PAGE 1
While Elliot is happily watching TV, Wendy shuts it off with the remote from behind him.
Elliot quickly makes a 180.
Elliot: "Hey, I was watching that! I gotta know what happens next!"
Wendy: "You do know we have to go, right? And what kind of show was that?" The creativity these days is lacking.
Devlon: "You should be ready by now."
Elliot turns around completely, facing Devlon and Wendy.
Elliot: "Y'all acting like parents. What, y'all a couple now?"
Devlon looks away, clearly embarrassed.
Devlon: "What? We just…"
Wendy: "Just get ready so you can train!"
The gang, along with Unit 16 (Jasmine, Terry, and Chase) meet up in the main hall.
Forte: "Great, you're all here."
PAGE 2
Forte: "You all will go back to Maple Town and see what you can find. Devlon. Jasmine. You two will go in as a team."
Devlon: "Yes sir."
Jasmine leans her head towards Devlon.
Jasmine: "You got it."
Jasmine crosses her leg over the other, leaning her elbow on Devlon's shoulder. She winks at Wendy.
Jasmine: "Oh and don't worry; I'll take good care of him for ya. No need to worry."
Wendy: "O-kay?" Why do I care?
Forte turns to Iris, Wendy, and Chase.
Forte: "You three will go as well. Wendy's most familiar with the area, plus has authority as a cop. I'm putting her in charge."
Chase: "Sounds like a nice road trip. What do ya think, sis?"
Iris: "A road trip? With you and hardcore big sis, Wendy? Yeeeeeees!"
Forte walks toward Devlon and Jasmine.
Forte: "Oh, you two…"
Close up on Forte's hand holding a car key.
PAGE 3
With a stern look, Forte hands Jasmine the key, but as she grabs it, he tugs the key back in his direction. He stares into Jasmine's eyes the way a parent with a teenager would after trusting her with keeping the house together for the weekend.
Jasmine: "Oh, that's right. How else would we get into town?"
Forte: "Only this one time. I may make an exception if you get back with no trouble at all. This isn't a joy ride, Jasmine."
Jasmine: "You got it."
Forte hands Wendy a license plate.
Forte: "Oh yeah. This might…be useful." Sorry about last time.
Wendy: "Yeah. It just might. Thanks."
The five get ready to head out.
Wendy: "We'll take the west side of town."
Iris: "West side!"
As they walk out the door, Forte yells out one last time in high distress.
Forte: "Pleeeeease drive like a normal person, Jasmine."
Elliot: "Hey Fortz. I'm ready when you are."
Forte tries to calm down as he walks away with Elliot.
Forte: "Right right. Come with me."
Elliot: "You alright? You look like you're worried…specifically about a vehicle or something."
PAGE 4
Later, Forte enters the simulation room with Elliot. This room is all white and pretty much looks like a training room in a fighting game, which changes when the simulation starts. Terry, who's already in the room, folds his arms.
Terry: "Man, I've been waiting forever."
Forte: "Sorry about that. I had to see the rest of the team off."
Elliot: "Want me to close the door?"
Forte: "No no! Please don't. You close that door and it'll trigger a random simulation based on the last skill rank it was set to. I have to make some changes first. Plus, I'm still here, hehehe."
Elliot: No lie, you shoulda thought of that before leading me in here.
Forte walks toward the exit.
Forte: "Welp, I only came to bring Elliot in. Terry, you'll be helping him control his energy projection. I'll set the settings to infinite health, just in case."
Forte heads to the room with the large monitor. The monitor displays Elliot and Terry just waiting.
Forte: "Don't start until I adjust settings. I want to make sure it'll be your virtual bodies doing the training, to be safe."
PAGE 5
Scene change to Devlon and Jasmine's perspective. Jasmine drives, leaving Devlon in the passenger seat.
Jasmine: "So. Let's talk about this Wendy chick."
Devlon: "Hm? Why?"
Jasmine: "Oh, I dunno. Maybe cuz you've been on edge since she got here?"
Devlon appears more attentive, staring at Jasmine, but he doesn't say anything.
Jasmine: "You seem even more serious than before."
Devlon: "It's gotten better. Like, I haven't really screwed up since-"
Jasmine: "She beat you in your little duel, right?" Did you forget about that?
Devlon looks down in shame.
Jasmine: "Besides, you haven't screwed up because you've shut yourself up. Is that gonna be the new you? Just silent most of the time?"
Devlon: "I…"
Jasmine: "Think I don't notice? You're a quiet type, but not like this. You seem a lil more calm, but still not…you. Where'd all that confidence go? You used to be full of that stuff!"
PAGE 6
Devlon sits up more, becoming tense as he lashes out.
Devlon: "How could anyone have confidence after what happened? A dear friend died because I wasn't strong enough to protect her!"
Jasmine: "…"
Devlon: "Why do you think I removed myself from missions for a time? I'm terrified. I'm terrified of losing someone else!"
Devlon looks down again.
Devlon: "And she... she looks just like her!"
Jasmine claps back, taking her eye off the road for a moment.
Jasmine: "And you think removing yourself would make losing another less likely? Well, now you're on a new team with a girl who looks just like Karma."
Devlon: "Karla?"
Jasmine: Karma suits her better.
Jasmine continues, looking at the road again. But she's gripping the wheel tighter.
Devlon: "I just…don't trust myself anymore. Not until I get a lot stronger."
PAGE 7
Jasmine grips Devlon by the collar and pulls him forward, their faces only inches apart.
Jasmine: "You won't get stronger until you heal first, stupid! Work on that, and you'll be even stronger! That way, you won't die to some robots on a lame D rank simulation."
Devlon looks as if he just received a revelation. He looks away.
Devlon: Have I been…moving backwards? Because I need to heal?
Jasmine looks at the road, then back at Devlon. She softly guides his face with her hand.
Jasmine: "No. Look at me."
Jasmine: "Like I said; I've got your back. Remember the promise we made. Heal up first so you can keep your word."
Devlon: "Heal, huh? Why didn't I think of that?"
PAGE 8
Jasmine looks back at the road for a moment, then at Devlon. She rolls her eyes.
Jasmine: "Because you're a boy and boys are stupid."
Devlon: Speaking of stupid… "Aren't you supposed to have your eyes on the road?"
Jasmine: "There's literally no one around. You're just trying to change the subject."
Suddenly, the car bumps up. The sound of a high pitched yelp from a helpless pup echoes around them.
SFX: GLOOSH!
Devlon raises a brow, almost giving off a smirk.
Devlon: "You were saying? I'm telling Master Forte you ran over a helpless pup."
Jasmine: "You better not."
Devlon: "Take back the remark about me being a stupid boy, and I won't."
PAGE 9
Scene shift. Setting: Long road in the middle of nowhere. A car drives down the street.
Voice from the car: "Are we there yet?"
Wendy's in the driver's seat of the car while Chase is in the passenger's. Iris sits in the back seat, a little excited. Wendy looks a little irritated, but calm.
Chase: "Nah, not yet. Til then, let's just enjoy each other's company and enjoy the view."
Iris: "What view?"
Wendy: "So Charles, what's with the shades?"
Iris covers her mouth and giggles.
Chase: "Oh, these?"
Wendy: "Yeah. And you even had your eyes completely covered when we first met. Do you-hey, what's so funny back there?"
Iris: "Charles?"
Wendy: "That's his name, right?"
Iris: "Last time someone called him that, he-"
Chase: "That is my name. My first name. And Ms. Wendy can call me whatever she likes."
PAGE 10
Chase: "As for the shades, my eyes are just a bit sensitive, is all. I can see very well and take in more light, even without expanding the pupils."
Wendy: "I see. Has it always been that way?"
Chase raises a brow and gives Wendy a small smile. Meanwhile, Iris is in the back curiously looking out the window.
Chase: "Curious about the life of an irregular, huh? Sure. I guess I have a few questions as well. But yeah, eyes have been sensitive for as long as I can remember."
Wendy: "Even on cloudy days, huh?"
Chase: "Yeah, but it's a decent trade off for perfect vision. If you held a book open from across the street, I'd be able to read it to you."
Wendy makes a double take at Chase, clearly impressed.
Wendy: "Really?"
They continue talking. This time, Iris's legs are where her head should be. She's on her back, looking at Wendy and Chase with her head upside down where her butt should be sitting. >:(
Iris: Older people talk about boring stuff.
Chase: "Iris, you gotta sit up."
Iris: "But I'm so booooored."
Wendy: *sigh*
Wendy shakes her head and smiles as Iris complies, sitting up right again.
Chase: "Sorry. The patience of a child on a road trip."
Wendy: "It's a bit much, but it's okay. Coming from a ten year old, it's expected. Now imagine this with a 16 year old at twice the volume."
PAGE 11
Iris: "Ten? I'm nine." Did Terry say ten again?
Wendy: "Oh? Sorry, Iris."
Chase: "Anyway, the Elliot kid. How has it been working with him lately? Any less frustrating?"
Wendy: "It's…going. Elliot really surprised us back in town with that faceless thing."
Wendy turns the steering wheel and pulls up at a gas station.
Wendy: "I gotta get gas. I'll be back."
Iris: "Chase? Can we get a snack?"
Chase: "Sure. Let's all go in."
Chase holds the door open to a convenient store as Wendy and Iris follow.
Chase: "After you."
Iris: "Thanks!"
Wendy: "Oh? Why thank you."
Iris is already inside. Wendy stops right at the door, looking to the right of the door at something that caught her attention.
Wendy: What's that supposed to mean?
Wendy's eyes widen as she comes to a realization.
Wendy: "HUH?!" It couldn't be!
PAGE 12
This convenient store is a small, red brick building. The door is a single glass door that is pull-to-open from the outside. Wendy looks shocked because there's a sign right next to the door; a sign that Iris walked right past. The sign reads "We only serve PEOPLE, here."
Wendy: Could that mean…
Chase: "Something wrong?"
Wendy: "N-no. No, it's nothing. Let's go inside."
PAGE 13
Chase looks around the aisles. Iris does the same, looking around for snacks. Wendy stands near the door. Her head is hanging low a little.
Chase: "Just grab what you want. Oh, and do you have to use the bathroom?"
Iris: "Huh? Nah, I'm okay. Oh! I'll take these!"
The man at the register looks at Wendy, who seems to be distracted.
Register man: "Ma'am? You okay?"
Wendy: "Huh? Oh, yes. I'll take a fill up on pump #6."
PAGE 14
The trio is back on the road. Wendy looks awkward, tightly gripping the wheel with both hands.
Chase pushes his shades up, looking ahead at the road.
Chase: "Does it bother you that much? I take it that's the first time you've seen that sign?"
Wendy: "!" You noticed.
Wendy looks down for a moment with a sad look.
Wendy: "No. I just- never really understood the meaning…until today."
PAGE 15
Later that day, Wendy, Iris, and Chase make it to their destination, the Maple City Hotel. The three go to the front desk in the large lobby. The floors are black marble with bright yellow chandelier lights above. There are fancy sofas and stuff all around.
Front desk lady: "Welcome to the Maple City Hotel, West location." Aww. You guys have such a cutie.
Iris (with shades and arms crossed): "West siiide!"
Chase: "Iris…my shades!"
Iris: "Sorry. I just have the urge whenever I hear that we're in the west." Don't know why.
Front Desk Lady: "Your room is ready for you. Upstairs and down the hallway on the left."
The three make it to an elevator. Iris looks up with excitement.
Chase: "Next time, use the bathroom when we stop at a store. You had to go ten minutes after the gas station."
Iris: "Sure thing."
The three exit the elevator and make it to their room door. Chase offers a hand for Wendy's bags.
Chase: "May I?"
Wendy: "Go for it."
PAGE 16
Scene change. Setting: Later that night in downtown Maple City. By this time, city lights illuminate the area. A black car drives down the road.
Stone: "Woah!"
Jade: "Ugh, are you gonna tell me, or just wait for me to ask?"
Jade's in the driver's seat while Stone is glued to a device next to her.
Stone: "There are two more irregulars speeding from the same direction as the other three! Looks like they're headed to the same spot, too."
Jade: "Lemme see that!"
PAGE 17
Jade slows down and looks at the device.
Jade: "Interesting. Alright, change of plans. Let's head on over."
Stone: "What!?"
Jade tosses the device back at Stone with her right hand, holding the wheel with her left, eyes on the road.
Jade: You can have it back. "There's a reason the boss said 'take Jade with you' next time we find irregulars."
Stone: "Oh yeah? What's that?"
Close up on Jade, who gives a cheeky smile.
Jade: "Cuz I get things done."
Bird's view of the car making a left on a street.
Stone: "Red light. Red light!"
Jade: "Ah, whatever."
PAGE 18
Back to Wendy's, Chase's, and Iris's perspective. The three have it made in a fancy suite. They stand in the living room facing the artificial fireplace under a TV. Next to them is a large window that displays the outside view from the 18th floor.
Wendy: "She seems happy. This her first time being in a hotel?"
Chase: "Probably. We don't get out with her too much."
Close up of Iris being glued to the window. The reflection of city lights are all over the window and her face.
Iris: "Wooooow!" This is so cool!
Chase: "She's only been with us a year and some change, but I heard she didn't really have anyone before coming to us."
Wendy: "Didn't have anyone?"
Chase: "Her guardian, Fransiscus brought her to us, but she was alone when he found her."
PAGE 19
Close up on Wendy. Her head is lowered, her eyes looking down and to the side as she flashes back to the time Devlon incorrectly guessed her age.
*FLASHBACK*
Wendy's flashback bubble: "I'm eighteen you jerk!"
In the flashback, Wendy holds her arm and looks away to the side.
Wendy: "I just…had to grow up fast. That's all."
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Wendy lets out a sigh and looks towards Iris.
Wendy: No need for her to do the same.
Wendy heads for the door.
Wendy: "I'll be right back."
Chase: "You got it."
PAGE 20
Scene change. Devlon and Jasmine walk through revolving doors to enter the lobby of the Maple City Hotel.
Devlon: "I just think we'd have arrived sooner if we didn't make so many stops and-"
Jasmine: "Oh, well look who beat us to it."
The two see Wendy at the front desk. She looks surprised with both her hands on the front desk.
Wendy: "Wait, really? You have all this stuff conveniently for a time like this?"
The receptionist closes her eyes and smiles at Wendy.
Receptionist: "Of course. It's all in our 'make a child whose name starts with an I happy' package that's included in your stay."
Wendy: That's a crazy coincidence.
Receptionist: "Oh! You two are here for your reservation, right?"
Devlon: "That's right."
Wendy turns around, surprised to see Devlon and Jasmine.
Wendy: "Wha! What're you doing here?"
PAGE 21
Wendy: "We're supposed to cover more ground by splitting! We said we'd cover the west side."
Off screen voice: "West siiiide!!!!!"
Devlon looks around, trying to find the distant female voice.
Devlon: "What was that?"
Wendy: "Don't worry about it."
Jasmine: "Look, just chill. We didn't hear that part about covering more ground. But we can hit up another side of town when we go out tomorrow."
Devlon: "Yeah. We can spend the night here, for now. By the way, what are you getting? You already got your room, right?"
Wendy turns back to the receptionist to grab a large box.
Wendy: "We're gonna hit the activity area and do a little something for Iris."
Jasmine: "Oh really? Don't you wanna to invite us?"
Wendy walks away, carrying the box.
Wendy: "Not really. But for Iris, sure."
PAGE 22
About a half hour later, Wendy stands in a large room with the entire gang. They're in what appears to be a playroom; very large with nothing in it. The walls are very colorful with light purples, splats of greens and oranges, and other fun colors.
Wendy: "And the rules are simple in this free-for-all. No abilities. We don't want any attention drawn to us. Any questions?"
Chase: "No ma'am."
Devlon: "Sounds pretty clear."
Iris: "Let's goooooo!"
Everyone moves towards the edges of the room near the walls. In the center are water guns and balls filled with colorful paint.
Wendy: "Ready?"
PAGE 23
Everyone dashes to the center of the room, grabbing guns and balls.
Though Devlon's the fastest, he's left in the middle as he took time to inspect his weapon. Everyone else has already grabbed their weapons and drawn some distance. The others circle around him, holding colorful balls in their hands.
Devlon looks around.
Devlon: "Wait, huh?" Oh shoot!
PAGE 24
The gang, still circled around Devlon, launches a series of colorful balls at Devlon. Devlon speedily dodges them all, paint splashing as the balls collide with the floor.
Having dodged every attempt to hit him, Devlon stands tall with a confident smirk.
Devlon: "That's all?"
The rest of the gang grips their unique water guns, taking aim at him.
Devlon: Crap!
Devlon is shot up from all directions. Each blast from the water guns are different colors.
PAGE 25
Devlon retaliates by shooting back at his friends with a green liquid from his water gun.
Devlon: "Take this! And that!"
Iris stands still, not even moving. She looks up as Devlon's water blast flies right over her head.
Iris: "Almost."
Jasmine appears bored and unimpressed as multiple shots from Devlon fly past her.
Jasmine: "You suck, Devie."
Chase looks like he's still waiting for Devlon's shots to come within five feet of him.
Chase: "Not even close, brother." Who is he shooting at?
Multiple green shots fly past Wendy. She, and the rest of the gang, doesn't have to dodge. She turns red, almost embarrassed for Devlon.
Wendy: He can't shoot at all! "It's okay." It's kinda cute.
Suddenly, Wendy sees a blue ball coming her way in her peripheral vision. She back bands to dodge.
Wendy: Nice try, Jasmine. But you'll have to try harder to-
As he ball flies over Wendy's face, the ball explodes, splattering blue paint all over Wendy's face.
PAGE 26
Pissed off, Wendy pulls out a prison shank while giving Jasmine the stare of death.
Jasmine: "Opps. My bad."
Wendy: Why you little! "I said no powers!" You did that on purpose!
Wendy lets out a sigh and rubs her temples.
Wendy: Let it go. This is for Iris. This is for Iris.
The rest of the page is a large panel filled with the following:
Wendy's running on the wall, shooting Devlon with hot pink water paint. Devlon takes it all, and tries to shoot Wendy with his green, but he keeps shooting the wall.
Chase dives to the side with two water guns, shooting red water paint at Jasmine. Jasmine takes all the shots from Chse, dramatically acting out a bloody death as she falls to the floor.
And lastly is little Iris, running around with paint on her face as she tries to find her next target. And with a big smile, the child looks genuinely happy.
PAGE 27
Scene change. Stone and Jade's perspective. Jade looks out the window of a double queen hotel room. Stone is on the bed, lying on his back.
Stone: "Don't you think we should be watching them? Can't plant seeds when they aren't even around, ya know."
Jade: "Nah. Let them enjoy their night. This is just the calm before the storm."
Jade: "And I'm not interested in 'planting seeds.' I'm ready to get things started."
Jade digs in her pocket and pulls out a small thumb drive.
Jade: "We'll turn up the action first thing tomorrow."