The first row panel is of Vega City, the largest and most futuristic of all the world's cities. A big stadium lit up by spotlights is in the foreground.
Chapter 10: Crossroads
The following should all be on two pages. Small panels are okay. Inject extra scene with Phil where it will fit. Two guys are fighting with fists in a ring while a cheering audience watches. We see Sylvester watching while an announcer says things. This is a year ago, and Sylvester looks a little scrawnier than normal. He looks up at the viewing box and sees Agnes, his one true love.
Sylvester
(My beautiful, fair Agnes… I will win your heart again!)
The bigger fighter lands a decisive punch on the challenger, knocking him out. The crowd goes wild. The new champion does a victory pose. Sylvester stands up and locks eyes with the champion. Sylvester smiles wryly, and then leaves. The champion scowls at him.
Champion
(Little punk…)
Now we see Sylvester leaving Vega, with the city behind him. On the next panel, his trainer comes running up to him.
Phil
Sylvester, there you are! Where the heck you going?
Sylvester
Going off to train on my own, Phil.
Phil
Are you still fixated on Agnes or something?
Sylvester
Can't keep my mind off her. If I can't win her over with my poetry, then I will have to rely on my graceful fists.
Phil
You're nuts, kid. Agnes doesn't care about your anymore. And just where do you think you're going?
On the last panel, Sylvester turns and smirks.
Sylvester
I'm off to the tough town of Scarlet. When I get back, that championship is mine.
The next page starts with the group sleeping against the cave wall, with early morning light hitting them. A shadow then comes over Harriet. She wakes up to see Matt. He has on a miner's jacket since his old upper clothing was ruined. His hair is also messy.
Matt
Harriet… Got my glasses?
Harriet
Matty, are you okay?
Matt
I think so… I heal really quickly… But I guess that's not surprising.
Harriet stands up, takes out the glasses, and gives them to him. After he puts them on, Percival comes over.
Percival
Yep, nothing a quick patch up couldn't fix… Little guy slept sound through the night.
Harriet
Thank you so much…
Percival
You saved me, so I just wanted to repay the favor.
Duster
What are you going to do now?
Percival
This cave seems to be fully explored now, so I'll just be moving onto the next one. Won't stop till I map
out all of them.
Delphia
See ya, then. Thanks for helping cute little Matty.
Matt blushes. One last panel of the four and Percival looking at each other. On the next, they're walking across the valley, heading back to the resort.
Harriet
Well, this tower's been activated, so what should we do now?
Duster
We can drop by Marvin's and see if my van is working again. Then we better head back to Tazmily.
Delphia
Where is this Tazmily place, anyway?
Duster
It's my home town, in a hard to find valley. It's also where Lucas is, and he should know what we need to do next.
As they leave the valley, we see the back of the Cerberus, watching from the top of the cave entrance. Close up on its face, grinning. Then it jumps away, not to be seen for a while. The group returns to the resort area, where there has been a massive avalanche that has blocked the road. Dozens of workers are shoveling the snow away.
Delphia
That ghost-thing's attacks probably triggered that…
Matt
What will we do if it shows up again?
Harriet
Probably just run like we did last time…
Matt
We can't keep running from it… Not if it causes so much destruction trying to stop us.
Harriet
You're right… We have to find a way to stop it…
They get into the cable car. As it's going down, Harriet talks to Matt.
Harriet
Matty, I'm so sorry. It's my fault you got hurt.
He just stares out the window.
Harriet
And I guess I kind of let my emotions get out of control…
Matt
It's okay, Harriet. It was just an accident.
Harriet
If my healing powers were better, I probably could've helped you. You shouldn't have to be the only
person on the team who can revive others like you can…
Matt
We're all getting stronger, Harriet. I'm sure you'll learn some strong healing PSI soon…
Harriet
Thanks for putting up with me, Matty…
Matt
No problem. I've gotten used to it.
Harriet
Heh.
A small montage follows of them getting off, walking back into the canyon, entering the Painter village again, and everyone but Delphia waiting outside of a store. Delphia comes out on the next panel with the tube of paint refilled.
Delphia (shouting inside)
Thanks again!
She turns to the others.
Delphia
Well, that wasn't easy… Took a lot of convincing to get a second thing of paint so soon.
Duster
Speaking of paint, I wonder what Winston's going to do with his.
Harriet
I saw the tube tied to his back… I'm going to guess that he hasn't used it yet.
Duster
Do you want to say hi to your parents before we leave, Delphy?
Delphia
Nah. Only been gone a couple days. No need going through another series of goodbyes just yet. Let's
go ahead and go to this Tazmily place. I'd love to see it.
Duster
Well, all right. Off we go.
They leave the village and after a couple panels, arrive at Marvin's place. The van, slightly fixed up, is out front. The group notices it, and the massive swarm of animals behind it. Marvin comes down the steps.
Marvin
I think the van should at least run now, Duster. I fixed it up best I could.
Duster
Thanks a lot… Um, Marvin, it looks like your numbers have increased…
Marvin
Huh? Oh, yeah. Whole bunch of animals have been coming in recently. People just keep expecting
me to take care of them all! Can you believe that?
Harriet
There's so many… Why are so many animals losing their minds?
Marvin
Dunno. And it's getting worse, too.
He notices Delphia.
Marvin
Oh, hey, you're new! Wanna buy a bunny?
Delphia
You got spicy rabbit jerky? Makes a nice snack for me.
Marvin
Y-you're a monster! I meant a live bunny… for hugging and squeezing…
Delphia
Um, no thanks. We're in kind of a rush.
Marvin
Of course. I'd give you some more of my calmer-downers, but I've used them all trying to relax all of
these guys!
Duster (getting into the van)
Well, good luck with all your animals.
Marvin
Yeah. I'll need it…
Marvin waves as Duster drives off, going through the gate this time. A shot or two of the van going around the fence and off into the hills. Cut to Lucas in Tazmily looking at the chamber door, now with two triangles glowing. He looks lost in thought and a little sad. Alle comes over.
Alle
Is that gonna open soon, Lucas?
Lucas
It might…
Alle
So what do you s'pose is down there?
Lucas
I'm not sure. But… I'm beginning to worry about it.
Alle
Why did you want to open it in the first place again?
Lucas
You know that thing I did… Back when you were a kid, and everyone lived… In that different world?
Alle
Ya-huh. Sort of. I mean, I was really little. And Sarah wasn't even born yet.
Lucas
I don't think that what I started is complete. I thought that by going down there, I might be able to…
Fuel comes running up.
Fuel
Lucas! Duster just arrived! In his beat up old stinky van!
Lucas
Thanks. Go tell my friend, would you?
Fuel
Yeah! Can't believe Duster's back! This is so cool!
Fuel runs off. Lucas walks up to the gate where Duster and crew are walking in, Delphia looking around curiously.
Delphia
(This village… So much like mine…)
Harriet
Lucas!
Matt
The tower's been activated…
Duster
How's it going, Lucas? Been awhile, hasn't it?
Lucas manages to smile.
Lucas
How'd it go?
Duster
… Well… Winston ended up being the one that activated the telescope thing…
Lucas
I see. I guess it doesn't matter who activates them, but still, I'm glad to see you're okay…
Either way, there's only one tower left. But…
Harriet
But what?
Lucas
You guys hungry? We could talk over lunch.
Duster
Sounds great. It was a long drive here.
Everyone is now sitting at an outdoor café table, not too far from the chamber entrance. Harriet watches Delphia chow down on a curry burrito.
Harriet
Delphy… Just how spicy is that thing?
Delphia (pouring hot sauce on it)
Never spicy enough. Wanna bite?
Harriet
Don't think so. I'd rather not have to ask you to cast a freezing spell into my mouth…
Matt
Lucas, is something wrong?
Lucas
Huh? Oh… I've just been thinking recently. I don't know how to tell you this, so…
Voice
Hey, guys. Duster.
Matt looks up.
Matt
H-hey! It's that one lady we thought was a witch…
Kumatora
Kumatora, Matthew. So what's this I hear about the towers?
She sits down next to Lucas.
Kumatora
And about Winston?
Duster
Winston is working with some strange aliens from space or something. Who knows what they're after.
Kumatora
Aliens?
Matt
Yeah. They have poor Winston under mind control or something.
Delphia
And they fly around in a giant spaceship and shoot robots at us.
Kumatora
Huh… You know, the night after you three came to my cabin, I heard a large explosion in the nearby
woods, and saw some strange lights in the sky.
Matt
Yeah. I kinda figured that those trees in the park near our house were blasted away from their flying
ship. But that's not the worst part of it…
Harriet
There's this weird ghost thing with star-shaped eyes, and it can create some sort of memories of people
and attack us with them.
Delphia
And one of them was… a younger version of you, Lucas.
Lucas's eyes get a little big. He then goes back to his previous look.
Lucas
I see… There's so much more danger concerning that chamber than I had first thought…
Harriet
Danger? Lucas, do you think opening that chamber is… dangerous?
Lucas
… Yes.
Everyone looks at him.
Lucas
In fact, I've changed my mind about it. I want it to stay sealed.
Duster
Huh? But Lucas…
Lucas
I know you won't be able to understand what I'm telling you. But that last tower—the one of sky—I don't
want it activated. And if Winston is going there, you need to find and stop him.
Harriet
But Lucas, I thought you wanted to…
Lucas
Please. I wish I could come with you. But I have… I have a bad feeling about the chamber. In case it
does open, I want to be here to protect my fellow villagers if anything should… come out of it.
Duster
I was planning on taking a break here and catching up with my dad… Of course, if you guys still need
me, I guess I could tag along a little longer…
Lucas
It's okay, Duster. I'd like Kumatora to go with them this time.
Harriet
What? Her?
Kumatora
Oh, come on, you sound like you think I'm crazy or something. Relax. I'm a PSI user. Maybe I can even teach you a thing or two.
Matt
Lucas, if you don't want us to activate the last tower, where do you want us to go?
Lucas
Kumatora just came back from Scarlet. I've heard rumors about the city. About its citizens going crazy
or something.
Matt
What, like the animals?
Lucas
That's what I'm fearing. This is a bit of a personal matter for me, too. Not all of Tazmily's original
residents live here now. Some of those who have moved live in Scarlet now. And Kuma, if you see any… could you ask them to come home?
Kumatora
Sure thing. Anyway, rest of the story is I just got back from there a few hours ago. And I think I saw your brother flying around the area on a jet pack contraption.
Harriet
So you're going to go with us to Scarlet, where Winston might be…
Kumatora
Yep.
Lucas stands up.
Lucas
Again… Forget about the tower. Only you two and Winston can activate them. Keep him away from it
at all costs.
Harriet
Okay… Lucas. If that's what you want.
Lucas turns and starts leaving.
Lucas
Oh. By the way… You're a Painter, aren't you?
Delphia
Me? Yeah… I am.
Lucas
You might be interested to know that your chief showed up a couple days ago.
Lucas leaves.
Harriet
Sheesh. Lucas sure has changed recently. What's his problem?
Delphia
(Why… is the chief here?)
Matt
I'm with Lucas. If he thinks there's something dangerous about that chamber, then maybe we really
should make sure it stays closed.
Delphia
Guys, I'm going to go see the Painter chief.
Delphia leaves and walks away.
Harriet
H-hey, Delphy! Wait!
Matt and Harriet follow her. Kumatora stay behind.
Kumatora
So… Do you think those two are as strong as Lucas?
Duster
Dunno yet. But they're good kids. I think you'll like them.
Kumatora
How's it been going, Duster?
Duster just has a nostalgic smile. Delphia and the others are about to turn a corner, when they stop and notice Lucas saying a few things to the Paint chief—who it turns out is Penny, now fifty-something years old.
Lucas
It's good to see you again, Penny.
Penny
I hope you're keeping well, Lucas.
Lucas
As well as can be…
Lucas turns and notices the group.
Lucas
Well, I have things to take care of… Bye for now.
Lucas leaves. The group comes up to Penny.
Penny
My, is that little Delphia? You sure have grown. A full Painter now, are you?
Delphia
Chief… what are you doing here?
Penny
I'm sorry I haven't returned yet and haven't kept in contact, but I know they can take care of themselves
when I'm gone. I felt a more urgent need had arisen out here in Tazmily, and before that, I was looking
into the strange occurrences with the animals.
Harriet
Delphy's awesome! She really helped us out.
Delphia
Yeah, except… I nearly got both of them killed several times.
Penny
Helping them? As in fighting? As in using the destructive techniques?
Delphia
Afraid so…
Harriet
Destructive techniques?
Penny
I was chosen to lead a small group of people with special talents known as the Painters. Years ago,
our objective was to help mold this world's landscape into a suitable place for people.
Harriet
Yeah, we've heard that, but how long ago was that?
Penny (smiles)
You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I once lead another group of people before that… But I failed them. So now I'm trying to redeem myself. I've been through so much in my life. I'm just glad that in the end, I was chosen to be a Painter, and was able to do something worthwhile.
Delphia
Matt, Harriet, I'd like to keep helping you, but… I feel that I should wait until I'm properly trained. These
"destructive" arts you're hearing about are rarely used by my people. And they're much harder to
master.
Matt
You're going to leave us, too?
Delphia
If the chief will allow me to undergo some training with her, yes. But just for a little while.
Penny
I'm glad you've made some friends, Delphia. I'll be glad to train you some while I'm here. But I currently
have a Painter boy under my wing, and I was about to leave with him to meet my son. We'll be heading
out early in the morning.
Delphia
Really? Thank you so much!
Harriet
You have a son?
Penny
Yes. You might've met him. His name is Taras.
Matt
That guy's your kid? He was pretty strong…
Penny
I got a carrier pigeon that says he has to talk with me right away. So we need to get to the meeting spot
by noon tomorrow. I'll give you some lessons on the way there, Delphia.
Harriet
So it's just us and Kumatora now…
Delphia
I promise I'll hang out with you two again, okay? I wouldn't want to see all of this through to the end
without cool Harriet and cute Matty by my side.
Harriet (smiles)
All right, Delphy. I'm holding you to that promise.
One last panel of them looking at one another. On the next panel, Kumatora is leading Matt and Harriet out of the village.
Harriet
Um, so Kumatora, how do we get to Scarlet?
Kumatora
Best way there is by using Scarlet monorail. Runs from Teallene to Azura City to Scarlet and back
again.
Harriet
Oh, that sounds fun!
Kumatora
Yeah… But I'm not so sure about Scarlet. The town was in pretty bad shape when I left… But given
who its citizens are, it isn't surprising…
Matt
What are you talking about?
Kumatora
Eh, forget it. Never mind.
Matt and Harriet look at one another. They come to Kumatora's convertible and hop in.
Harriet
So you, Duster and Lucas went on some sort of adventure or something, right?
Kumatora
Yeah. That was a long time ago. In a different place.
Matt (to Harriet)
Something's strange… Lucas and his friends—they act a little weird…
Harriet
I know. It's like their minds are somewhere else most of the time.
Back at Tazmily, Duster is in his father's room at the retirement center.
Wess
So… Duster… Have you been taking good care of the egg?
Duster
I think so, Dad.
Duster takes out the egg, but it's cracked.
Wess
What the? You call that good care?
Duster
That's strange. That crack wasn't there last time I looked.
Wess
You probably dropped it, you bone-brained nincompoop!
Duster
Yeah, sure I drop it. I've dropped it a hundred times. But it's never gotten damaged at all.
Wess
Huh? So why would it be cracking?
Duster (close up on the egg)
I don't know…
Now switch to Lucas and Flint eating dinner.
Flint
You okay, Lucas?
Lucas
I'm holding off on opening that chamber, Dad. I just… I'm scared. I don't know if I'm ready.
Flint
Isn't the first time you've had doubts. You just go when you feel you're ready, son. Kumatora and Duster
will support you when you make that journey, I know it.
Lucas
They're heading to Scarlet, Dad… I'm worried about them.
Flint
They're strong. They won't get beaten up, even there.
Lucas
That's not what I'm afraid of. We both know what Scarlet is full of. Even if few others do…
Flint
Right… Most of the people there used to be Pigmasks…
Lucas
And some of them don't care about keeping the secret the other Islanders have vowed to maintain.
The next row should be a page-wide panel with a close up on Lucas and large text to emphasis the importance of what he's saying.
Lucas
They could find out about the world before this one.
New page. Kumatora and the gang have arrived at the outskirts of Teallene, the farming town with vast fields and barns and such. But that's boring so we're not going to explore it much. Kuma's car is parked outside the station.
Kumatora (noticing a small general store)
So how are our supplies?
Matt
Well, we're about out of beans.
Harriet (tongue)
Thankfully.
Kumatora
Come on, we'd better get a few things before the train shows up.
Harriet
You any good at haggling, Kuma?
Kumatora
I get what I want and I pay how much I want.
Harriet
Wow, good attitude!
They go inside. Show Cazula and her mother browsing in the background. They're not noticed until the next page though. Kumatora turns and notices something. She turns to the kids.
Kumatora
Go get a few cans of food. I want to say hi to someone.
On the last panel, we see Kumatora talking to Bud and Lou, who have stopped in and have notepads.
Kumatora
Bud, Lou, what are you doing out here?
Bud
We're on tour.
Lou
Yes, and looking for inspiration in this store. Everyday items are so witty and pun-filled.
Next page somewhere around here.
Kumatora
Um, right. Anyway, Lucas wants all the Tazmilians to come home.
Bud
Our comedy tour has us tied down at the moment like a rope with weights.
Lou
Having said that, we will be passing by close to Tazmily in a few days, so we'll see if we can drop in.
Kumatora
Well, whatever. Just try to make it, okay?
Bud
For you, Kumatora, we shall loosen the rope.
Kumatora walks away, rolling her eyes.
Kumatora
(I really don't get those two…)
She looks over to see Harriet and Matty, their hands full of cans, being harassed by Cazula as her Mom stands behind her.
Cazula
My best friends! Are you adventurin' like me and my mommy? Where you headin'? Did you zap anyone
else yet? Ooo, did you learn any new magicky powers?
Harriet and Matty look over at Kumatora.
Harriet
Can we go now? Please?
Cazula
Ooo, who's that? Is she a witch? Can she do magic too?
Matt (closer up panel)
Nice to see you again, Cazula, but we really should be going.
Cazula
Okay, yeah! I understand! Hey, things are going great at the village! They don't call me Crazy Cazy
no more!
On the last panel, they're leaving the store with Cazula waving at them in the door.
Cazula
Bye again, ya'll! Don't get ate by the monsters!
Kumatora
Friend of yours?
Harriet
*grumble*
Next page. They're waiting at a rural station for the monorail to come in.
Harriet
Strange. Nothing attacked us the whole way coming here.
Kumatora
Yeah. No mad animals, no space robots, none of those creatures from another dimension you told me
about or that star-face thing…
Matt
Maybe they're regrouping. Or forming an army together to attack us with.
Harriet
Oh, yeah, they're forming an army. Come on, Matty…
Matt (shrugs)
What?
The monorail comes and they board it. A couple panels of the train just going by some scenery. Back inside, Harriet and Matt talk for a few panels.
Harriet
I just realized I forgot to ask Lucas more about what could be going on… But he just started talking
about things, and I guess I forgot.
Kumatora
You wanted to find out about the towers, and the mad animals and stuff like that?
Harriet
Yeah. I mean, we've been away from home for awhile now, but I still don't really know anything about
what's happening.
Kumatora
Well, truth is… we don't either.
Harriet
But didn't you go on an adventure once together? Did anything similar to what's going on now happen
back then?
Kumatora
There are some similarities, yes, but… We fought against a force that was probably more human.
Everything we encountered existed because of the bad things other humans did. This is something…
different.
The train pulls into the station and they get off. The platform is elevated. Matt comes over to the side and looks out at Scarlet, most of its tall buildings are along the curved coast. Piers extend out into the ocean, which is full of fishing trolleys.
Harriet
Wow, Scarlet is beautiful! Mom and Dad always promised to take us to the beach here in the summer,
but still haven't gotten around to it yet.
Matt
This is where the delicious octopus live. I should buy a box while we're here.
Kumatora (leaning on guardrail)
It looks nice, but the people here have become hostile to outsiders recently. We have to be careful.
Harriet
So what are we here for? Just to investigate?
Kumatora
I've got some old friends who run a restaurant in town that says he has some information he can pass
onto me. We'll go there first. Stay close.
A few panels of the gang walking through the city, towards the beach. As they go along, the citizens, mostly tough-looking guys, stare at them and crush cans in their hands and stuff.
Harriet
Kuma, they're freaking me out a little…
Kumatora
Just don't make eye contact. We're almost there.
As the beach comes into view, Matt eyes a glowing neon sign for "Yumacle's Octopi." He clearly drools and takes out a few smaller coins. He goes up to the guy selling them, who looks as angry as the two patrons nearby Matt.
Matt
Two kebabs, please.
Guy (glare)
…
Matt
Hey, come on, I'm trying to buy something. You know, give you money…
Guy
Who do youse think youse is? You think you can just come here with your fancy money?
Matt
Um, can I just have some octopus?
Guy
You think I'm just here to provide a service to youse? Likes I stands here all day cooking just to serve
youse?
Matt
Um, well, yeah?
Guy
Youse gots real nerve comin' here, flashing your pretty coins around, wanting to buy stuff from me.
Matt
You know what? I bet it's disgusting, anyway!
Matt turns to leave.
Guy's Voice
Whaddya say 'bout my octopi?
Matt turns around to see the guy behind him, cracking his knuckles.
Guy
Youse outsiders keep on'a common' here, gettin' in our way. Now we teaches youse a lesson.
Matt
Eh… heh… B-bye!
Matt runs away.
Kumatora
The beach is so nice in the winter… And in the summer, I sunbathe here. It's too bad this town is full
of crazies right now, or we could—
Matt's Voice
Aaaaah! Kuma, Harriet! Help!
The two turn around to see Matt being followed by a gang of tough looking guys.
Kumatora
Man, he's going to be a pain, isn't he?
Kumatora extends her arm and aims with the other like it's a cannon.
Kumatora
Matty, get down!
He ducks a little bit. Kumatora fires out a stream of hypnosis bubbles. The guys look a little tired and yawn and stuff, but they keep coming.
Kumatora
Are you kidding? Ugh… they must be hopped up on something.
Kumatora launches out paralysis waves. The guys stiffen up but keep coming.
Kumatora
Is this a joke? What am I going to have to do, Starstorm this place? Cripes. Forget this. Let's just duck
inside. Come on, you two!
Matt joins them, and they go inside the beach front restaurant, Tiki themed. More angry people are inside, but Biff and Butch, Biff working as a bartender and Butch as the door greeter, look welcoming.
Butch
Kumatora! You made it! Hey, Biff, look! It's Kuma!
Biff (waving)
Hi, Kuma. Nice to see you. 'specially after all the tough customers we've been getting lately.
Kumatora
H-hey, guys…
Kumatora looks around the restaurant at all the angry guys while blocking the door.
Kumatora
(Just my luck…)
Matt sticks his monopod in the door handles to stop them from opening.
Kumatora
I think we better make this fast. Sorry we can't stay and chat. What information did you want to tell me?
Butch
Well, see, that guy flying around on the jet pack? He came by, got a drink, and left already.
Harriet (looking at Biff)
You served my ten year old brother alcohol?!
Biff
Uh, no. Just a soda.
Butch
Yeah, yeah, that kind of drink. Geesh. We don't serve those kind of drinks to minors.
Matt
Do you know where he went?
Biff
Yeah, well, he came in with a whole bunch of these shiny metal guys, left a lousy tip, and then they all flew off in the direction of Vega.
Butch
Probably to make more people go crazy or something.
Kumatora
Crap. We were too late…
Harriet
So we gotta go to Vega next? We have to hurry, then.
Kumatora
I guess so. Man, the people here are crazy.
Patron
What did you just say about us?
Patron
Outsiders calling us crazy?
Patron
Aw, heck nah! These kids deserve a beatin'!
Kumatora
What the?! B-but Butch here just called you guys crazy!
Patron
He's a standup guy. But you three are out of towners!
Patron
Yeah, you can't come to our beautiful city and call us that!
They all get out of their chairs and do fist things.
Kumatora
Oh, man! Now we're screwed!
Matt
H-hey… Look at their eyes…
Close up on glowing blue eyes.
Harriet
Yeah. They really are possessed or something.
Matt
Not only that—they have that tattoo Marvin had!
Close up on their arms.
Harriet
(What is that symbol?)
Butch (stepping out of the way)
Oh, well. Good luck, guys. Try not to leave a big mess if you get pounded.
Matt
I guess we'll just have to teach them a lesson!
Matt takes out the monopod, stares at it for a panel, and then realizes his mistake.
Matt
Um, oops…
The guys from outside burst in. The group gets shoved to the middle, surrounded by guys. The tough guys say typical threatening things. Then Shigo pops out from the bar with a drink in hand. He looks excited.
Shigo
Yeah, yeah! Fight, fight, fight! Woooo!
Harriet
(This is ridiculous… Are we really going to have to fight all of them?)
(Wait… That one song my mom taught me when I was little…)
Flashback of young Harriet and her mom. Harriet looks upset. On the next panel, her mother hums to her. On the last panel, Harriet looks calm and smiles.
Harriet's Mom
That song always seems to calm you down, doesn't it?
Harriet
(Oh, man, this is stupid. Like singing a song will settle down all these muscle heads…)
(Worse, I haven't sung in years!)
(Oh well. Might as well give it a shot)
Harriet suddenly starts singing. Matt and Kumatora look at her a little oddly.
Matt
Um, Harriet, what are you doing?
Harriet ignores them and sings louder with more determination. After a couple panels, it seems to have an effect. The song should hopefully only last a page. When it's over, all the guys are calm and smiling and are no longer possessed.
Kumatora
Wow! What a song, Harriet!
Matt
Yeah, but they might not stay like that for long…
Kumatora
But that song… Hm… Feels like I've heard it before… Who taught you it?
Harriet (modest)
My, um, my mother did… When I was very young.
Butch (crying)
It was so beautiful.
Shigo (taking a swig)
Meh, it was okay. A fight would've been cooler.
We see the back of Harriet's head on one panel. She turns around the next with a cold stare. She then stomps up to Shigo and grabs him by the collar, bringing him down to her level. He looks surprised.
Harriet
Uncle Shigo! You… You big dumb idiot! Oh yeah, great job searching for Winston! You can't even
remember what he looks like!
Shigo
B-but…
Harriet
It'd be one thing to just hang around in bars all the time, but not when you tell us that you're actually
out searching for our brother!
Oh, but you know what really takes the cake, you moron?! Apparently, Winston actually came to this
very restaurant! And you didn't even recognize him, I'm guessing! You're useless!
She lets go and glares Shigo in the face.
Kumatora
Wow. Your sister goes from singing like a diva to that in a split second.
Matt
Y-yeah…
Shigo tears up.
Shigo
I'm—I'm trying!
He runs out of the place.
Voice
Pretty tough words for your own family…
They turn to see Sylvester, buffed up a little with a sledge hammer on his back.
Harriet
Who are you?
Sylvester
Who am I is but a question on the winds, inquired by many but in truth felt by so few… Such is a
wandering traveler like myself am used to.
Kumatora (completely flat)
Oh, great. A poet.
Sylvester
Not just a well-versed man with words, my pink-haired maiden, but a talented gent in the ring, as well. My poetry can leave just as much of an impression as my bruised and worn knuckles.
Kumatora
Well, I'm certain I'd want to barf either way.
Sylvester (holding Harriet's hand)
The one sings with the utmost grace, might I ask of her name?
Kumatora
I hate to sound cliché, but shouldn't you tell us your name first?
Sylvester
Oh, of course. The name is Sylvester. Prized fighter with both word and fist. And I keep my mind
sharp, as to not become like… these fellow Scarletans.
Harriet
I'm Harriet, and this is Matty and Kumatora.
Kumatora
So… Are you going to help us or something, or just recite poetry?
Sylvester
Actually, I overheard you talking about getting to Vega City. I know the fastest way to get there.
Harriet
Really? Last we looked, traffic was backed up for miles…
Sylvester
It is not by road we would travel, but rather by swamp.
Biff
You talking about Pit Slime Mire Swamp? You're nuts if you think you can get through there!
Butch
Yeah, the swamp gas makes people see things and go crazy…
Sylvester
Only through prolonged exposure. I have traversed it many times in my youth.
Kumatora
So, you wanna come with us, huh? Can you actually swing that thing on your back?
Sylvester
It would be most uncouth to wield a weapon one cannot use properly…
Kumatora
Look, you can come with us if you want, but please learn how to say "yes" and "no," okay?
Sylvester
*sigh* Fine. I don't actually speak like that all the time if I can help it, you know. I'm just working up to
being a true poet so I can win over the heart of my love again.
Matt
So, Sylvester… Can we go now?
Sylvester
Yes, right away!
Harriet
Good, we're in a hur—
Sylvester
Right after a drink! Biff, another cold one!
Biff
Coming right up…
Sylvester goes over as Biff puts a glass of milk on the table. Sylvester, standing up and leaning against the table looks at the milk longingly.
Sylvester
Aw, milk. So simple, yet so delicious… And now, to drink it down, savoring the creamy richness…
Kumatora
Whatever. Could you make it fast?
Sylvester is about to grab it, when a fist comes down and smashes the glass, exploding milk all over.
Sylvester (profile, eyes darkened)
You… ruined… my milk!
Sylvester turns around, throwing a punch. But it's caught by a huge guy. Sylvester just stares up at the big guy, who is grinning.
Sylvester
Oh… hi there.
Big Guy
You beat up my friends!
Harriet
Um, actually, sir, I just sang to them.
Big Guy
They're all lying down not wanting to move! That looks like beaten up to me!
Sylvester
Nay, they were just moved deeply by beautiful words and…
Sylvester suddenly smashes a barstool over the guy's face.
Sylvester
Eat this, foul beast of a man!
Nothing happens. Sylvester grins nervously. The big guy then grabs Sylvester's neck and chokes him.
Kumatora
Great. Now we have to save Mr. Poet. Let's try not to ruin Biff and Butch's Tiki Paradise, okay?
Harriet
Well, that'll make this a little harder…
Harriet casts Flash, blinding the big guy. He lets go of Sylvester, who takes out the sledge hammer and swings it down. Big guy blocks it with his arm. Harriet takes out her twirler and wraps it around the guy's legs, and then casts PK Shock to no effect. Matt jumps up on the guy's shoulders and beats him with the monopod, again to little effect. The big guy tries punching Sylvester, but he leaps backward and the punch goes into the floor, creating a hole in it.
Biff
Oh, man… That's not cool.
Sylvester
It was his fault, not mine!
The big guy flexes his muscles and splits his legs, freeing himself of the twirler and tossing Matty off.
Big Guy
Now I beat you all up!
He looks over at Kumatora and Harriet.
Big Guy
Tell you what. You let them kiss me and I won't beat you up so bad!
Kumatora (blushing and has a fist up)
Ugh, you pervert!
Big Guy moves forward to them. Harriet freaks out and trips backward. She uses her backpack as a shield, and Big Guy notices the button on it.
Big Guy
Hm? What's that?
He bends down for a closer look. It's a Clad in Rad button.
Big Guy
A limited edition Clad in Rad button?! Ooooh, I want that! I need it for my collection! Please, give me it!
He bends down too much and trips, tumbling over Harriet and punching a hole in the floor with his head. He struggles to get out.
Big Guy
N-no! I must have that Clad in Rad button! Don't leave me!
Kumatora
Um… I think we should go now.
Matt
Uh-huh…
Sylvester
Sorry about the holes, Biff…
Biff
Eh, it's okay. I'll just make the big guy wash dishes for a month. That should cover it.
Sylvester
Right. And with that, we set off!
Kumatora
Oh, hey, Biff, Butch—get your parents and come over to New Tazmily for a bit, would you? Lucas is
trying to get all the original villagers back for a meeting or something.
Butch
Hm, well, okay Kuma.
Biff
Yeah, we'll do that. See ya.
They leave. Biff and Butch look at the big guy.
Biff
Hey, Leslie, get your head out of the floor and start washing dishes.
Big Guy
Ugh… what a rotten day…
Over a few panels, Sylvester is leading the gang out of the city at sunset and to the swamp southwest of it. Along the way, he recites some poetry that steadily makes the gang more and more uncomfortable. They eventually arrive at the swamp dock. Sylvester goes up the booth and puts a coin on the table.
Sylvester
One rental, my good man!
Man
Whatever. Take it an' leave.
Sylvester
Thank you!
Sylvester goes to the end of the dock and gets on the airboat driver's seat.
Sylvester
So, you ready to venture forth into Pit Slime Mire Swamp?
Kumatora
Sounds like fun. Why did you pay for the rental?
Sylvester
Why? Because my service fee for navigating this horrible place will be most exorbitant!
The group looks at one another with more "sigh" eyes. They then board the airboat and Sylvester guides it into the fog, reciting more poetry as he does so. On the last panel, the rental guy has one last thing to say.
Man
Probably shoulda told them about the swamp monster. Oh well.