singer Enchantress! and her 777 backup dancers.”

As she cast her spell on the crowd, the competitors returned to the locker rooms to recharge. In this last and most important segment of the competition, the scoreboard was wiped clean. Academics and Interview was no longer part of the event. Now it all came down to the A/P test.

No one knew what was ahead, only that they would be tested like never before. One year, the teams were sent to uncharted distant planets and charged with pushing their gravitational rotations in the opposite direction. Another year, it came down to a simple race around the world, albeit through a meteor shower and other crowd-pleasing disasters. What would it be this time?

“Wondy, a few words?” Wildcat said.

Huh? Wonder Woman looked up. Her team was waiting for her to speak. Bumblebee was checking the weapons for the umpteenth time, and Star Sapphire and Golden Glider were taking inventory of the uniforms. Cheetah stopped by to drop off some energy drinks.

Wonder Woman stood up and faced her teammates. “You all are amazing,” she began. “Though our training has been tough, it has brought us together. Katana, Frost, Beast Boy, and Hawkgirl, I am so proud of you. Win or lose, or anything in between, you have brought honor to Team Super Hero High, and I thank you. Now let’s go out there and show them what we’re made of!”

Bumblebee took her role as Weapons Manager very seriously. As each competitor marched past, she handed them their weapons or checked their powers. A freshly sharpened sword for Katana, buffed and polished bracelets and tiara for Wonder Woman, along with her tightly coiled lasso. Beast Boy’s and Frost’s weapons were themselves—their innate abilities to draw from within to defend or attack. Bumblebee had Beast Boy turn into five creatures in ten seconds and made sure Frost could freeze a fire before allowing them to proceed.

Hawkgirl, the alternate team member, was outfitted with her newly upgraded Nth Metal belt, which granted her the power of flight, and enhanced her strength and sight.

Once all were cleared by Bumblebee, they passed by Star Sapphire, who ensured that their costumes were all in order, checking that Wonder Woman’s lasso was securely attached and her bracelets were on the correct arms as Golden Glider’s ice-blue eyes double-checked for any rips.

Team Super Hero High was now ready for the final competition. Everything was in its proper place. Or was it? As the team marched into the arena, Wonder Woman thought she saw Cheetah slip into the shadows.

There was a roar of approval as the finalists made their way onto the stage. Wonder Woman and Interstellar Magnet’s Team Captain, Kanjar Ro, nodded to each other, while Captain Cold from CAD Academy refused to look at anyone, preferring to act bored.

“How do you think our competitors will do?” Katana whispered to Wonder Woman.

“I have no idea,” she said. “But don’t let yourself get distracted by that. Instead of focusing on them, let’s focus on what we can do.”

The crowd gasped as the giant black tent was lifted by several state-of-the art prototype Ferris Aircraft spacecraft. Before them was a floating model of Earth that expanded as it levitated, rising above the LexCorp Arena.

The Unseen Announcer allowed the crowd to settle down. “In this year’s competition,” he began, “our young super heroes will be battling the elements: land, air, fire, and water. The team scores will be tallied, and the one with the most points will be declared the one hundredth Super Triathlon champion. Plus, we will name an individual Super Triathlete of the games. Are we ready to superpower through this?”

The crowd cheered.

“What? I can’t hear you!” the Unseen Announcer teased.

A roar shook the arena. It seemed so loud that some of the lesser planets might have actually realigned.

“That’s the spirit! Now, finalists, you know this, but I will say it one more time. Not only are you allowed to use your weapons and powers, you are expected to. However, you may not use them on your fellow competitors. Injuries will result in an immediate point deduction and possible disqualification. Understood?”

All the competitors nodded, though a couple of super heroes from CAD Academy could be seen sneering. “Live evil!” Captain Cold hissed so softly that only Wonder Woman could hear him.

“Good!” the Unseen Announcer said. “There are four events, beginning with land. Within each challenge, the teams will be scored on the four Ss of Superdom: strategy, speed, strength, and skills. Now…let’s find out who our champions will be!”