PAGE 1 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.94Please respect copyright.PENANACsjOJTnpxL
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT94Please respect copyright.PENANA9VuqByddec
EXT. THE RED SEA; CAPTIAN LALH'S SHIP - AFTERNOON
CAPTAIN LALH KNEELS BEFORE A MAKESHIFT ALTER LIGHTING ONE BIG CANDLE
Panel 2.
A CECAELIA DEITY APPEARS IN THE FLAME.
XESYN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAtzf2c0KIpj
...Lalh.
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAlwUej7Ga2u
My liege, I have long missed your presence. I sense that your absence is making my strength wane.
Panel 3.
SIDE VIEW OF CAPTAIN LALH KNEELING BEFORE THE ALTER TALKING TO XESYN.
XESYN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA2asRv6Zd2m
Do you know the vastness of the cosmos? To know the feckless desires of entities is hardly worth even consideration. Why, Lalh, should you be given preferential treatment in all of existence? You would still have my power if only you had not lost my sapphire. A testament to your declaration as the greatest pirate, ruler of the seas, and above all my minion.
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAhEGjeDy8l6
There was an exceptional individual that was able to rend it from my possession. I am on the course to reclaim it and continue your mission, my liege.
XESYN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAzBuh6tLla1
Claim-making for things that are out of reach is foolish on the part of the flesh. When you declared that you were the ruler of the seas to the ether, how many moons have gone since I assumed you had learned your lesson?
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAOR7N7GMcBS
Folly of the flesh indeed.
Panel 4.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF CAPTAIN LALH LOOKING UP AT XESYN.
XESYN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANADBNFXy1tny
The descendant of that individual has the sapphire. Recover it and find the cove I showed you many moons ago.
CAPTAIN LALH: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAb6GvphdO3t
It will be done.
Panel 5.
A GUST OF WIND BELLOWS INTO THE ROOM EXSTINGUISING THE FLAME OF THE CANDLE.
Panel 6.
CAPTAIN LALH LEAVES THE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS OF THE SHIP AND APPROACHES THE CREW ON THE SHIP.
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMX51ZDBL0A
Raise the sail. We're heading inland.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 1: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANARfIli7GMm7
Yes, captain.
PAGE 2 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.94Please respect copyright.PENANAXK2kHGDb0z
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT94Please respect copyright.PENANADSvYznRcaW
INT. LIBRARY - AFTERNOON
DETECTIVE HADID ALONGSIDE HASSAN LOOKS OVER RECORDS AND BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY. DETECTIVE HASSAN LOOKS AT HIS SCREEN WITH AN INVESTIGATIVE EXPRESSION WHILE DETECTIVE HADID LOOKS AT HIS SCREEN WITH A BORED EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAdTClxTXWpN
How much longer are we going to stay in here? We haven't found anything close to what we're looking for.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAbeo01QD6UG
It's our job to recover the facts. We can't leave just yet. There has to be something here that we haven't considered or looked over.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN LOOKS AT THE MEDAL THAT HAS BEEN PLACED INTO AN EVIDENCE BAG.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAQFFer81W5l
We've been able to conclude that this medal is at least from the 17th century and it belonged to a Barbary Pirate.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAgG7NCPDv1D
Since you're not going to let this go, why don't we cross-reference the dates? They said they were looking for a jewel which could be any old jewel under the sun. I suppose we could also look at different battles that took place to see if we have anything that correlated to the events they're describing.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANARdiL4VMNsK
Huh? Different battles? Let's take a look.
Panel 3.
DETECTIVES HASSAN AND HADID USE THE COMPUTERS TO RESEARCH DIFFERENT BATTLES OF THE BARBARY WARS.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAha467xldxp
I suppose I might have been wrong to doubt you. Take a look at this. There was a U.S. Navy man, Alden Stewart, who after the battle of Derna had reports of sea monsters and undead pirates. His higher-ups attempted to write him off as having a condition akin to PTSD but Stewart was resolute in his claims.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAxmTCBV8mb1
So, Alden Stewart is a good focal point.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HADID PINCHES HIS CHIN IN A PONDERING GESTURE. DETECTIVE HASSAN NUDGES DETECTIVE HADID AS A SKEPTICAL GESTURE.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAsY29z9tgBd
Wait, Alden Stewart, where have I heard that name before?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAduObMbRsxE
Have you been watching too much TV?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANANhyeGnPYVd
Don't mock me. I know I saw it a couple of days ago. I'm sure of it.
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID USES HIS COMPUTER TO LOOK UP A COUPLE OF NEWS STORIES.
Panel 6.
DETECTIVE HADID SHOWS DETECTIVE HASSAN HIS SCREEN. THERE IS A NEWS ARTICLE PULLED UP THAT TALKS ABOUT SHAFIRA AND JAADEN.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAwX2D577tN2
This is it. Shafira Sarkis. She's a museum curator. I remember her mentioning Alden Stewart in conjunction with this kid whose family was going to be selling a sapphire to the museum.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA3KHXx19sWQ
She's his descendant. Looks like we know where to look now.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAUSMXHyBS0s
Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get out of here. I'm about to die of boredom.
PAGE 3 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
DETECTIVES HADID AND HASSAN LEAVE THE LIBRARY. DETECTIVE HADID STARTS BACK TOWARD THE SQUAD CAR HOWEVER DETECTIVE HASSAN LOOKS ACROSS THE STREET WITH A SHOCKED EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAqnHVPX6hF0
Let's head to Sarkis' office.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAz7UKkLnxfW
Wait, look over there!
Panel 2.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT OF DETECTIVES HASSAN AND HADID LOOKING ACROSS THE STREET. TO̅MI, JAADEN, AND SHAFIRA RUN DOWN THE SIDEWALK.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAoqusS9zv2n
Let's go!
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMbKw3ld2vr
Now, just hold your horses, Hassan.
Panel 3.
DETECTIVE HASSAN LOOKS AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH AN INDIGNANT EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH A SMUG EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAn5xaFSmAbN
What are you talking about? We're going to lose them if we don't get a move on.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAZGaZk6VaSE
Jeez, and you talk about me flying off the edge. Look, if they're in that big of a hurry, it means that they're onto something which means that we don't have to work that hard for a lead. Let's follow them.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH A THOUGHTFUL EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID GLARES AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH A FRUSTRATED EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAr3bdbilbZf
That was really insightful, Hadid. I have to admit. I wasn't expecting it from you.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAgNTPY2lmZR
Oh, you think you're real funny, don't you?
Panel 5.
DETECTIVES HASSAN AND HADID BEGIN TO FOLLOW TO̅MI, JAADEN, AND SHAFIRA.
PAGE 4 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI, JAADEN, AND SHAFIRA SOON ARRIVE AT THE ENTRANCE OF A GROTTO HOWEVER THEY FIND THAT THE GATE IS LOCKED.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA58TDIUQiSv
You've got to be kidding me. Since when are these gates locked?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANATXYqpn5toB
What do we do now?
DETECTIVE HADID: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAaBCkEeive1
You could start by telling us what you were planning on doing here.
Panel 2.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT FROM TO̅MI, JAADEN, AND SHARIFA'S PERSPECTIVE LOOKING AT DETECTIVES HASSAN AND HADID. DETECTIVE HADID HAS HIS ARMS CROSSED WITH A SMIRK ON HIS FACE. DETECTIVE HASSAN REMAINS CALMER WITH A MORE SYMPATHETIC EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA9XtqNqbjQf
Ms. Sarkis.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA5gAXujOtSY
Detective Hassan? What are you doing here?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANADMN3s8wf35
We could ask you the same question. There have been some crazy things happening around here lately and we've gotten a lead that points the finger at you two.
Panel 3.
JAADEN GLARES AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH A DEFENSIVE EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID KEEPS HIS SMUG EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HASSAN PUTS HIS HANDS UP WITH A GESTURE THAT SIGNALS THAT HE'S TRYING TO KEEP THE PEACE, HIS EXPRESSION IS CALMER.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAZAuq8rd5Io
Us? How could you say that we're suspects?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANApOhYe13w93
The clues implement you. It's the way it is.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA6NPDvICdd7
It's more along the lines that we think you can provide answers to some questions we might have. You'll have to forgive my partner, he's a little touched.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH AN INDIGNANT EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA0Q3O9w6PmJ
Hey!
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID LOOKS AT TO̅MI WHO'S ATTEMPTING TO KEEP OUT OF SIGHT.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEN6qQgKfPU
Hey, girly! Who're you? I've never seen you around here before.
TO̅MI:94Please respect copyright.PENANAF5NL5hA5g2
I'm from out of town.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAn5Aci0WyMC
You sound American. Your dialect and accent are a dead giveaway. Why are you hiding out? You have a secret or something?
Panel 6.
DETECTIVE HASSAN SIGNALS FOR DETECTIVE HADID TO STOP WITH AN AGGRIVATED EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID GLARES AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH AN INDIGNANT EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAiyREbQNuWO
What? I'm just asking questions.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAvR4HoxtnJG
It's the way you're asking the questions that's the problem. Do you want her to clam up or do you want her to talk to you?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJkDvzLnU6j
Fine, I'll let you lead then.
PAGE 5 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD SHAFIRA.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAZqEVTmjyc5
Ms. Sarkis, is this the young lady, you're buying the sapphire from?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANATJw0OIH9wL
Yes, this is she.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAzAp4uYx8fw
Excuse me miss, you wouldn't happen to have the sapphire in your possession right now, would you?
Panel 2.
JAADEN GLANCES AT TO̅MI. THEY BOTH LOOK AT EACH OTHER WITH UNSURE EXPRESSIONS.
Panel 3.
JAADEN THEN SHOWS THE DETECTIVES THE SAPPHIRE.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAQYUH3anzmG
Um, yes. It's right here.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD JAADEN AND THE OTHERS.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAGLfV6jitfB
Would you be willing to come with us to answer a few questions? There's an ongoing investigation and we need to be sure of the facts.
Panel 5.
JAADEN LEANS OVER TO SHAFIRA TO WHISPER TO HER WITH AN UNSURE EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAY7A6iYooTd
Do we have a choice?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAyWaXQABF4w
I doubt that we do. However, we were going to need their help eventually anyway. We might as well go with them.
Panel 6.
JAADEN NERVOUSLY GLANCES AT THE DETECTIVES.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAyMCamOH9zc
No, it wouldn't be a problem at all.
PAGE 6 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
DETECTIVE HADID GLANCE AS TO̅MI. TO̅MI LOOKS AWAY WITH AN UNCOMFORTABLE EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJdXyqMFZ1M
What about your friend? Or, are you gonna take off again?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAxMi74BuzH8
Um, no. I'm fine with tagging along.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT THE GROUP WITH A REASSURING GESTURE.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAlYujtMVsl0
Well, please come with us. You're not in any trouble. Again, all we want to do is figure out what's going on.
Panel 3.
FRONT-TO-BACK PANEL OF DETECTIVE HASSAN AND HADID BEGINNING TO LEAD THE GROUP BACK TO THE POLICE STATION. JAADEN HANGS BACK TO WHISPER TO TO̅MI.
JAADEN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAPIGBvNgANx
I've got your back. No one is going to figure out your secret if I can help it.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAhquJenbERo
Thanks, Jaaden.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HADID GRIMACES SUSPICIOUSLY AS HE GLANCES BACK OVER HIS SHOULDER AT TO̅MI AND JAADEN AS THEY WHISPER.
DETECTIVE HADID: (THINKING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA0n0MjNTTEc
Looks like someone's got a secret. I'll get the truth out of you yet.
Panel 5.
TOP-DOWN PANEL OF LYME LOOKING DOWN AT THE GROUP AS THEY HEAD BACK TO THE POLICE STATION.
Panel 6.
LYME HOLDS OUT HER COMMUNICATOR IN FRONT OF HER AS SHE RELAYS INFORMATION TO HER COMMANDER.
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAWWCCtCONTa
We have a situation.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA36Po9iGU3g
What is it?
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA71zZDxVcly
The local authorities are with Sarkis, the metahuman, and another female. If I had to guess they're going back to the police station.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAhlrao1tMeb
Continue to survey the situation as best you can. This is the best place for them to be as it locks them into a specific location.
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA5pjzVXPeJy
Understood.
Panel 7.
LYME LOOKS AT HER COMMUNICATOR WITH AN AGGRAVATED EXPRESSION.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAVjpIv4B61O
Wait!
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAijuBGUxFHH
What?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAgz6pqKx1Eu
I've just received word that there's an energy spike in the Red Sea. It's heading in your direction.
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANATDNMuWAuy4
Well, what's the word?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAjSRIHKVpKG
I suppose we have no choice. If you can do it conspicuously, snatch the sapphire.
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAlZCNUHn2wa
Understood.
PAGE 7 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.94Please respect copyright.PENANAG6JXUXZQaO
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT94Please respect copyright.PENANAMavIdqU1QX
EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM - AFTERNOON
SHAFIRA, JAADEN, AND TO̅MI SIT IN AN INTERROGATION ROOM WITH DETECTIVES HASSAN AND HADID LOOKING AT THE SAPPHIRE ON THE TABLE.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAz9IHh5E51Y
So this is what these freaks are after. Do you guys have any idea why?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAd37kK9vyDg
There's a bit of convolution related to the sapphire. I'm sure that want to hear the history I've dug up about it.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMFW1N4tgw8
Yeah, maybe not.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAzqoHMvIb7t
What you might be interested in knowing is that we developed a plan for dealing with the Brine Beasts.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJt9ERjCj0K
You don't say. Let's hear it then.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA4zgB5fe3sQ
We know that the Brine Beasts are drawn to this. It calls to them like a beacon. We also know from Stewart's accounts that the sapphire belonged to the Captain of the crew, Lalh. Lalh commanded the Brine Beasts, he was able to raise the dead, and the sapphire in a way sustained them.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES SHAFIRA WITH A DIRECT EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAY3KhRnDNUA
You were planning to lure them to the gardens? I must say that was incredibly irresponsible of you.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA7XmfSS5rDo
I thought of it in the spur of the moment. Give me a break, alright?
Panel 3.
DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES AT THE SAPPHIRE WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION. SHAFIRA LOOKS AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH A DEFENSIVE EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEBr0VeIBnH
Wait a second, why don't we just destroy it? Problem solved.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJmyZTez8I5
No, are you mad? We can't destroy it. It belongs in a museum.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAYuGuMXQ51w
Are you out of your mind? Do you know how many people will face the wrath of those abominations in their search for this one jewel? We've already had casualties.
Panel 4.
JAADEN LOOKS AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH DEFENSIVE EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID POINTS AT THE SAPPHIRE WITH HIS HAND AND HAS A FRUSTRATED EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANALSlkRcASX6
I don't think you can destroy it.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAoGOTa6cN93
What are you talking about? Of course, we can. All it would take was a hammer, a few good strikes and it'll shatter.
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH A FRUSTRATED EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT THE SAPPHIRE WITH A EXPLAINING EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMfaHRPwN3C
I think that Jaaden has a point.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANArkSfA3Zrpj
Oh, you do huh? Well, since you're so smart why don't you elaborate?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAY27BM88n3f
Stewart encased the sapphire in iron just to hide its influence. Don't you think that he would have destroyed the blasted thing if he could have?
Panel 6.
DETECTIVE HADID LOOKS AT DETECTIVE HASSAN WITH A SKEPTICAL EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA6qgbi6GgvY
What I think is that he wanted it for himself. He may have even encased it in sapphire to alleviate the effects and kept it as a trophy. Or maybe he thought he could wield its power as well but couldn't.
PAGE 8 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
SHAFIRA LOOKS AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH A DIRECT EXPRESSION. DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES BACK WITH AN SKEPTICAL EXPRESSION.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAOuoQXSZ7TG
Whatever his motivations, we cannot destroy it. It's a historical artifact.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA6rRgvYWwDD
Don't tell me that the sapphire has you enthralled as well. You haven't even had that much time with it.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAVja9r3byAX
Are you mad? Do you believe yourself to be that intuitive?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAXhIMSnfWDn
I believe that I know a motive when I see one.
Panel 2.
JAADEN LOOKS AROUND WITH A HUFFY EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMFWQ9A9rIX
Can we get back on topic, please?
Panel 3.
DETECTIVE HASSAN PINCHES HIS CHIN IN A PONDERING GESTURE AS HE GLANCES AT THE SAPPHIRE AGAIN.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAOTj8CJTyDS
She's right. Despite what we've learned here it's inconclusive if we can destroy the damned thing or not. I believe that Sarkis had a good idea of planning to deal with the Brine Beasts. Your location however is problematic. There will be casualties with how far they will need to travel.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI RAISES HER INDEX FINGER INTO THE AIR SIGNALLING THAT SHE HAS AN IDEA. DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A REASSURING GRIN.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA217kmjL67y
Then what about the Underground Oasis?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAsamtnOeO43
That doesn't seem like a bad idea.
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A SUSPICIOUS EXPRESSION. TO̅MI GLANCES AWAY WITH AN UNCOMFORTABLE EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAs7ENVIo7jy
I guess the cat finally let go of your tongue. Don't think that I have forgotten about you either. After all, you're the only reason we were able to get that undead pirate back for questioning. However, I wonder just what brought you here over from America?
Panel 6.
JAADEN RAISES HER ARM IN FRONT OF TO̅MI IN A DEFENDING GESTURE WHILE GLARING AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAfLlyrJ9iFh
For your information, she came to celebrate my good fortune. She's a good friend of mine. What's your deal?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAU495xpNnaB
My deal is that my men encountered what they called a lone female warrior fighting the Brine Beasts by herself when they arrived but she fled. There's a lot of missed time we could have made up for if you guys would have just told us what was going on.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA1NDGSZc558
Hey, she's a badass female warrior. You expect her not to have a few secrets?
Panel 7.
LYME WHO IS HIDING IN THE VENTS LISTENS TO THE END OF THE PLAN THAT THE GROUP SETS UP.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA0qJek5HaOE
In any case, we should get moving. I'll get the CSF notified so that they can arm up and meet us there.
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAU4vEeo6wga
So, that's what your plan is. Too bad it's going to crash and burn.
PAGE 9 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.94Please respect copyright.PENANA5t970KM1GY
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT94Please respect copyright.PENANAwblOmy6yId
EXT. BEACH SHORE - AFTERNOON
BEACHGOERS LOOK IN TERROR AS CAPTAIN LALH'S SHIP BECOMES VISIBLE IN THE DISTANCE.
Panel 2.
A SMALL PANEL SHOWS AN ALARM SOUNDING WARNING THE BEACHGOERS TO RETREAT TO SAFETY.
Panel 3.
ON THE SHIP, CAPTAIN LALH POINTS TO EL GOUNA TO WHICH THE BRINE BEASTS ALONGSIDE THE UNDEAD PIRATES JUMP OFF THE SHIP AND BEGIN TO SWIM INTO SHORE.
Panel 4.
CAPTAIN LALH PICKS A MANTIS SHRIMP OUT OF HIS RIB CAGE.
Panel 5.
CAPTAIN LALH PRICKS THE MANTIS SHRIMP WITH A KNIFE AND ENERGY FLOWS INTO IT.
Panel 6.
CAPTAIN LALH TOSSES THE MANTIS SHRIMP INTO THE SEA, UNDER THE VEIL OF THE WATER THE MANTIS SHRIMP BEGINS TO GROW IN SIZE AND IT BEGINS TO HEAD INWARD TOWARD SHORE AS WELL.
PAGE 10 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.94Please respect copyright.PENANAI0GwKJDrNd
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT94Please respect copyright.PENANA4WLgRdN7A9
EXT. UNDERGROUND OASIS - LATE AFTERNOON
TO̅MI, JAADEN, SHAFIRA, THE DETECTIVES, AND MEMBERS OF THE CSF ARRIVE IN THE UNDERGROUND OASIS.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN APPROACHES THE CSF MEMBERS AND BEGINS TO GIVE THEM DIRECTIVES.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAlnoLwj9DRC
Alright, fan out. We know that the Brine Beasts can sense the sapphire's location. They'll be coming here and we'll need a strong perimeter to ensure that formation holds.
Panel 3.
THE CSF AGENTS FAN OUT AND STATION THEMSELVES AT DIFFERENT ENTRY POINTS.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HADID LISTENS TO CHATTER ON HIS SHOULDER RADIO WITH AN IRRITATED EXPRESSION. JAADEN GLANCES AT DETECTIVE HADID WITH A WORRIED EXPRESSION.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANApU69i4kRR5
Good grief.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAoJIzT5rRD5
What's going on?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAqsNRWgi8qW
There's activity from the Brine Beasts topside. I estimate in a short while it will become very lively down here.
Panel 5.
SHAFIRA APPROACHES JAADEN PATTING HER ON THE SHOULDER REASSURINGLY.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAgpgiKwLI6y
Don't worry, Jaaden. This is going to work. Once the Brine Beasts are gone, peace will return to El Gouna.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAbSwxMCtXBb
Yeah, sure.
Panel 6.
JAADEN WALKS OVER TO TO̅MI WHO IS EXAMINING THE LANDSCAPE. TO̅MI HAS A DETERMINED EXPRESSION ON HER FACE AND JAADEN LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH AN ANXIOUS EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEtMDJUruU7
I don't think I've ever seen you this serious. How do you think this is going to go?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJyxqeo6ZxS
I just have this odd feeling. Shafira has this idea that the sapphire should be locked behind glass and I suppose that's a noble enough cause.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA1W7kyxzvxg
Are you weirded out that she wouldn't want it destroyed either?
PAGE 11 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI GLANCES AT JAADEN WITH A CURIOUS EXPRESSION. JAADEN LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH A WORRIED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANArya3PNX4F6
You picked up on that too?
JAADEN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEKw1JMR8GN
Yeah. She and I are in the same boat. The sapphire's of no use to anyone if it's shattered. However, this is serious and a lot of people stand to be hurt if this doesn't work. The lack of prudence does make me nervous, that she would be so opposed to it.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAWeoBKlENr1
Well, it is a piece of history. Besides, once we deal with Lalh, everything will be okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAo3VWhmkU1K
Don't you mean, you? I'm not an adventuring To̅mi. I'm not even sure that I should be here but I didn't want to dump all of this on you either.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI GLANCES AT JAADEN WITH A CONFIDENT EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANATqzx8dBvxA
Hey, we'll get through this. Just stick with me, okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA179lgyiqs4
Yeah.
Panel 3.
JAADEN SHOWS TO̅MI THE STUN BATON SHE WAS GIVEN. TO̅MI SMILES ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAmiK46zD3fS
Let's kick some undead pirate booty!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANABS1rOQXImv
Yeah!
Panel 4.
THERE IS A PAUSE IN THE UNDERGROUND OASIS AS ROARS AND COMMOTION ARE HEARD.
Panel 5.
EVERYONE LOOKS AROUND APPREHENSIVELY AS THEY TRY AND DETERMINE WHERE THE BRINE BEASTS WILL ENTER FROM.
Panel 6.
FROM MULTIPLE LOCATIONS THE BRINE BEASTS AND UNDEAD PIRATES BEGIN TO ENTER THE UNDERGROUND OASIS.
CSF AGENT NO. 1: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA0NlFLzJhab
Weapons free!
PAGE 12 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE CSF AGENTS BEGIN TO ENGAGE WITH THE BRINE BEASTS AND UNDEAD PIRATES.
Panel 2.
SOME OF THE UNDEAD PIRATES GET PAST THE CSF AGENTS AND BEGIN TO APPROACH JAADEN AND TO̅MI.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAwQ6jFIFBye
Careful, Jaaden.
Panel 3.
UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 1 ATTACKS TO̅MI WITH TWO HATCHETS.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI BACKSHUFFLES DODGING THE ATTACKS.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI KICKS UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 1 IN THE CHEST AND HE TUMBLES BACK ACROSS THE GROUND.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI JUMPS IN AN ARCH MOTION AS UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 2 SHOOTS AN ARROW AT HER.
PAGE 13 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI KICKS UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 2 IN THE HEAD.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI GRABS UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 2 AND THROWS HIM AT UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 3.
Panel 3.
UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 4 ATTEMPTS TO AMBUSH TO̅MI FROM BEHIND.
Panel 4.
JAADEN UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 4 IN THE BACK OF THE LEGS WITH HER STUN BATON.
Panel 5.
UNDEAD PIRATE NO. 4 FALLS TO A KNEE AND SWINGS HIS RIGHT ARM BACK HITTING JAADEN IN THE FACE.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAuRDqvm4tfo
Stupid girl!
Panel 6.
JAADEN FALLS TO THE GROUND AND THE SAPPHIRE IS DISLODGED FROM HER POCKET.
PAGE 14 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
JAADEN TRIES TO RECOVER THE SAPPHIRE UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4 STEPS ON HER HAND WITH A SPITEFUL EXPRESSION. JAADEN YELPS IN PAIN WITH A DISTRESSED EXPRESSION.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4: (ARABIC BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAZwPckZmvqv
Ah, ah, ah! I'll take that girly.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEQ8e22p2xp
Ah!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI'S ATTENTION SNAPS TO JAADEN WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION AS SHE SENSES JAADEN IS IN DANGER.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAfWgGIjRGLi
Jaaden!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI PUNCHES UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 5 OFF A LEDGE.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI KICKS UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 6 IN HALF AT THE WASTE.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI FLIES TOWARD UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4 WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION.
Panel 6.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4 LOOKS UP FROM JAADEN TOWARD TO̅MI WITH A SHOCKED EXPRESSION.
PAGE 15 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI PUNCHES UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4 IN THE CHEST.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAtpyaUQqWa0
Get away from her!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI'S ATTACK HITS UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 4 SO FORCEFULLY THAT HE FLIES BACK THROUGH THE AIR, SLAMS INTO A WALL, AND SHATTERS INTO DIFFERENT PIECES.
Panel 3.
JAADEN RECOVERS THE SAPPHIRE WITH A RELIEFED EXPRESSION.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI HELPS JAADEN TO HER FEET. JAADEN'S EXPRESSION IS ASHAMED YET GRACIOUS. TO̅MI LOOKS AT JAADEN WITH A REASSURING EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAPq3VRqXxlL
Thank you, To̅mi.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA98bZdS8IZX
You okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAp6uXxbzGhX
Yeah, I'm good. However, I'm rethinking this now.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA04FxBeQone
Hey, you're doing great.
Panel 5.
JAADEN HITS A PARROT-LIKE BRINE BEAST THAT IS ABOUT TO ATTACK TO̅MI.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI PATS JAADEN ON THE SHOULDER AS A GESTURE OF REASSURANCE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANANNFbPa67t2
See, what'd I tell ya?
PAGE 16 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI TACKLES JAADEN OUT OF THE WAY AS A CRAB FOLK ATTEMPTS TO GRAB HER WITH ITS PINCER.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI THEN POINTS HER HAND AT THE CRAB FOLK.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANASJS3LOF5CK
Lairhdlailr!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI SHOOTS A STREAM OF LIGHTNING AT THE CRAB FOLK ELECTROCUTING IT.
Panel 4.
SUDDENLY THE GROUND BEGINS TO RUMBLE AS THE MANTIS SHRIMP MAKES ITS WAY TO THE UNDERGROUND OASIS.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANACcG7HznCqB
Oh, no! What now?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA77Ho4s8qL6
Could we hope that it's reinforcements?
Panel 5.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP ARRIVES IN THE UNDERGROUND OASIS BY CRASHING THROUGH AN ENTRANCE.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAnbY5atpaRX
Holy shit!
Panel 6.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP KNOCKS BACK A FEW OF THE CSF AGENTS THAT SHOOT AT IT.
PAGE 17 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP THEN LOOKS IN TO̅MI AND JAADEN'S DIRECTION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAMVZigQimrY
I think it's looking at us.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANASVmY0FatSE
We're going to need a lot of old bay seasoning.
Panel 2.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP BEGINS TO TRAVERSE THE TERRAIN TOWARD TO̅MI AND JAADEN.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI GRABS JAADEN AND FLIES INTO THE AIR.
Panel 4.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE TO̅MI WITH ITS DACTYLS HOWEVER TO̅MI EVADES THE ATTACK.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI THEN AIMS HER FREEHAND AT THE MANTIS SHRIMP.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANACuA1wkT2dL
Shuyailr!
Panel 6.
A FORCE OF KINETIC ENERGY STRIKES THE MANTIS SHRIMP KNOCKING IT TO THE GROUND.
PAGE 18 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI LANDS ON A LEDGE WITH JAADEN AND THEY LOOK DOWN AT THE MANTIS SHRIMP.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA81USjWqvw3
Do you think it's dead?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAOzwPrbeoex
I wish. Its shell is likely too thick though.
Panel 2.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP STANDS UP AND LOOKS AT TO̅MI AND JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA7ALdsewpqr
Damn it!
Panel 3.
THE MANTIS SHIRMP PUNCHES A ROCKBED FLINGING DEBRIS TOWARD TO̅MI AND JAADEN.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI GENERATES A BARRIER IN FRONT OF HERSELF AND JAADEN THAT PROTECTS THEM FROM THE DEBRIS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAsJPA27f1jt
Rallrasdailr!
Panel 5.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP CRAWLS UP THE WALL ON TO̅MI'S LEFT SIDE PROCEEDING TOWARD THE LEDGE.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI DODGES THE MANTIS SHRIMP'S DACTYL AS IT ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE HER.
PAGE 19 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI AIMS HER HAND AT THE MANTIS SHRIMP AND BEGINS TO USE ANOTHER SPELL.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAG1vDemyljY
Lairh—!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI IS STRUCK IN THE STOMACH BY THE MANTIS SHRIMP'S DACTYL AND JAADEN LOOKS ON WITH A HORRIFIED EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANACi2t3BqVWB
To̅mi!!!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI FLIES BACK THROUGH THE AIR AND CRASHES INTO A WALL.
Panel 4.
JAADEN NOTICES THE MANTIS SHRIMP IS APPROACHING HER.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5VTpUblTj
Oh, crap!
Panel 5.
JAADEN RUNS AND HIDES BEHIND COVER AS THE MANTIS SHRIMP ATTEMPTS TO CATCH HER.
Panel 6.
JAADEN PICKS UP A ROCK BEHIND HER COVER WITH A WORRIED EXPRESSION.
PAGE 20 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
JAADEN SNAPS OUT FROM BEHIND HER COVER AND THROWS THE ROCK AT THE MANTIS SHRIMP HITTING IT IN ONE OF THE EYES.
Panel 2.
OUT OF REFLEX, THE MANTIS SHRIMP ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE JAADEN, HOWEVER, ITS AIM IS OFF AND IT STRIKES A NEARBY BOLDER.
Panel 3.
JAADEN THEN HIDES BEHIND COVER AGAIN AND LOOKS OVER TO WHERE TO̅MI IS WITH A WORRIED EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA14a0mu2ecn
To̅mi, hey I don't mean to be insensitive but I could really use your help over here!
Panel 4.
MEDIUM VERTICAL PANEL OF TO̅MI USING A WALL FOR SUPPORT AS SHE STANDS WHILE HOLDING HER STOMACH.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON) Just a second.
Panel 5.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP HITS ANOTHER BOLDER THAT JAADEN IS BESIDE AND JAADEN FLINCHES AS ONE OF THE ROCKS HITS HER IN THE HEAD.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI FOCUSES HER ENERGY ON HEALING HERSELF AND HER EYES TURN RED. TO̅MI GLARES AT THE MANTIS SHRIMP WITH AN ENRAGED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAAwCtN9l7sg
Hey, you overgrown sea roach! Pick on someone your own size!
Panel 7.
TO̅MI FLIES TOWARD THE MANTIS SHRIMP.
PAGE 21 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI DODGES THE MANTIS SHRIMP'S DACTYL AS IT ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE HER.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI GRABS THE MANTIS SHRIMP'S ARM AND RIPS ITS ARM OFF.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI DODGES A JETSTREAM OF WATER THAT THE MANTIS SHRIMP SHOOTS FROM ITS MOUTH SO POWERFUL THAT IT DESTROYS ROCKS BEHIND HER.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI HITS THE MANTIS SHRIMP OVER THE HEAD WITH ITS TORN-OFF DACTYL.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAlFbTX841Ly
Let's see how you like it!
Panel 5.
TO̅MI QUICKLY PLACES THE TORN-OFF LEG OF THE MANTIS SHRIMP IN FRONT OF HERSELF TO BLOCK ANOTHER JET STREAM OF WATER.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI POINTS HER HAND AT THE JETSTREAM OF WATER WHILE THE MANTIS SHRIMP IS STILL SPEWING WATER.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA5qePv45Jm1
Isailr!
PAGE 22 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI SHOOTS ICE AT THE JET STREAM OF WATER AND IT FREEZES THE WATER BACK TO THE MOUTH OF THE MANTIS SHRIMP WHICH IN TURN FREEZES THE MANTIS SHRIMP ALTOGETHER.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI FLIES TO WHERE THE MANTIS SHRIMP IS AND USES ITS DACTYL TO SHATTER AND DESTROY IT.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI REGROUPS WITH JAADEN AND HIGH-FIVES HER TO CELEBRATE THE DEFEAT OF THE MANTIS SHRIMP.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA2VPFKb0TvT
Way to go, To̅mi!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANArDMcpywN6b
Yeah, I krilled it!
Panel 4.
JAADEN GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A PATRONIZING EXPRESSION. TO̅MI LOOKS AT JAADEN WITH AN ENTHUSIASTIC EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAD12dlJCTxp
Honey, that one needs some work.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAovDSFWAI1p
Oh, give me a break!
Panel 5.
JAADEN HOLDS HER HEAD WITH A PAINED EXPRESSION WHILE TO̅MI LOOKS AT HER WITH A PANICKED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAAp6bcEewFI
Crap! Are you alright?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAH4hycLnBef
I'm sure I'll live, but it does hurt.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
...Let me see.
PAGE 23 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI EXAMINES JAADEN'S WOUND WITH A PANICKED EXPRESSION. JAADEN LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH A WORRIED EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAW63SiQIutT
How bad is it?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAztArZP5vbD
...It's... I—!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA81GPnzDYsw
To̅mi? Are you okay?
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAEnz1sUBvZn
She's not bleeding that badly but there's still so much of it. Enough to make blood dizzy.
Panel 2.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF TO̅MI LOOKING AT HER HAND.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAdBV07ku34h
I let this happen to her and we're in a bind because of it. I can't seriously be having cravings now, can I? Not when Jaaden needs me! Get a grip, To̅mi!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT JAADEN WITH A CENTERED AND DETERMINED EXPRESSION HER EYES NOW RETURNED TO NORMAL.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAuO0KIQnw0Y
It's a gash but I don't think it's that bad. I've got some bandages with me.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI WRAPS UP JAADEN'S HEAD WITH A CARING EXPRESSION. JAADEN HAS AN ASHAMED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAfCxb0YS2L1
Don't worry, Jaaden. This'll only take a second.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANArdKFaW906H
You were struggling with it. I don't mean to be so direct but I could tell. Wouldn't have happened if I was anything like Alden huh? I mean apparently, he actually beat Lalh in the first place. I'm not doing anything but getting in the way.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI GRABS JAADEN BY HER SHOULDERS AND GLARES AT HER WITH INTENSE CONCERN. JAADEN LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH A SURPRISED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAXzlM8I89YH
I don't mean to be rude, Jaaden, but now might not be the time for that. Besides, I'm the one who was struggling. I'm here to support you and I have been since I got off that plane. I can't do that if there is a weakness in my resolve and I'm determined to move past it. That goes for you as well. You might not be able to take on Lalh but you have a role to play.
Panel 6.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF JAADEN LOOKING AWAY FROM TO̅MI WITH A WORRIED AND UNSURE EXPRESSION. JAADEN PONDERS WHAT TO̅MI HAS SAID.
Panel 7.
JAADEN LOOKS BACK AT TO̅MI WITH A CONFIDENT EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAyRR0fZfKh3
You're right.
PAGE 24 (THREE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI AND JAADEN LOOK BACK DOWN AT THE FRAY.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAr4NtQaxDQH
We should get back down there.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAQRvxcfF3Lm
Yeah, things aren't letting up.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI IS AMBUSHED AND GRABBED FROM BEHIND BY LYME. JUST LYME'S ARM IS IN THE PANEL, LYME STRETCHES HER HAND TO WHERE TO̅MI IS. JAADEN GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A PANICKED EXPRESSION. TO̅MI HAS AN AGGRAVATED EXPRESSION.
LYME: (BALLOON)
Oh, To̅mi, I had no idea you could give such rousing speeches! You even have your little friend there thinking that she can actually accomplish something!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA4qINjy3j9I
Ugh!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANA6pXBIho67F
To̅mi?!
Panel 3.
LYME HOLDS TO̅MI UP IN THE AIR.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAIhU5clbELF
Lyme!?
LYME: (BALLOON)94Please respect copyright.PENANAIROm2ZgIUN
What's the matter, To̅mi? You're the star of the masquerade! No need to look so afraid!94Please respect copyright.PENANAD0ulusrBSV