PAGE 1 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
CUT TO: NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
INT. OVERLOOK; NEIGHBORHOOD PARK – AFTERNOON
TO̅MI PERFORMS A SOMERSAULT FROM THE MONKEY BARS AND LANDS ON HER FEET ON A MAT.
Panel 2.
A COUPLE OF KIDS AND THEIR MOTHER APPLAUD TO̅MI FOR HER GRACEFUL LANDING AND SHE WALKS OVER TO THE BENCH WHERE THEY'RE SITTING.
TURNER: (BALLOON)
That was awesome, To̅mi!
MORGAN: (BALLOON)
Are you gonna go to the Olympics one day?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
To be honest with you, going to the Olympics would be awesome! However, the Olympics would take up a lot of my time. I have some other endeavors I'm focusing on at the moment, it could make me rusty in both if I wasn't going to put the time into it.
Panel 3.
MORGAN FIST PUMPS WHILE SHE LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH AN EXCITED EXPRESSION. TO̅MI LOOKS UP INTO THE AIR WITH A THOUGHTFUL EXPRESSION. EMILY HAS AN AWKWARD EXPRESSION.
MORGAN: (BALLOON)
No way, you rock! You can do anything, To̅mi!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
You think so?
KENDRA: (BALLOON)
I'm afraid you've gotten them all riled up, To̅mi. With these two they'd likely petition to see you compete on a stage like that.
Panel 4.
TURNER LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH AN ECSTATIC EXPRESSION. MORGAN SIDE-EYE GLANCES AT TURNER WITH AN EMBARRASSED EXPRESSION AT THE FACT THAT TURNER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A PETITION IS. TO̅MI SCRATCHES HER HEAD WITH AN EMBARRASSED EXPRESSION.
TURNER: (BALLOON)
Yeah! You're so good you deserve a shot to get a gold medal! If they wouldn't let you do science and train, we'd get signatures to make them let you on the team!
MORGAN: (BALLOON)
That's what petition means, Turner.
TURNER: (BALLOON)
Oh.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Thanks anyway, Turner.
Panel 5.
KENRA DRAPES HER ARMS OVER TURNER AND MORGAN IN A LOVING EXPRESSION. TURNER LOOKS AT KENDRA WITH AN EMBARRASSED AND PLEADING EXPRESSION.
KENDRA: (BALLOON)
Well, we better get home. You guys have got to finish your homework, take a bath, eat, and—!
TURNER: (BALLOON)
Please Mom, just a little bit longer!
KENDRA: (BALLOON)
No, we can't. You especially. It's so hard to get you wound down in the evening. If you didn't crash, I'd believe you'd stay up all night.
PAGE 2 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
OVER THE SHOULDER PERSPECTIVE FROM KENDRA, TURNER, AND MORGAN'S PERSPECTIVE LOOKING AT TO̅MI WHO GIVES THEM A SASSY LOOK THAT SAYS THEY SHOULD LISTEN TO KENDRA.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I've got to get home too. I've got some projects that I've got to work on.
KENDRA: (BALLOON)
See, not only is To̅mi an amazing athlete, but she's also an amazing role model.
MORGAN: (BALLOON)
Will you come and visit us soon? I wanna make another craft with you!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Yeah, I'll be back over as soon as I can.
TURNER: (BALLOON)
I've got a new game to show you too!
Panel 2.
TO̅MI RUFFLES TURNER'S HAIR IN A PLAYFUL GESTURE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I'm guessing you can't wait to play against me, can you?
TURNER: (BALLOON)
Oh yeah! I've been practicing so much; I don't think anyone could beat me in it!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
We'll see about that.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI WAVES GOODBYE TO KENDRA, TURNER, AND MORGAN AS THEY BEGIN TO LEAVE THE PARK.
MORGAN & TURNER: (BALLOON)
Bye!
KENDRA: (BALLOON)
See you later, To̅mi.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Bye. See you later, Mrs. Daniels.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI STRETCHES AS SHE WALKS DOWN THE STREET BACK TOWARD HER HOUSE.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
I might have worked up a sweat back there. It might have also been because of the performance. It does feel awesome to see Turner and Morgan flip out when they see something exciting.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI LOOKS UP INTO THE AIR WITH A THOUGHTFUL EXPRESSION AS SHE REMEMBERS MORGAN AND TURNER'S REQUESTS FOR HER TO VISIT.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
How many people have I told that to and not followed up with? Luckily, Morgan and Turner live close by. I don't know what I'll ever do about people who don't live as close. I don't even know where I'll find the time.
Panel 6.
A CAR DRIVES PAST TO̅MI HONKING ITS HORN. A GROUP OF TUMULTUOUS TEENAGERS WHOOP AS THE CAR CRUISES DOWN THE STREET.
TEENAGED BOY NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Looking good, To̅mi!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Thanks, Eric!
PAGE 3 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI CHUCKLES AND SHAKES HER HEAD IN A SENSE OF BEWILDERMENT AS THE TEENS CONTINUE THEIR LEISURELY STROLL DOWN THE STREET.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
I don't think those guys could ever hurt anyone but they're too rowdy for this neighborhood. I hope their parents don't catch them or the fun is over. I can just picture the face Dad would have if he saw me having too much fun.
Panel 2.
AS TO̅MI IS WALKING DOWN THE STREET, SHE HEARS SOMETHING BUZZING IN THE TREES TO HER RIGHT.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI STOPS FOR A FEW SECONDS, LOOKS INTO THE WOODED AREA, AND NOTICES THAT SOMETHING IS TRAVERSING CLUMSILY THROUGH THE WOODS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Oh, great. Just what I needed. Trouble right out in the open. Well, I guess you never really get to choose the time and place mayhem will show up. You've just got to be ready!
Panel 4.
AS THE OBJECT DRAWS NEARER; TO̅MI CAN SEE THAT IT'S A METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
What the heck?
Panel 5.
THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP WHIZZES OUT OF THE FOREST TOWARDS TO̅MI SO FAST THAT TO̅MI HAS TO FLIP OVER THE TOY TO DODGE IT.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Whoa!
Panel 6.
THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP CRUISES ACROSS THE STREET AND SMASHES INTO A SMALL TREE MANAGING TO CUT IT IN HALF. TO̅MI HAS A BEWILDERED EXPRESSION HAVING EXPERIENCED THE RECENT EVENTS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Okay, that's a little intense for a toy. How about you just take it easy?
PAGE 4 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP THEN SLOWLY GLIDES OVER TO WHERE TO̅MI IS AND SHE CATCHES IT.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Okay, this is weird. I better get home and try and figure this out.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI RUNS DOWN THE STREET TOWARD HER HOME.
Panel 3.
AT TO̅MI'S HOUSE TO̅MI PLACES THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP ON HER KITCHEN TABLE.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Alright, it's time to discover your secrets.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Ezenailailr. Serailr.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI'S EYES BECOME ABLE TO SEE THE MAGICAL ENERGY INCORPORATED IN THE SPACESHIP.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
At least I know for sure that I'm dealing with magic. Seems harmless enough. I know it can't just be out for a joyride. What secrets are you hiding? Why'd you come looking for me?
Panel 5.
TO̅MI PICKS UP THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP, FINDS A BUTTON, AND PRESSES IT.
Panel 6.
THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP OPENS AND A MAGICAL PROJECTION FILLS THE ROOM, AT FIRST WITH A BRIGHT LIGHT THEN A PROJECTION OF ANOTHER ROOM.
PAGE 5 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL STANDS IN FRONT OF TO̅MI AND TO̅MI IS SHOCKED TO SEE HER.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
...I remember her! Oh, what was her name?
Panel 2.
BEFORE THE GIRL BEGINS TO SPEAK SHE LOOKS BACK AT THE DOOR WITH AN ANXIOUS EXPRESSION AS IT IS BEING BEATEN ON BY UNKNOWN ASSAILANTS.
UNKNOWN ASSAILANT NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Open up! You can't hide in there forever!
Panel 3.
THE GIRL TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND THEN CALMLY BEGINS TO SPEAK.
UNKNOWN GIRL: (BALLOON)
Hello, To̅mi. I hope that it hasn't been so long that you've forgotten about me. You've probably already seen that things are a bit dour. Mirabelle's become quite upset with me after I too attempted to leave Vallarona. Ever since you escaped, she cracked down on anyone leaving. I know she wanted things to stay the way they were but that's just not me anymore. I hoped that one day she would let us go but she's become despotic. I've run from her for as long as I could. If there's anyone who can help now, it's you.
Panel 4.
THE GIRL LOOKS BACK TOWARDS THE DOOR AS THE ASSAILANTS ARE NEARLY THROUGH THE DOOR.
UNKNOWN GIRL: (BALLOON)
If you can't, it was nice seeing you again. Figuratively speaking of course.
Panel 5.
A TEAR RUNS DOWN THE GIRL'S FACE AS SHE FACES THE DOOR WITH A SORROWFUL AND FEARFUL EXPRESSION AND THE MAGICAL PROJECTION ENDS WITH THE DOOR BEING BROKEN DOWN. MANIACAL LAUGHTER FILLS THE AIR BUT TO̅MI IS UNABLE TO SEE WHO HER ASSAILANTS ARE.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI TAKES A SECOND TO PROCESS THE INFORMATION SHE'S RECEIVED AND LOOKS AT THE TOY SPACESHIP WITH A DETERMINED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
...Whatever's happened to you I'm coming to find you.
PAGE 6 (FOUR PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI WALKS INTO HER PARENTS' ROOM AND LOOKS AT A NOTE SAYING THAT THEY WILL BE BACK IN A WEEK.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
That's more than enough time.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI GATHERS SOME MATERIALS TO CREATE AN ADVENTURE PACK.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI CALLS SHADE ON HER CELL PHONE.
SHADE: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)
Hey, what's up?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Hey, I'm going out of town for a couple of days but I wanted to meet up first. Do you have a minute?
SHADE: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)
Yeah. Meet me at the River Market.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Okay, see you then.
SHADE: (TRANSMISSION BALLOON)
See you.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI LEAVES THE HOUSE WITH THE METALLIC SPACESHIP TOY IN HER POSSESSION.
PAGE 7 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
CUT TO: DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
EXT. RIVER MARKET – EARLY NIGHT
TO̅MI ARRIVES DOWNTOWN ON THE ROOF OF THE RIVER MARKET. SHADE WAVES TO HER SITTING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Hey, hi, hello.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Hey. So, what's going on?
Panel 2.
TO̅MI SITS BESIDE SHADE WITH A SOLEM EXPRESSION AND TWIDDLES THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP IN HER HANDS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
A way-back friend of mine needs help. From what I saw in the magical projection things looked pretty grim. I am hoping that I can reach her before it's too late. She looked so scared.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Usually, if people can send for help it means the worst hasn't happened yet. You keep a level head and everything will be okay.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I don't see how I'm supposed to do that. I was too angry to be sad. But what made me angry the most was I forgot her name. I'm her last hope and I barely remember her.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
You recognized her at least. That's a plus.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I suppose so.
Panel 3.
SHADE PATS TO̅MI ON THE SHOULDER ATTEMPTING TO CONSOLE HER. TO̅MI LOOKS AT SHADE WITH AN UNDERSTANDING EXPRESSION.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
I would try and give you words of encouragement to psyche you up, grab your hand, and set off, but since you didn't say we over the phone I presume this was something you wanted to do alone.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
She taught me a lesson I would never forget; this is beyond personal for me. I just wanted to let you know before I set off so you wouldn't worry.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
I'm sure you can handle it if you say you can. Just be careful, alright?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I will. C'mere.
Panel 4.
SHADE AND TO̅MI HUG EACH OTHER.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
I'll see you when you get back.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Yeah. See you then.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI THROWS DOWN AN ELVEN SKYBOARD AND HOPS ON IT. SHADE LOOKS AT THE SKYBOARD WITH AN IMPRESSED EXPRESSION.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Whoa, you didn't tell me you had a hoverboard!
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Technically, it's a skyboard.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Same thing. Wait, what about your parents?
Panel 6.
TO̅MI SMILES AT SHADE. SHADE GRINS AT TO̅MI.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
They went out of town. They won't be back for a week.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Oh. Wow, they must really trust you not to throw a house party.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Please, Dad would smell the cleaning products. I'd never get away with it.
SHADE: (BALLOON)
Yeah, that's true.
PAGE 8 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI WAVES AS SHE FLIES AWAY ON HER SKY BOARD AND SHADE WAVES BACK.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI LOOKS FORWARD WITH A DETERMINED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Vallarona. That's a place I'd never thought I'd go back to. It was hard enough getting out the first time. A supposed haven made into a prison. I never thought that anyone else besides me would ever want to leave and I could never turn my back on her. Ever. For her to be asking for my help, I wonder how bad things have gotten. I hope that I'm not too late.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI TAKES OUT A STONE AND PLACES IT ONTO THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Shuw na whasa irrui sena llsun.
Panel 4.
A PORTAL OPENS IN FRONT OF TO̅MI AND SHE FLIES THROUGH IT.
Panel 5.
AFTER FLYING THROUGH THE PORTAL TO̅MI ARRIVES ABOVE A WOODLAND AREA LEADING TOWARD VALLARONA.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI GLANCES AT THE ENGINE OF HER SKYBOARD WITH A YIKES EXPRESSION SEEING THAT IT HAS BEGUN TO HAVE ISSUES.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Well, isn't this trip getting off to a solid start?
PAGE 9 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI LANDS IN THE FOREST AND PUTS HER SKYBOARD AWAY.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
It looks like I'm taking the scenic route from here.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI BEGINS TO TRAVERSE ON FOOT THROUGH THE FOREST TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI HEARS THE SOUND OF A CREATURE ROARING AND DEVELOPS A CONFUSED EXPRESSION. THE UPROAR BELLOWS AND ECHOES SEAMLESSLY THROUGH THE FOREST.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
What is that? Whatever it was, it was certainly new. I don't remember anything in these woods the last time I was here. It was spooky how quiet it was. As if, you didn't know if there was something out there trying to get you or not. Either way, I don't want to run into whatever it was.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI CLIMBS INTO THE TREETOPS FOR A BETTER VANTAGE POINT, LOOKS OUT OVER THE FOREST TOWARD THE EAST, AND SEES THAT A TREE IS KNOCKED OVER AS IT APPEARS THE CREATURE IS HEADED TOWARD HER LOCATION.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Oh, you've got to be kidding me. I better just keep it trucking.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI CONTINUES HER TRAVEL THROUGH THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREETOPS.
Panel 6.
SUDDENLY THE TREE SHE IS STANDING IN IS STRUCK AND BEGINS TO FALL OVER.
PAGE 10 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI JUMPS TO ANOTHER TREE AND LANDS ON A BRANCH.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI LOOKS BACK AS A LOG IS THROWN AT THE BRANCH SHE'S ON.
Panel 3.
THE LOG SMASHES THROUGH THE BRANCH AND TO̅MI BEGINS TO PLUMMET TO THE GROUND.
Panel 4.
THE TRANSITIONAL PANEL SHOWS TO̅MI JUMPING OFF DEBRIS IN THE AIR MAKING IT SAFELY TO THE GROUND.
Panel 5.
THE FACING PANEL SHOWS TO̅MI LOOKING AT HER PURSUER WITH A FRUSTRATED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Oh, you have to be kidding me!
Panel 6.
OVER THE SHOULDER FROM TO̅MI'S PERSPECTIVE. TO̅MI SEES AN OGRE STANDING ACROSS THE WAY FROM HER.
PAGE 11 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE OGRE ROARS AT TO̅MI AND GRIMACES AT IT.
Panel 2.
THE OGRE RUNS TOWARD TO̅MI AND TO̅MI GETS INTO A BATTLE STANCE.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI DODGES THE PUNCH AND THE OGRE PUNCHES THE GROUND.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI KICKS THE OGRE IN THE FACE.
Panel 5.
THE OGRE SWATS TO̅MI BACK THROUGH THE AIR AND SHE HITS A TREE.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI GLARES AT THE OGRE WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION AS SHE STANDS UP.
PAGE 12 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE OGRE RUNS AT TO̅MI ATTEMPTING TO ATTACK HER AGAIN.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Rafarrailr!
Panel 2.
AN ENERGY SHIELD IS GENERATED IN FRONT OF TO̅MI AND THE OGRE STRIKES IT.
Panel 3.
THE OGRE BOUNCES OFF OF THE ENERGY SHIELD AND TO̅MI AIMS HER HAND AT IT.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Lairhdailr!
Panel 4.
TO̅MI SHOOTS A LIGHTNING BOLT FROM HER HAND AT THE OGRE STRIKING HIM IN THE CHEST.
Panel 5.
THE OGRE IS FLUNG BACK THROUGH THE AIR AND SMASHES THROUGH TWO TREES.
PAGE 13 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
AS THE OGRE ATTEMPTS TO GET BACK UP, TO̅MI PICKS UP THE KNOCKED-OVER TREE AND HITS THE OGRE OVER THE HEAD WITH IT.
Panel 2.
THE OGRE IS KNOCKED ON HIS STOMACH. TO̅MI AIMS HER HAND AT THE OGRE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Cheailailr!
Panel 3.
A LARGE ENERGY CHAIN APPEARS AROUND THE OGRE ENSNARING HIM.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI LOOKS TOWARD VALLARONA AS THE OGRE ATTEMPTS TO FREE HIMSELF FROM THE ENERGY CHAINS.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
That should hold him long enough for me to make it into town!
Panel 5.
TO̅MI DARTS AWAY AND THE OGRE BEGINS TO PUT ALL OF HIS MIGHT INTO TRYING TO BREAK FREE FROM THE ENERGY CHAINS.
PAGE 14 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI REACHES VALLARONA, HOWEVER, FINDS THAT A BARRIER IS SURROUNDING THE TOWN.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI FINDS A WEAK SPOT IN THE BARRIER AND BEGINS TO FORCE HER WAY THROUGH IT AND INTO THE TOWN.
Panel 3.
THE OGRE BREAKS FREE FROM THE ENERGY CHAINS AND ROARS AS HE DOES SO.
Panel 4.
THE OGRE BEGINS RUNNING TOWARD VALLARONA WITH A FURIOUS EXPRESSION PLASTERED ACROSS HIS FACE.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI CONTINUES TO FORCE HER WAY INSIDE OF THE BARRIER.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Come... on!
PAGE 15 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE OGRE NEARLY REACHES TO̅MI AS SHE'S ATTEMPTING TO ENTER VALLARONA.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI AIMS HER LEFT HAND AT THE GROUND BEHIND HER.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Shuyailr!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI FIRES A FORCE OF KINETIC ENERGY AT THE GROUND THAT PROPELS HER THROUGH THE BARRIER AND INTO THE TOWN.
Panel 4.
THE OGRE ROARS IN ANGER AS IT HITS THE BARRIER GLARING AT TO̅MI WHO'S LOOKING AT HIM FROM INSIDE THE BARRIER.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI DEVELOPS A CONFUSED EXPRESSION AS THE OGRE TURNS AWAY AND GOES BACK INTO THE FOREST.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
I shouldn't be looking this gift horse in the mouth but if I got through, he surely could've gotten through. Why's he giving up the chase now? An even better question is where the heck did he come from? I don't remember an ogre being in the woods the last time I was here.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI TURNS AND LOOKS TOWARD THE TOWN EXAMINING HER SURROUNDINGS FOR ANY MORE SIGNS OF DANGER.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
It's a problem that will have to be addressed later. For right now, I have to find her before it's too late.
PAGE 16 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI BEGINS WALKING INTO TOWN AND SEES THAT THERE AREN'T ANY INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN AROUND WHERE SHE IS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Normally a small greeting wouldn't be so bad. Considering why I'm here it's probably for the better and it can't hurt to be too careful.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI CLOAKS HERSELF BY BENDING THE LIGHT AROUND HER.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Rallsesdailr.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI BEGINS TO TRAVEL THROUGH VALLARONA WHILE SHE'S CLOAKED.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
I'll get the most information if I track down the location where that girl sent this message. I need to see if I can find any clues. Who knows, maybe the clues will find me.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI BEGINS TO USE THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP AS A DIVINING ROD TO RETROGRESS WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)
Renesailr.
Panel 5.
AS TO̅MI TRAVELS ACROSS THE TOWN SHE SPOTS VERY FEW INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN ALL OF ARE NO ADULTS PRESENT.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
This place could put Neverland to shame. From what I remember there are little to no adults here at all. In one way a haven for orphans and wanderers, a hoosegow in the same breath. At least if you wanted to leave Neverland you could.
PAGE 17 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI LISTENS IN ON A CONVERSATION A COUPLE OF KIDS ARE HAVING IN AN ALLEY WHILE SHE'S STANDING ON A ROOF. ORPHAN NO. 1 HAS A WORRIED EXPRESSION. ORPHAN NO. 2 HAS A RELAXED / CONTENT EXPRESSION.
ORPHAN NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Did you hear? There's supposed to be a bit of spectacle a couple of days from now. Someone attempted to leave Vallarona.
ORPHAN NO. 2: (BALLOON)
Lady Mirabelle has never been public with her punishments. If I didn't fear that the alleyways auscultate, I'd share my true thoughts.
ORPHAN NO. 1: (BALLOON)
The dolls never come out this far. Your thoughts are safe here. You have a better chance of the Fox hearing you than Mirabelle.
Panel 2.
ORPHAN NO. 2 LOOKS DOWN WITH A LONGING EXPRESSION. ORPHAN NO. 1 SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS WITH A MEH EXPRESSION.
ORPHAN NO. 2: (BALLOON)
I wish the Fox would show herself. We could really use her help.
ORPHAN NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Everyone knows there's no reasoning with Mirabelle on this front. Ever since the iconoclast, you'd have to be a fool to ever try to leave. What's even more perplexing would be one's motivations. This place has everything you could ever want.
Panel 3.
ORPHAN NO. 2 LOOKS AT LOOKS AT ORPHAN NO. 1 WITH A THOUGHTFUL EXPRESSION. ORPHAN NO. 1 LOOKS AWAY WITH A DEJECTED EXPRESSION.
ORPHAN NO. 2: (BALLOON)
It's improbable to believe that one place can hold all of the heart's yearnings even in the best of times.
ORPHAN NO. 1: (BALLOON)
The heart is a muscle, hardly to be trusted for judgment. However, I suppose experiences teach one more than knowledge ever could. The prices of either surely are weighable before a decision is to be made.
ORPHAN NO. 2: (BALLOON)
I don't want to table on this anymore. It's her fate. She knew what Mirabelle would do to her if she were ever caught.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI WATCHES FROM THE ROOF AS THE TWO ORPHANS LEAVE THE ALLEY WHERE THEY'D BEEN TALKING.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Some paradise, you're alone on the outskirts of town and you're worried about expressing yourself.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI OBSERVES SOME OF THE ORPHANS CREATING A BONFIRE AND THROWING DIFFERENT MATERIALS INTO IT.
PAGE 18 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
ONE OF THE KIDS ACCIDENTALLY THROWS A FIREWORK INTO THE PILE.
Panel 2.
THE FIREWORK DEPLOYS INTO THE AIR EXPLODING INTO A GRAND SPECTACLE.
Panel 3.
THERE ARE SOME ARGUMENTS AMONG THE ORPHANS BUT SOON THEY CONTINUE TO CARRY ON LIKE THEY WERE AT FIRST.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Is it really too much to ask that a little structure be present? Safe is better than dead.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI CONTINUES TO FOLLOW THE METALLIC TOY SPACESHIP TO WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI ARRIVES AT THE FLAT OF THE GIRL WHO SENT HER THE MESSAGE AND SNEAKS IN.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI PICKS UP A COAT OFF A DESK CHAIR IN THE FLAT.
PAGE 19 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
OVER THE SHOULDER PANEL OF TO̅MI LOOKING AT THE NAME STICHED ON THE COAT.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Gabriella.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI CONTINUES LOOKING AROUND GABRIELLA'S FLAT SURMISING THAT SHE IS THE INQUISITIVE TYPE.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
You were always looking for knowledge, life just dealt you a bad hand. It's a shame that someone always looking for adventure got shackled here.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI LOOKS OVER SOME OF GABRIELLA'S NOTES.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
She was even able to determine where she was based on constellations and some old dusty encyclopedias. You'd think that ingenuity like this would have been applauded but all Mirabelle wants is fealty.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI PUTS THE TOY SPACESHIP DOWN ON GABRIELLA'S DESK AND HEARS TAPPING AT THE WINDOW.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
Back where you belong. Now it's time for me to—!
Panel 5.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE WINDOW WITH A CURIOUS EXPRESSION AND DOESN'T SEE ANYTHING.
PAGE 20 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
SUDDENLY THE FIGURES AT THE WINDOW, SENTIENT DOLLS, SMASH THROUGH THE WINDOW AND INTO THE FLAT.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE DOLLS WITH A SHOCKED EXPRESSION. THE DOLLS MOVE WITH AN UNNATURAL LUMBERING AND CACKLE TO EACH OTHER.
DOLL NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Ooh, who are you?
DOLL NO. 2: (BALLOON)
Where are you going? Don't you wanna play?
DOLL NO. 3: (BALLOON)
I wanna rip her hair out!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI GLARES AT THE DOLLS WITH AN ANGRY EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (THINKING BALLOON)
No wonder Gabriella had such a terrified expression on her face. If I wasn't in a hurry to find her, I make these disturbing dollies pay!
DOLL NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Ooh, she doesn't look happy to see us!
Panel 4.
THE THREE DOLLS ALL LUNGE AT TO̅MI.
DOLL NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Let's really give her something to be angry about!
Panel 5.
TO̅MI AIMS HER HAND AT THE TRIO OF DOLLS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Naddailr!
Panel 6.
TO̅MI GENERATES AN ENERGY NET THAT CAPTURES THE DOLLS.
DOLL NO. 1: (BALLOON)
Not fair!
Panel 7.
THE DOLLS FALL TO THE FLOOR AND BEGIN WRITHING AROUND ATTEMPTING TO FREE THEMSELVES FROM THE NET.
DOLL NO. 2: (BALLOON)
Cheater! We have something special for cheaters!
DOLL NO. 3: (BALLOON)
Bite it!
PAGE 21 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI BEGINS TO LEAVE THE FLAT BUT FINDS A DOLL AT THE THRESHOLD.
DOLL NO. 4: (BALLOON)
Leaving so soon?
Panel 2.
DOLL NO. 4 JUMPS FROM THE FLOOR AT TO̅MI.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI DUCKS UNDER DOLL NO. 4 DODGING IT'S ATTACK.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI GRABS THE APRON OF DOLL NO. 4'S COSTUME AND THRUSTS IT UP INTO THE TOP PART OF THE DOOR CASING.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI THEN THROWS DOLL NO. 4 BACK THROUGH THE FLAT AND OUT OF THE DAMAGED WINDOW.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI DARTS OUT OF GABRIELLA'S FLAT.
PAGE 22 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI ROUNDS A CORNER AND SEES THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL DOLLS IN THE HALLWAY AWAITING HER.
DOLL NO. 4: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)
Playdate's not over yet!
Panel 2.
DOLL NO. 4 FLIES THROUGH THE AIR AND TACKLES TO̅MI INTO A WALL BEHIND THEM.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI UPPERCUTS DOLL NO. 4 INTO THE CEILING OF THE HALLWAY.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI IS DOG-PILED BY THE GROUP OF DOLLS.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI KICKS DOLL NO. 5 IN THE HEAD AND IT CRASHES INTO A WALL BEHIND HER.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI SLAMS DOLL NO. 6 INTO THE WALL BESIDE HER.
PAGE 23 (EIGHT PANELS)
Panel 1.
DOLL NO. 7 GRABS ONTO TO̅MI AROUND HER WAIST AND HOLDS HER IN PLACE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Get off me!
DOLL NO. 7: (BALLOON)
No one was supposed to go into Gabriella's room! You broke the rules!
DOLL NO. 8: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)
You know what happens to bad girls, don't you?
Panel 2.
DOLL#8 PUNCHES TO̅MI IN THE JAW.
DOLL NO. 8: (BALLOON)
They have to be punished!
Panel 3.
TO̅MI BLOCKS WITH HER FOREARM AS DOLL NO. 9 ATTEMPTS TO HIT HER WITH A BROOM HANDLE.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI SNATCHES AWAY THE BROOM HANDLE AND PUNCHES DOLL NO. 9 TO THE FLOOR.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI BREAKS THE BROOM HANDLE IN HALF OVER HER KNEE.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI STABS DOLL NO. 10 THROUGH THE STOMACH AND INTO THE WALL BESIDE HER.
Panel 7.
TO̅MI STABS DOLL NO. 11 INTO THE FLOOR WITH THE OTHER PIECE OF THE BROOM HANDLE.
Panel 8.
TO̅MI BLOCKS AS DOLL NO. 12 ATTEMPTS TO KICK HER.
DOLL NO. 12: (BALLOON)
Take this!
PAGE 24 (SIX PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI FLEES THE APARTMENT BUILDING BY FLYING AWAY AND THE DOLLS PURSUE TO̅MI ONLY BEING SLIGHTLY SLOWER THAN SHE IS.
Panel 2.
AS TO̅MI FLIES PAST AN ALLEY SHE HEARS A WHISTLE.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI FLIES INTO THE ALLEY AND NOTICES AN OPEN MANHOLE COVER.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI QUICKLY FLIES INTO THE MANHOLE AND CLOSES THE COVER AS QUIETLY AS SHE CAN.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI LOOKS DOWN TO SEE A YOUNG REDHEADED GIRL HOLDING A TORCH.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
You must be some girl to have escaped the Doll Drove.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Thanks, I would have still been running all over town if it weren't for you. What's your name?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
You'll have to forgive me for being rude but I can't tell you my name. Not yet anyway.
Panel 6.
TO̅MI, HAVING LANDED ON THE WALKWAY, GRINS AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN LOOKS AWAY WITH AN EMBARRASSED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Can I call you Carrottop?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
What—!? No, you may not! And why are you grinning at me like that? I don't like it.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Oh, alright.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
I don't think I've ever seen you around here before.
PAGE 25 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI EXTENDS HER HAND TO THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A DELIGHTED EXPRESSION BUT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN PROCEEDS FORWARD ALONG THE PATH DISREGARDING TO̅MI'S GESTURE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Yes, I'm—!
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
You're the iconoclast. I can tell. There's a certain mannerism about you that's foreign to this place. You came back, you came back for Gabriella.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A SURPRISED EXPRESSION. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN CONTINUES FORWARD WITH A SKEPTICAL EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Yeah, I did. How did you know?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
It's kind of hard not to know. Anyway, your crusade might be more of a fool's errand now than ever. I don't ever think I've seen Mirabelle so powerful.
Panel 3.
HORIZONTAL PANEL SHOWING TO̅MI AND THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WALKING ALONG THE PATH. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN'S TORCH IS THE ONLY LIGHT THAT SHINES IN THE SEWERS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I have to try. No one deserves this.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
You don't think so?
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Don't tell me you think that all of this is okay.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Mirabelle created this place to be a haven for the discarded. She welcomed everyone. Runaways, orphans, and the lame. Imagine someone shows up to what you've built, purely on happenstance, and through their own individualistic tendencies decides that they want to leave despite having partaken in your utopia and inspires a group of people to just abandon you. Also, the iconoclast weakens the intricate barrier that you've fashioned for yourself, risking discovery.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI DEVELOPS AN ASHAMED EXPRESSION AS SHE RECOUNTS MEMORIES FROM HER PRIOR VISIT TO VALLARONA.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I was never here to take advantage of any of this. I just—!
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)
You don't have to explain it to me. I don't support any of what Mirabelle is doing.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A SURPRISED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
You don't?
PAGE 26 (SEVEN PANELS)
Panel 1.
THE REDHEADED ORPHAN LOOKS BACK AT TO̅MI WITH AN EXPLAINING EXPRESSION.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
How could I? I'm thankful for what she's done but I can't support punishment for someone trying to be their own person. It's going too far.
TO̅MI: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)
Do you know where she's holding Gabriella?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Yes, I do. It's this way. Just follow me.
Panel 2.
TO̅MI AND THE REDHEADED ORPHAN CLIMB UP A LADDER LEADING OUT OF THE SEWERS.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI AND THE REDHEADED ORPHAN, NOW OUT OF THE SEWER AND IN ANOTHER ALLEY, LOOK AROUND FOR ANY SIGNS OF THE DOLLS.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)
I don't see any of those freaky dolls but I doubt it'll stay that way for long. So, which way are we going?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (WHISPERING BALLOON)
It's north of here.
TO̅MI: (WHISPERING BALLOON)
What?! We went south.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
I know.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI GLANCES BACK OVER HER SHOULDER AT THE REDHEADED GIRL WITH A SURPRISED EXPRESSION. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN IS HOLDING FOLDED PIECES OF PAPER AND A SMALL KNIFE.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A DIRECT EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
What is this?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (OFF-PANEL BALLOON)
These papers are something you can use against Mirabelle. As for the knife, I thought one day I'd run into you. As for the knife—!
Panel 6.
THE REDHEADED ORPHAN THROWS THE KNIFE BACK INTO THE SEWERS.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Just a holdover from a bad idea I had before I met you.
Panel 7.
THE REDHEADED ORPHAN HANDS TO̅MI THE FOLDED-UP LETTERS.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Thank you.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
You thanking me doesn't matter much either. Just whatever you plan on doing, don't kill Mirabelle.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
I didn't intend to.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
It would help if you waited a little while before heading to the Morning Glory.
PAGE 27 (FIVE PANELS)
Panel 1.
TO̅MI LOOKS AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A CONFUSED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
The what?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Oh, that's right. You weren't here when she named it that. Didn't you see that big castle in the middle of town?
Panel 2.
TO̅MI DEVELOPS A THOUGHTFUL EXPRESSION. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN DEVELOPS A FRUSTRATED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Now that you mentioned it, a castle probably should have been fairly noticeable. I guess I was just too preoccupied with trying to find Gabriella's flat.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Well, this is no time for sightseeing. I'm sure you'll see it later. The Morning Glory is where Mirabelle is held up. She named it after her favorite flower. For right now, you should pay a visit to the old library.
Panel 3.
TO̅MI GLANCES AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A CURIOUS EXPRESSION. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN LOOKS AT TO̅MI WITH AN EXPLANATORY EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
What's there?
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
Mirabelle has her porcelain stooges scattered around the city. They focus on different tasks and such but mostly observatory. I believe an individual at the library could develop a strategy on how to get into that castle. Much better than just barging in.
Panel 4.
TO̅MI GLANCES AT THE REDHEADED ORPHAN WITH A DELIGHTED SMILE.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Oh, gotcha. Good looking out.
Panel 5.
TO̅MI PATS THE REDHEADED ORPHAN ON THE SHOULDER WITH A THANKFUL EXPRESSION. THE REDHEADED ORPHAN LOOKS AWAY WITH AN EMBARRASSED EXPRESSION.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Gotcha. Even if you don't feel like it, you were a big help.
REDHEADED ORPHAN: (BALLOON)
No problem... I guess, you better get going. Don't wanna get caught by those dolls.
TO̅MI: (BALLOON)
Right. I'm sure we'll meet again in the future.
PAGE 28 (ONE PANEL)
Panel 1.
THE SPLASH PAGE SHOWS TO̅MI LEAVING THE ALLEY WITH A DETERMINED EXPRESSION WHILE THE REDHEADED ORPHAN OBSERVES TO̅MI WITH AN UNCOMFORTABLE EXPRESSION.