Edge Guard: The Were Archipelago

Part I: The Distance to Here

(Page 1, panel 1. Edge Guard headquarters. Throban and Raphiel are sparring on one side, while Tigra and Lenexia are sparring on the other. Nearby, Sheila is going through a workout.)

Caption (N): The edge guard must always be on their toes. Thus they practice and spar daily when they're not off on some adventure.

Tigra: What say we make this a little more interesting?

(Panel 2. Lenexia takes Tigra down. She gives him an elbow in the stomach while trying to knock him down with a foot sweep. Tigra manages to avoid the foot sweep by jumping up, but cannot avoid the elbow.)

Lenexia: All right.

SFX: POW!

(Panel 3. Onoli enters as we see Tigra on his back.)

Onoli: Guys, I've got big news.

Lenexia:�What is it, Onoli?

(Panel 4. Onoli approaches the others as Tigra stands up.)

Onoli: There have been tales of a were-archipelago that lies in the unexplored east. We're setting sail from Naga as soon as we get there. The rulers have asked us to establish diplomatic relations with them.

Throban: Naga?

(Panel 5. The others look with worry at Onoli.)

Sheila: Erm... doesn't that mean we'll pass through the sea of dragons?

Onoli: Supposedly there is some magical way they're going to protect our ship. But we've got to leave for there as soon as possible.

(Panel 6. Tigra smirks as Sheila and Lenexia give him the evil eye.)

Tigra: A chain of islands with a bunch of were-creatures? Sounds interesting...

Sheila: The only thing you're interested in is adding more notches to your belt.

(Page 2, panel 1. Onoli looks at Tigra. Tigra stops smirking and Sheila and Lenexia return to normal.)

Onoli: She's got a point there. We're going there to establish relations with them, not further your libido.

Tigra: Fine. I promise, no flirting with the ladies... (unless they're really into me, of course.)

Sheila: *SIGH*...

(Panel 2. Later on, our heroes are walking down a forest trail. They all have backpacks on their backs.)

Caption (N): Later on, our heroes head for the docks of Naga...

Raphiel: Do you think we'll run into any other were-cheetahs?

Onoli: Anything's possible at this point, Raphiel.

(Panel 3.)

Lenexia: Chances are that we'll run into every type of were-species there ever was. You may not be alone after all, Raphiel.

Raphiel: I hope so.

(Panel 4. The docks of Naga. we see the Edge Guard there, walking down the street next to the shore. There are some ships in the harbor.)

Caption (N): Later on, our heroes have had an uneventful trip to the docks of Naga.

Onoli: Now, we're supposed to look for a mage named Khepera.

Voice (from off panel): Khepera you say?

(Panel 5. Standing opposite the Edge guard is a middle-aged sailor, attired in a shirt, pants, and boots. His hair is graying and he sports a moustache and beard.)

Sailor:�Touched by the dark God he is. Look for him you should stop.

Onoli: We've been sent to investigate his stories about an archipelago of were-creatures.

(Panel 6. They continue to talk, but the sailor points to a tavern.)

Sailor: Telling tall tales he is. Saying he's been to some islands that have were-creatures on them he has. In yon tavern will you find him.

Onoli: Thanks.

(Page 3, panel 1. Inside the tavern, we see several people around. There are about 5 serving wenches in dresses delivering up various potables to the customers. The customers are mostly sailors having returned from the sea.)

Lenexia: Drunken sailors... keep on guard, Sheila.

Sheila: They wouldn't try if they knew what was good for them.

(Panel 2. Focus on Lenexia's face.)

Lenexia: That's one of the troubles with alcohol - a little too much and you won't know better.

(Panel 3. The Edge Guard splits up and goes in separate directions. Follow Sheila up to the bar.)

Bartender: Hey kid - we don't serve minors here.

Sheila: I'm looking for a man named Khepera.

(Panel 4. A stinking drunk sailor grabs onto Sheila. She is not amused by this.)

Sailor: H-hey babe, why don't yoush try s-shomthing better like me?

Sheila: Hey!

(Panel 5. With one move, Sheila takes the sailor and throws him to the floor.)

SFX: WHAM!

Sheila: Pervert!

(Panel 6. Several people uneasily stare at Sheila.)

Sheila: Now will you tell me where this Khepera is?

(Panel 7. Onoli comes over to her. Onoli looks angry.)

Onoli: Sheila...

Sheila: He tried to cop a feel on me. Onoli.

(Panel 8. Throban comes over to them.)

Throban: Tigra's found Khepera. Come on.

(Page 4, panel 1. The Edge Guard sit at a table with an older male. He has several scars and bandages on his face, arms, and legs. He is attired in a dark outfit.)

Khepera (man): So you want to go to the were-archipelago, do ye?

Onoli: The rulers have decreed that we need you to take us there. We are prepared to pay the price you demand.

(Panel 2. Khepera thinks for a bit.)

Khepera: Lad, I was nearly torn to pieces coming home from the were-archipelago. You can't just teleport there, you've got to go through the sea of dragons. They don't take kindly to other species invading their home waters.

Onoli: If there is a way, we must find it. Getting there is no problem.

(Panel 3.)

Khepera: I will need to heal first. In my younger days, I would have used a healing spell... but this old body of mine doesn't respond to them anymore. I'll need t'rest overnight here.

Onoli: You can't heal yourself by magic?

(Panel 4.)

Khepera: Not with the magic we commonly use around Jade... I've taken quite a number of licks around in my travels. But I'll go with ye - I want to return to the were-isles. However, I know of only one captain who's willing to take his boat on such a perilous journey.

(Panel 5. Outside, we see Khepera leading the Edge Guard to a ship. It looks like a clipper ship with sails and masts.)

Caption (N): And so...

Khepera: This is it, the Jongleur... named for Jade's god of madrigal singing. The crew is a bit superstitions; they always sing the same song just before shoving off. They rescued me near the sea of dragons.

(Panel 6. Onoli is shaking hands with the captain.)

Captain: The lads will have the ship ready in the morning.

Onoli: Great. We'll see you in the morning then.

(Page 4, panel 1. The sailors are preparing the sails to set sail. In the middle, Khepera is reciting a mystical incantation.)

Sailor (sings): We hove our ships to With a wind from the Southport

We hove our ships to, deep soundings to take

We've 45 fathoms to the white sandy bottom

So we squared our mainyard and up channel did make

Khepera: May you accept this humble offering of elections arranged to form words.

(Panel 2. The sailors continue to work while Khepera continues the incantation.)

Sailors (singing): We'll rant and we'll roar like true Naga sailors

We'll rant and we'll roar all along the salt sea

Until we strike soundings for the channel of old Naga

From Temul to Dim Dale be 65 lengths

Khepera: The blessings of the Divine be upon you.

(Panel 3. The sailors continue to sing as Khepera finishes his incantation.)

Sailor (singing): Now the signal was made for the grand fleet to anchor

All on the downs, that night for to lie

Haul up your shank-planter, stand to your clew-garnet

Cut loose your cat-stoppers, let tack and sheets fly

Khepera: Divine One, protect us on our journey.

(Panel 4. We see the Edge Guard behind Khepera.)

Khepera: The incantation is done. We should be safe for a while.

Onoli (to off panel): Cast off when ready, captain!

(Panel 5. The sailors raise the gangplank and the anchor.)

Captain: Ye heard t'lad! Let's get going!

(Panel 6. Later on, our heroes are on the deck and on the lookout for trouble.)

Caption (N): Later on...

Khepera: Be careful lads... we've entered the realm of the sea dragons. I'd better go get the cask.

(Panel 7. Khepera exits.)

Sheila: Cask?

Lenexia: Your guess is as good as mine, Sheila.

(Panel 8. The sea starts churning slightly in front of them.)

Sheila: Guys, I don't like the looks of this...

(Page 5, panel 1. Suddenly a large female sea dragon rises out of the sea and stares menacingly at our heroes.)

Balthama: (dragon): Who dares enter the realm of Balthama the petulant?

Throban: Houston, we have a problem here...

(Panel 2. Khepera enters, carrying one of the large wooden barrels from below.)

Khepera: I thought we'd need this sooner or later...

Balthama: Well? I'm waiting!!

(Panel 3. Onoli goes to the bow of the ship. He looks pretty nervous.)

Onoli: Uh... Hi. My name's Onoli. We don't want to fight you.

(Panel 4. Khepera gets next to Onoli.)

Khepera: Great dragon, we need passage through your territory. In return, we will give you this cask filled with delicious croaker.

Balthama: Tempting me with food? Hey, a girl's got to keep her dragonish figure, you know.

(Panel 5. Lenexia approaches the other two.)

Lenexia: Nice going, guys. you got her even madder than before.

Balthama: So are you ready to die?

(Panel 6. Lenexia pushes Onoli and Khepera aside.)

Lenexia: Look girlfriend, we're sorry we strayed into your home waters. See, these guys are trying to get to the were archipelago, and your place just happened to be along the way.

Balthama: Well...

(Page 6, panel 1. A considerable time later, Lenexia, Sheila, and Balthama are still talking. Nearby, Onoli and Khepera are sleeping on the deck back to back.)

Caption (N): Several hours later...

Sheila: Tell me about it. It's like there's something on the y chromosome that makes guys just totally clueless.

Balthama: Yea, my Yonthano just doesn't get it most of the time. He's all "We should kill anything that comes into our territory." It's like come on, you're wasting time offing every little thing. What about my needs?

(Panel 2. Balthama turns away from Sheila and Lenexia.)

Voice (from below the water): Balthama! Where's my dinner!?

Balthama:�Keep your scales on! I'm coming!

(Panel 3. Balthama looks back at Lenexia and Sheila.)

Balthama: Well, gotta go. "He who must be obeyed" calls. But thanks for some of the household tips.

Lenexia: Hey, anytime.

(Panel 4. Balthama dives under the water again, causing a splash. This splashes onto Khepera and Onoli, waking them up.)

SFX: SPLASH!

Onoli: Ah!

(Panel 5. Onoli and Khepera stand up.)

Lenexia: We can go now.

Khepera: How did you do that?

Sheila: It's a girl thing. You'd never understand.

(Panel 6. Sheila and Lenexia look around.)

Sheila: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!

(Page 7, panel 1. Later on, they are over a white sea.)

Caption (N): Later...

Khepera: We've entered the bay of leeches.

Sheila: Leeches?

(Panel 2. Khepera gestures out to the sea.)

Khepera: The white of the sea is due to the vast number of white leeches in it. A person that falls in there would be drained dry in no time at all.

Sheila: Eugh.

(Panel 3. Khepera stops gesturing at the sea.)

Khepera: Normally, these leeches would be jumping out of the sea onto the boat. But we're magically invisible to them.

Onoli: Interesting... giant jumping leeches?

(Panel 4. A leech turns into a were-leech hybrid, and jumps onto the boat.)

Were-leech: Your magic is failing, old man... we can see you now.

(Panel 5. The Were-leech advances on our heroes.)

Were-leech: Come on up, guys... we've got some nice meals to snack on here. It's not often we get were-cats, you know.

(Panel 6. About 20 or so were-leeches are now standing on the ship, and in anamorphic form. They all smile an evil smile at our heroes.)

Lenexia: I hate to say this guys, but this really sucks!!

-End Part I-

Part II: Slugs & Splits

(Page 1, panel 1. The Edge Guard draw their weapons as the sailors scramble for places to hide.)

Were-leech: Mmm... it's been ages since we've had were-cats to feast upon.

Tigra: I prefer having all of my blood, thank you.

(Panel 2. The were-leeches attack, out for blood. The edge Guard defends themselves with their weapons.)

Were-Leech: Take your deaths like were-cats!

Onoli: We will - when the time comes for us to die!

(Panel 3. Lenexia waves the sword of melodies around, causing a pleasant sound to form. This affects the were-leech she is fighting.)

Were-leech: What is that sound?

Lenexia: The sound of your defeat.

(Panel 4. The were leech is smiling as Lenexia advances on it.)

Were-leech: A soothing melody...

Lenexia: Which will bring you great problems.

(Panel 5. Lenexia kicks the were-leech in the jaw, sending it down.)

SFX: POW!

(Panel 6. Throban strikes another were-leech with his earth flail.)

SFX: WHACK!!

(Page 2, Panel 1. Sheila rams her shoulder into another were-leech, sending it overboard.)

SFX: WHAM!!

(Panel 2. Tigra smacks another were-leech with the fire claw, knocking it into another were-leech.)

Tigra: You might as well give up. All of us are battle-hardened warriors trained to be the top fighters

(Panel 3. Khepera unleashes a magic missile at one of the were-leeches, knocking it into the mast.)

Khepera: Yl'digh guguvant sleleu3wnt skjdjrnt s2qkjjnvg .

(Panel 4. Onoli slashes one of the were-leeches in the shoulder.)

Onoli: Retreat now or we will show you no mercy!

(Panel 5. The rest of the were-leeches fall back into the water.)

Were-leech: We'll be back - count on it!

(Panel 6. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.)

Khepera: Those were-leeches are more powerful than when I last met them. I need to hone that spell some more before we return.

(Page 3, panel 1. They arrive at the were archipelago. This is a group of about 300 islands within viewing distance of each other. They see a dock on one of the islands.)

Caption (N): Much later...

Khepera: There it is, lads... the were archipelago. That dock is the home of the were-slugs.

Onoli: That's where we'll go first.

(Panel 2. The ship arrives at the dock, and the ship docks there. We see it from the dock perspective, and several were-slugs, in human form, are pulling on the ropes attached to the ship.)

Were-slug #1: I thought we weren't expecting a ship back until Thursday.

Were-slug #2: Shut up and pull!

(Panel 3. The Edge guard is standing on the docks, talking to some of the were-slugs.)

Onoli: Hi. We're the Edge Guard, and we're here to establish relations with everyone on the were archipelago.

Were-slug #1: Edge Guard? What edge do you guard?

(Panel 4. Onoli looks nervous.)

Onoli: Well, we've traveled across the sea to be here.

(Panel 5. Another were-slug enters, an older male. He is in a cap, overcoat, pants, and boots.)

Were-slug #3: By the creators... is that what I think it is?

Onoli: You think what is what?

(Panel 6. The older were-slug approaches Onoli.)

Were-slug #3: You... you wear the gem of leadership... that is something that they said the grand messenger would do...

Onoli: Grand messenger?

(Page 4, panel 1. The were-slug shakes Onoli's hand.)

Were-slug #3: The grand messenger is the one sent by the creators. Come, our leaders will want to meet you.

(Panel 2. The Edge Guard is standing in the middle of a modest looking meeting room. There are several seats in the place.)

Caption (N): A short walk later...

Voice (from off panel): Welcome, great messenger.

(Panel 3. The leader of the were-slugs enters. He is an older man attired in a white robe. He also has an orange jewel on a necklace on his chest, which looks similar to Rain. The Edge Guard are shocked at what they see.)

Leader: My name is Balushe. I am leader of the were-slugs.

Onoli: That jewel - it's like Rain!

(Panel 4. The leader approaches Onoli.)

Leader: Ah, so you too wear a keystone gem as well? Lain here has served the were-slugs very well over the centuries.

Onoli: Lain?

(Panel 5. The leader smiles.)

Leader: Lain is the key to the ziggurat on the ziggurat island. It is the gem of intuition. Yours appears to be the gem of leadership, is it not?

Onoli: Well... I think so.

(Panel 6. The leader smiles at the Edge Guard who seem relieved.)

Leader: Yes, you are the one of prophecy. Come, we will celebrate with a feast tonight!

(Page 5, panel 1. In the same meeting house, the Edge Guard is sitting around a table with several of the were-slugs. The Leader is next to Onoli. On the tables is a lavish setting of various foods from the were-archipelago. Many of these are seafood.)

Caption (N): At dinnertime...

Onoli: This is a great feast you have put before us.

Balushe: For the grand messenger, no feast is too small. Please, dig in, you must be starved.

(Panel 2. Everyone starts eating.)

Sheila: This is pretty good.

Tigra: Say, could someone pass me the salt?

(Panel 3. The were-slugs stare daggers at Tigra.)

Throban: Way to go, Tigra.

Raphiel: Don't you realize that salt to a were-slug is like silver to us?

Tigra: Erm...

(Panel 4. Onoli tries to salvage the situation.)

Onoli: Tigra was just joking, right?

Tigra: Erm... right.

Sheila: So tell me, how exactly did the were-slugs come to be? A slug isn't something that sounds helpful in a battle.

Balushe: That is a long story, young one...

(Panel 5. Flashback to see Iceron standing opposite a man on his hands and knees. The man looks very hurt, with several scratches on him.)

Caption (N): Iceron had garnered many enemies throughout his life. He created all the were-races.

(Panel 6. Iceron is with the same man, now in his lab.)

Caption (N):�Some of his enemies, however, he thought that death would be too good for them. Some of them he could not kill out right. So he created a living hell for them.

(Panel 7. Iceron casts a spell on the man.)

Caption (N): He combined them with some of the lowest forms of life he could find. Many of the original were-slugs were mages he defeated but could not kill.

(Panel 8. Go back to the dining hall.)

Balushe:�Some of us escaped here to Jade and settled down here. The were-cockroaches weren't as lucky, however.

(Page 6, panel 1. Sheila looks interested in this.)

Sheila:�So every were-slug was descended from a great mage that Iceron defeated?

Balushe: Not all of them. Some were slaves that revolted or displeased him too much.

(Panel 2. The Balushe continues to talk.)

Balushe: Shortly after Iceron's third demise, our forefathers gathered up several of the were animals and invited them to live on Jade. They got pretty much all the were creatures available at the time - except for the were-cockroaches.

Raphiel: So there may be other were-cheetahs in the islands?

(Panel 3. The leader smiles.)

Balushe: Oh yes - they're on another island about 4 islands over. Our forefathers were tired of fighting and wars, so they magically concealed this place. they prophesied that we would remain hidden until the great messenger came to invite us to be with the rest of Jade. We haven't really felt any need to keep in touch with the rest of Jade or see what's going on earth. Our lives have been hard but enjoyable here.

(Panel 4. Sheila looks at Raphiel.)

Sheila:�Wow... so you and Britanny aren't the only were-cheetahs left.

Raphiel: It will be good to meet some of my own race and find out more about my culture.

(Panel 5. Show Throban looking at Balushe.)

Throban: So how many were-races are there here?

Balushe: Well, there's us, there's the were-cats, the were-bears, the were-crocodiles, the werewolves, the were-rats, and the were-birds.

Sheila: Were-birds?

(Panel 6. Balushe looks over at Sheila.)

Balushe: Oh yes... the were-eagles, the were-hawks, and the were-kites. They're the furthest away from here.

(Page 7, panel 1. The next morning, the Edge guard is standing on the docks again.)

Caption (N): The next morning...

Onoli: I think it would be best if we split up to cover more ground more quickly. Each of us will take two of the species on. Balushe has shown us a map of the islands, and thus the assignments are as follows:

(Panel 2.)

Onoli: I will handle the were-lions and were-bears. Throban, you handle the were-pumas and the were-crocodiles. Sheila, take the were-jaguars and the were-eagles. Raphiel, take the were-cheetahs and the were-rats. Khepera will take the werewolves and the were-hawks. Lenexia, you visit the were-lynxes and the were-kites.

(Panel 3.)

Onoli: I have arranged for you to travel to your islands. Good luck, everyone.

Raphiel: Onoli, might I have a word with you?

(Panel 4. Aside, Onoli and Raphiel.)

Raphiel: Are you sure it's a good idea for me to see the were-rats?

Onoli: Balushe said that the were-rats and were-cheetahs live on the same island. It's the largest of the were-archipelago islands.

(Panel 5. Raphiel looks confused.)

Raphiel: The were-rats and were-cheetahs live together?

Onoli: Apparently, they've never heard of the war that the were-rats and were-cheetahs had on earth. Whatever you do, don't tell them about that.

(Panel 6. Raphiel smiles slightly.)

Raphiel: I won't, Onoli. But it will be nice to see some of my own kind.

-End Part II-