Part 2 of the project titled “Burst The Wilted Rose Comic Pt. 1” for Tatum Games. This is the second part of the comic series as well as the conclusion to the character’s comic story.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VQYNPrtEbOlW5cglno7PyOWAtPgE_kiAiBEU_iJ0oTY/edit
Page 1
Panel 1
Side view of water filling up in the hole. Depict it almost as if the reader is looking at her through glass and we see the mud and water fill up to the point it has reached the sides of her face. We can only see her eyes along with some parts of her face as she continues to look up. Should take up a third of the page.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(I’m not sure what to do now. How did he even find me…? I can barely move. Is this really where it all ends?)
Panel 2
Depict a faint glimmer of light peeking out from the gray clouds above. The line of light dawns directly to her forehead. Her eyes light up.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(Wait a sec… What is this? These flashbacks… They’re new! Is the professor’s and Emeka’s treatment working?)
Panel 3
First person perspective as we see the sky through Burst’s eyes. The faint glimmer of light shining down on her is in the middle of the dark gray sky, like a faint light illuminating the darkness.
Page 2
Panel 1
Flashback of when she was younger. Burst is in a bathroom checking herself out in the mirror. She’s wearing a professional dress. Her hair is a dark brunette instead of fuschia. A purse can be seen set on the counter. Display an engagement ring on her left hand.
Panel 2
Two young women enter the bathroom who appear to know her as they approach and talk to her, smiling.
Young Woman One
Look at her! Didn’t I tell you she was in hear freshening up?
Young Woman Two
I’d be excited seeing my old flame too.
Young Woman One & Two
(*Giggle*)
Panel 3
Show Burst grabbing her purse and walking out. She passes her friends a gentle grin.
Burst
(*Sighs*) I told you two already it’s not like that.
Young Woman One
Hehe… Whatever you say.
Young Woman Two
Tell him hi for me!
Panel 4
Burst walks out of the women’s bathroom shaking her head. Some other fancy dressed guests are in the panel as well, mingling.
Panel 5
Burst approaches Professor Alex Gordan among the people, shaking his hand. Both are smiling at each other.
Alex Gordan
Well, I’ll be! Jacklyn Ryan?
Burst
Glad to know you remember me.
Alex Gordan
Are you kidding me? Come, have a seat!
Panel 6
Burst and Alex Gordan are sitting down in cushioned seats, conversing. People are still around mingling.
Alex Gordan
How have you been? Enjoying the conference so far?
Burst
When I heard my old professor was attending, I had to come see for myself. Haha! You were the only one who really listened to me… I’ve been okay, though… I guess.
Alex Gordan
You guess? Pressure from your parents again?
Panel 7
Burst flashes her engagement ring to him. Alex Gordan has a look of surprise.
Burst
And my fiance, apparently.
Alex Gordan
I would say congrats, but it doesn’t look like you’re particularly happy.
Burst
Heh… I don’t know. It’s just… do you ever feel like people expect so much from you, but you just sense like life is saying you were meant to do something else? Something more?
Panel 8
Close up of Alex Gordan averting her gaze and reflecting on her words.
Alex Gordan
Funny. I know exactly what you mean. I felt stuck as a professor for this university for years, and now I’m at a company where my true self can really shine. I feel like I’ve really found myself, you know?
Panel 9
An usher approaches Alex Gordan, prompting him to get up. Alex Gordan looks back at Burst, apologetically. Burst is waving at him with a faint smile. Some people begin to walk towards the conference room in the background.
USHER
I apologize for interrupting, but they appear to be ready to start, sir.
Alex Gordan
I’m sorry, Jacklyn. Maybe we can continue to catch up after the conference.
Page 3
Panel 1
Burst is driving down the same hill in the memory where she is stuck now in present time. Her phone attached to the dashboard lights up. She has neglected to put her seatbelt on.
Panel 2
Close up of Burst driving in the car. We can see the frustration and distress on her face as she is talking to her fiance through the other end of the phone.
FIANCE
You were at a conference?! This was supposed to be the night we surprised your parents with our engagement! Do you have any idea how many times you have stood me up and bailed on plans we made this year?
Burst
I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy with grad classes, my parents pushing me to graduate top of the class, my internship, and … you.
Fiance
Me? You actually being a good partner in this relationship is too much to ask?
Burst
Everyone is just expecting too much from me!
Fiance
That’s it. I’ve tried to be patient, but I’m done. We’re done.
Panel 3
Depict the heartbreak flow from Burst’s eyes in tears as her life spirals out of control. Headlights can be seen in the reflection of her windshield.
Panel 4
Burst’s car veers to the right dodging a truck on the other side of the lane. Onomatopeia of truck honking.
Panel 5
Burst’s car swerves to the side of the road and crashes into the ditch.
Panel 6
Detailed depiction of Burst flying out of the windshield and into the ditch.
Panel 7
First person perspective as moments pass as she faintly opens her eyes to Alex Gordan standing over her in panic. The reader can see his car in the background, parked on the side of the road.
Page 4
Panel 1
We’re in present time again. The water in the hole has now enveloped Burst’s whole body submerging it in the rain water.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(I remember now! It’s all coming back. But what do I do now? I’m sinking in pain…)
Panel 2
The whole panel should be blurry, fading to black.
Panel 3
Entire panel is black. It should only show echoes of Protector’s words from “Burst The Wilted Rose Comic Pt. 1” Page 17, Panel 4.
A hero is someone who hits rock bottom and still finds the strength to pull themselves up despite the world pushing them down. It’s a measure of the true worth of a person, who they are, and who they will become.
Panel 4
Only show Burst’s arm outstretched equipped with her gauntlet. Her hand is digging into the side of the muddy hole. A tiny red light is also blinking on the side of it.
Panel 5
Show Burst inhale air as she springs forth from the water.
Panel 6
Bird’s eye view of a detailed depiction of Burst aching in pain as she claws her way to the top from the hole. A ferocious look of determination exudes from her face while tears stream down her cheeks, mixing in with the rain falling on it.
Burst
AAAHHH!!!
Page 5
Panel 1
She is finally at the top, wearily looking at her hands, worn out and torn from climbing.
Panel 2
Burst collapses to the ground from pain and exhaustion.
Panel 3
First person perspective. Before blacking out, the reader can see Alex Gordan frantically approaching her. Important depiction as this is the way he found her all that time ago.
Panel 4
Bird’s eye view of Burst opening her eyes on a table at a lab. A cast should be around her torso, still in her hero attire, indicating broken ribs. Bandages are tightly wrapped around the same leg that was stuck before Brickjaw pounded her into the ground. Small wraps can also be seen on her fingertips from climbing out of the hole.
Panel 5
Alex Gordan is on the left side of the panel, tinkering with medicine products. A few scientists are in the background.
Alex Gordan
I see you’re awake. You turned off your communicator before going to Gridlock. You’re lucky I made those gauntlets with a built in S.O.S. system to alert us when your vitals are low. I mean, just what were you thinking?
Page 6
Panel 1
Alex Gordan has now turned to Burst, his backside leaning against a counter. Burst is still lying down, healing her wounds. She is not looking upward towards the ceiling.
Burst
It felt like it was something I had to do alone.
Alex Gordan
What? Get yourself killed?
Burst
Confront my past.
Panel 2
Alex Gordan rubs his eyes, agitated yet smiling. Burst has now turned her head towards him.
Alex Gordan
(*Sighs*) Maybe I should just be relieved you’re still here. But listen, you don’t have to do it alone. You have me and a whole team behind you now. There’s no need to be reckless, Burst.
Burst
Don’t you mean, Jacklyn Ryan?
Panel 3
Close up of Alex Gordan staring at her in shock. Scientists around them stop in surprise as well.
Panel 4
Alex Gordan approaches closer to her on the patient table.
Alex Gordan
I guess you know then, huh? Looks like Emeka and I did well by your treatment.
Burst
Most of it. Some memories like my childhood are coming back in fragments. But I need to hear it from you. Why keep this from me? I’m still missing pieces of how we used to know each other before. Did we… have history?
Panel 5
Alex Gordan pulls up an office chair beside her to sit on while motioning for the remaining scientists in the room to give them privacy while they talk.
Alex Gordan
(*Chuckles*) Not exactly. When we first met you were a freshman in college. Your parents wanted the best for you, pushing you to pick a major toward a profitable career. You didn’t know what you wanted yet. You pushed yourself through business to not disappoint them.
Burst
What did I really want to do?
Alex Gordan
You were interested in my work. Even then, you wanted to save the world by learning more about clean, renewable energy. I saw your fascination with me and science and took you under my wing. But I knew your little crush was nothing. You just liked the idea of me.
Panel 6
Close up of Alex Gordan talking to Burst by her bedside.
Burst
The idea of you? I’m not sure I understand.
Alex Gordan
I was the person you wanted to be. I pursued my own dreams, grabbing life by the horns, so to speak, although that wasn’t the case exactly. (*Chuckles*) I just got a lucky break… You felt trapped by your expectations even though you were old enough to live your own life.
Burst
So the rumors I remember going around campus about us –
Alex Gordan
Just proverbial gossip from a society who likes to perverse situations they don’t understand.
Panel 7
Burst clutches her torso with her arm, trying to sit upright on the patient table.
Alex Gordan
Take it easy. We did just patch you up.
Burst
Heh. I’m fine… Now that you mention it, I do remember resenting my parents. They even pressured me to date and marry a guy who aspired to be wealthy. Any other guy who didn’t fit their criteria was out of the question. Despite all that, I still love them and want to see them.
Page 7
Panel 1
Alex Gordan gets up to get her medicine for the pain while still talking to her.
Alex Gordan
Parents have that effect. There still your family at the end of the day, you know? After I revived you, it was my hope to immediately tell them, but your mind was lost. I didn’t want to cause them more pain by giving them a memory deprived daughter.
Burst
I deduced that much myself. But you still haven’t told me why you didn’t tell me all this time.
Panel 2
Alex Gordan hands Burst a cup of medicine to ease her pain.
Alex Gordan
Understand, the mind is delicate. If I told you who you were right after your body “rebooted” so to speak, the brain’s self-defense mechanism against hearing a traumatic truth is denial. I couldn’t have you run out the lab just when we got you back. (*Chuckles*) I can’t believe I’m saying this, but like you said before, some truths you need to find out on your own.
Panel 3
Show Burst look at Alex Gordan with a sudden realization. She slams the cup of medicine she took down on the bed beside her. Alex Gordan looks back, confused.
Burst
Truths I need to find out on my own…
Alex Gordan
Yeah… Do you need clarification?
Panel 4
Burst stands up with a sudden urgency. Alex Gordan puts his hand on her shoulder, trying to get her to slow down.
Burst
No, it’s not that. Right after I left the max prison, Brickjaw just happened to find me a few hours later.
Alex Gordan
Brickjaw? Your old comrade? He’s the one that did this to you?
Burst
Yes! It’s too coincidental how easily he found me. Huo and Yu were playing me from the start. If they have connections within the prison, it wouldn’t be hard for them to relay info to him.
Panel 5
Show Burst walk out of the lab doors and down a corridor. Alex Gordan is following behind.
Alex Gordan
Wait. Where are you going?
Burst
To stop him. Do you have anything to combat his lava form in the R&D lab?
Alex Gordan
Yes, a prototype weapon I’ve been working on for Madam Frost, but hold on. Stop him from doing what?
Panel 6
Burst and Alex Gordan step into an elevator. The reader can see its doors closing.
Burst
The way he spoke before.. I think he’s trying to enhance his powers somehow to prove to himself he doesn’t need The Valiant Four – to prove he doesn’t need me anymore… His eyes were full of rage. How can someone turn into something like that?
Alex Gordan
Sometimes who a person really is has been in front of you all along. Other times when you care about someone so much, the loss of that feeling can turn into hate. As I recall, you did give him a purpose when he had nothing else to live for.
Burst
Sounds like you’re speaking from experience… Why did you let me sneak out all those nights?
Panel 7
Indicate the elevator is ascending while Burst and Alex Gordan continue their conversation.
Alex Gordan
I wanted to stop you. I was angry, but I didn’t have a right to be. I felt ashamed.
Burst
Ashamed of what? You saved my life – twice now, in fact.
Alex Gordan
I pulled you from the ditch that day because I was lost too. My deceased mentor, William Slater, and I have been working on the “energy sourcing tech” coursing through you for so long. I just wanted a win. I, at first, saw you as a project to put this company on the map.
Burst
And now?
Panel 8
Show the elevator opening. Alex Gordan averts his gaze from her as he walks out, ignoring her question. She looks back at him with understanding as she doesn’t know how to feel either.
Page 8
Panel 1
Alex Gordan pulls out what looks like a freeze gun and a pair of shoes with mini rockets on the side of them.
Alex Gordan
It’s strange… I thought the first thing you’d want to do is see your parents again after getting your memory back.
Panel 2
Alex Gordan places his arms on the side of the table he’s placed the equipment down on. Burst is still talking to him across from it.
Burst
Not yet. As twisted as this might sound, I’ve realized my tragedies have happened to me because I didn’t know what I wanted. I didn’t take control of my own life. For that reason, I’ve been like a ball of chain following others’ goals; not my own. In that sense, I can see I’ve been like a burden to myself, my family, my ex fiance, former friends, and even you. I can’t see my parents without making some sort of change within myself.
Panel 3
Alex Gordan is fiddling with the freeze gun. Burst is observing.
Alex Gordan
In that case, pay attention. Madam Frost has encountered Brickjaw before – nearly died. Out of the pyropaths we have encountered so far, he is the strongest due to his super strength and his ability to absorb heat elements. It allows him to transition into a lava type form.
Burst
Okay. So how does that work?
Alex Gordan
This gauge controls its freezing temperatures; a trigger to shoot. This was developed to shoot Madam Frost with to reinvigorate her ice powers after draining them from continuous usage.
Panel 4
Burst points to the rocket shoes next to the table. Alex Gordan focuses his attention towards it.
Burst
What is that?
Alex Gordan
This is part of a prototype for another project. It’s meant for flight, but I it doesn’t have enough power to do so yet. As of now, it’s only capable of hovering a few feet off the ground. I thought this would be a good alternative from walking if that bandaged leg of yours should give you any trouble.
Panel 5
Depict Burst smiling.
Panel 6
Alex Gordan catches her expression, startled.
Alex Gordan
What are you smiling for?
Burst
It’s just you have done so much for me already and you keep doing more. I don’t know how to ever repay you.
Panel 7
Alex Gordan touches Burst’s shoulder and looks at her sincerely.
Alex Gordan
I don’t deserve it. Just be the hero I know you are, and be careful.
Panel 8
Detailed depiction of Burst heading towards the elevator to exit the lab. She should have the ice gun strapped behind her along with the rocket boots replacing her other shoes. Bandages are still covering the damaged parts of her body.
Burst
Don’t worry. I’ll have you on comms this time. I’ll alert you and law enforcement once I figure out Brickjaw’s location.
Page 10
Panel 1
Detailed depiction of Burst walking to Gridlock’s security grounds to the entrance door. Sun is behind her, signifying it’s a new day. The reader can see the back of the guards’ heads and part of their faces, startled.
Panel 2
Burst goes through the entrance without permission. She walks determined and with a purpose. The guards scamper behind her, trying to stop her.
GUARD
Hey! You’re not allowed to go through the doors without permission!
Burst
This prison is compromised. I need to see the Warden.
Panel 3
She’s in the prison entrance now. Guard grabs her by the arm. She turns back to him, furiously.
Panel 4
Burst has guard by the collar. Guard is struggling to break free, staring at her terrified. Other guards surround her, attempting to subdue her. Burst’s eyes are filled with righteous fury.
Burst
I don’t mean to be rude, but I just got beaten half to death by Brickjaw because of a mole within these walls. I’m not trying to tell you how to do your job, but you’re supposed to be detaining these criminals, not aiding them. I will get to the bottom of this with or without your cooperation, so get out of my way before I make you!
Panel 5
Show Warden appearing among the surrounding guards. He is gesturing her to calm down.
Warden
It’s okay. I’ll take you to Huo and Yu again for answers. Consider it returning the favor for helping my nephew. Besides, The Guardians just became official. The last thing we need is for you to be at odds with the law for assaulting law enforcers because of a simple misunderstanding, right?
Panel 6
Burst eases her grip on the guard she was holding. The surrounding guards lower their weapons.
Burst
You make a good point. Please, lead the way.
Page 11
Panel 1
Warden and Burst walk through a corridor, talking.
Warden
You seem different.
Burst
How so?
Warden
Well, when you came before, it’s like… you were just going through the motions – like it was just another job to fulfill. Now, you seem passionate about what you’re doing.
Burst
Having someone pound you to death tends to change your perspective on life a bit.
Panel 2
Kevlar Armed Guard A studies Burst’s injuries
Warden
I’m sorry that happened. Good people like you don’t deserve to pay for others’ faults.
(*Note: Significant line as it indicates the pain Burst has endured in her past life and present due to others’ faults.)
Panel 3
Kevlar Armed Guard can be seen with a look of surprise seeing Warden walk down the hall with Burst.
Panel 4
Show Warden unlocking access to one of the cell blocks on a computer monitor. Kevlar Armed Guard talks to him in a panic. Burst is watching the scene unfold, amazed.
Kevlar Armed Guard
Sir? What is she doing here? And why are you accessing east wing?
Warden
We have a leak. She was followed and attacked by Brickjaw. The only ones who knew she was here is us in Gridlock. Dragon Flame and Scourge are most likely the prime suspects given their history, but someone had to relay the information to him outside of this prison. Which means someone who works here has to be the culprit. Does that about sum it up?
Burst
Y-yeah… I’m impressed you were able to deduce that much yourself in such a short time.
Panel 5
Show Kevlar Armed Guard look at Burst with distaste. Warden is talking through a walkie talkie.
Kevlar Armed Guard B
Of course he did. We’ve been in this line of work much longer than you vigilantes. We know how to do our job!
Warden
Shush! Report! A situation has developed. We need prisoners Dragon Flame and Scourge to be prepared for interrogation. I repeat, please prepare the interrogation room. Over!
Page 12
Panel 1
The door to the same room opens she visited them last time. They are back behind the bullet proof glass and same restraints as before.
Panel 2
Burst pounds on the glass. She is face to face with her past comrades. The glass acts as a dividing line for what they stand for as well as the hero and villain dynamic. Warden is speaking but not in the panel. Dragon Flame is grinning. Scourge’s face is neutral. Should take up a fifth of the page.
Warden
Hey, don’t get that close to the glass!
Dragon Flame
Good to see you again. You seem distressed and worn out. What happened?
Burst
Keen as always aren’t you, Huo?! You’re good at getting inside people’s heads, but I’m not playing your mind games anymore! I know it was you who tipped off Jake!
Dragon Flame
And what proof do you have for this false accusation?
Panel 3
Detailed depiction of Burst pointing her gauntlet. Her eyes are daggered at him. The blue fiery glow from her gauntlet lights up the dimly lit room around her with blue light as well. The Warden is in the background, staring on nervously. He is talking into his walkie talkie.
Burst
Maybe I haven’t made myself clear. I said enough of the games! Which guard relayed the information and where is Brickjaw? Those collars are dampening your powers. One blast from me, and both of you will become a pile of ash – right here, right now!
Warden (*Talking into walkie*)
Rally to my position. I’m not sure how this is going to play out.
Panel 4
Close up of Scourge studying the determination on Burst’s face.
Panel 5
Zoom in on Scourge and Dragon Flame. Scourge surprisingly gives her hints. Dragon Flame looks at him, surprised.
Scourge
Heh. You always did think on your feet. Huo knew how smart you were when we found you, but I knew you were dense in the common sense department when it came to people – like a robot. If you really think about it, who has made it clear about their dislike towards you? And as for Brickjaw, what place would he hold contempt in his heart for the most?
Page 13
Panel 1
Burst lowers her gauntlet as she realizes how predictable the answers were as her eyes are opening now to the truth.
Panel 2
Burst heads towards the door of the room, but stops abruptly turning back towards them.
Burst
Thanks… To answer your question, I left the Valiant of Four Roses because even back then, when I was ignorant of who I was, I always knew what type of people you were. I just didn’t want to admit it.
(*Note: Burst is answering the question they asked her from “Burst The Wilted Rose Comic Pt. 1” on Page 4, Panel 6.)
Panel 3
Burst angrily punches Kevlar Armed Guard in his face. The other surrounding guards and Warden look on in shock.
Burst
Arrest this man! He’s your mole.
Panel 4
Burst is exiting the prison grounds with her equipped gear and hero attire in tow, injuries and all. Warden calls out after her, but she keeps walking.
Warden
Thanks for that, but where are you going now?
Burst
After Brickjaw. Make his cell inescapable as possible. Something tells me this won’t be easy.
Panel 5
Close up of Burst outside the supermax prison talking into her communicator. Alex Gordan can be heard on the other end.
Burst
I’m sending coordinates located along the coast by the Ring of Fire. I know for a fact he’s there. Tell officers to proceed with caution. I have no idea what he’s capable of now after what he did to me.
Alex Gordan
Understood. Keep me posted, and good luck.
Panel 6
Show Dragon Flame and Scourge talking as heavily armed guards approach them to take them back to their cells.
Dragon Flame
I don’t get it, Yu! You know she was bluffing about shooting us. She would be in here right along with us for murder. Why did you tell her?
Panel 7
The bulletproof glass is taken down. Guards are now adjusting their restraints to make sure it’s tight.
Scourge
Brickjaw deserves the same closure she just gave us right now. We owe our old team that much… I used to think we had all the answers, but look at us now. She had no clue who she was or what to do, but she’s on a team who is fighting our enemy while we rot in here! If Protector was right that day, if there is another way, I’m not sure ours is it anymore.
Panel 8
Show a suspicious guard behind them, escorting them back to their cells whispering in their ear. He’s grinning deviously holding a firearm. On his arm, there is a Jackel insignia tattooed on it.
SUSPICIOUS GUARD
You’re right! There is another way. That guy wasn’t the only mole in here, you know? What if I told you there’s still a team for both of you where you can still become part of something bigger than yourself?
(*Note: This not only requotes Dragon Flame’s words he told to Burst on “Burst The Wilted Rose Comic Pt. 1” Page 8, Panel 4, but also builds hype for The Outcasts – the secret villain alliance.)
Panel 9
Close up of Dragon Flame and Scourge exchanging intrigued glances.
Page 14
Panel 1
Burst is hovering with her equipped rocket boots to a shoreline. Officers with squad cars as well as a volcano can be seen in the distance.
Panel 2
Burst approaches an officer to learn about the situation. Caution tape can be seen too.
Burst
Thank you for your help. I just got here.
OFFICER
No, thank you. It looks like your intel pans out. We investigated the area and there were eyewitness reports of a man with a ball and chain seen here last night. We know how dangerous he is, so we set a wide perimeter using our squadron cars and caution tape. We estimated where he could be by going off of the reports and circled around that.
Burst
Understood. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to apprehend him.
Panel 3
Close up of concern on cop’s face. We can see Burst looking towards the volcano around where the perimeter is set up.
OFFICER
You sure you don’t want back up? This is a pretty tough guy even for someone like you.
Burst
No, I’m fine. No one else will get affected today because of my past.
Panel 4
Pan out to show Burst hovering towards the peak of the volcano. She’s talking into her communicator. Alex Gordan is on the other end.
Burst
Did you get all of that Professor Gordan?
Alex Gordan
Yeah, it appears the cops’ info matches up. I have Slater Tech satellite pinpointing an abnormal body heat signature towards the top of that volcano. Be careful.
Burst
Will do.
Panel 5
She is hovering at the rim of the volcano, looking for Brickjaw. Her body is pouring with so much sweat, you can see it dampening her bandages. She feels for the freeze gun behind her back to feel more secure and confident as she prepares for the fight ahead.
Burst
I know you’re here, Jake. I got our old pals to spill it. If you really hate me so much, then let’s settle this. If you win, I’ll stop trying to take you in and never bother you again. But if I win, you go with the authorities. Deal?
Page 15
Panel 1
Brickjaw comes out of nowhere from behind and tries to hit her with his ball and chain. Burst heard the sound of the swing the last second and managed to dodge.
Brickjaw
I know you said that just to draw me out, but I am curious. You are damaged, beat up, and have always been the weakest among our group. How do you expect to beat me at your worst when you couldn’t even beat me at your best?
Burst
Weakest, huh? Last time I checked, I was the vine that held you all together. Without me, the Roses fell apart and you had to resort to a cheap shot just to take me out.
Panel 2
Brickjaw punches the ground creating a rift on the rim of the volcano. Debris flies in Burst’s direction. Burst shoots the rocks with her gauntlets.
Brickjaw
FROST FIRE!!!
Panel 3
Brickjaw throws his ball and chain at her. Burst dodges again by hovering.
Panel 4
Brickjaw jumps towards her as he used the thrown ball and chain as a distraction to catch her off guard. He bombrushes her in mid air.
Panel 5
The two are falling towards the side of the volcano. Brickjaw is bear hugging her as they’re falling. Onomatopeia sound of her broken ribs cracking more. Burst yelps in pain.
Burst
Ah!
Panel 6
Burst pounds on his back with her blue fire empowering her attack from the gauntlets on her forearms. The attack sears part of his back, causing him to loosen his grip.
Brickjaw
Ugh!
Panel 7
Brickjaw’s landing creates a small crater beneath him on the side of the volcano. Burst cushions her landing with the rocket shoes while holding her torso, leaning in pain.
Panel 8
Zoom in on Brickjaw wiping sweat from his face with his arm and smiling. Parts of his body are forming into a lava like substance. His eyes focus on the lower side of his arm near his armpit, the reader can see the same tattoo of a rose Burst has from “Burst The Wilted Rose Comic Pt. 1” Page 2, Panel 3.
Brickjaw
It’s ironic. I remember the team getting these to remind us of our purpose and to always stick together. But like a bad romance, it wasn’t meant to be. You made sure of that. (*Laughs*) Good try, but you’re heat can’t hurt me in this form.
Page 16
Panel 1
Detailed depiction of Brickjaw’s lava form. Boiling magma should be covering his body. His eyes are no more and are just sockets of black emptiness, like he feels in his soul. Should take up a fourth of the page.
Brickjaw
And I’ll make sure you never hurt me again!
Panel 2
Angle the panel to where Brickjaw’s lava form towers over Burst. Burst has the freeze gun in her hands now while she looks up at the obstacle she needs to overcome.
Burst
You expected too much of me Jake just like others in my past. You make it sound like I was something more. We were two lost people corrupted by a team promising us a goal. I know that goal gave you a purpose and you feel like I was apart of that, but this fixation has turned you into someone I don’t even recognize. I’m sorry about the way I left, but you know our team wasn’t right. Let go of this hate – this resentment you’re holding before it tears you apart!
Panel 3
Brickjaw lobs pieces of his molten magma towards Burst’s direction. Burst uses the force from the blast of her gauntlets and her rocket shoes to dodge.
Brickjaw
You’re a piece of work, you know that? You make it sound like it was Huo’s and Yu’s doing, but you knew who they were all that time. You knew they only cared about Nervo; taking down the one who caused them pain. I understood that, which is why I fully embraced it. Everyone else caught in the crossfire could be burned for all they cared and you knew that! You even knew they didn’t abide by your ridiculous rule to not hurt civilians, but you turned a blind eye to it anyway. You just wanted a purpose too!
Panel 4
Burst uses the freeze gun to encase his whole body except for his head in ice. Alex Gordan’s words from Page 7, Panel 6 echo through Burst’s head after Brickjaw’s statement.
Sometimes who a person really is has been in front of you all along.
Panel 5
Burst lowers her gun, panting while Brickjaw is stuck in the ice encasement.
Burst
I deserve that. You’re right. I did know what type of people all of you were all along. I just didn’t want to see it. But because I didn’t take control when I should have, I unknowingly let others take control of my life for me. But you left too. You could have stayed. You can blame me for that all you want, but I think we both know deep down, you knew it wasn’t right either.
Panel 6
Brickjaw breaks from the ice encasement, enraged.
Brickjaw
RRRAAAWWWHHH!
Panel 7
More magma like material shoots out of him, but this time from all points of his body. Burst deploys a temporary see through shield encompassing her body built into her hero attire to block it, although parts of the magma are seeping through.
Brickjaw
Don’t presume to know me! You know nothing about me! I wanted to be alone in the first place. I didn’t want to feel nothing for any of you! I lost my family already and all you did was make me lose another! Why can’t you all just leave… me… ALONE?!!
Panel 8
Brickjaw runs up to the top of the volcano. Burst is chasing him from behind.
Burst
Jake! Wait! Where are you going?
Brickjaw
You’ll see. I’m strong enough on my own! I don’t need any of you!
Panel 9
Brickjaw falls into the volcano. Burst peers down. Her eyes are watery, filled with concern.
Burst
Oh my gosh… Did he…?
Page 17
Panel 1
An enormous lava like monster shoots up from the volcanic pit. Only the top half of it is above the pit. Its black holes for eyes are daggered right at Burst. Bursts dashes out of the way with her rocket boots, looking up in disbelief. Alex Gordan is talking to her through the communicator. Should take up 3/5ths of the page.
Alex Gordan
Burst, come in! What’s happening?
Burst
Remember when you said he absorbed heat? You weren’t kidding. I’m looking at a giant humanoid form of magma right now!
Panel 2
Left side of the panel shows Burst glancing at the cops and citizens below, staring at the spectacle that has unfolded, who are in the background towards the right side of the panel. Lava is slowly making its way down the side of the volcano and toward them. Alex Gordan is talking.
Alex Gordan
That’s it. I’m calling in backup.
Panel 3
Close up of Burst’s eyes. It should depict a wilted rose in each eye, symbolizing her past as the Valiant of Four Roses and her future as a hero and a member of The Guardians.
Burst
No. Don’t call the team!
Alex Gordan
Why?!? Why are you dead set on doing this alone?
Burst
Because I’m no longer a weak rose who needs others to stand. I finally know who I am now, and I have a chance of taking control of a situation in my life. If I’m to be part of a new team like The Guardians – a hero, I need to know I’m an asset that strengthens the whole, who no longer doubts her purpose. I need that answer. This is my fight, and I have to see it through.
Page 18
Panel 1
Pan out to show Burst creating distance from her and the now giant lava form of Brickjaw.
Alex Gordan
(*Chuckles*) I guess I have to thank Emeka later on. You certainly did not get that heroism from me… About earlier, I didn’t say how I saw you now because I didn’t know how to put in words but after hearing your little speech, I can’t help but feel proud. I’d imagine this is how your parents would feel if they saw you now as this capable woman like I do.
Burst
I suppose I didn’t know how to feel about you before either, but it’s clear. You’ve looked out for me all this time like a guardian would. And for that, I thank you Professor Gordan!
(*Note: Their dialogue defines their dynamic duo-like relationship as one comparable to a father and daughter. This gives the reader a concrete answer of how they see each other.)
Panel 2
Burst looks at the clouds above her while staying out of range of Brickjaw’s attacks.
Burst
But cue the waterworks for now… The rain from yesterday gave me an idea.
Panel 3
Show Burst studying the heat coming from Brickjaw’s heated exterior. The scorching heat rising is subtly begins to form a cumulus cloud above him.
Panel 4
Burst’s transparent shield covers her again. Freeze gun in hand, she dashes straight for the giant-sized Brickjaw with her rocket boots.
Panel 5
Burst is shooting parts of his body with the freeze gun. Other parts are melting and turning into water vapor almost instantly due to Brickjaw’s intense heat. The cumulus cloud has fully formed.
Panel 6
Burst dodges Brickjaw’s giant-sized lava hand swipes while still shooting him to distract him from her plan.
Panel 7
The fighting continues to ensue and the accumulated water vapor rising starts to turn the cumulus cloud into a nimbus cloud.
Panel 8
Brickjaw finally catches her under his hand. Her shield is protecting her from a majority of the lava substance.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(Dang it. Still not enough heat? Maybe a full powered blast from my heat can move it along.)
Brickjaw
I’m not sure what you were trying to do, but it’s over now. I wasn’t going to get beat by a person who doesn’t even know who she is.
Page 19
Panel 1
Zoom in to Burst’s body. A determined look exudes from her face as her body outwardly glows an intense hue of blue energy.
Burst
I know exactly who I am! I am Jackly Ryan revived by Project Burst and codenamed Frost Fire – a person who stands on her own for what’s right! My life will not end here!
(*Note: Signifies that she acknowledges all three of her names are apart of her and who she is. She no longer doubts who she is nor her purpose in life.)
Panel 2
An intense stream of blue energy shoots towards the nimbus cloud above Brickjaw’s head. Flashes of lightning begin to form.
Panel 3
Brickjaw laughs. Burst points towards the sky.
Brickjaw
I absorb heat elements, remember? Good thing for you it missed. So much for your talk!
Burst
Not quite.
Panel 4
Onomatopeia of booming thunder. Rain begins pouring hard over the entire area.
Brickjaw
Rain? You should know better. It might as well be constant steam hitting me.
Panel 5
Burst has the freeze gun equipped and shoots it towards the nimbus cloud, now creating a blizzard-like hailstorm. The reader can see a knob set on the coldest temperature. Alex Gordan comments on the other end of the communicator.
Burst
I know, which is why I’ve created an atmospheric loop. The constant steam created by the ice falling on you, only continues to feed the cloud causing it, along with the infinite energy sourcing technology powering this freeze gun. I can’t freeze to death because I have the same type of infinite energy inside me that shoots my blue fire from these gauntlets. You, on the other hand, do have a limit of how much heat you can generate. You’ll give out sooner.
Alex Gordan
Heh. Pretty clever, Jacklyn. I see that scientific mind of yours has returned too.
Panel 6
The blizzard envelopes the entire area, blanketing the panel in dots of white from the ice shards raining down.
Brickjaw
NOOO!!!
Panel 7
Burst Fire is standing above Brickjaw, symbolizing the huge obstacle within herself she has now overcome. They are perched atop the rim of the volcano. Burst Fire is holding her torso in pain and dangling the freeze gun at her side, weary from the fight. Brickjaw is frozen stiff and can barely talk. He looks to the sky in defeat.
Brickjaw
What do I do now? Where do I go from here?
Burst
(*Pants*) That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, Jake. It’s not something someone can answer for you. We all have our path to walk. It’s your life. Only you can decide who you want to be.
Page 20
Panel 1
Officer is standing next to Burst talking to her and smiling. We can see other law enforcers securing Brickjaw in another transport vehicle to take to the Gridlock. People are excited in the background to see Burst near the officer. They are trying to get past officers blocking them from getting in the area. Burst is tending to her wounds and holding her torso of cracked ribs.
Burst
Please, for all our sakes, make sure he doesn’t escape on the way there this time.
Officer
(*Chuckles*) You’ve made quite a name for yourself in this area. You sure you don’t want to stay to give the news reporters the full story yourself?
Burst
I might be a hero now, but I’m still kind of getting used to all of this. Hehe… baby steps.
Panel 2
Burst walks through the lab at Slater Tech where Alex Gordan is. She is hobbling over to him with her damaged equipment and soaked bandages that are torn in places. Alex Gordan rushes over to her.
Alex Gordan
Woah, woah, woah! Easy does it. You’re gonna be alright. You’re in the best hands.
Panel 3
Burst is laying down on the patient bed smiling while Alex Gordan tends to her wounds.
Burst
Heh… I know… I’ll have to thank Madam Frost next time I see her.
Alex Gordan
Why’s that?
Burst
(*Laughs*) Without her you would’ve never thought of the idea for this gun.
Panel 4
Alex Gordan looks at her, pridefully – father like. She has a content face looking back at him.
Alex Gordan
Wow. Remarkable. Even your old sense of humor is back along with semblances of your original personality… Well, now that we know the treatment works, are you going to go see your parents after you’re all healed up.
Burst
Yeah, It’s about time I move forward. I need to find a brunette wig, though. I don’t want to freak them out. The mind is delicate. I’ll tell them what happened in fragments.
(*Note: Retrieving pieces of herself in fragments through her memory is how she became whole again. Her dialogue gives credence to it and signifies a hopeful future for her and her parents as long as they pick up the pieces of their damaged relationship.)
Panel 5
Show Burst in a modern dress with a brunette wig that resembles her original hair style and color she had in the past. The brunette wig also suggests that this will be her alter persona as Jacklyn Ryan when she isn’t a hero as Frost Fire. She knocks on the door of a house. Sun is shining in the background and people are casually talking on the street. There should be a missing person flyer tacked someone near their house to signify her parents never gave up searching for her after all this time.
Panel 6
Show her mom and dad opening the door in shock and bursting into tears. Jacklyn is also smiling and tearing up as well.
Page 21
Show Alex Gordan alone in a bathroom in his lab, talking to himself in the mirror. In the mirror, we can see a projection of Nervo’s face staring back at him. Three dots lit in a triangle formation on Alex Gordan’s forehead can be seen in the reflection of the mirror.
Nervo
I know the real reason why your other self was doubting his parental affection for his mentee. I think he’s starting to sense he has a dormant personality within his mind. See to it he doesn’t discover our plans.
Alex Gordan
Understood, my Lord Paragon Nervo. All hail the sun god!
The End
Reginald andah 