Page 23
Despite the daylight hours, the woods have darkness about it, almost as if it is cursed. Reggie walks along the path in the woods and appears extremely cautious. Dylan Creature creeps alongside her and appears equally cautious. Reggie glances at her watch. Two hours has already passed. She appears concerned and looks to her opal ring. The color remains white.
REGGIE
I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.
Dylan Creature lets out a soft wail in response. Reggie again looks to her ring. The color changes to black. Reggie stops on the path and quickly looks around.
REGGIE
There's something out there.
Dylan Creature uses his tail to push her closer to a tree, as if indicating for her to remain there. He then leaps onto another tree, scales it, and leaps from tree to tree. Reggie watches a moment in silence. A few moments pass. Dylan Creature suddenly wails loudly, as if he's in trouble. Reggie appears alarmed. She looks around a moment, wanders off of the path, and creeps through the woods. We hear faint chatter. Reggie pauses near one of the larger trees and looks around. Dylan Creature can be heard wailing his warning. Reggie looks up. We see Dylan Creature clawing at a large net, which contains him. Reggie looks around. The chatter stops. Some sort of creature is hiding nearby. Reggie curses softly to herself. She quickly darts for the safety of another large tree. We see the rope tied securely around a tree only a few feet from where she hides. Reggie carefully scans the area then darts for the tree with the rope holding the net.
Several creatures suddenly leap out of hiding and surround her. The creatures are only five feet tall and resemble two legged geckos. Reggie appears startled and lets out a slight cry. She looks around to the six creatures, which now surround her. They chatter, bare blunt teeth, and hold large sticks. Reggie begins a series of kicks as the creatures approach. The creatures are swiftly knocked backwards and roll across the forest floor. She has four of the six down when several more appear. Four of them tackle her to the ground while snarling. Reggie punches and kicks from her position on the ground. The creatures are swiftly thrown from her but more appear and leap on top of her. She's finally overpowered.
Later. We see Reggie within a crude cage. Her wrists and ankles are tied with the strange ropes. She struggles to free her wrists behind her. Dylan Creature continues to wail from his position in the netting suspended from the tree. The gecko creatures chatter excitedly while building a bonfire. There are at least twenty creatures surrounding the camp now. A couple of creatures play crude instruments in musical rhythm, while others appear to be singing and dancing around the bonfire. Reggie continues to fight her ropes and looks back to Dylan Creature, who has fallen silent. Dylan Creature is now chewing on the rope netting. Reggie appears slightly surprised then smiles. A large, black hawk lands on a branch near Reggie and startles her. The hawk whimsically transforms into Raven. He casually sits on the branch with his back against the tree and observes her. Reggie appears even more surprised then relieved.
RAVEN
Not off to a very good start.
REGGIE
You noticed?
(pause)
I'm working on correcting the problem. I don't suppose you'd be willing to--
Reggie nods to the ropes that bind her. Raven offers a slightly humored smile.
RAVEN
That would be cheating.
REGGIE
Koon's rules specifically stated there were no rules, therefore, it's not cheating if you untie me.
RAVEN
You'll try anything, won't you?
Reggie continues to struggle against the ropes that bind her wrists behind her back then glares at Raven.
REGGIE
Yes, so save me some time and tell me what will work on you.
RAVEN
Where would the fun be in that?
REGGIE
We'll have fun later.
Reggie stops struggling and glares at him.
REGGIE
You know, you're not much of a gentleman.
RAVEN
I'm not mortal. I'm not any kind of man.
Reggie snorts a laugh and again fights her ropes.
REGGIE
That's a shame.
