
PAGE 1 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.221Please respect copyright.PENANAlS3hUy7yd0
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT221Please respect copyright.PENANARQ5lNTe57t
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAAiE0GjZqqs
...Lalh.
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANANALDVHj2IU
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAQdcvyFJwws
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA5fVGF6gUVG
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA8njSRiSzAr
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANADX3Ep7jwr0
Folly of the flesh indeed.
Panel 4.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF CAPTAIN LALH LOOKING UP AT XESYN.
XESYN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAcdV8hAAbFf
The descendant of that individual has the sapphire. Recover it and find the cove I showed you many moons ago.
CAPTAIN LALH: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAFFNkDPMz47
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAEEOivs3GUi
Raise the sail. We're heading inland.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 1: (ARABIC BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA4CCWwMyj8r
Yes, captain.
PAGE 2 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.221Please respect copyright.PENANAtJJZZqWjBN
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT221Please respect copyright.PENANAX7rerto8fA
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA0n810TSfuw
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA0eHRkDUiQ2
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAVxHY4ReY97
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAu48Tu5NQxm
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAQNhuYZjUdF
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAhNARVJkfBo
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAsnE0qhuPvH
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAWaX0qHGJja
Wait, Alden Stewart, where have I heard that name before?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAdHvMpDQXNb
Have you been watching too much TV?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAt1i53ncfzM
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAhTzg4ISTK1
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAZAG6vMRsvq
She's his descendant. Looks like we know where to look now.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAy3Z5dwwKRY
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAKiOD0EzbQ4
Let's head to Sarkis' office.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANATm4FwodQ8G
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAy205oKHMNO
Let's go!
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA4qFFTraWwM
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAFIW0jJFXTz
What are you talking about? We're going to lose them if we don't get a move on.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANATdXpS3YTXh
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA8oJhfMKiw7
That was really insightful, Hadid. I have to admit. I wasn't expecting it from you.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAfZaUCEd66v
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAnc63r4cVCE
You've got to be kidding me. Since when are these gates locked?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAN8AdxEOIA2
What do we do now?
DETECTIVE HADID: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAAngJLjWj71
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAAMQXIaR2fZ
Ms. Sarkis.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAEYQSisATko
Detective Hassan? What are you doing here?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAt3nMp8hwW4
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAID1ysKsF5E
Us? How could you say that we're suspects?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAmMKVDu7BFy
The clues implement you. It's the way it is.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAWy44EayWT5
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA2WlKPPjqAB
Hey!
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID LOOKS AT TO̅MI WHO'S ATTEMPTING TO KEEP OUT OF SIGHT.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAh6m7vRpxt3
Hey, girly! Who're you? I've never seen you around here before.
TO̅MI:221Please respect copyright.PENANAgGA89uRiGG
I'm from out of town.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAMQVExBHxyv
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAmL0ZRxDcbt
What? I'm just asking questions.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA6mgmOIYJbG
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAnQgtmB7zwS
Fine, I'll let you lead then.
PAGE 5 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD SHAFIRA.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAYyzPcrUv6i
Ms. Sarkis, is this the young lady, you're buying the sapphire from?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANALkkWqQ2qc4
Yes, this is she.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAvHNF2yiqE8
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAf4vu9WotTx
Um, yes. It's right here.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD JAADEN AND THE OTHERS.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAShqGhd3yjx
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAC77UeWCEA6
Do we have a choice?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (WHISPERING BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAE3u9IGcvPI
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA2iibOxURgK
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAy3SFEZfo52
What about your friend? Or, are you gonna take off again?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA681NnsTnB2
Um, no. I'm fine with tagging along.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT THE GROUP WITH A REASSURING GESTURE.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAgatCZs5Vo1
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAonY2zvUzeS
I've got your back. No one is going to figure out your secret if I can help it.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAB6iVVWx5ky
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAO9IhtlxcBI
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA51BwaVUiPw
We have a situation.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAojSrrHONkM
What is it?
LYME: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAVlQ7NcR9nY
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAlFCXBeUlq6
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAFlrXDUtjV4
Understood.
Panel 7.
LYME LOOKS AT HER COMMUNICATOR WITH AN AGGRAVATED EXPRESSION.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAkyZ0HScncq
Wait!
LYME: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA9IQUU45nM1
What?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAiVwjMjV3LC
I've just received word that there's an energy spike in the Red Sea. It's heading in your direction.
LYME: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAbO0RczO8cR
Well, what's the word?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAAc7zsBVPwl
I suppose we have no choice. If you can do it conspicuously, snatch the sapphire.
LYME: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAVaRNlLY8Or
Understood.
PAGE 7 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.221Please respect copyright.PENANAy5RVmvAx84
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT221Please respect copyright.PENANAZERDxrwrea
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAmOPmfHjXsm
So this is what these freaks are after. Do you guys have any idea why?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAuJUrdyVIMv
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA7RUAFp7QZt
Yeah, maybe not.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAdy2v4dPxw9
What you might be interested in knowing is that we developed a plan for dealing with the Brine Beasts.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAScRtY4mZ3D
You don't say. Let's hear it then.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAuDTAJ1kJKr
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAhNuRc6oKKR
You were planning to lure them to the gardens? I must say that was incredibly irresponsible of you.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA2lISu7AkOR
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAeOmwkGGq7w
Wait a second, why don't we just destroy it? Problem solved.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA6ltye8lGvB
No, are you mad? We can't destroy it. It belongs in a museum.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAbRIZUEmsCd
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA3UPaZViNZg
I don't think you can destroy it.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAMnYxJBDftV
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAZsTNTLTiWx
I think that Jaaden has a point.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAWOyLUJULC2
Oh, you do huh? Well, since you're so smart why don't you elaborate?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAc5wdo1twvm
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAnjqe68Yywn
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAGu2jWaJ5jP
Whatever his motivations, we cannot destroy it. It's a historical artifact.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAb1ytlLZZOV
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAtgdi4J7AfV
Are you mad? Do you believe yourself to be that intuitive?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAMZXpUOVF8S
I believe that I know a motive when I see one.
Panel 2.
JAADEN LOOKS AROUND WITH A HUFFY EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAn7gbrrBich
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANACFyikIWLdf
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAdJeq8K0ypg
Then what about the Underground Oasis?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANASVEE2o18Bq
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAYFVjtt9Sgd
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANALSrJDDSXWo
For your information, she came to celebrate my good fortune. She's a good friend of mine. What's your deal?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAH8kRQtLsPS
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAyhmuw4ePDU
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAZsncU2fSO4
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAjQ4fhNYMin
So, that's what your plan is. Too bad it's going to crash and burn.
PAGE 9 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.221Please respect copyright.PENANAVsZBAvpt8l
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT221Please respect copyright.PENANANEYGAOkUIV
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 1.221Please respect copyright.PENANArxGNSVWMNJ
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT221Please respect copyright.PENANA01k8taJRIe
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAzkpEjpNyFs
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAeW4PZvDLpl
Good grief.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAUamwejd0Hv
What's going on?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAo6zc3TjtFf
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAEStSQTgo24
Don't worry, Jaaden. This is going to work. Once the Brine Beasts are gone, peace will return to El Gouna.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAbLpyLR8vuq
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAZDFvBibciX
I don't think I've ever seen you this serious. How do you think this is going to go?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAYSWnB3E9DX
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAgL2Izw1wkt
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANANE8vwEOjeb
You picked up on that too?
JAADEN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAC9bWw3S0eK
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAxCXfADQaRA
Well, it is a piece of history. Besides, once we deal with Lalh, everything will be okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAbaZHb7t0Ci
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAxQWeBo4aXV
Hey, we'll get through this. Just stick with me, okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAp5tU1Tj8BM
Yeah.
Panel 3.
JAADEN SHOWS TO̅MI THE STUN BATON SHE WAS GIVEN. TO̅MI SMILES ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAnc8DmFtLKe
Let's kick some undead pirate booty!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAh86yZdhDCJ
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAsYTrtxsegX
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAfyVgXKwIZw
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAAD7RNO3Gfq
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAZfi0Go8HrW
Ah, ah, ah! I'll take that girly.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAIwL1jDBHVd
Ah!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI'S ATTENTION SNAPS TO JAADEN WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION AS SHE SENSES JAADEN IS IN DANGER.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA51Tm749zuY
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAJSgrtthule
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAxFhPLYxcBT
Thank you, To̅mi.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAXODDVbKrEE
You okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA3YF06o88yi
Yeah, I'm good. However, I'm rethinking this now.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAcEEd3vzEOe
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAfLNI5aQ958
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA6OeSuAujoh
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANApKS9Bb5x53
Oh, no! What now?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAz7yBZWHn6C
Could we hope that it's reinforcements?
Panel 5.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP ARRIVES IN THE UNDERGROUND OASIS BY CRASHING THROUGH AN ENTRANCE.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA6mwn6Jdf70
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANArwieXtB4hx
I think it's looking at us.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAHHFslbmON2
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAihmK4xZTYH
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAcZtG5vNUkT
Do you think it's dead?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAQd9AHJlf5q
I wish. Its shell is likely too thick though.
Panel 2.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP STANDS UP AND LOOKS AT TO̅MI AND JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA0faK4zODAj
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAIzm5jgi5rM
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAiQmnuuWlvc
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAjqRfLaSDFv
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAMWx2c9ik7x
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAfV2lfwLscr
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAVqRYnJH2SK
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAwWvFzOlT9E
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA16N3dxCXRb
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAKxxRDcy4bM
Way to go, To̅mi!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAhjvBuzfecV
Yeah, I krilled it!
Panel 4.
JAADEN GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A PATRONIZING EXPRESSION. TO̅MI LOOKS AT JAADEN WITH AN ENTHUSIASTIC EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAMtUQbPPtia
Honey, that one needs some work.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAhARZT9JgcD
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA9aQUSIz5zp
Crap! Are you alright?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAE7Kd8Jf2Hx
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA8inmLvOIlF
How bad is it?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAtb4sjSdUGg
...It's... I—!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAGB36iWPzWq
To̅mi? Are you okay?
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA8ryFmYCDOc
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAVw25AbHCUR
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAQkDzpGLinN
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAGI6FeGTobH
Don't worry, Jaaden. This'll only take a second.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANA2dSjeVvQ9C
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAukWVHOMSjR
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANAXPbt5fR99w
You're right.
PAGE 24 (THREE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI AND JAADEN LOOK BACK DOWN AT THE FRAY.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANADZXfOJR2Qf
We should get back down there.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAtc4oFmbPTC
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)221Please respect copyright.PENANA79gMljwrkF
Ugh!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAw7invwUTbw
To̅mi?!
Panel 3.
LYME HOLDS TO̅MI UP IN THE AIR.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANAR1REp8GWKn
Lyme!?
LYME: (BALLOON)221Please respect copyright.PENANALWnzN790xc
What's the matter, To̅mi? You're the star of the masquerade! No need to look so afraid!