Page 1
Setting: Jasmine's room. The gang watches the news together on a large TV. Some lady is shown speaking on the screen.
Forte: "You sure you wanna see this right before training?"
Chase: "Of course."
Iris:They're really supportive of my new acting career, huh?
News Reporter: "This is The News Channel bringing you the news. A week ago today an irregular was spotted in West Maple City during a military bot malfunction."
The news reporter points behind her at the scene where everything went down.
News Reporter: "Officers jumped to the scene and noticed the irregular holding a sword at a human."
Devlon: "What?! That didn't happen!"
The news displays the time when Iris held up her sword in order to explain her abilities to Wendy. As a reminder, Wendy was very impressed and wanted to know more.
News Reporter: "The officers say they feared the woman was in danger."
Wendy: "That's a load of crap!"
Page 2
News Reporter: "Witnesses say there was another that jumped in to accompany the smaller one. Here's the footage."
The news channel now displays Jasmine dashing in front of Iris (back when she tried to protect Iris).
Terry turns to Iris. He tries to gently guide her away from the TV, but Iris wants to see more. It's clear she doesn't understand what's going on.
Terry: "Hey, let's go get a snack or something."
Iris: "Now? After this, okay? I wanna see what happens next."
Terry: "Iris, it might trigger memories and, ya know…"
Iris:What memories?
SFX: BAM!
Close up on Iris's ear.
SFX: BAM!
Iris holds her side where she was shot. She looks as though she's in pain.
Iris: "Ngh!"
Reporter (off screen): "Two shots were fired. Here it is again close up. "
Page 3
Iris continues to stare at the TV, but she appears to be zoned out with her mouth open.
SFX: BAM
Iris: "I…was shot? By that man?"
*FLASHBACK*
Iris flashes back to the time right before the cop shot her and Jasmine. In the flashback, the cop is aiming a gun at her.
Cop: "I said drop your weapon!"
Iris holds out her empty hands towards the cop.
Iris: "There is no weapon. See?"
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Back to Iris, who appears to be having trouble processing everything.
Iris: "That man shot me? What did I do? I thought I… took a hit from a bot or something. Why would that man…"
Jasmine angrily turns to Wendy.
Jasmine: "Wait, you didn't tell her?"
Wendy: "What was I supposed to say?"
Jasmine: "I dunno, the truth?!"
Page 4
Iris begins to cry. Terry puts an arm around Iris, guiding her away. Chase joins them.
Terry: "C'mon Iris. We don't need to see this."
Jasmine gets in Wendy's face.
Wendy: "Everything was happening so fast, Jasmine."
Jasmine: "Is lying all humans are used to?"
Devlon: "Cool it, Jazz!"
Jasmine turns and angrily walks away and leans on the wall near the door.
Devlon: "Jasmine, calm down. She only did what she thought was best."
Jasmine: "No, Devlon. Miss me with that!"
Devlon walks closer to Wendy, offering words of encouragement.
Devlon: "You did your best, Wendy."
Wendy shakes her head and looks down.
Wendy: "No. Maybe she's right. Regardless of my intentions, a lie is a lie."
Page 5
Kei and Nana sit silently, not knowing how to react to Jasmine's expressions. Elliot continues to watch the screen.
Elliot:Why the heck would they broadcast this?
News Reporter: "As for how the law chose to handle the case of these two officers…"
Everyone continues to watch the screen. That is, everyone but Iris, whose face is buried in Chase's chest.
News Reporter: "With this group of irregulars on the scene of this attack, it's been ruled as self defense. They feared for the lives of others, as well as their own."
Page 6
Terry: "WHAT?!"
Nana starts to cry. Kei holds her as she buries her face in his side.
Nana: "Why would somebody hurt her? She's my friend." *Sob*
Wendy looks down again, shaking her head.
Wendy: "This just…isn't right. It isn't right!"
Jasmine rolls her eyes and makes her way out of the room.
Jasmine: "You really that surprised?"
Wendy: "..."
Devlon puts his hand on Wendy's shoulder.
Devlon: "I don't think you were in the wrong, Wendy. I think Jasmine just needs some time."
Wendy: "Maybe the truth would've been better? I just didn't want her to be shocked…like how she is right now."
Devlon: "Just give her time. She's very protective of her loves."
Wendy: "Wait…did this trigger her memories?"
Elliot turns away from the TV, now curious.
Elliot: "What memories?"
Close up on Wendy's widened eye.
Wendy: "When we were at the hospital, she told me…"
Page 7
*FLASHBACK*
This flashback displays Wendy sitting across from Jasmine back in the waiting area of the hospital. This was during the time when Devlon and Chase left to go to the vending machine. Jasmine's posture is laid back and care free, but she's obviously distressed, hiding her feelings behind a chill posture.
Wendy: "Your dad?"
Jasmine: "Yeah. There's some context, if you don't mind."
Wendy: "As long as you're good, I'm listening."
*FLASHBACK WITHIN A FLASHBACK*
This flashback portrays Jasmine in her younger years. For reference, Jasmine will be narrating her own flashback. Little Jasmine will represent the much younger Jasmine within the flashback.
The image of a smaller, cute Jasmine is displayed. She's sitting at a table in front of a birthday cake. The number 11 is on the cake. She wears two puff balls in her hair, one on each side. Behind her stands her father and mother. They hug each other in a lovey-dovey fashion while smiling at their daughter.
Jasmine:I was blessed to have a loving mother and father. Loved each other. Loved me. Rare sight, I know.
Dad: "Happy birthday, princess."
Little Jasmine: "It looks yummy! Thanks, mommy and daddy."
The next panel displays the two parents pushing Jasmine on a swing at the park.
Little Jasmine: "Look mommy. Daddy pushed me really high!"
Mom: "You're so high up, sweetie!"
Jasmine: Low income, but we were genuinely happy. That is, until…
Page 8
The next panel displays little Jasmine running towards her dad, but her mother is holding her back. Ahead of her is her father being held down by two cops.
Little Jasmine: "Daddy!"
Mom: "Jasmine, no!"
Dad: "Stay right there, baby. Daddy's fine!"
Jasmine: It hadsomething to do with being associated with an irregular or something. I didn't know the details.
The next panel shows little Jasmine sitting at a desk in school. Her surroundings are just other students in a classroom, nothing special.
Jasmine:That wasn't even the worst part. Though we were a happy family…
Little Jasmine looks towards the door as her teacher approaches her.
Teacher: "Jasmine. Can I see you out in the hall?"
Jasmine: We still stayed in a low-income area. So break-ins were pretty common. And without our household protector…
Little Jasmine's teacher kneels down to her level, eyes swelling with tears and sorrow.
Teacher: "I am so sorry."
Close up on Little Jasmine's face. Eyes full of hurt, tears running down her face.
Little Jasmine: "M...mommy? My mommy is…?"
The next panel displays Little Jasmine's father. He sits alone in a jail cell, watching the news on a small TV, which shows what happened to his wife.
Dad: "Honey…"
Jasmine: And my dad had to cope all alone, away from his loved ones.
Page 9
Jasmine:When he got out of jail a couple weeks later, he just wasn't the same. Missing the burial, group mournings, and missing the one he comes home to every night...took a toll on him.
The following flashback panel displays Jasmine's dad lying on his side on his bed. His knees are pulled up to his chest as he hugs a pillow, holding it up to his face. He tightly grips the wet pillow that's been soaked by his tears.
Dad:It smells like her…
With the end of Jasmine's flashback, we return to Wendy and Jasmine in the waiting room. As a reminder, this too is a flashback of Wendy's.
Wendy: "I'm so sorry, Jasmine. How did things go after you two unified? Did things improve for you and your dad at all? When was the last time you spoke to him?"
Jasmine: "I wouldn't say improve. You see, after that…"
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Back to the present in Site 7, Wendy's summary of her's and Jasmine's conversation is interrupted by Elliot. He quickly walks away, headed for the door.
Devlon: "Where ya going?"
Elliot: "I'll be back. I'mma go talk to her."
Wendy: "H-hold on!"
Page 10
Some time later, Elliot finds Jasmine in a large room. It's the same room that Wendy fought Devlon in when she wanted to prove herself.
Elliot: "Jazz?"
Elliot walks closer to Jasmine, who turns to face him. She still looks pissed, but tries to hide it. Elliot approaches carefully.
Elliot: "Um…" I'm here. Now what do I say? "Hey."
Jasmine: "Hey."
Elliot looks down, hands near his pockets.
Elliot: "So uh, Wendy. She kinda pissed you off, huh?" Obviously. El, you suck at this!
Jasmine: "Ugh. She means well. I know she does."
Elliot looks up at her, still compassionate, but hopeful.
Elliot: "Wait, so y'all good? Like…good good?"
Jasmine: "It's not that simple. It's everything that's been going on. I guess it just took me back."
Close up on Elliot's mouth. You can tell he looks sad.
Elliot: "I see. Does it…remind you of her? Your mom?"
Page 11
Jasmine looks sad, but also looking down and to the side to avoid eye contact.
Jasmine: "You heard about that, huh? Yeah. There was a break-in. She called for the authorities, but…"
Still looking away, she closes her eyes as she recalls the painful memories.
Jasmine: "Because my dad was just arrested for what they thought was related to irregulars, they didn't even send for medical help. She was still alive when they found her."
Jasmine: "But they kept away from her because they feared for their own safety. They watched my mother bleed out and die. All because they thought she was an irregular."
With a smirk on her face, Jasmine palms her forehead.
Elliot: "I'm sorry. I can't imagine what you and your dad had to go through. Or, what you two are still going through."
Jasmine: "Guess you didn't get the full story…"
Jasmine lets out a slow, shaky sigh.
Jasmine: "My dad's dead, too."
Page 12
Jasmine: "A broken heart is one thing. But being locked up and alone during such a terrible time; it did something to him."
*FLASHBACK*
Jasmine flashes back to her childhood again; a continuation of what she told Wendy. Jasmine will narrate the flashback, while Little Jasmine represents the younger Jasmine within the flashback.
The cute little Jasmine walks into a bedroom, holding a glass of milk in one hand and a plate with a stack of pancakes in the other.
Little Jasmine: "Daddy? I made you some breakfast."
Close up on half of little Jasmine's face, displaying one eye, wide open and full of tears.
Another close up of the floor, showing the glass and plate shatter against the floor.
Close up of Little Jasmine's chest. Her little hand tightly grips her chest.
Little Jasmine: "No…"
Close up of Little Jasmine's knees hitting the floor.
Little Jasmine: "No!"
Jasmine:Injuries suck, but they're much more noticeable. Mental illness, though? We don't usually see that battle…
Page 13
Jasmine: Until it's too late.
Full page image displaying Little Jasmine on her hands and knees. Around her is the shattered glass of milk and plate of pancakes. Devastated, she sobs with tears running down her face and saliva down her lip. In front of her is a thick, dark-skinned arm, lying lifeless next to an open bottle of pills.
Little Jasmine: "NOOOOO!!!! DAAAAADDYYYYYY! PLEASE! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE MEEEEE-EEEEE!"
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Page 14
Jasmine turns herself away from Elliot, head hung low and eyes closed.
Elliot: "Jazz, I…"
Elliot looks away for a moment, uncertain of what to do. Then he looks back at Jasmine, whose back is still turned.
Jasmine is taken by surprise as she's spun around by a hand pulling on her shoulder from behind.
Jasmine:Huh?!
Before she knows it, she's tightly wrapped in Elliot's embrace. Her eyes begin to fill with tears.
Jasmine: "What's the big idea?"
Before tears could fall, they begin to freeze at the bottom of her eyes.
Jasmine: "Tryin' to make me cry or something?"
Elliot: "Girl, yo heart rate is haywire. Quit tryin' to hold it in."
Jasmine manages to give a weak smile.
Jasmine: "Heh. Well aren't you a sweetheart."
Close up on Jasmine's cheek. A tear runs down.
Page 15
As the two hug it out, the sound of a door opens behind them.
They both turn around to see Wendy walking through the door. Nana's with her, holding her by the hand. Upon seeing Elliot and Jasmine hugging, she quickly tries to turn around, embarrassed for walking in on their "moment."
Wendy: "OH! Um, I didn't mean to-er, I'll come back."
Nana: "Huh? Why?"
Elliot and Jasmine have pulled their faces away, but their arms are still around each other. This scene would make anyone mistake their moment for romance.
Elliot: "Uh…"
Elliot steps away and Jasmine wipes her tears.
Elliot: "No no! Come on. Just having a talk. It's not what it looks like."
Jasmine: "It's not?"
Elliot: "Well, ya know. We were having an emotional moment, but it kinda looked like a romantic scene. Hehehe."
Jasmine: "...can't it be both?"
Page 16
Nana pulls Wendy by the arm towards Jasmine.
Nana: "C'mon. She's right there."
Wendy looks down at the side in the corner of her eyes. Jasmine looks awkward while Nana stands in between them.
Wendy: "Hey um…so…Jasmine, I-"
Jasmine: "You did what you thought was best at that moment."
Nana raises her eyebrows, waiting for more.
Nana: "That's it?"
The cute little girl tugs at Jasmine's arm with both hands.
Nana: "Jasmine. You guys are a team. You gotta patch things up like friends are supposed to. That's how the good guys win!"
Jasmine: "Um…"
Nana: "Don't be mad at each other. You two are the girl super heroes who saved Iris from bad guys!"
Jasmine freezes for a moment as Nana's words simmer in her mind.
Jasmine:She thinks they're the bad guys…and not us? Heh. What a sweetheart.
Page 17
While Nana stands in between the two young ladies, she grabs both of their hands and brings them together, making them hold hands.
Nana: "There! Friends don't stay mad."
Jasmine: "This was literally like 15 minutes ago, but okay."
Wendy: "This is kinda awkward now. Can we…?"
Jasmine: "Way ahead of you."
Jasmine pulls a Subzero move: She pulls away from Wendy. But, there's an ice clone still holding Wendy's hand. Wendy's looking at her hand like "wtf."
Jasmine: "There we go."
Wendy: "Wha! Jasmine! Get this off of me!"
Elliot walks with Jasmine, leaving Wendy in the background as she uses her foot to try to break away from the ice sculpture. Nana just stares at Wendy with curiosity.
Elliot: "Hey, so you good?"
Jasmine: "I will be."
Wendy (in the background): "Get it off! Are you ignoring me?!"
As Jasmine and Elliot walk even further away, Wendy continues to struggle in the background.
Wendy: "Hate you both!"
Nana: "That's not nice!"
Page 18
Now that they're alone, Elliot holds up a fist.
Elliot: "And if someone comes at you in any kind of way, I'll set em straight like I did Wendy's old boss."
Jasmine: "Hm…Elliot…"
Jasmine places a hand on Elliot's shoulder. She looks into his eyes with a serious look.
Jasmine: "I like you. You're funny. Loyal. And you're freakin' gorgeous."
Elliot:Woah. She's pretty forward.
Jasmine: "And…"
Elliot: "And?" Go on.
Jasmine: "Not too bright at times."
Elliot: "Huh?" MAN she's blunt!
Jasmine shakes her head.
Jasmine: "Truth is I don't know you that well. I'd like to change that. Can't happen if you're locked up for hitting a human." Or worse.
Elliot: "...oh." Oops.
Jasmine: "Try not to be so impulsive. You'll live longer that way. That's personal training lesson #1."
Off screen voice: "You'll have plenty of time to get to know each other in battle."
They turn to see Forte standing in the doorway. In the background, Wendy has finally broken free.
Forte: "Since she will be your first opponent for the Assessment Game Trials."
Wendy: "Trials?" He didn't notice me struggling, either!
Page 19
Forte: "I was hoping things could get patched up sooner than later because we're starting a trial of our own."
Wendy: "Why so soon? Shouldn't we have some time to prepare for the trial version?"
Forte: "Yes. But considering recent events, I may have to send Devlon back into town soon. I'd like to have everyone's skills evaluated before he leaves."
Forte: "No worries though; the actual Assessment Games won't change. I have no control over that schedule. So, when you all are ready, head back so we can get you set up."
Jasmine confidently walks past Wendy and Forte. Elliot follows behind.
Jasmine: "Opponent, huh? This should be fun."
Elliot:This isn't the traditional way of getting to know a girl…
Forte looks over at Wendy, who hasn't moved yet. She looks uneasy.
Forte: "You coming?"
Wendy: "Yeah. Um, Forte…"
Page 20
Wendy thinks back to the time when she entered the city with Chase and Iris. Back when she saw the sign that stated "we only serve people."
Wendy:Humans are so sheltered and ignorant about these people.
She then flashes back to the hospital scene when Jasmine, Devlon, and Chase were told that they couldn't see Iris.
Wendy:While they suffer in silence...
Finally, she thinks about Little Jasmine crying over her late father.
Wendy:...about all their experiences.
Wendy shuts her eyes and balls up a fist.
Wendy: " I…"
Wendy opens her eyes with sharp determination in her face.
Wendy: "I want to stay! And lend my strength wherever I can!"
Page 21
Forte raises a brow and tilts his head.
Forte: "You already accepted my offer a while back. You remember that, right?"
Wendy: "I know. But what I mean is more long term. The life of an irregular… it shouldn't be this way."
Forte: "I see. And you want to make a change?"
Wendy: "I don't know if I can, but…to know what's going on and just ignore it is something I can't do!"
Forte: "I'm glad you feel that way, Wendy."
Wendy: "Oh, also…"
Close up on Wendy's hands pulling out her wallet.
Wendy: "Since Site 7 focuses on Irregulars, I was wondering…"
Wendy slides out a picture.
Wendy: "Maybe when we have some down time after training and the next mission…"
Page 22
Wendy holds up the picture that's usually hanging on her car mirror. The picture of her and a young man taking a picture together. They're both smiling cheerfully, the young man making bunny ears behind Wendy's head. The same picture she's been carrying around since chapter 1.
Wendy: "I was wondering if you could share any additional information on my old partner. An irregular named Ray."