The Turtle Writer of Knell:
NOTES: Much of this story (and the title of this chapter) is from an episode draft from the planned third season of the show, which was written by staff writer Brandon Hoang.
Libby with her reading glasses on is based on a picture from DeviantArt user Deaf-Machbot called, 'Libby Stein-Torres wears a glasses.'
It was daytime at Brighton Middle School, where everyone was in the cafeteria were listening to Libby read her new book...
Libby (in her reading glasses) is standing at a podium, and read from a self-printed book. A banner hung over her reading: THE TURTLE RIDERS OF KNELL! AUTHOR READING TODAY!
Libby: '...and so, Lady Libbitha saved the Kingdom of Knell from the goblin horde. But had she lost her faithful battle turtle forever? Only time would tell...'
Libby took off her glasses, and struck a pose like an author would do. (crossing her arms, with a smile) There's also a large photo of her in the same pose right beside her.
Libby: Thank you all for coming to the first public reading of The Turtle Riders of Knell!
As Libby stepped away from the podium, a long line of people were waiting with books in hand...
Gloria: I love Lady Libbitha! Will you sign my copy?! Make it out to Gloria!
Libby: (chuckles while signing the book) I know your name, Gloria. We've been in the same class since we were five.
Gloria: So when's the sequel coming out?!
Libby: I... just finished this one. I haven't even started thinking about another...
A crowd formed around Libby, inches from her.
Mr. Pham: You know what this series needs? A robot revolution!
Libby: It's a medieval fantasy, soooo...
Abigail is now suddenly very close to Libby's face.
Abigail: You do have a romance planned, right? Maybe a love triangle? Love square? Pentagon?! DODECAGON?!
She then put on a sea captain's hat and reels Libby in.
Abigail: (continues) I must ship!
Nashua: Every moment without a new Dragons of Knell is SUFFERING. DO NOT. MAKE. US. WAIT.
As the crowd closes in, Libby started to sweat.
Later in the hallway, Molly is with Libby and Geoff, chatting by the vending machine...
Molly: Libby! The Turtle Riders of Knell is a hit! Everybody's going nuts for it!
Geoff: Congratulations, Libby! You've shown everyone you're a great writer. What are your plans for a follow-up story?
Libby: That's the problem! They all want another story, but I'm tapped out of ideas! Literary fame is a blessing... and a curse!
Libby gets out a brown bag, and breathes in it nervously...
Molly: Libby, you've got plenty of ideas kicking around that talented head of yours! All you need is a nice, quiet place to focus.
Libby: (sighs) I guess a writer's retreat in my emergency bunker wouldn't hurt...
The next morning, at Book Marks The Spot, at her bunker in the basement, Libby types "TURTLE RIDERS OF KNELL, PART 2: ASSAULT ON THE GOBLIN HORDE" on her typewriter. Molly "air knocks" then comes in with a basket. Geoff follows.
Molly: Knock knock! Before you bunker down, I brought you some brain food.
Geoff: My contribution was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Libby: Really appreciate it, but you two need to-
Molly lingers, not getting the hint to leave.
Molly: Ooooh, a typewriter. How retro!
Libby: The clacking of the keys soothes me. But you've got to go before-
Immediately, the door slammed shut. A timer beeps.
Libby: (puts her head down) That... I set a 24-hour time lock, so I would be forced to write.
Molly tugs at the door, lightly at first, then with effort.
Molly: Who knew reinforced steel could be so stubborn?
Molly sweats with the effort, and she continues to strain.
Libby: It's no use, Molly. We're trapped.
Geoff: I'm a ghost, so that doesn't apply to me. But, if I leave, would you both be okay in here?
Molly: Don't worry, Geoff. We be alright in here for 24 hours together.
Geoff: Okay. See you then, Molly.
Geoff flew into the wall. Molly and Libby were alone.
Molly: Libby, I'm sorry, but you won't even know I'm here! I'll be like a supportive ninja!
Libby: This is fine. I can still get my writing done.
Libby raises her hands, speaking to them.
Libby: Okay, ladies. Let's make magic.
Libby is at her typewriter as the World of Knell appears...
It was daytime. On a pirate deck, in a lute-shaped car, Libby, in turtle armor popped out into a battle arena...
Lady Libbitha: (Libby) Time for me, the valiant Lady Libbitha to fight for my life in the... battle nexus...? No... I'll take to the high seas!
Lady Libbitha goes onto a pirate ship. Her face turns green.
Lady Libbitha: (gagging) Fictional sea sickness! A land journey would be better. Perhaps in a lute-shaped minivan...
Lady Libbitha pops into the lute-shaped car. Huge chunks of food fall from the sky, bouncing off the car.
Molly: (voiceover, with a mouthful) A lute-shaped minivan? Doesn't seem like the aesthetic of the world you've built...
Continued, back at the basement of Book Marks The Spot...
Molly reads over Libby's shoulder, eating some emergency rations. Flecks sprinkle in Libby's hair.
Molly: Hey, Moll? Hard to think with freeze-dried salami crumbs dropping on me like hail stones.
Molly swallowed the food, then brushed crumbs from Libby's hair.
Molly: It's actually freeze-dried pepperoni-flavored tempeh! I was skeptical, but you know what, it's tasty! Well done... (looks at package) "Nature's Bomb Shelter Rations!" (backing away) Anyway, I can already tell this book is going to be phenomenal! Amazing! Pheno-mazing! Okay, I'll get out of your hair! Ha! Feel free to use that pun in your book!
Libby gives a weak smile.
At the McGee family's house, Geoff had told the McGee family that Molly was spending the night at Book Marks The Spot to help Libby write a new book.
Sharon: I hope Molly has a good time.
Pete: Yeah, I bet they're having popcorn watching a movie together right now.
Sharon: (to Pete) This means we'll have some time to ourselves tonight.
Sharon and Pete walked away, leaving Geoff alone with Darryl...
Darryl: Well, I got some plans myself. See you later!
Darryl then goes out the door.
Geoff: Oh, it seems everyone's busy tonight.
Back at Book Marks The Spot, in Libby's bunker, (in a series of jump cuts) Libby typed in different positions at her typewriter, she paced, she snacked on the emergency rations, she read, and she played her Bandoneon. (a concertina instrument)
Finally, she got back to her typewriter, slowly pecking.
Back to the World of Knell...
At Brighton Woods, Lady Libbitha pops into the woods.
Lady Libbitha: What I need to jumpstart this story is a new, compelling character!
Gloria: (in fantasy garb) pops up from behind a stump.
Lady Libbitha: Gloria? What are you doing here?
Gloria: Just wanted to see how the book is coming along!
Then Mr. Pham (dressed as a robot), Abigail (a ranger), and
Nashua (a bard) emerge from the trees.
Mr. Phan: Did I hear someone needs a new character? Because I got one right here! Beep boop beep!
Mr. Pham does some robot dance moves and robot noises.
Abigail: Don't be a fool - robots can't fall in love! And I need romance!
Nashua: Don't ruin this for us! We have high and unreasonable expectations!
Nashua shakes her, causing her armor to rattle and squeak.
Cut back to Libby's bunker...
Molly bounces on the bunker bed, squeaking like Libbitha's armor. Libby looks over, confused.
Libby: Molly?
Molly: (bouncing and breathless) Just burning off excess energy! Can't wait to read the next incredi-cool chapter! That's another word I came up with to describe your-WHOA WHOA WHOA!
Molly does a big jump, which triggers the spikes! Libby rushes over and catches Molly before she lands on the spikes.
Molly: Forgot it does that...
Some time has passed. Libby is at her typewriter, pounding on her temples.
Libby: Come on, Libby. Think! Everyone is counting on you!
Back to the World of Knell once again...
At Brighton Woods, Lady Libbitha sits on a stump, rubbing her chin.
Lady Libbitha: Last time, the goblins stole my faithful turtle. Sooo... I should duel a goblin to win her back!
A goblin pops in, looks around to see who Libbitha is addressing, then points to herself, confused.
Lady Libbitha: Yeah! You! We should... duel?
The goblin shrugs, then raises a club, while Lady Libbitha raises her sword. Then the goblin lowered the club.
Goblin: Wait, wait, wait. Didn't we do this in the last book? You know, just before I stole your battle turtle?
Lady Libbitha: No no no, this is different, because last time... (confused) you had an axe?
Goblin: One story, and you're already out of ideas? (sighs) Not a good look.
Lady Libbitha: Hey! I created you! Don't make me write you out of existence!
Goblin: If you're going to give me no character development, you might as well...
Cut back to the basement at Book Marks the Spot at night.
Libby tears out the page and crumples it.
Libby: Oh, character development?! Let's see how you like this development - You're out of the book!
A sudden flash appeared. Libby covered her eyes, blinded by it. Molly was snapping pictures of Libby with her phone.
Molly: Don't mind me! Just grabbing some behind-the-scenes for your book's social media campaign. (whispering) They're supposed to be candid, so look off dreamily into the distance!
Libby looked confused. Molly took another picture of Libby with her phone.
Molly: Eh, close enough.
Molly wanders, holding her phone up, and tries to find a signal.
Molly: Now to upload these to the fan forums. I don't need to tell you how starved they are for fresh content! Just need a signal...
Molly climbs all over Libby, waving her phone.
Molly: (continues) I got a bar! I got a bar! Oh wait, no. Give me a second...
Libby grits her teeth as Molly steps all over her face. Meanwhile, at the McGee's house, Sharon and Pete were snuggling on the couch with a blanket and popcorn, and watching a movie...
Sharon: This is nice.
Pete: Yeah, this is a great movie.
Just then, Darryl tries to come in quietly, but was caught...
Sharon: Darryl, how was your day?
Darryl was nervous, because he had just caused trouble at a petting zoo by letting all the animals out, and afraid his parents would find out, tries to come up an excuse...
Darryl: Oh, it was fine. I took a walk through town.
Sharon and Pete looked at him suspiciously, and were about to question Darryl when Geoff flew in...
Geoff: Oh, boy! Are you watching a movie?! (looks at TV) The Country Pumpkin romance special, Can't Squash This Feeling?! Whoa, I love that one!
Geoff immediately flew over to the couch to watch the movie with Sharon and Pete, and Darryl took that opportunity, and successfully snuck upstairs without being seen.
Back in the basement in Book Marks The Spot, Libby, with her head in her hands, is at her typewriter. She watches as Molly sleep-mumbles in the bunker bed.
Molly: Pheno-mazing. Incredi-cool. Fanta-smar-iffic...
Libby looks at her clock. It was now midnight. She goes on a trippy, fever dream in her fantasy world...
Mr. Pham, Gloria, Abigail, and Nashua (with torches and pitchforks) chase Lady Libbitha through the woods, chanting, 'We want the book NOW... and it better be GOOD!' After a while of running,
Libbitha thinks she's found safety! It's Molly! However, Molly is the leader of the fan mob! They menacingly chant, "Fanta-smar-iffic! Phenomazing!" Libbitha tripped and fell, and the fan mob closed in as she screamed!
Cut back to Book Marks The Spot, where it's now morning. Molly gingerly approached Libby at the typewriter, and saw that Libby's hair was covering her face.
Molly: Libby? Have you been up all night?
Molly moves Libby's messy hair, and saw that her eyes are bloodshot, and her bags were under her eyes. Molly is shocked.
Libby: YES! And everything I've written is GAR-BAGE!
Libby gestured over to a pile of crumpled up paper as high as the ceiling. Libby's lip trembles, and began to cry as Molly hugs her...
Molly: Oh no! Don't sad lip! There's still plenty of time for you to write an extra-stupen-dinary story. That's stupendous and extraordinary combined-
Libby:: YOU DON'T KNOW THAT, MOLLY! (takes a deep breath) I know you're trying to be supportive, but every time you say the book is going to be extra-stupen-dinary, or fanta-smar-iffic, or pheno-mazing, it's just another reminder that everyone expects a masterpiece that I CAN'T DELIVER!
Libby dumped out a bag of emergency rations, using it to breathe. Molly patted Libby on the back, comforting her.
Molly: I had no idea you were feeling so much pressure...
Libby balled up the bag and chucked it.
Libby: Everyone's expectations are so high, writing isn't even fun anymore!
Molly guided Libby back to the typewriter...
Molly: Then forget about expectations. We all liked The Turtle Riders of Knell because you liked it. Write something that makes you happy, and
everyone else will like it, too.
Libby takes a long look at Molly and smiles.
Libby: It's worth a shot! (to Molly) Can you pat me on the back one more time?
Molly gave Libby another gentle pat-pat. Libby sipped a cup of tea... then she furiously typed up a whirlwind! Pages are flying off the typewriter, and Molly raced to catch them in the air.
Cut back to the World of Knell, at Brighton Woods...
Lady Libbitha kneeled behind a rock, and looks at her map.
Lady Libbitha: The goblin camp is up ahead. To rescue my trusty turtle will require cunning, bravery and-
Molly: (offscreen) STEALTH!
Lady Libbitha became nervous. Molly (in jester garb) cartwheeled in, bells jangling, then bowed.
Molly: Jolly the Jester at your service. Ooh! Is that the camp? Let me get a
better vantage point!
Jolly clambered up Libbitha's shoulders.
Lady Libbitha: Shh, Jolly! You're going to alert the-
Goblins popped up, and they were surrounding Libbitha and Jolly!
Lady Libbitha: The Goblin hordes...
Jolly: (puts her head down) This is a whoopsie on me, isn't it?
Lady Libbitha; Yep, Jolly. This is all thanks to you. (turns to the goblins) HAVE AT THEE, GOBLINS!
Libbitha then raised her sword up high in the air.
Cut back to the basement in Book Marks The Spot...
Libby had finished her novel, and held the pages of her manuscript in the air!
Libby: I did it! I finally did it! I have in my hand... words on the page!
Thanks for helping me get out of my head, Molly.
The bunker door swung open, and Libby rushed out.
Molly: That's just a rough draft, right? Are you open to some changes? For example, maybe softening the well-meaning sidekick... aaand you're gone.
A moment later, Geoff flew in, knowing that the bunker door would be open at that time. Geoff wrapped his arms around Molly, in a big hug...
Geoff: Molly, I'm glad you and Libby are out of that bunker!
Molly: (hugged Geoff back) It wasn't all bad, Geoff, I kind of... had some inspiration for Libby to finish her novel
Geoff: So, how did Libby's new book turn out?
Molly: (smiles) I think it's going to be a great follow-up hit!
Molly and Geoff left Book Marks The Spot, and went back home.