#comicdraft

‎9/‎5/‎2014                                                                                      

Aaron McCoy 

Beast Souls

(Scene: California redwood forest, an advanced style tree house centered at the top of the middle one in the shot. Blaze; a fiery haired shaggy young man with a half hoodie, "fireball" necklace, and swim trunks with flame print. Sits beside a huge Fu dog style statuesque figure made of fire with glowing green eyes "Ember". They're leaning against the tree looking over a sheet in Blazes hand)

Blaze: "Man, look at this sad list!"

Ember: "Sad?"

Blaze: "Yeah! None of these bounties are over $500!?"

Ember: "Isn't their bounty directly related to their class and skill?"

Blaze: "Yes? What's your point?"

Ember: "My point IS; are you really MAD there aren't MORE dangerous people in the area?"

Blaze: "Not EXACTLY, it's just, we got bills to pay! Plus we need to eat! On top of that class ones are boring now, they're not even challenging anymore. We'll never get stronger at this rate."

Ember: "Hmmm...I guess you have a point. That IS the amateur list though. It’s not like we're proud souls."

Blaze: "AH! Proud Souls. Now THAT's the life! Hunting hardcore baddies for big pay and privileges."

Ember: "Seeing as its invite only guess we'll stick with the small fry for now"

Blaze (annoyed face): "I guess so. Hmm. How about this guy? Bounties $500, highest on the sheet, says has been mugging young rich ladies in the market."

Ember: "What despicable behavior! We should teach him better manners!"

Blaze (serious face): Yes.....yes we should."

(Scene point: Last shot in scene is bounty page with picture of a man’s face and the names Fig and Twig at the top with a bounty of $500)

(End scene 1)

(Scene: Blaze narrates a flashback accompanied with coinciding pictures of the places mentioned, him running away from a house, under a tree, etc.)

Blaze (narrating): "I've been living day by day this way since the very beginning. The day I first met Ember, my very own beast soul.

I had ran away from a bad home in the middle of winter before a terrible snowstorm. Guess that wasn't the brightest idea.

I finally found shelter inside a huge hole in a tree. Only problem was the hole was so big that snow was blowing in making it almost impossible to start a fire. Notice I said almost? I had found rocks to serve as flint, but were getting wet from the snow, and I was getting colder."

Child Blaze: "COME ON! Light already! If you don't light....ILL DIE!"

(Scene: as child Blaze slams the two pieces of flint together in one last ditch effort they explode into sparks and the small explosion becomes a puppy made of fire)

Child Blaze: "WOAH!? What.....ARE you!?"

Blaze (narrating): "I was in complete shock. The puppy seemed to be made of fire but it didn't burn me when I got near it or touched it. It kept me warm. I thought at first I was hallucinating until..."

Ember (puppy): "I'm.....Ember."

Child Blaze: “HEY! I hear you in my head!?"

Ember (puppy): "Yes, I'm here because of you! I'm here to help you survive."

Blaze (narrating): "I didn't understand then completely what I had done. It was only when I made it to the city and a man named Argyl appeared before me with a certain letter that I truly understood."

(Scene: Now in a big city back alley with child blaze and a man in a black/blue suit with open lapel and lacey undershirt tucked back collars and red shoes, strong dark hair and eyes (hair of below shoulder length) Argyl )

Argyl: "You unlocked your potential and summoned your Beast Soul"

Child Blaze: “Beast...Soul?"

Argyl: "Yes, An amazing creature summoned forth to exist by using a sliver of your soul! It's part of you!"

Child Blaze: "Wow! COOL! But......how did I do it?"

Argyl: "None know for sure WHY some have this strange ability, BUT what IS known is that it's been around for a VERY long time, and only extreme circumstances, instincts, and large releases of adrenaline can cause a potential soul to fracture."

Child Blaze: "Wait.....so you're saying I summoned it because I thought I’d die from the cold!?"

Argyl: "In your case, yes, it would appear that way. As a result Ember is made of pure heat. Many of these beast souls have powers; How you use them is up to you, however, you should read this letter very carefully first."

(Scene: Argyl stops pacing and hands Blaze a letter, blaze looks down at the letter)

Child Blaze: "Okay, but I still don't get why....."

(Scene: Blaze looks up to notice that Argyl has already disappeared)

Child Blaze: "HEY! Where'd he go.....? Hmmm..."

(Scene: Blaze looks down at the letter again then opens it carefully, its contents now fully displayed. The letter reads as follows; "Dear Blaze, Congratulations on your recent awakening and welcome to the world of Beast Souls! We are The Society of Myth, a government of sorts for Users like yourself. Do what you will with your newfound powers; but know this, we WILL be watching. If you commit evil deeds or disrupt the world in any way we WILL find you. You have been warned. Sincerely, Mr. Koji P.S. This is your ONLY warning!" after this blaze continues to narrate with pictures of him through the years hunting, cooking, and finally some shots of him handing over Rouges to Argyl)

Blaze (narrating): "Naturally as a young boy the letter had terrified me. I definitely DIDN'T want the Society after me. I ended up using my powers mostly just for hunting and cooking.

Eventually, once I was old enough, I was informed of the Amateur List and Bounties (a list of low level trouble makers other users can catch for money). So I decided that's how I and Ember would make a living.

We've been fighting ever since."

(Scene 2 "flashback sequence" End)

(Scene opens to current day a California local marketplace where The List said Fig would be. Blaze walking around the high end of the market)

Blaze: "Man! Sure is busy today!"

Ember: “It IS Saturday you know”

Blaze: “Good that means lots of Richie teen girls will be out shopping. Perfect bait for our bounty!”

Ember: “That’s….not necessarily a “happy” thought.”

Blaze: “Don’t worry Ember. I won’t let anyone get hurt, we’ll be ever vigilant!”

(Saying this Blaze does a comical hand above eyes back and forth scan?)

Ember: “Blaze, look over there!”

Blaze: “WOAH! She’s obviously the richest girl here!”

(In the distance a women with nice clothing, expensive jewelry, and even a servant carrying many bags.)

Ember: “Yes, but if WE noticed her that easily, then that means….”

Blaze: “Our bounty might too!”

(Scene: after tailing the girl only a couple of minutes they notices a shadowy figure wearing sunglasses staring and following her intently)

Blaze: “Hey, looks like that guys watching her too!”

Ember: “Yes, and its way too cloudy for sunglasses.”

Blaze: “Definitely, looks like we’re on to something.”

(Scene: They keep following the young girl as they do the man follows also)

Blaze: “Looks like he’s our man!”

Ember: “We can’t be sure until he makes his move, harming civilians with our powers is against the rules. We have to be sure he’s Fig”

Blaze: “I know, don’t worry, we’re reaching the end of the market if he’s planning on making a move he’ll have to do it soon!”

(Scene: They finally end up in a more deserted area of shops. Closed or out of business signs dot the windows. They overhear the woman)

Woman: “Oh my, it appears we’ve come too far James”

James: “Yes madam, we should find our way back immediately. This place looks unsavory.”

Woman: “I think the main market is this way?”

(Scene: Just then the dark figured man steps forward)

Man: “I can show you the way back miss.”

Woman: “Why thank you kind sir”

Man (smiling intently): “My pleasure!”

(Scene: saying this the man leads them instead down a back alley”

Blaze: “Here it comes!”

Ember: “Don’t go down there until he reveals himself!”

James: “Hmmm. This doesn’t look right at all”

Man: “You’re right. That’s because, IT’S NOT!”

(Scene: saying this the man discards the jacket and sunglasses revealing the face of Fig from the wanted poster)

Blaze: “IT IS HIM! I KNEW IT”

Ember: “Alright LET’S GO!”

(Scene: Racing in Blaze steps in front of the lady)

Blaze: “You might want to get out of here lady, it might get ugly.”

(Scene: Saying this Blaze throws out his hand wide as an explosion occurs summoning Ember into existence)

Woman: “OH MY GOD! WHAT IS THAT?”

James: “My lady we need to leave NOW!”

(Scene: Saying this the man and woman drop their bags and high-tail it from the alley)

Fig (scowling): “YOU BASTARD! I don’t know who you are but that was my catch of the day, and you scared her off! You won’t get away with this.”

Blaze: “Sorry. I never did have good luck with the ladies. Ha ha ha.”

Fig: “ARGH! You think this is FUNNY!? I’ll show you the PUNCHLINE!”

(Scene: Fig claps his hands together. As he pulls them apart a long smooth brown object materializes between them. A giant stick bug creature is revealed.)

Fig: “Meet Twig, my faithful companion. The most powerful stick in the world!”

(Scene: Seeing this Blaze and Ember look at each other. Then back to him. After which they burst into teary-eyed laughter.)

Blaze: “OH MY GOD! That’s got to be the worst Beast Soul I’ve EVER seen!”

Fig: “Yes, I suppose he doesn’t look very impressive eh? But I assure you looks can be deceiving.”

Twig: “Yes my good sirs, do not count me among the trash just yet!”

Blaze: “HUH? You talk silly too!?”

Twig: “Yes, I suppose to a barbaric simpleton such as you my linguistics are quite strange.”

Blaze: “Barbaric simpleton!? That’s an insult……right Ember?”

Ember: “Yes, but you’re not exactly helping your case.”

Blaze: “Ugh, whatever let’s just fight already. Then I will SHOW you “barbaric””

Fig: “As you wish!”

(Scene: saying this they step forward Ember growling at Blaze’s side and Fig brandishing Twig as a wooden sword)

Blaze (smirking): “Your move stick boy”

Fig: “Indeed”

(Scene: Fig rushes forward jumping over Ember and coming down with a heavy strike toward Blaze, Blaze then rolls back and stands as Twig slams the ground breaking it up a little)

Blaze: “Ember GO!”

(Scene: Ember jumps toward Fig spinning into a giant fireball slamming Fig right in the chest and up against the alley walls)

Fig: “I see you are well practiced.”

Blaze: “Oh, you have no idea pal!”

(Scene: Fig and Twig stand quickly back to ready stance)

Twig: “We should enlighten them to our true power sir”

Fig: “Yes, I believe you’re right Twig!”

(Scene: They rush Blaze again jumping over Ember they swipe at Blaze’s feet as he jumps Twig changes direction and grows in length until Blaze is slammed against the opposite wall)

Blaze: “Argh! Damn! What was that?”

Ember: “HE STRETCHED!?”

Fig: “Very observant, Twig can stretch himself to any length without reducing strength in blows or structural integrity.”

Twig: “Now you see don’t you!? You’ll not be getting close to us again, and my reach is ABSOLUTE!”

Blaze (shrugging): “So!? You think a parlor trick like that is gonna scare me? Ember…..Time to get serious”

Ember: “Good, I was getting bored hanging back”

(Scene: Blaze stretches out his left hand fingers apart palm to the sky. Ember becomes a flame tunnel racing down Blazes arm. When he reaches the end Ember transforms into a glowing sun-shaped ball)

Blaze (jumping): “Blazing SHOT!”

(Scene: Blaze strikes the growing glowing sun-shaped sphere of fire with his free hand. HARD. This sends it spinning, flaming, and flying toward Fig and Twig)

Fig: “ARGGHH!”

(Scene: Fig uses Twig to try and block the shot. It overwhelms them. When it clears they are on the ground and Blaze is facing away from them.”

Blaze: “Alright, let’s call Argyl.”

(Scene: Even while saying this the bloodied Fig and Twig start to stand)

Fig: “Don’t count me out yet!”

(Scene: Saying this Blaze turns as Fig pulls a hidden sword from twig and it grows into and through his shoulder pinning him to the brick wall)

Blaze: “NOT AGAIN!?”

Ember: “A sword!?”

Twig: “I’m actually a SHEETH”

(Scene: Blaze grabs the blade with both hands, the blades cut his skin)

Blaze: “I’m SICK of playing your GAMES!”

(Scene: Saying this with gritted teeth he pushes the blade out and Fig and Twig away.)

Fig and Twig together: “NO IMPOSSIBLE!”

Ember: “USE IT!”

Blaze: “Yeah. Let’s finish this!”

(Scene: Fig grows the blade swinging at Blaze. Blaze jumps dodging the blade as it slices the brick wall clean. As Blaze lands he outstretches both hands together into a “Gun” Shape. Embers flame tunnel goes through him over shoulders down arms and to his fingertips glowing like a red star.)

Blaze: “Fire-Gun Finger”

(Scene: A giant white hot beam is shot from his fingertips)

Fig and Twig together: “NOOOOO”

(Scene: Blaze and Ember looking down over the charred scratched up body of Fig. Twig now gone because of Fig being passed out.)

Ember: “Well, he was certainly a handful”

Blaze: “He was annoying.”

Ember: “Yes, He’s out now for sure though.”

Blaze: “Good let’s call Argyl for real this time”

(Scene: Pulling a black feather from his pocket and holding close to his head closing his eyes)

Blaze: “Yo Argyl we got Fig here.”

(Scene: In a whoosh of feathers and flapping Argyl and his raven Nevermore appear. Seeing the condition of Blaze’s Shoulder.)

Argyl: “Hmmm……that’s the first injury you’ve had in a while.”

Blaze: “Yeah, he surprised me because I didn’t take him seriously. That WON’T happen again!”

Argyl: “Let’s hope not. Especially if you plan on accepting this!”

(Scene: Argyl then hands Blaze a letter with the society seal, a dragon around an eye gem.)

Blaze: “Well, this takes me back!”

Argyl: “Just open it.”

(Scene: The opened letter reads: “Dear Blaze, I’ve noticed great potential within you as you’ve hunted down these amateurs. Yet, you lack structure and discipline. Sometimes the only way to force these traits is dropping a great responsibility in one’s lap. Such as, an invitation to become a Proud Soul. Not just a regular but a leader of a Souls Unit. It would honor me for you to accept.

Sincerely, Mr. Koji)

Blaze: “Is this…..is this for real!?”

Argyl: “Yes, it’s quite real. The Seeing Souls have monitored your progress for some time now. From the reports Koji thinks the position is perfect for you.”

Blaze: “It’s just, I’ve been dreaming of this for a while now, and…..now that I’m actually faced with the decision it’s a lot to consider.”

Argyl: “Understandable. The Rouge Souls you’d be hunting as a Proud Soul are two times or more strong than you currently hunt. Also you’d be uprooted from your current home to a more secure home of our choosing. Finally any and all monetary needs would be met by the Society.”

Blaze: “That last bit sounds nice, but….leaving my home, and having others depend on me sounds tough.”

Argyl: “You’d be a fool not to give it some thought. Know this however, Mr. Koji has personally vouched for you. This hardly ever happens, but when it does you can be sure it’s with good reason. Mr. Koji Never acts without thinking out every possible consequence first. You have until tomorrow.”

(Scene: Saying this he vanishes with Fig in a cloud of feathers.)

Ember: “Lets head home for now. We can think about it there.”

Blaze: “Yeah, you’re right.”

(Scene: In Mister Koji’s office now: Argyl appears knelt before a big desk where Koji sits, his face obscured by dark the figure of a dragon sleeping behind him against a wall of windows behind the desk.)

Argyl: “I’ve delivered the invitation”

Koji: “Very good. His brash nature and blind bravery are a front to how truly unsure he is of himself. That may be the cause of his arrogance. Regardless he will accept…..and he will grow immensely.”

Argyl: “Either way he only has till tomorrow, but you’ve never been wrong before.”

Koji: “Perfect. You are dismissed. Go find his first teammate.”

Argyl: “Yes sir”

(Scene: bowing deeply he disappears again. Koji turns toward the dragon his face still being cut off, he looks down)

Koji: “His growth will be most interesting to watch eh, Thaimat?”

Thaimat: “*grunt*”

(Scene: Back at Blaze’s treehouse home)

Blaze: “I can’t believe it, The Proud Souls! Head of my own unit….”

Ember: “You were just complaining about these amateur lists being too easy”

Blaze: “Yeah, but a LEADER? Me? A loner maybe, sure! But I’m no leader.”

Ember: “You know we haven’t seen much of the world, perhaps you underestimate yourself?”

Blaze: “Maybe……we have been alone a long time.”

Ember: “Familiarity however comfortable will never beget change. Only change causes growth.”

Blaze: “I DO want to become stronger….”

Ember: “Then accept the offer. We’ll see new places, meet new friends, and possibly gain new strength.”

Blaze: “A-+ND have all our bills paid FOR us” (snickering)

Ember (laughing): “Yes there IS that too I suppose.”

Blaze: “I’ll get to travel, make friends, and help the world? Who could say no to that job?”

Ember: “Good. We should pack.”

Blaze: “Yes, I think we should. He’ll be back tomorrow.”

(Scene: Blaze and Ember stand on the deck of their treehouse home fondly admiring it they turn bags and luggage at their heels to see Argyl appear)

Argyl: “So. Have you given it some thought?”

Blaze: “Yeah, a lot. I’ve decided to do it. I want to see what else there is out there, and how strong I am. Plus, it would be rude to mister Koji having placed his faith in me.”

Argyl: “I’m glad to hear that you feel that way. I’ve known you since you were a boy you’ll make The Society proud.”

Blaze: “Aw shucks! Don’t go soft on me!”

Argyl (chuckling): “My apologies…….Now; I will explain how it all works and take you to your new home.”

Blaze: “Explain how what works?

Argyl: “Yes. Well you see there are 3 major divisions of The Society of Myth. The Seeing Souls which monitor the world for news of Rouge Souls, and who also do our spying. They are the ones who watched your progress and reported it to Koji”

Blaze: “I was being watched!?”

Argyl: “Don’t feel bad most users are monitored somewhat to make sure the world stays balanced. At any rate, the next group is the Inquisitive Souls. These are our scientists, mechanics, inventors, and all around researchers. They also keep our lore dating back to the dawn of mankind. Finally, there are the Proud Souls, which your are now a member of. These users risk their lives in teams called “units” in order to guarantee peace in the world. Despite those Rouge Souls who wish to abuse their gift. These Units get assignments from handlers around twice a month.”

Blaze: “A MONTH!?

Argyl: “Yes, many of these tasks will take days, even weeks to complete. You must realize this is no amateur list these Rouges know how to hide their presence and they do it well.”

Blaze: “Ah, ok. Then I have a question. Which of the branches are you and Mr. Koji?”

Argyl: “Good question. We along with one other user are called the Cerberus. The “Three-heads of The Society”. We lead the Seeing Souls. Us along with the head of the Inquisitive Souls, and the top ranking Proud Soul leaders, make up the Societies governing body.”

Blaze: “So what rank will I be?”

Argyl: “You well start at Novice, as you gain notability and new members you will be given harder tasks. Complete a difficult task or show great promise, and we will reward you a new rank. All the way up to Master Souls. Master Souls help run the Society and insure the safety of the entire world, their powers are immense. Right now there are only two. That’s how rare the position is given. Now that that’s explained shall we go?”

Blaze: “That’s a lot to take in, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. Yeah, we can go.”

(Scene: Taking one last somber look back at their home Ember and Blaze disappear with Argyl. Reappearing outside a rural apartment in Japan)

Argyl: “Welcome home.”

Blaze: “What!? This whole place!?”

Argyl: “Of course. You won’t be alone long. You’ll have a team remember?”

Blaze: “Oh yeah! So…..where are my teammates?”

Argyl: “Most Proud Souls pick their own unit by hand out of friends or through hiring channels. But, since you have lived as a loner for most your life your options are low. Which is why me and Koji have picked your first teammate and Co-Captain for you.”

Blaze: “Whoa REALLY!? Is he strong?”

Argyl: “Oh yes, most likely in ways you might not understand. Look this over and I’ll go fetch him”

(Scene: Argyl hands Blaze a Seer’s Sheet a page with information on a User collected by the Society)

Blaze: “My first teammate…..”