
PAGE 1 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.227Please respect copyright.PENANAsi2ezIVx0v
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT227Please respect copyright.PENANAEPGoNaKxGY
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANALqrjhp1K29
...Lalh.
CAPTAIN LALH: (ARABIC BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAK9yId6umBq
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANALXM8XOU32z
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAa5VVmp5N3W
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAeH1poSTwYB
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAwfCJiVDn7a
Folly of the flesh indeed.
Panel 4.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF CAPTAIN LALH LOOKING UP AT XESYN.
XESYN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAT64EcU8NU9
The descendant of that individual has the sapphire. Recover it and find the cove I showed you many moons ago.
CAPTAIN LALH: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAMVWZXqJqg6
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAW6uph02OZY
Raise the sail. We're heading inland.
UNDEAD BARBARY PIRATE NO. 1: (ARABIC BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAC9g1GcLTd0
Yes, captain.
PAGE 2 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.227Please respect copyright.PENANA9euCkwcYGG
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT227Please respect copyright.PENANACFlThcLKoq
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ec1kCndoe
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANARZy6llw3w2
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAgExtJCuA6O
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAw72tYPeeWj
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAY1GmSfsR3q
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAqHFySKfoJs
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAhtVw1lS1pS
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAIxdo0hAJFE
Wait, Alden Stewart, where have I heard that name before?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAdyt7XFQI13
Have you been watching too much TV?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA58Lni2vOzW
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAo64ExXShUP
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAzfbWrOQixn
She's his descendant. Looks like we know where to look now.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAQSZk4wvHRr
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAfzELUQQCQV
Let's head to Sarkis' office.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAb2ZEQfaOpd
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAf2BiOXYJmW
Let's go!
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANABwzViwne5j
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANACs8N4uBpa0
What are you talking about? We're going to lose them if we don't get a move on.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAALv42VnpCD
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANATVbsfe9Q3r
That was really insightful, Hadid. I have to admit. I wasn't expecting it from you.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAoVxTtYrdsy
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAZ856ORAetD
You've got to be kidding me. Since when are these gates locked?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAC4KEnaSv8N
What do we do now?
DETECTIVE HADID: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAhtTnNCSXfb
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAEgs5EpW9cH
Ms. Sarkis.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANADoMUBWxJGD
Detective Hassan? What are you doing here?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAMGxWCspEhf
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANARGMmc3JvQp
Us? How could you say that we're suspects?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAKYBHsU35rg
The clues implement you. It's the way it is.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAYb9qWnG3TR
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAV6AvuDrYf0
Hey!
Panel 5.
DETECTIVE HADID LOOKS AT TO̅MI WHO'S ATTEMPTING TO KEEP OUT OF SIGHT.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA9sq8l8d0Fn
Hey, girly! Who're you? I've never seen you around here before.
TO̅MI:227Please respect copyright.PENANAFrrFqk1Y02
I'm from out of town.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAkRsFXLJNoj
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAMAWUx6nl8e
What? I'm just asking questions.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAYcMJCnLiM4
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAXPVJpZU0CJ
Fine, I'll let you lead then.
PAGE 5 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD SHAFIRA.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAb29PzRArsO
Ms. Sarkis, is this the young lady, you're buying the sapphire from?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAVQHqr8Efvz
Yes, this is she.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANApl9RsZ6gvP
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANARKPGJgrIrb
Um, yes. It's right here.
Panel 4.
DETECTIVE HASSAN MAKES A QUESTIONING GESTURE TOWARD JAADEN AND THE OTHERS.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAQJoEHrvhUE
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA7lLkDbpwSj
Do we have a choice?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (WHISPERING BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAyG8zX7h7hj
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAUr3fN76urX
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANARYIWeGo4fm
What about your friend? Or, are you gonna take off again?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAqw0mp7M30N
Um, no. I'm fine with tagging along.
Panel 2.
DETECTIVE HASSAN GLANCES AT THE GROUP WITH A REASSURING GESTURE.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAZArKrHkGP0
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAmFBQgPH8fi
I've got your back. No one is going to figure out your secret if I can help it.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAc6to8QElBi
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAJC6QIKAQ1q
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAGug0eXVjNP
We have a situation.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAJIyDK3MkOF
What is it?
LYME: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANArdK7KOpAFL
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAT5zww1eCII
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAnj2m4GuAgS
Understood.
Panel 7.
LYME LOOKS AT HER COMMUNICATOR WITH AN AGGRAVATED EXPRESSION.
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA8JRZqGRPJR
Wait!
LYME: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAHY5WLoXUqB
What?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAi7q52HV6ck
I've just received word that there's an energy spike in the Red Sea. It's heading in your direction.
LYME: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAovSmKN2tSh
Well, what's the word?
UNKNOWN COMMANDER: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAmzXXED1IcU
I suppose we have no choice. If you can do it conspicuously, snatch the sapphire.
LYME: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAtsBFr5kuGF
Understood.
PAGE 7 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.227Please respect copyright.PENANAs8o56YRjMO
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT227Please respect copyright.PENANAYt2CPHXdXY
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA4dInYoyBzK
So this is what these freaks are after. Do you guys have any idea why?
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAfMndwwE65C
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAdjZYhaPa0D
Yeah, maybe not.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA3qKYSCHbsh
What you might be interested in knowing is that we developed a plan for dealing with the Brine Beasts.
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAiL3TppofFc
You don't say. Let's hear it then.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAPK02tT1ugK
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6DRZuuGQv
You were planning to lure them to the gardens? I must say that was incredibly irresponsible of you.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAW5ARmJqwq8
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAAHy7bl5tKI
Wait a second, why don't we just destroy it? Problem solved.
SHAFIRA SARKIS: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAj3ggEgiuNu
No, are you mad? We can't destroy it. It belongs in a museum.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANARa2LvI9Xp8
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAUSyIqlfttS
I don't think you can destroy it.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAuDQDDijuer
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA4HdWfS8XnE
I think that Jaaden has a point.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANApKkhIGcE4x
Oh, you do huh? Well, since you're so smart why don't you elaborate?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAXn480OAzWR
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2y7gDTTdP
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA5xrVzwc3vy
Whatever his motivations, we cannot destroy it. It's a historical artifact.
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2VG8OH7QQ
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAsaszxMUuUM
Are you mad? Do you believe yourself to be that intuitive?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANASQIWvWYsO9
I believe that I know a motive when I see one.
Panel 2.
JAADEN LOOKS AROUND WITH A HUFFY EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAyHasS0zzH3
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAarhQr67qZ5
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAlwv3DNMSF3
Then what about the Underground Oasis?
DETECTIVE HASSAN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA1arb511pcV
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAGVa3VrOgKZ
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA3xYvNKtgNx
For your information, she came to celebrate my good fortune. She's a good friend of mine. What's your deal?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAomQi6lNzp8
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA6q5t2p2AlR
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAIUdNIPEOEU
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2LQshEQCi
So, that's what your plan is. Too bad it's going to crash and burn.
PAGE 9 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.227Please respect copyright.PENANAQpxb1JisLF
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT227Please respect copyright.PENANAaHJGCF1j6y
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 1.227Please respect copyright.PENANAtN2W9fnl9Z
CUT TO: EL GOUNA, EGYPT227Please respect copyright.PENANAjwuXD27xH3
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAWsoOBFgFgQ
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAb53cSlnowO
Good grief.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA0LK1yEyJ03
What's going on?
DETECTIVE HADID: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA8zZN613wbX
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANApwGmH8PcA3
Don't worry, Jaaden. This is going to work. Once the Brine Beasts are gone, peace will return to El Gouna.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANALertkqtrgE
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAL3mgZYphlZ
I don't think I've ever seen you this serious. How do you think this is going to go?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAhKj2ZtaysN
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAsOZugjAJtT
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAYcqAU4T2ei
You picked up on that too?
JAADEN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAMc0FZWzpbD
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAXjtjs5ElbF
Well, it is a piece of history. Besides, once we deal with Lalh, everything will be okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAOLiuxj4ed8
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANARy5wEsp6Jd
Hey, we'll get through this. Just stick with me, okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAFYiRykK7Ao
Yeah.
Panel 3.
JAADEN SHOWS TO̅MI THE STUN BATON SHE WAS GIVEN. TO̅MI SMILES ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAXeovsC3hnn
Let's kick some undead pirate booty!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAqKTGkfDKug
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAnN8prsK6pE
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANACzt5v5LPws
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAtxtxlr755B
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAH2KcoJ9xvQ
Ah, ah, ah! I'll take that girly.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAgT6wt2lfzd
Ah!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI'S ATTENTION SNAPS TO JAADEN WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION AS SHE SENSES JAADEN IS IN DANGER.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAa9Y8Bpeppt
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANACINeZNW2MU
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAIVLcm8ovoM
Thank you, To̅mi.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAgwydBWUWp5
You okay?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAtxteQrJqiK
Yeah, I'm good. However, I'm rethinking this now.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAVhmA2OgEzx
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAFTsdk7fQ4m
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAgD9nQfjHaI
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAu5K2KczSBJ
Oh, no! What now?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAqgCyg9S8EK
Could we hope that it's reinforcements?
Panel 5.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP ARRIVES IN THE UNDERGROUND OASIS BY CRASHING THROUGH AN ENTRANCE.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA6R3LHK82C3
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAikzep7zhpY
I think it's looking at us.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANADmt6muCQFO
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAcEDCACbtIP
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAmU3WY4RXxQ
Do you think it's dead?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAnSQK0sAjvp
I wish. Its shell is likely too thick though.
Panel 2.
THE MANTIS SHRIMP STANDS UP AND LOOKS AT TO̅MI AND JAADEN.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAVG4eVT0XVC
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANABYdMZcT0I9
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAVWLbj5eEZS
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAusiNfi7YNI
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAJVNHX3HT7E
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAnNY5Lw4VAF
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAWQvZn66azC
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAM1qJXTnhK3
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA6IvDZbK4h1
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAvZrQ8kAueg
Way to go, To̅mi!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA0yi9CxISm9
Yeah, I krilled it!
Panel 4.
JAADEN GLANCES AT TO̅MI WITH A PATRONIZING EXPRESSION. TO̅MI LOOKS AT JAADEN WITH AN ENTHUSIASTIC EXPRESSION.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA5zXQxUsuOp
Honey, that one needs some work.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAUewkYyDeo3
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAHB773SqCxR
Crap! Are you alright?
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA81kZyfl1mR
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAqJHPYWifnh
How bad is it?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAnlmyX6uqYl
...It's... I—!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA464BCPB3iY
To̅mi? Are you okay?
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAN6XQFucAit
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAZusA9a4qUR
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAR0Y4MlrNlE
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANADdJtBWy2Sb
Don't worry, Jaaden. This'll only take a second.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAM50EVlICrD
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA5uFQzcKa25
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANAKSRet67Bq3
You're right.
PAGE 24 (THREE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI AND JAADEN LOOK BACK DOWN AT THE FRAY.
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAc6w28NCe08
We should get back down there.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAQyzCeOuuIy
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)227Please respect copyright.PENANA8TEM5DP41h
Ugh!
JAADEN: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANA61U3wGruRT
To̅mi?!
Panel 3.
LYME HOLDS TO̅MI UP IN THE AIR.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANAxdcjkZhqrS
Lyme!?
LYME: (BALLOON)227Please respect copyright.PENANApGBOW2xg4u
What's the matter, To̅mi? You're the star of the masquerade! No need to look so afraid!