The first row panel is of the airboat in the midst of the swamp, surrounded by fog.
Chapter 11: All Roads Lead to Vega
Sylvester
Oh dear. The swamp looks so different than last time… And the fog is quite heavy this evening…
Harriet
What? Are you saying we're lost?!
Sylvester
Perhaps it would be best to head back for the time being… If… I knew what direction that was.
Kumatora
You idiot! You don't even know where we are, do you?
Matt
W-what about the hallucinations the swamp gas can make you experience?
Sylvester
Oh, nothing to worry about. That's supposed to only happen in very high doses.
Kumatora
Then what do you call this? We're surrounded by the stuff!
A shadow flies by Kumatora in the fog that Harriet sees.
Harriet
W-w-what was that?
Kumatora
What was what?
Kumatora notices a giant spherical object fly behind Harriet.
Kumatora
What the heck was that?
Sylvester
N-never mind what you two are seeing! What the heck is that?!
Matt
Huh?
Matt turns around to see tentacles coming out of the swamp. He backs off. The fog suddenly turns blood red and melts like oil paint. Everyone's costume changes and things get trippy. Suddenly, the creature the tentacles belong to pulls itself onboard of the airboat, and it looks like a deranged octopus with glowing eyes and a huge pair of teeth on its back.
Matt
It's an octopus monster! It wants revenge for all of its friends I've eaten!
Harriet
Don't be stupid, Matty. That's clearly a spaghetti monster. Wait… what? What's going on here?
Something swoops right above Harriet's head. She turns to see it land on the top of the airboat fan. It's a bat spider.
Harriet (terrified)
It—it—it's a bat spider! Get it away!
Sylvester turns around and tries to hit it with his hammer, but it jumps and dodges out of the way, and then takes to the air again. Back at Kumatora, she's staring and scratching her head as a giant floating eyeball stares at her. Tentacles are also attacking Matt while Sylvester looks down at a billiard ball that has just rolled onto the airboat. It cracks open, and Agnes's head comes out.
Agnes
Sylvester! You useless clod of a wimp!
Sylvester
Ag… Agnes? Is that you, my sweet?
Agnes
You useless thick-headed runt! You can't even swim, whatya doing going into swamps for?
Sylvester (crying)
Agnes… your words are so… painful.
Kumatora face palms, and then stands up defiantly.
Kumatora
Stupid illusions. Guess we inhaled too much of the swamp gas.
She looks at the three freaking out.
Kumatora
Oh well. Can't say I blame them.
Kumatora concentrates, and then casts a massive PK Fire around the boat. The fire burns off the fog and returns the world to normal over a couple transitional panels.
Kumatora (eyes closed as she makes a point)
There. You see? You were probably just seeing things you were afraid of. There's probably nothing
even attacking us.
She opens her eyes and looks around at flying Nanner, the Bionic Hydra, the Egg, and the Sphere.
Kumatora
Wow. Guess I was wrong.
The hydra hisses, and then spits black goo at Matt's face.
Matt
Ah! Can't see!
He takes off his glasses and rubs the goo off, but the Hydra starts biting at him. Sylvester promptly smashes the Egg with his hammer, splattering egg goo everywhere.
Sylvester
How dare you impersonate my love, vile fiend!
Harriet uses the twirler and wraps it around the Hydra's three heads, knocking them together and knocking out the creature. It slides back into the swamp as Matt puts his glasses back on. The Nanner comes flying in and hovers around Harriet.
Matt
Oh yeah, Harriet! That really looks like a bat spider!
Harriet
Oh, shut up.
Harriet grabs the Nanner and chucks it into the swamp, where it drowns. The Sphere launches out a grabber at Kumatora, but she grabs it, swings it around like a ball and chain, and then chucks it into a tree. The Sphere spins around, badly damaged. She then finishes it off with a lightning bolt.
Matt
More of those dimensional creatures…
Harriet
Yeah. I hope that ghost thing isn't nearby.
Kumatora
What… are you two talking about?
Harriet
We'll tell you later. It's just another thing trying to kill us.
Kumatora and Sylvester look at one another.
Sylvester
Anyway… now that I can see, off we go!
Sylvester applies full throttle, and the airboat takes off. After a couple travel panels, the airboat comes to a sudden stop, almost throwing everyone off.
Kumatora
Sylvester, what are you trying to do, capsize us?
Sylvester
Deepest apologies, but it seems that we've run aground on something unseen…
The swamp water trembles. A giant muck monster with eyes forms from underneath and glares at the group. Everyone but Kumatora looks frightened. The muck monster roars out.
Kumatora
Ugh. Forget this. I'm not fighting a disgusting muck monster. I'm just going to starstorm this thing.
Kumatora raises her hand up, and stars rain down from the right on the muck monster, rip it to shreds, and sink it back to the swamp.
Harriet
Great job, Kuma! You took it down just like that!
Sylvester
Yes, most excellent and dazzling display!
Kumatora (mouth hanging open, arm still in air)
Um. I didn't do that…
Matt
Huh?
Suddenly, Cerberus jumps down from a nearby tree and lands it the swamp, the water going up to its upper legs. It growls at the group.
Harriet
What… What is that thing?
Matt
Another enemy? It doesn't look friendly.
The cerberus grins and starts using its delta attack to cast lightning, fire, and ice. Matt quickly puts up a psychic shield, but it takes a beating and barely holds.
Matt
I can't keep this thing up for long! That creature is powerful!
The cerberus gives up the attack for the moment, jumps over, and bites into the airboat. It shakes its head about, nearly sending everyone into the swamp. Sylvester comes over and bashes its head with the sledgehammer, but does no damage. The cerberus lets go and growls up at Sylvester.
Sylvester
A most unbecoming creature this one…
Kumatora
I can't tell you how sick I am of monsters! Sorry Ugly, but I'm not in the mood for this crap!
Kumatora casts PK Ground right under the Cerberus, rupturing the ground and sucking in water. The Cerberus starts getting sucked under the muck. It tries to free itself, but is quickly pulled under as it whines. It then disappears under the water altogether, and Kumatora takes a deep breath and relaxes.
Harriet
(Kumatora is… so strong!)
Kumatora
Sylvester, get us out of here.
Sylvester
R-right away!
Kumatora
Maybe we can get there without any more trouble…
We see the airboat leaving from behind. In the water, there's a bubble with some of the cerberus's green gas inside. A panel goes by before Sylvester starts reciting another poem about Agnes. Kumatora is displeased. Finally, the group arrives at the edge of a river going through bright, colorful Vega City. This is the largest and most compacted city in the world, and is full of skyscrapers, neon lighting, and holopanel televisions, as it also futuristic. Sylvester pulls up alongside the side of the river, and the four step out.
Sylvester
Well, here we are, Vega. I hope you three find the answers you seek here.
Kumatora
Um, do we still have to pay you?
Sylvester
… I tell you what. I was actually on my way back here, anyway. For a good reason…
Matt
What's that?
Sylvester
You know Agnes, the lady I've been telling you about?
Kumatora
Telling us about? You've practically written a book of poetry on her that we've had to endure the
entire way!
Sylvester
A year ago, she left me. I've always assumed that I was too weak in the ring and with my words. But
now the championship is up for grabs once more, and I've come here for my second chance to win over
her heart! Please, do me the honor of coming with me to the tournament and cheer me on, and if I
should win, I will have no need for your money! I will have won it in spades, and with Agnes by my side
once again, I shan't need anything else!
Harriet
Do we have a choice?
Matt
Cool! Fighting!
Harriet
Matty, you actually like this violent sport?
Matt
I, um… I dunno. Dad never lets me watch it at home.
Harriet
It sounds fascinating, Sylvester, but we've got to find out where our brother is headed and if he's still in
this city.
Sylvester
Perhaps Agnes may know something! She is a socialite of this town and has many connections. If I win,
you should be able to see her yourselves! If she doesn't know anything about this sibling, then I doubt
anyone else will.
Kumatora
Well, guys, what do you want to do? Overpay this weirdo for his lousy services and wander around
town aimlessly, or see some face punching and run away when Sylvester here gets knocked out?
Sylvester
Oh, lady Kumatora, you possess the utmost jest! Off we go to the stadium, then! Follow me!
Sylvester leads the way into the city, and we see a few of its citizens and buildings. The line at the stadium is packed, but Sylvester goes up to a much shorter entry line.
Registration Lady
Sorry sir, but you get tickets over there.
Sylvester
No, no! I wish to participate tonight!
She looks over him over and pulls out a clipboard.
Lady
I'm definitely not letting you through until you sign this, freeing us of all liability. And looking at you, we
wouldn't be able to afford to pay for your damages…
Sylvester
Ha. Aren't we the snarky one.
Sylvester signs it.
Lady
Are these three fighting, as well?
Sylvester
Nonsense. This is my lovely family. Here to cheer me on!
We get a perspective from the lady of the family, emphasizing how much the kids do not look like their parents. Then one more panel of the lady.
Lady
If you say so. Go ahead and go in. Try not to get too much blood on the ring.
Sylvester
Sarcasm and cynicism are the lowest forms of wit, I hope you realize.
She just stares at him. The four go inside. The place is loaded with gambling tables and slot machines, as well as holopanel televisions depicting fights and races.
Harriet
What is all of this?
Kumatora
It's called gambling, Harriet. This city is full of it. People throwing their money away to feel alive or
something. There's casinos everywhere here.
Sylvester
Yes… And much of the betting is also done on the fights in this very stadium…
Inside the arena, Sylvester and the others take seats near the ring. The champion is fighting someone.
Kumatora
People come to this city for an escape… Only thing they're really doing is running away from what
they're scared of. There's a lot of weakness in their hearts.
Harriet
What are you saying?
Kumatora
Remember Scarlet? The people there had even weaker constitutions. Whatever is making people lose
their minds… It'll probably hit this city next.
Matt
We shouldn't stay here for long then, huh?
Kumatora
The sooner we leave, the better.
Harriet
That's a shame… This city has such amazing technology. Just look at their televisions!
Kumatora looks up at the holopanels above the ring.
Kumatora
Advanced technology isn't always great. Not if it causes people to forget about the basics.
Sylvester
Yes, I agree with that! People need to keep in harmony with nature. That is how we can make a perfect
world! We can never forget about the trees and the little animals!
Kumatora
Well, aren't you a visionary?
Phil comes running up through the aisle and stops near Sylvester.
Phil
So it is true! You really have come back!
Sylvester
Phil?!
Phil
Leaving for a year to train on your own, forgetting all about your one and only coach! Well, I hope
you'll be making that up to me tonight! Ha, but I doubt it. Look how darn scrawny you are!
Sylvester takes off the sledge hammer and leans it against the seat. He looks more lost in thought than usual.
Sylvester
It wasn't about just training, Phil. Or thinking about Agnes for that matter.
Phil
Oh yeah, what was it, then?
Sylvester
I… wanted to see more of the world. I wanted to see what it had become.
Phil
Ah, heck, when I pulled your butt out of Scarlet, you told me you never wanted to leave Vega! But then you end up going back there anyway. What's gotten into you?
Sylvester
…
Phil
I know it's hard. It has been on all of your kind. Can't even begin to imagine having your memories…
Kumatora
Your memories? Sylvester, what's he talking about?
Phil
He hasn't told you yet, eh? Well, that's actually good, I guess. The two of us aren't supposed to tell you
much about ourselves. Guess we're special like that. Anyway, Sylvester, good luck tonight and try not
to get yourself killed.
Phil pats him on the shoulder and then goes back to his spot right behind the ring.
Harriet
What was all that about?
Sylvester
I used to live in Scarlet…
Matt
So?
Sylvester rolls back a sleeve to reveal the pig logo.
Kumatora
You're a… Wow. You don't act like most I see.
Harriet
That symbol again? Just what is that?
Sylvester (puts sleeve back down)
Just consider it a scar that reminds one that he was once a prisoner…
Harriet
Um… huh?
Sylvester
Oh, don't concern yourself over it. That's all in the past.
The champion literally punches his challenger out of the ring, who goes flying into the crowd. The champion waves his arms around in the air.
Granite
Is that it? Is that the best you can throw at me? This is pathetic!
The referee comes up and talks in the microphone.
Referee
Well! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves, spending your Solstice Festival day watching grown men
beat each other up!
Matt (to Harriet)
Harriet, I forgot what day it was…
Harriet
Yeah, me too…
Referee
Is there no one else that dares challenge Granite? Will he be holding onto the championship for
another year?
Sylvester
Hey!
Sylvester is standing up. Granite looks him over.
Granite
Pfft. That little runt again? I thought I scared you off already!
Sylvester
I am trying to win back my only true love. No one will ever scare me off so long as that is my goal.
Granite
Oh, really? Get up here, then. Let's make this quick. I've got photographers waiting to shoot me
flexing these muscles.
Sylvester
Well, here I go…
Kumatora
Um, don't die, I guess.
Sylvester
Ah, I see that I have touched your heart, lovely Kumatora.
She just rolls her eyes. Sylvester leaves the row. Cut to Sylvester, now ready to fight. He has on long sweatpants, a tank top, and fighting gloves. Phil is just outside the ring.
Referee
Let's make this a good fight! Now begin!
He gets off the ring as the fighters take their positions.
Granite
I'm gonna pound you into a pie, Silvia!
Sylveste
Changing my name into that of a lady's fails to intimidate me, just so you know.
Granite
Yeah, whatever. I'll finish this in one round.
This type of fighting is street-style with both boxing and kick boxing. Over the course of two rows, Sylvester gets the crap beaten out of him. But then his friends cheer for him.
Harriet
Come on, Sylvester! You can do it!
Matt
Y-yeah! Beat him up!
Kumatora
If you have to play in this stupid, violent sport, at least win!
Granite (victory pose)
Everyone loves the Granite, baby!
Sylvester looks up at the box, and sees Agnes watching the fight. He then leaps back into action. The fight from this point on lasts about two pages. Make it exciting and show Sylvester slowly gain the upper hand as he uses his quick speed and fast moves to win. He recites poetry along the way, which can be commented on. The last attack knocks Granite off the ring completely, and this is considered the end of the fight so the next page begins here. He is announced the new champion. Everyone cheers loudly.
Granite
Ouch… Man, this really sucks…
Referee
Quick Silver Sylvester is the new champion! So what are you going to do now?
Sylvester (pretty beaten up)
I'm gonna go win back my true love!
Referee
And who would that be?
Sylvester
Agnes Ethel Gertrude!
Referee (weirded out)
She sounds… lovely.
Sylvester
I'm coming, Agnes!
Sylvester runs off the ring without taking the champion's belt.
Kumatora
Man, he's pretty messed up… You guys should use some of your healing PSI on him.
Sylvester
Come on, you three! We're going to see Agnes!
Sylvester runs away as Kumatora holds Sylvester's shirt up and the kids try to use healing PSI on him.
Kumatora
Wait! Please, I'm begging you—put a shirt on!
Up at the entrance to the box, the group has gathered nearby a couple of bodyguards.
Guard (knocks on the door without turning around)
Ms. Gertrude, the champion is here.
Agnes
… Fine. Let him in.
The guard opens the door and Sylvester rushes in. Pusher and Elmore are also here.
Sylvester
Agnes, my love… I am victorious, in your honor.
Agnes
My… honor? Sylvy, hun, are you still going on about that?
Sylvester
Whatever do you mean?
Agnes
Look, this whole poetry shtick, I'm tired of it, okay?
Sylvester
You… don't like my poetry?
Agnes
Aw, don't take it personally. I hate all poetry.
Sylvester
B-but… all those poems I made for you… Do you know how difficult it is to rhyme your name, and not
use sagness, or bagness, or hagness, or—
Agnes
I get it. Now what do you want?
Sylvester
I had hoped that I could win your heart again by accomplishing such a feat…
Agnes
Ha, not likely. Not like it'll make you change. Look, Sylvly, we had a few nice years, but we're just
not two peas in a pod, you know? Now look, you're a nice guy, I'm sure you'll find a lady who suits you
just fine one day.
Sylvester
But… Why do you come to fights, if not to show your adoration to the victors?
Agnes
Don't think too highly of yourself, hun. You were just a meat bag punching another meat bag's face
down there. I'm in this for the money.
Sylvester
W-what?
Agnes
You heard me. I'm a bettin' girl. And I'm a little steamed right now because I just lost a lot bettin' on
that rock skull.
Sylvester
You… you didn't even bet on me? My heart… it aches… Farewell, Agnes…
Sylvester leaves the room, quite distraught.
Agnes
Aw, I hate to see him like that. Oh well.
Kumatora
You were maybe just a tad harsh. I mean, he really did love you. He wouldn't of had done all this if he
wasn't trying to win you back again.
Agnes
Since you're so concerned about him, why don't you win over his heart?
Kumatora
M-me?! Ugh, I don't think I could stand living with the guy.
Harriet
Um, Agnes, we're looking for our younger brother and heard that he might've come to this town. We
were wondering if you've seen him, or maybe heard some gossip… He's flying around on a jetpack,
and might have some robot-like things with him.
Agnes
Well, aren't you just the cutest thing? As a matter fact, I did hear something about a Painter shop being
hit up by a kid who fits that description.
Matt
What? There's a Painter shop here?
Agnes
Yeah. Weird people, those Painters. They can't just stay in there little village anymore, nope. They're
branching out, selling their weird goo that serves no purpose to regular old artists.
Harriet
(Is Winston after even more paint?) Where is this place, exactly?
Agnes
Oh, it's part of the Star Plaza, a little place in the commercial district, real good clothing stores there, too.
She looks over at Matt.
Agnes
You know, cutie, you'd look better in something other than that old ugly thing.
Matt (looking over the miner's jacket)
Y-yeah…
Kumatora
We should go there right away. Um, thanks, I guess.
Agnes
Hey, tell that Sylvester to forget about me, would you? He can find someone nicer for himself. Someone
who appreciates fine wine and poetry. Cause that ain't me.
Kumatora
Um, all right. Bye.
She turns to Pusher and his family.
Kumatora
Oh, hey, not that I like you two, but Lucas says come back to Tazmily. So… do it.
She dashes out the door.
Pusher
Go back to what now?
Elmore
I think she said our home town of Tazmily, dear.
Pusher
Why would I want to go back there for? We're rich here!
Elmore
I know, dear… But… I do miss home a little.
Back down at the casino, Sylvester is downing another glass of milk while Phil talks to him.
Phil
Eh, forget that broad, Sylv. Plenty of fish in the sea.
Sylvester
A fish will not deign to rest on your arm and listen to your poetry…
Phil
Look, kid, you have to let go of the stuffy language. You'll just scare people with it.
The others come up.
Kumatora
We're going to the commercial district. Now.
Sylvester
Can't say I feel up to it…
Kumatora
That doesn't matter! We've got a lead. Now forget all about that lady, and let's go.
Sylvester
Forget about Agnes? I dare say it may not be possible…
Matt
Come on, Sylvester! What if it's dangerous?
Harriet
We want you to come with us! You could protect us!
Kumatora
See? These two like you. Doesn't that make you feel a little better?
Sylvester
… Very well. I shall continue to escort you along your journey. I likely have no other merits by this point,
anyway.
Kumatora
Save the moping for later. We're going.
Kumatora drags Sylvester off the stool.
Phil (waving)
Good luck out there, kid. I mean champion.
As they head out, Harriet looks over at a card table to see Shigo, a drink in one hand and cards in the other.
Harriet
Ugh. Matty, it's Shigo again…
He looks over.
Matt
He's unbelievable.
Harriet
I don't want to talk to him again. Let's just hurry up and get out of here.
We see Shigo, looking quite depressed.
Dealer
You okay there, buddy?
Shigo
I shouldn't be here. I should be at home…
Dealer
That's what everyone says, and then they demand another round. So why don't you just go ahead and
push your nice little plastic pieces to the middle of the table, and spare the rest of us your sentiment?
Shigo
I really should go home. I'm just giving my kid sister and her family false hope as long as I'm away, not
doing anything worthwhile.
Dealer
That's such an interesting story. Are you going to play or not?
Shigo
I'm… I'm going home.
Shigo, a little drunk, tosses his cards into the air and stumbles away.
Dealer
Moron.
Shigo puts the drink on the plate-thing a waiter walking by is carrying, and then notices Matt and Harriet in the background as they head out.
Shigo
(You two have probably done a lot more than I have, anyway… I believe in you guys.)
Shigo goes up to the casino door.
Shigo
(I gotta start being a better person to my family… I'll see you two… You three back home. But please
hurry… I'm sure your mother misses you…)
Shigo leaves.
At the commercial district, Kumatora and Sylvester are talking to a Painter salesman who runs a small shop, but the windows are broken. Harriet is talking on her cell phone while Matt is looking the store window, pressing his hands against it.
Harriet
I don't know, Mom… I'm getting a little scared. I want to tell you about everything we've been through,
but I doubt you'd believe all of it…
We see Mom on the phone with Dad behind her.
Mom
Harriet… If you and Matty are really in so much danger… Please, just come home. I'm sure that if you're
still chasing after Winston, he can at least take care of himself… And maybe he'll come home on his
own eventually.
Harriet
No, Mom. We've come this far. We'll have Winston back soon. I promise. I'm sorry we're missing the
Solstice Festival.
Mom (looking out the window at the festivities)
We're getting the first snow flurry down here… Wish you were with us, Harriet. All three of you. We
could be sharing some hot chocolate, bundled up near the fire…
On Harriet's end, we just see her face up to her nose. A tear is rolling down her cheek.
Harriet
We'll… be home soon, Mom…
Mom
Take care of yourself, sweetie…
Harriet dries her eyes and closes the phone. She goes up to Matt.
Matt (still looking through the window)
They both sound so worried about us…
Harriet
We just have to beat Winston to the tower. No matter what, we'll bring him back. Kumatora can cast
hypnosis on him or something.
Matt
We both know that won't work… Winston is… he's at least as strong as we are now. And we don't even
know where the next tower is.
Harriet
… Hey, how about a change of clothes?
Matt
For once… That might not be a waste of time. This thing is heavy and dirty…
Harriet smiles, and then looks over at Kumatora and Sylvester.
Harriet
Hey, we're going to get some clothes, okay? Be right back.
Kumatora
Well, all right. Just make it fast.
The two go inside the shop.
Painter
Anyway… yeah, that kid and his robot friends beat me up and stole half my supply. And on the day
of the Solstice Festival, to boot!
Kumatora
And how'd they get away? You're a Painter. You probably could've stopped them.
Painter
Well, I tried, but they put up some sort of shield that blocked my spells, and then some sort of flying
object came down from the sky, picked them up, and flew away!
Kumatora
Did you see what direction they flew off in?
Painter
Well, yeah. Southwest of here.
Kumatora
Figured… Sorry about what happened, but thanks for the info.
Painter
Yeah… At least you two have been kind. Most take nicely to us Painters when we're not "safe and
sound" at our village. But, you know, there's so many that travel, they need resupplies wherever they
can get them.
Kumatora
Of course. Good luck with reopening your shop.
Kumatora and Sylvester step away.
Sylvester
So now what do we do? How do we get to this tower?
Kumatora
I don't know. It's the only one Lucas hasn't seen with his own eyes. And it's surrounded by a mountain
range.
Sylvester
And this tower… might resist ground? Am I getting that right?
Kumatora
Yeah, as crazy as that sounds. So it might actually float somehow.
Sylvester
So unless we can get one of these flying mechanisms, we may not even be able to get to it.
Kumatora
Unfortunately, yes…
Harriet and Matt come out of the store, each adorned in new clothing. The Gullible Guy has also come by with his cart.
Gullible Guy
Oh, hey you two! Happy Solstice Festival! Would you be interested in some wares you won't find anywhere else?
Matt (whispering)
I don't think he recognizes us…
Harriet
Seems like a good time to get some more stuff off the little bogart.
Matt
Do you have any monopods?
Guy
Fresh out, I'm afraid.
Harriet
What about a twirler?
Guy
Just sold the last one to someone who said they were in some contest or something.
Harriet
Oh well. I guess we don't need anything.
Guy
W-wait! I do have something you might be interested in.
He takes out a flash unit; the same Matt carries around.
Guy
Since you mentioned a monopod, I figured you might be photographers and could use this.
Matt
Wait a minute!
Matt pulls his unit out of his backpack.
Matt
I forgot all about this thing! I could never find the right batteries for it…
Guy
If it's batteries you need, I've got them all!
He opens up a cabinet full of batteries.
Matt
Let me guess. They're, hmm, fifteen coins.
Guy
Hey, good guess!
Matt
I need batteries for this thing. I've got to shoot a wedding tomorrow. I'll pay you back after I get paid.
Guy
A wedding is a very important day that can't be delayed, true! Here you are. I will give a few months to
pay me back. A year at most, perhaps.
Matt puts the batteries into the flash unit.
Harriet
We're getting really good at this.
Matt
I'm actually starting to feel a little sorry for the guy… Especially considering what day it is.
Kumatora and Sylvester come over.
Kumatora
Winston's got more paint and is heading to the last tower.
Harriet
How are we going to get there?
Kumatora
Wish I knew… (If only your people had something that could actually fly…)
Harriet
We'll just have to find out a way, then. Come on. No use staying here.
Harriet begins walking away and the others follow.
Kumatora
Harriet, you know… there really might be no way for us to get to the tower.
Harriet
Then we'll make one.
Kumatora
Look… Winston is going to beat us there anyway. Why don't we just wait for him to activate it, and then
wait for him back at Tazmily? He must be trying to get into the chamber, you know.
Harriet
No. If he takes in the PSI of the flame, he'll become too strong for us to take on. We're finding a way to
that tower, Kuma.
Kumatora
(She's so determined…) Fine, we'll go as far as we can, but don't get your hopes up…
The four stop and look out at the festival event out by the river (inner city river with barricades and a nearby bridge). Families are having fun.
Matt (sigh)
It's the Solstice Festival…
Harriet
We're supposed to be at home right now, with our family.
Kumatora
At least you're lucky enough to have a family, you two. Especially one that cares so much about you.
Sylvester
Quite. I never even got to know my parents.
Matt
I know, it's just…
Voices
Runaway bus! Look out!
Kumatora
Huh?
Everyone looks over. A group of people dodge out of the way as a driverless, passengerless, runaway bus comes charging at them. It crashes through a festival stand or two. Blue sparkles are covering it and absorbing themselves into it.
Matt
Harriet, blue sparkles!
Harriet
I see them.
Kumatora
Okay, so who is driving that thing?
The sparkles disappear, and the bus gets an angry face.
Harriet
No one is. It's alive.
Kumatora
Great…
Matt casts offense up as the bus comes there way. Everyone but Sylvester dodges it, with Sylvester leaping up onto the roof and bashing its windows in.
Kumatora
That guy is crazy…
Kumatora casts PK Freeze on the wheels, which slows the bus down but causes it to skid, while Matt fires off the flash right in the bus's eyes, blinding it and causing it to veer into a pole. Sylvester is tossed off, but lands on his feet. The bus goes into reverse, then spins around as it tries to hit the group.
Harriet
Why'd it have to be a bus of all things?
Harriet casts PK Songbird at the bus's side after it spins, breaking the rest of its windows and knocking it on its two side wheels for a moment. The bus hits the road again, trying to back up into the group, but Kumatora casts Thunder, which wreaks havoc and shoots electricity throughout the bus. While it's stunned, Sylvester comes over bashes the engine in. The bus sputters and dies.
Harriet
Ha! Nothing to it!
Sylvester
For something so large, it was felled rather easily…
Suddenly, the bus awakens, revs up, and gets up on its two back tires and roars like a beast.
Kumatora
Oh. Crap.
The bus prepares to slam down on them, when suddenly it is lifted into the air by an unseen force and twirled about. The group looks up to see the two aliens floating with the bus in between. Using their PSI, they crush the bus into nothing in midair, where it explodes into a small plume of fire. The aliens settle down near the group. Kumatora and Sylvester just stare.
Harriet
You… you two again!
Matt
Now what do you want?
Kumatora
Um, what are they?
Sylvester
More enemies, I assume…
Leader
We have been watching you, Harriet… You have become quite proficient with your PSI.
Harriet
Yeah? Enough to take on the two of you?
Partner
Such hostility… Have you no respect for us, when we have just saved your lives?
Leader
We are here to speak civilly.
Matt
You can speak all you want if you give us back Winston!
Leader
I'm afraid that we can't. We still require him for our task. That said… we have been growing concerned
about him. He seems to be responding less and less to our mind control.
Harriet
Good! Maybe he's fighting it!
Partner
A plausible theory, but one we could not test. If we release him of the control, we may lose him
completely…
Leader
Or… worse.
Harriet
Worse?
Leader
We have much to discuss, and I have a proposition for you.
Matt
Aren't you trying to kill us?
Leader
Only if you stand in our way. But we are not here to cause needless destruction to your planet.
Partner
If you agree to aid us, we may be able to teach you stronger PSI…
Matt and Harriet look at one another, and then back.
Harriet
What do you want us to do?
Leader
Let us discuss this in our ship, and before the large crowds of people that were here return. We'd prefer it if other humans took no notice of our presence…
Matt
What ship?
The partner takes out a device and pushes it. A blue tractor beam comes down, and then sucks the group up to the clouds.
Kumatora
H-hey! Where are you taking us?
Leader
Our ship is in stealth mode, directly above us.
Partner
You have our word that no harm will come to you.
Kumatora (to Sylvester)
These alien guys… They're talking to our minds… I'm not sure if I like that.
Sylvester
Their sense of vocabulary is quite strong, in the least.
Kumatora (sighing)
How did I know you'd be impressed…
A few last panels of the group going into the clouds above the city. Suddenly, they enter a docking bay, vast and empty. The bay doors close under them, and the beam deactivates so they drop to their feet.
Leader
Welcome to the Inquisitor. A rather humble ship, I might say.
Sylvester drops to his knees with a terrible headache.
Sylvester
Gah!
Kumatora
Hey! What's wrong with him?
Partner
Oh, our apologies. We forgot to mention that this ship runs on a vessel-wide liquid PSI system.
Leader
Yes… quite efficient with minimal needed material. Unfortunately, it casts the entire ship in a heavy
shroud of radioactive psychoactive effects…
Kumatora
The heck's that mean? Is his head going to explode or something?
Leader
Under extreme exposure, that is a possibility. Those not adept at PSI, of which none of our people are
cursed with, will feel ill effects…
Partner
However, the effects diminish greatly if a psychic shield is put around the subject, blocking the
radiation.
Harriet (to Matt)
Guess that means you.
Matt casts a blue shield around Sylvester. He stands up a panel later.
Sylvester
That is to much relief…
Matt
Guess I'll have to keep this thing active, huh…
Partner
Again, apologies.
Leader
Please accompany us to the bridge.
They follow the aliens into an elevator that begins taking them up while Matt maintains the shield and Sylvester rubs his forehead.
Harriet
Are you two… the only ones on this entire ship?
Leader
Yes, that is correct.
Kumatora
Who are you guys?
Leader
We are simple detectives. Out doing some investigation work in your small corner of the galaxy…
Matt
How far away is your home?
Leader
Far enough. It took roughly ten of our years to come out this far.
Partner
Our bodies can enter into a stasis, so time means little to us over such long distances.
Sylvester
And just what are you investigating?
Leader
We will get to that later.
The elevator stops, and they arrive at the bridge. The partner sits at a chair closer to the windows. The lead alien takes a seat at the central chair overlooking the forward part of the ship. He turns around in it, rubbing his hands together.
Leader
I will state our proposition outright.
Everyone just stares for a panel. A close up on the alien.
Leader
If you assist us in activating the final tower, we will return to you your sibling.
Meanwhile, back below, we see Starface on the street, looking up at the clouds. It then teleports away with a fizz effect.