The Meg Chronicles

by Jonas Xerxes

This is a fanfiction series that takes place in a two year timeskip, after Meg and her best friends Roberta Tubbs-Brown and Courtney Quagmire graduated from Adam West High, they headed to LA and attend University life with four other girls as they take on the world, change it and explore new realities in their adventures in the West.

5. The Force Within

The Meg Chronicles Season 1 Episode 5 – The Force Within

[Shadow House, UCLA, Los Angeles] [September 13, 2021]

(Soft Lo-Fi beats play in the background as the camera pans around the cozy, cluttered dining room of the Shadow House. A September sunset spills golden light through the windows. Everyone's either sipping from mugs or finishing up takeout, lounging in chairs and half-finished homework on the table. Posters of UFOs, social justice slogans, and one overly artistic rendering of the "Power-Gene" hang on the walls.)

Hayley Smith: (smiling as she leans into Jeff) Honestly, this semester hasn't sucked as much as I thought it would. I mean, I haven't set anything on fire yet—so that's progress, right?

Jeff Fischer: (chuckling) Except for that microwave popcorn situation last week.

Hayley Smith: (dramatic shrug) It was a political statement.

Meg Griffin: (to Hiyoshi, teasingly) You sure dating an underground fighter turned superhero rookie like me hasn't made you flunk a class yet?

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (grinning, leaning in close) I'd fail calculus three times over just to see you wear that Blossoming Armor again.

Courtney Quagmire: (giggling at Pouya across the table) Hey, remember when you tried to impress me by skateboarding off that roof?

Pouya Zangane: (smirking) I impressed gravity.

Helen: (sipping chamomile, content with Rokuro by her side) My alpha brings me squirrels and sunshine. I cannot complain.

Rokuro Mashimoto: (low growl of agreement) Love is the true hunt.

Erika Fujibayashi: (resting her head on Kito's shoulder) Kito's helping me meditate before exams. I've never felt so clear-headed.

Kito Motosimba: (smiles gently) Balance in love brings clarity in battle.

(Amid the cozy affection, a sharp voice slices through was Roberta on her smartphone.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (loud, dramatic) Y'all mind shutting up for, like, five seconds?! I got a video call with my man, and it's gonna be flyin'. All the stuff we bitches love!

(Everyone quiets, turning toward her with varying levels of forced politeness.)

Potala Sonora: (whispering to the girls, deadpan) If I ever behave like that when I get a boyfriend… you have permission to kill me.

(They chuckle, trying to stifle it behind their mugs.)

Meg Griffin: (reminiscing) I remember my old Canadian friend? Constantly yapping about her boyfriend Wade?

[Cutaway — Caitlin's Constant Bragging of her Boyfriend of the Week]

Caitlin Cooke: (in her trademark pink, starry-eyed) And then Wade bought me this lip gloss and he was like, "It smells like you!" And I was like "Aww!" And then he touched my hair—

Nikki Wong: (snapping, exasperated) OH. MY. GOD. SHUT UP!

(Silence. It was brief before Caitlin resumed talking about Wade.)

Caitlin Cooke: Anyway, Wade says—

(Meg, stone-faced, slowly raises a pistol and puts it in her mouth. The rest just groan.)
[Cutaway Ends]

(The screen on Roberta's laptop flickers to life, revealing Federline Jones—shirtless, sweaty, and surrounded by a loud party crowd. There's a random bra hanging from a lampshade. He's clearly in the middle of something.)

Federline Jones: (nervous grin) Yo, Roberta! Wassup girl! Dang, I've been missin' you… You good in LA?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (squinting, concerned) Why you lookin' like you ran a marathon through a strip club? And why you only wearin' boxers? What's that on your desk… is that a girl's jacket?

Federline Jones: (panicking) Uh! Uh—nah, nah, that's... my momma's. I was doin' laundry for her. She came by. Dropped off a casserole. You know.

(Before he can keep lying, Lacey Stapleton strolls out of the bathroom in a towel, drying her blonde hair like it's a shampoo commercial.)

Lacey Stapleton: (smirking, venom sweet) Oh. Hi, Roberta. Didn't know we were FaceTiming the ex. You know, I always said I'd get him back after you moved away. Guess what? I did. I love his raps.

(Gasps ripple from the table. Hayley drops her tea.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (heartbroken, trembling) Is this for real? How long, Federline?

Federline Jones: (defeated, mumbling) ...a few months... I didn't mean to hurt you.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (furious) I knew something was off. You remember when you met that fat girl in green pants and jacket named Tyra Obama?

Federline Jones: (confused) ...yeah?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (gritting her teeth) That was me… in a fat suit. Testing your loyalty.

(Gasps all around. Including Federline himself.)

Federline Jones: DAAANG...

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (exploding, tears in her eyes) I gave you all I had! You were my first real shot at love after everything—and YOU... you really just let some boujee private school ho from the 'way take it all from me?!

Lacey Stapleton: (leaning in)
He likes girls who don't play dress-up games, Roberta.

(Roberta stares at the screen, broken… then, with trembling fingers, she slams the laptop shut. She storms off, tears streaking down her cheeks.)

Meg Griffin: (softly to the group) No one follows. Let her have this moment.

Potala Sonora: (sighs, shaking her head) I'm gonna hex the hell out of that girl's hair.

(They nod in agreement, while Helen growls gently under her breath.)

Hayley Smith: (clutching Jeff's hand) She's strong. She'll come through this.

(The camera holds on the laptop screen now black, echoing the loneliness left behind.)

(The camera slowly zooms in on Roberta's dimly lit room, where the sound of distant laughter and the clink of glasses can be heard from the dorm's common area. The room is dark, save for the soft glow of her desk lamp. Roberta is curled up on her bed, a tissue clutched tightly in her hand, eyes swollen from crying. Her hair is disheveled, and she's staring at the ceiling, as if hoping the truth she's just discovered would somehow disappear. The sound of a knock on her door breaks the silence.)

Meg Griffin: (from outside the door, gently) Roberta? It's us... can we come in?

(The door creaks open and Meg, followed by Courtney, Helen, and Erika, enters, each of them offering a comforting smile. Roberta doesn't acknowledge them immediately. She keeps her eyes locked on the ceiling, still trying to process everything.)

Courtney Quagmire: (sitting on the edge of Roberta's bed) Hey… you're not alone in this. We're all here for you.

Helen: (gently rubbing her hands together) We've all been there, Roberta. I get it. The hurt… it's real. But you don't have to go through this by yourself.

Erika Fujibayashi: (sitting down on the floor near the bed, voice soft) I understand, Roberta. I've been through bad rejections, too. You can't help how much you trust someone… and then they crush it. It feels like the ground beneath you has been pulled out.

(Roberta's lip trembles as she finally speaks, voice breaking.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (mumbling, almost in disbelief) I can't believe this is really happening. I thought... I thought Federline could've been the one. And now... now I find out he's been cheating on me for two years. With Lacey of all people. How could he do this?

Meg Griffin: (sitting next to her, gently rubbing her back) He messed up, Roberta. That's on him, not you.

Erika Fujibayashi: (nods in understanding, her voice filled with empathy) I get it. A few years ago, I was in the same place. Only, I wasn't as nice about it.

[Cutaway — Four Aggressive Breakup Retaliations]

(A 15-year-old Erika standing outside a restaurant, watching as her date walks out with another girl. Her face twists into anger, and with a swift motion, she grabs a nearby trashcan and throws it at her date. Four more scenes follow: Erika repeatedly beating up different boys after catching them cheating on her.)

Erika Fujibayashi: (narrating over the montage) I never let them get away with it. A cheater's a cheater, right?

[Cutaway Ends]

(Back in Roberta's room, the girls are silent for a beat, as the memory of Erika's wild moments hangs in the air. Roberta sniffles, wiping her face with her sleeve.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (quietly) I... I just don't get it. Why Lacey? I thought we were past all this high school rivalry stuff. She... she's everything I'm not.

(The girls share a silent moment, and then Potala's voice suddenly rings from the hallway.)

Potala Sonora: (shouting from off-screen) You're crying over that poser?!

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (eyes flaring, shouting back) He's not a poser!

Potala Sonora: (sarcastic) If he raps like he's black and wears tank tops and baggy pants like a walking ad for extreme birth control—he's a poser.

(The group falls silent as Roberta looks at Potala in stunned silence. Potala's words are harsh, but they strike a weird chord. Roberta glares.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (pointing at the door) Alright, Potala. I'm over here dealing with a heartbreak, and you're over there making it worse.

(Potala chuckles off-screen but knows better than to push it.)

Meg Griffin: (taking a deep breath) Roberta, you're allowed to grieve. But tomorrow after classes, we're going to The Grove mall. We're gonna have a little shopping therapy, okay? You can cry all night, but tomorrow, we help you get past this.

(The girls nod in agreement. Roberta looks at them, eyes still filled with hurt but softening at their support.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (quietly) Yeah. I guess that's fine.

(As the room falls into a comfortable silence, the camera shifts focus to Roberta, who seems to be on the verge of something... more. Her eyes flutter, a strange sensation beginning to creep over her. The wind outside rustles in a way that feels... different. Roberta shifts uncomfortably in bed, feeling as if something's changing around her. She sits up slowly, eyes widening as she begins to hear whispers from outside, voices she can't place, as if the world around her was speaking. It feels like energy... like life itself flowing through her.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (to herself, confused and unsettled) What... what is this? It's like I can... feel everything... the wind, the life around me. What is this?

(Roberta's hands tremble as she closes her eyes, trying to focus. It's almost as if the current of the world itself is running through her veins. She shakes her head, trying to ignore the overwhelming feeling.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (quietly to herself) This is weirder than when Junior activated his food senses.

[Cutaway — Cleveland Jr.'s Food Senses Tickling]

(Roberta and Cleveland Jr. riding in Quagmire's car. They're cruising down the road, windows down, with Meg and Courtney in the front. Jr. suddenly sniffs the air dramatically.)

Cleveland Brown Jr.: (nose twitching, grinning) Yo, I smell pizza. New food truck on Spooner Street. We gotta get there now! Courtney, step on it!

Courtney Quagmire: (laughing, foot on the gas) You got it! We're going to Spooner Street!

[Cutaway Ends]

(Roberta, staring at her hands as the feeling of energy intensifies. She clenches her fists and takes a deep breath.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (muttering to herself) Whatever this is... it can wait. I've got algebra and calculus to deal with tomorrow.

(Roberta lies back down and pulls the covers over her, though she's far from sleep. Her mind is racing, trying to make sense of the presence she just felt. Unbeknownst to her, the power she's beginning to awaken is the same force that's been sensed by someone else.)

[Los Angeles, California]

Cut to a dark alleyway in another part of Los Angeles. Malachi, also right now,Shadowknight is finishing off a group of out-of-state frat boys who had been harassing local businesses. With swift, precise movements, Shadowknight knocks out the last of them. As he stands over them, catching his breath, his eyes narrow. He senses something in the air—something distant, something familiar. A powerful presence. He turns to the sky, as if he knows exactly where it's coming from.)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): (inner monologue, grinning to himself) She's out there... She has it. The Force. Just like me.

(Police sirens wail in the distance. Shadowknight leaps high into the air, vanishing into the night sky as the sirens draw nearer.)

[The Meg Chronicles Opening 1 – Road to Somewhere]

(The camera zooms in on sunset-lit Los Angeles skyline with towering skyscrapers and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The pink Corvette speeds down the Pacific Coast Highway, with Meg, Roberta, and Courtney in the car. Meg, behind the wheel, looks ready for the new adventure. Roberta is snapping a selfie while Courtney tunes her radio. The upbeat music kicks in as they drive off.)

"I was stuck in a world that never saw me,But now I'm free, yeah, now I'm flying!"

(The screen flashes with bold, energetic title cards: The Meg Chronicles!)
(Meg Griffin: A slow-motion shot of Meg in her new look—hourglass figure, wavy brown hair, and small oval glasses, flipping her hair back as she speeds into UCLA dorms with confidence. Cut to her in an action pose, super-powered punches knocking enemies down. Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Roberta stands strong and proud, crossing her arms in front of a DJ turntable with neon lights flashing behind her. She's seen battling villains with quick, smooth moves at a nightclub in LA. Courtney Quagmire: Courtney kicks off a skateboard ramp, flipping mid-air and landing perfectly as explosions go off behind her. She grins at the camera before dodging enemies with precision. Each of the new friends gets their moment to shine as heroes in this opening montage. Helen: Helen leaps into battle, kicking down a door as she leads the charge with her loyalty. She stands tall, ready to protect her friends with grace. Erika Fujibayashi: A shot of Erika battling frat boy terrorists and ninjas with swift swordsmanship. She's a fearless warrior, always stepping up when needed, standing her ground against those who threaten her new life. Potala Sonora: Potala, wielding a bow and arrow, stands tall in front of a sacred tree. She releases a perfect shot that hits an impossible target, showcasing her exceptional skills as a Miwok Native American hero. Haley Smith & Jeff Fischer: Haley, accompanied by Jeff Fischer, is seen charging into battle—Haley unleashing fire magic and Jeff using advanced technology to take down enemies. The mood shifts as the villains come into focus. Lady Porcina, a giant pig, towers over the city. She's dressed in a high-class outfit, wearing a diamond necklace, and is incredibly menacing. Meg and Porcina lock eyes in slow-motion—the rivalry between them clearly building. Popping are actual supervillains with superpowers, evil ninja clans, corrupted law enforcements. The camera zooms in on a concealed frat leader, and his frat boy terrorist army. He is a sinister figure, orchestrating destruction with smug precision. His cynical laugh fills the scene. The girls are joined by their love interests, each with their unique abilities, adding a deep layer of excitement to the action-packed final battle.)

"No more waiting, no more hiding—The road is open, and I'm driving!"

(Fast-paced shots show the girls battling together—Meg, Roberta, Courtney, Hayley, Erika, Potala and Helen charged forth. Bravery written on their faces.)

"I won't turn back now—this is my story,We're not alone—we've come this far!"

(The screen slows down as Meg, Roberta, Courtney, Hayley, Erika, Potala and Helen with their love interests stand triumphantly on the UCLA campus. The city skyline glows behind them. They share a moment of victory, looking out at the horizon, ready for the challenges to come.)

(End of Opening Theme)

[UCLA, Los Angeles, California] [September 14, 2021]

(Roberta sits in the middle row of a large lecture hall, her head resting on one hand, eyes slightly bagged. She's trying hard to concentrate on the lecture, but her eyes dart side to side.)

College Algebra Instructor: (off-screen, lecturing) —so if you carry the one, and distribute the coefficient, you'll find X equals—

(Roberta squints at the board... then stiffens. She began to hear the thoughts of the class.)

Classmate, Guy #1: (thoughts, voice) Man, I hope she doesn't call on me... I don't get any of this.

Classmate, Girl #1: (thoughts, voice) Okay, after this I need coffee, maybe Starbucks... Tall, no wait, Grande...

Classmate, Guy #2: (thoughts, voice) Ugh, Roberta's hair looks good today. Focus, bro!

(Roberta freezes, her pen shaking slightly.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (inner monologue) Why am I hearing thoughts? Is this some prank? Am I going crazy?

(The classroom bell dings digitally, signaling dismissal. Students pack their things and shuffle out. Roberta sighs in relief, ready to bolt—)

Issac McDaniel: (off-screen) Ms. Tubbs-Brown, can we talk a moment?

(Roberta pauses, shoulders slumping. She approaches the tall, cool, and confident Professor Isaac McDaniel, mid-30s, sharp suit and kind eyes.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Uh oh... What's up, Professor?

Issac McDaniel: It's about your grades. In College Algebra, you're on the edge of a D.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (wide-eyed) What?! I thought I was holding on to a C!

Issac McDaniel: You were. But your last two quizzes and participation dragged it down. And I've spoken to Professor Secada—

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (audibly groans, throwing her head back) Don't tell me…

Issac. McDaniel: You've got a D in Calculus as well.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Man, now I know how Abigail Lincoln felt when she got a D.

[Cutaway — Fashion 101]

(A younger Numbuh 5, dressed in a designer mock-up outfit, sits confidently at her fashion desk. She's handed back a graded project.)

Teacher: (off-screen) A D. For "Dull."

Numbuh 5: (mouth open, voice cracking) What?!

[Cutaway Ends]

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Okay. I'm panicking. What do I do? Who can even tutor me in both subjects?! The nerds shut down their tutoring squad after the harassment they suffered by the frat boys.

Issac McDaniel: (chuckling) Well, I know someone. A Senior. Honors student. Total mathlete. Has the strength, brains, and patience.

(Mr. McDaniel scribbles a name and address on a small slip of paper, handing it to her. Roberta reads it and blinks in surprise.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (smiling despite herself) Malachi Duran?

Issac McDaniel: (grinning)
"My prized pupil. Since his freshman year."

[Flashback — Malachi Through The Years]

(Freshman Malachi acing Calculus while doing push-ups in class. Sophomore Malachi explaining Quantum Algebra to a stunned group of classmates. Junior Malachi simultaneously solving equations on a digital board while meditating. Malachi receiving a "Mathlete of the Year" award. Malachi walking out of the honors building in slow-mo with a backpack over one shoulder, the wind catching his shaggy brown hair just right.)

[Flashback Ends]

Issac McDaniel: He's brilliant. And if anyone can help you, it's him.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (holding the paper) Yeah... I met him before. Kinda forgot how hot—how smart he is. (chuckles nervously, then exhales, voice-over) Okay. I got this. Time to focus up... even if my brain's suddenly picking up thoughts like Spotify Premium.

(Roberta waves goodbye to Mr. McDaniel and heads out of class, clutching the paper and silently dreading both math and this weird psychic awakening.)

[Board Art Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(Inside the vibrant Board Art Center, a colorful mix of murals, student sketchbooks, and posters of famous anime and animation legends line the walls. Meg, Hayley, Jeff, and Helen walk together, sipping boba tea and browsing student art displays.)

Jeff Fischer: (pointing at a mural of a dragon riding a skateboard) Yo, is this... supposed to be Shenron on a Red Bull rush?

Hayley Smith: Art is subjective, Jeff.

Meg Griffin: (grinning) Honestly, I kinda love it.

Helen: (teasing) Probably reminds you of Hiyoshi, huh?

(Meg chuckles and tries to play it cool, but her blush gives her away. As they walk deeper into the building, a door marked "ANIME CLUB: STORYBOARDING STUDIO" catches their attention. They glance at each other—then Meg gently pushes the door open. A sprawling room, lined with animation desks, digital tablets, concept posters, and a whiteboard filled with character designs. Several students work together, speaking in both English and Japanese, surrounded by ramen cups and stacks of manga. Hiyoshi stands near the back, focused on sketching a panel. Sun Zuan and Jinwoo are working beside him—Sun with a storyboard pinned up and Jinwoo adjusting some animation software. Hiyoshi looks up and beams when he sees Meg. He walks over with a smile and gently kisses her on the cheek.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: Meg! I didn't think you'd come today.

Meg Griffin: (smiling) We were just hanging out nearby. Thought I'd drop in... didn't know it'd be like Studio Ghibli meets college hustle in here.

(Hiyoshi turns toward the club members, placing an arm around Meg's waist.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: Everyone—this is Meg, my girlfriend.

Sun Zuan (with a lazy grin, green eyes sparkling) We've met. And her friend Helen too.

Go Jinwoo (nodding, polite and sharp) You're always welcome here, Meg.

(The rest of the Anime Club members greet Meg with excited waves and soft "Yoroshiku!" greetings.)

Anime Club Member #1 (Glasses Girl): You came at a perfect time. We're working on our entry for the Student Anime Festival—first time it's being hosted in LA!

Helen: Oooh, what's the movie about?

(One of the animators spins their sketchbook around, revealing rough concept art of three anime-style warriors—one with monkey-like features, another with a dog tail and wolf ears, and the third with long pheasant feathers in his hair.

Anime Club Member #2 (Spiky-Haired Boy): It's called Sannin. Based on a manga Hiyoshi's writing.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (nodding) I wanted to do a twist on the old Momotaro legend. But instead of Momotaro being the lead, it's the three animals—reborn as animal-hybrid humans in modern Japan. Each of them faces prejudice and loss but rise to fight hidden threats corrupting society.

Meg Griffin: That sounds deep... and awesome.

Helen: (thinking) So wait—the villain's a nine-tailed fox spirit? That kinda sounds like a female Kurama.

Sun Zuan: (without looking up) Funny you should say that... he's actually outside the window.

Everyone: (in unison) What?

(They turn toward the large glass window overlooking the campus courtyard—Kurama – a majestic fox spirit with glowing red eyes and nine massive tails swaying behind him – pops up outside, casually floating like it's no big deal.)

Kurama: (smirking, arms crossed) Guilty. I gave Hiyoshi a few notes. Based on... experience. Let's just say, being sealed into humans for centuries gave me a certain... perspective.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: He helped me understand how trauma and hate can become generational. The villain isn't evil just because she's a fox. She was twisted by years of pain.

Jeff Fischer: (eyes wide) This is the coolest college club I've ever walked into.

Hayley Smith: I mean... when a tailed beast shows up for story advice, how do you even top that?

Kurama: (grinning, eyes glinting) You don't. You animate it.

(Everyone laughs as Kurama slowly phases out, his tails flicking through the air like mist.)

Meg Griffin: (looking at Hiyoshi proudly) Seriously though... this story sounds amazing.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (smiling softly at her) Not as amazing as you showing up just when I needed the inspiration.

(The energy in the room is buzzing. The Sannin storyboard is getting more detailed by the minute, with characters fleshed out and plot threads taking shape.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (rubbing his chin thoughtfully) So… I've been thinking. The Sannin each need a reason to fight beyond justice. Something more personal.

Go Jinwoo: (quietly nodding) Love adds gravity. It makes heroes bleed harder.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: Exactly. I want to give each of the three protagonists—Saruyoshi the Monkey, Inuhiro the Dog, and Kijinobu the Pheasant—a princess. Three human girls raised in a hidden mountain kingdom. They're supposed to be sacrificed to Kogitsune, the nine-tailed fox spirit…"

Sun Zuan: (chiming in while coloring) …but the boys, who knew them from childhood, risk everything to save them.

Meg Griffin: Ohhh, I love that.

Helen: Sounds like a fairytale... with high-stakes trauma.

Hayley Smith: (grinning) I'm down for some voice acting. Give me a sword and a tragic backstory, and I'll bring the angst.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: Really? You'd do it?

Meg Griffin: Totally. Which one do I get to play?

Go Jinwoo: (scanning his character notes) You'd be voicing Princess Saki, Saruyoshi's love interest. She's fierce, clever, and the heart of the trio.

Helen: Ooooh! I wanna be the sarcastic one. Tell me there's a sarcastic one.

Sun Zuan: (smirking) That'd be Princess Yuri—Inuhiro's best friend since they were kids. She's got the mouth of a sailor and a heart of gold.

Hayley Smith: Then I must be the calm, elegant one, huh?

Go Jinwoo: Princess Hana. Kijinobu's childhood music partner. She sings to heal and fight demons with sound.

Meg, Helen & Hayley: (in unison, hyped) We're in!

(The club erupts in cheers. Storyboards start getting passed around, and someone hands out studio-quality microphones to test.)

Jeff Fischer: (pouting slightly) Wait… do I get a part? Or am I just here for the snacks?

Go Jinwoo: (stoically, as if delivering prophecy) You will be… Master Daigoro Muramasa. The mentor of the Sannin. Stoic. Wise. Mysterious. And terrifying when angry.

Jeff Fischer: (blinking, then grinning) Okay, that's actually dope.

Sun Zuan: (raising a stylus in triumph) This is going to be our best animation project ever. Way better than when I interned at Hong Ying Animation.

[Cutaway – Hong Ying Animation, Never Original]

(Sun Zuan, slouched in a chair, watches dispassionately as exhausted animators color Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Another team redraws the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog for a syndicated rerun. He glances at a storyboard titled "Totally Random American Thing #87" with zero emotion.)

Sun Zuan: (voice-over) Nothing original. No passion. No soul. Just Sonic eating chili dogs and yelling nonsense.

(A coworker drops a stack of cels next to him labeled "Extreme Ghostbusters filler scenes".)

Sun Zuan: (deadpan) Kill me.

[Cutaway Ends]

Sun Zuan: (stretching with a proud sigh) But this? This is real. This is ours. This is Sannin.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: Tomorrow, we'll start voice recording and finish final storyboards. Meg, Hayley, Helen—thank you.

Meg Griffin: (grinning at Hiyoshi) Anything for you, Anime Boy.

Jeff Fischer: (striking a dramatic pose) Master Muramasa awaits his destiny.

[Shine House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

The Shine House, a modest but charming L.A. home, glows with that soft, golden-hour light. The yard hums with calm energy. On the porch, Link Hargrove lounges with a thick novel in hand—something deep, possibly The Left Hand of Darkness or Neuromancer. He notices someone walking up the path.

Link Hargrove: (closing his book, smiling) Well, well… look who's gracing our humble sanctuary. What brings you to the Shine House, Miss Tubbs-Brown?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (with a small smile) Hey, Link. Just need a brainy favor. I came to see Malachi. Hoping he can help me out with… college algebra. And calculus.

Link Hargrove: (whistles) Whew. Big brain hours. You're in luck—he's upstairs. Just finished tutoring some kids back in South L.A.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (impressed) He still does that?

Link Hargrove: Every week. Hebrew classes for the little ones, rap poetry for the teens, even teaches 'em how to break down their pain into rhythm and movement. Dude's basically if T'Challa was from Crenshaw.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (half-laugh, half-thoughtful) …Right. I forget sometimes—he was adopted into a Black Jewish family. Always thought that was kinda beautiful.

(Roberta steps inside Malachi Duran's domain and her jaw drops. His room looks more like a sleek Silicon Valley lab mashed up with a sci-fi fan cave. Holograms flicker, LED interfaces glow, and inventions hum quietly. There's a purifier device turning tap water into crystal clear liquid, and beside it, another machine pops out a can of soda. Wall-mounted racks display Star Wars collectibles. Posters of sci-fi films and Afrofuturist art dominate the walls. Floating in midair is a tiny, fist-sized AI robot assistant shaped like a silver mini-statue. It hovers like a thoughtful paperweight._

ADAM: (in a calm voice) Notification: Female human, designated Roberta Tubbs-Brown, has reached her intended destination.

Malachi Duran: (looking up from a console, smiling) Roberta! Sorry for the mess. I was upgrading Adam's natural language processing... and also trying to convert liquid into soda without, y'know, causing an explosion.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (eyes wide, amazed) You built all this? Malachi, this is... insane. Like, Iron Man and Star Trek had a baby.

Malachi Duran: (grinning) I get that a lot.

(Roberta pauses for a beat. She's amazed—but something shifts behind her eyes. Like a wave of doubt surfacing. Her voice drops a little.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Listen… I, um... I'm really struggling, Malachi. With algebra. And calculus. And honestly? I think I might fail both. Ever since I found out Federline was cheating on me—for years—my brain just… fell apart. (clenches her jaw, trying not to cry)

Malachi Duran: (his smile fades, replaced by quiet concern) …Damn. I'm sorry, Roberta. That's brutal. (stands, putting his tools down, his tone sincere) But there is no way in hell I'm letting you flunk two classes your first semester. Not happening. You hear me?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (hopeful, small smile creeping in) …Does that mean—?

Malachi Duran: (nodding firmly) Yes. I'll tutor you. We'll crush algebra. We'll make calculus cry.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Thank you. Really. But, uh… we can't start tonight. The girls and I, we've got plans at The Groove. Post-breakup recovery thing.

Malachi Duran: (smirking, teasing) I know.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown (squinting) …Wait. How do you know?

(A long pause. Malachi's mind stumbles for a split-second.)

Malachi Duran: (trying not to panic) Kito told me. He heard it from Erika last night. Right before bed. Also… you kinda gave it away with your expression. Psychology and physiology were part of my sophomore loadout, remember?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (laughing softly) Okay, okay, you got me. You're good. (heads out the room, glancing back with a thankful look) See you tomorrow, Professor Duran.

Malachi Duran: (smirking) Office hours start at 10.

(Roberta's footsteps fade down the stairs. Malachi lets out a quiet sigh of relief, then leans back in his chair.)

Malachi Duran: (inner monologue) That was too close... she hasn't realized it yet. But her Force-gene's already active.

(Malachi picks up a diagnostic device showing low-level energy spikes from earlier. A faint trace of midichlorian-like data hums on screen.)

Malachi Duran: …And I haven't been this careless since the day I first got to read the Torah.

[Cutaway — A Young Malachi's First Torah Reading]

(A younger Malachi, maybe 11, stands nervously in front of a congregation. He holds a Torah scroll, breathing hard, sweating like he's about to take the SATs blindfolded.)

Malachi Duran: (whispering to himself) Okay. You've practiced this a hundred times. Just breathe. You're not gonna explode.

(Young Malachi exhales, centers himself—and begins reading.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over) ...And then I didn't stop.

[Cutaway Ends]

Malachi Duran: (watches the diagnostic flicker again , quietly) Something's awakening in her. And this time, it's not gonna wait.

[The Grove, Los Angeles, California]

(The girls' night out had begun in full swing. Roberta, Meg, Hayley, Courtney, Erika, Helen, Potala—and even Jeff, who got roped in as their designated camera guy—moved from shop to shop, laughter trailing behind them like perfume in the air. The neon-lit signs and the bustle of evening shoppers painted The Grove in vibrant energy. Next stop is a pet clothing store. Helen, in full diva mode, tried on tiny stylish collars and posh dog-sized outfits. A sassy little pink beret topped her look, making the clerk double-take.)

Helen: (proudly) This is for brunch with the mayor's corgi. I gotta serve looks. Especially for my man, Rokuro.

(The girls chuckled as Helen strutted with model confidence, earning her a round of applause. Later at the food court. Overloaded trays of tacos, burgers, noodles, and fries occupied the table. Coca-Colas clinked together in toasts. Even Helen had her own miniature tray (with hot dog bites and sparkling water).

Potala Sonora: (chewing happily) This is the kind of therapy retail and fries can't buy. Wait, it can buy it. That's the magic.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (laughs softly) Y'all are insane.

Courtney Quagmire: (grinning) Not insane. Just emotionally intelligent and well-fed.

(The Background Girls arrive at the Grove Amusement Park. They screamed on the rollercoaster, took selfies on the carousel, and tried to win oversized plushies. Erika won a neon-pink octopus, which she immediately gave to Roberta.)

Erika Fujibayashi: He looks like he's emotionally available. Name him Carl.

(Later at a nightclub called The Groovy. Lights flashed in rainbow pulses as the girls sat in a neon-lit booth, sipping mocktails and swaying to the music. Roberta stirred her drink quietly, uncertain.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: I dunno… Should I even think about dating again?

Hayley Smith: (gently) You don't have to rush anything. But it's okay to try.

Meg Griffin: (confidently) Exactly. Don't shut doors because of some jackass. You've still got the whole house party.

Potala Sonora: You're Roberta Freakin' Tubbs-Brown. You're allowed to feel down but don't let that clown hold power over your future.

(The encouraging looks from her friends—Meg, Hayley, Jeff, Courtney, Erika, Helen, and Potala—warmed Roberta's chest. Maybe she could try again. Roberta, with some renewed confidence, found herself talking to a smooth-talking black guy who seemed charming at first… until—)

African American Guy: (leaning in) You cool with being duct taped? Like, y'know… sound-proofed room and all…

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (horrified) Excuse me?!

(Before things could escalate, a blur of motion knocked the guy sideways. Roberta gasped.)

Matthew Mason: The hell is wrong with you, man?

(Standing over the creep, Matthew's voice thundered with fury. Next to him, another guy—taller, chill expression, shaggy brown hair and silver eyes—watched silently. The black guy froze. Recognition flooded his face.

African American Guy: (terrified) M-Muscle Man?! I didn't know she was with the Background Girls— I-I'm sorry, man! That was dumb, real dumb—!

Matthew Mason: (stern) You ever try that trash again, and it won't be words coming at you.

(The guy bolted. Roberta blinked in stunned awe.)

Matthew Mason: (grinning now) S'up, BGs?

Everyone: (in sync) Muscle Man!

(They all greeted him like a beloved cousin showing up at the party.)

Hayley Smith: (pointing at the quiet guy) Who's Shaggy Ghost over here?

Matthew Mason: (chuckling) Oh, right! This here's my best bro—William "Casper" Wight.

William Wight: (with an easy smile) Hey y'all. Pleasure. Originally from Klamath Falls—moved here when my dad transferred for work. I met Matt sophomore year. Didn't like me much at first.

Matthew Mason: (smirking) Dude showed up in a shiny Dodge Challenger, all chill and smooth with the ladies. I challenged him to a race. We both crashed into the pit. Friendship was born in the wreckage.

William Mason: (laughing) Literal bro-bonding moment. Now I'm at UCLA, dorming for now. But I'm thinking of moving into the Shine House next year during grad school.

Meg Griffin:(leaned closer to Matthew with a sly whisper) Does he know… you know… superhero stuff?

Matthew Mason: (grinning) Oh yeah. He knows.

(William gave a subtle wink and sipped his soda. Even Jeff was kind of impressed.)

Jeff Fischer: …Is it weird I kinda wanna be him?

(They all laughed, and for the first time in a long while, Roberta felt… light. Like maybe things were gonna be okay. Roberta, feeling hopeful, takes a breath and steps into the social jungle again—five attempts, five trials, five comedic disasters. ATTEMPT #1 – The Rulebook Brother: A clean-cut black man in a tucked-in polo and khakis walks up to Roberta, offering her a drink with intense posture.)

Rules Guy: I believe eye contact should be no more than 3.5 seconds or it's considered aggressive. And I don't believe in dancing—it's an inefficient activity. Also, I'm against carbonated beverages.

(Roberta's face drops as he proceeds to list his "daily code of conduct." He even pulls out a folded-up chart from his pocket.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (blankly) …So… do you even like fun?

(The girls stare in confusion. Matthew mutters under his breath.)

Matthew Mason: (to the others, disappointedly) Knew that punk was a tool the moment he ordered sparkling water without bubbles.

William Wight: (dryly) Even tools are more reliable. And less emotionally repressed.

(The guy continues rambling about how sushi after 6 p.m. is "against nature." Roberta slowly backs away. ATTEMPT #2 – The Dazzler: A man in a glittery silver blazer, glowing skin, and feather earrings twirls toward Roberta.)

Dazzler Guy: You are gorgeous, queen! But babe… I gotta tell you—I swing the other way.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (laughing) Oh! No worries, boo. Respect.

(They share a cute laugh, and he dances away in a twirl of sparkle.)

Matthew Mason: (with a smirk) Yeah, I clocked that one. Dude wore more highlighter than a unicorn.

Helen: (tails wagging): Still fabulous though.

(ATTEMPT #3 – Mr. Muscles With Issues: The next guy? Muscles for days. Roberta's intrigued.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: So, what kind of girls you into?

Muscular Dude: (without shame) Only Asians, to be honest. That's my type.

(Dead silence. The Background Girls, Jeff, Matthew and William got disgusted by this.)

Potala Sonora: (eye twitching) Excuse me?!

William Wight: (irritated) That's not a type, dude. That's a fetish and a personality flaw.

Erika Fujibayashi: (nodding) Go bench-press your ignorance somewhere else.

(He awkwardly slinks away after trying to explain himself, which only makes it worse. ATTEMPT #4 – Taken and Unexpected: Roberta chats up a charming guy with a Brooklyn accent and confident energy.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: You seem cool. Wanna dance?

Acceptable Guy: (smiling) Aw, that's sweet. But I'm here with my girl.

(He gestures to a tall, stylish transwoman in a red dress walking up to him with a big smile. They kiss gently.)

Transwoman: You okay, babe?

Acceptable Guy: (to her) She was just being friendly.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (genuinely) No worries, y'all are cute together. Respect.

Meg Griffin: (blinking) Huh. Didn't think East Coast dudes were this open-minded.

Courtney Quagmire: Good for them. Bad for you. Next!

(ATTEMPT #5 – Mr. Fame and Fraud: Then walks in the slickest man of the night—perfect hair, custom suit, radiant fake tan. He's suave, makes Roberta laugh, and even pulls out pics of his "yacht.")

Rich Guy: Millionaire, crypto mogul, influencer. You name it. And I want someone like you beside me—beautiful, bold, unforgettable. We could be seen.

(Roberta is tempted—he talks big, moves smooth, and seems to get her.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (curious) You don't care if I'm not famous?

Rich Guy: Fame is what we create, baby.

(But then…)

Matthew Mason: (suddenly serious) Roberta. Don't.

Meg Griffin: (narrowing her eyes) Yeah, no. That guy's frontin'.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (confused) Wait, what?

Matthew Mason: I can smell a liar three zip codes away. That dude's cologne is 80% ego and 20% Photoshop.

Meg Griffin: (pointing) Look at his fake laugh delay. His shoes are shiny but creased. Speech rhythm? Memorized. All cap.

William Wight: (chuckling) He probably Venmo'd a guy to take photos next to a stranger's yacht.

(The guy realizes he's been found out and bolts with a weak excuse about "a brand meeting." Roberta lets out a groan and slumps into the booth.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (grinning) Okay. I give up.

Meg Griffin: Girl, sometimes it's not about catching one—it's about learning how to dodge 'em.

Potala Sonora: And let's be honest… none of them were even remotely good enough for you."\

Matthew Mason: (with a wink) Not even close.

(They all clink glasses—mocktails, soda, and water—surrounded by laughter, sass, and protection stronger than armor. The music pulses with high energy. Neon lights flicker like starlight on the dance floor. Meg, Courtney, Helen, and Erika dance freely in the center of the floor, laughing and spinning with carefree energy. Hayley and Jeff move in perfect sync nearby, bodies close, laughing in that way only longtime lovers do. In the middle of it all, Roberta sits alone at their booth, her arms crossed, chin propped on her hand. Her eyes scan the room with a quiet smile—happy for them—but there's a heaviness in her gaze. Matthew stands by the booth, nervously fidgeting with his jacket sleeve. He clears his throat.)

Matthew Mason: (shyly) Um… Potala? Wanna… dance with me?

(Potala turns to him with a sly smirk and zero hesitation.)

Potala Sonora: (confidently) Thought you'd never ask.

Potala grabs his hand and leads him toward the dance floor. Matthew smiles, nervous but clearly happy, and follows her into the lights. William slides into the booth beside Roberta, drink in hand, sensing the cloud above her head.

William Wight: (softly) Alright. What's wrong, Roberta?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown:(sighs, her smile fades as she stares at the swirling lights) Two days ago… I found out my ex-boyfriend, Federline Jones, was cheating on me. For two years. Ever since my family moved here.

(William's face turns serious. He nods slowly, taking that in.)

William Wight: (gently) I'm sorry. That's… damn. That's cold.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Yeah. I was angry. Then sad. Then just numb. I mean… watching everyone tonight—dancing, laughing, finding people they click with—I'm happy for 'em. I really am. But…

William Wight: (finishing her sentence) …You feel like you're the only one left out.

(Roberta gives him a small, grateful look. William gets it.)

William Wight: Hey… I've had my share of bad runs too. Dated a girl once. Thought she was the one. Found out she was cheating on me the whole time. Had me thinking I wasn't worth a damn. Almost gave up…

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (wide-eyed) Seriously?

William Wight: (nods) If it weren't for Matthew—and the others at the Shine House—I probably wouldn't be here. They helped me heal. Reminded me that even if something doesn't last… it's not the end. Just means you keep tryin' until someone sticks.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (swallows hard, blinking fast, softly) Thanks for telling me that. For real.

William Wight: (smiles warmly) Anytime.

(There's a beat of quiet between them. Then Roberta stretches, weary.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: I think I'm done for the night, though. Can you tell the girls I had a great time at the mall and the club… but I've had enough fun. I'm heading home.

William Wight: (concerned) You sure? I mean… it's getting late. Real late.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (chuckles dryly) I'm a big girl, William. I can handle a walk home.

William Wight: (more serious now) It's not that. I heard some dark stuff lately—there's this gang, the Desert Storm Gang. Powerhuman Arabs, human traffickers. Been prowling L.A. streets at night. Targetin' beautiful women, snatching them up. Selling them.

(Roberta's expression tenses. That did shake her, even just a little.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (putting up a brave front)I'll be careful. And if anyone tries anything… I can protect myself.

(Roberta gets up from the booth, brushing her skirt down and tossing her curls back over her shoulder.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (over her shoulder) Thanks, William. For everything.

William Wight: (standing, still worried) …Just text me when you get home. Okay?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (pausing, smiling faintly) Yeah. I will.

(And with that, Roberta walks out of the club, the music fading behind her as she disappears into the night—graceful, defiant, but with just a little weight pressing down on her stride.)

[Los Angeles, California]

(Roberta walks alone through the moonlit streets of L.A., her heels echoing against the pavement. Neon signs flicker dimly in the background. Her face is unreadable—conflicted.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (voice-over) Everyone's moving on… Potala, Helen, Courtney, Hayley, Meg, even Erika. And me? Still alone. Still stuck. Just me and my thoughts.

(Roberta exhales a shaky breath, hugging her arms to herself. Suddenly—THUMP. She pauses, her eyes opened wide. A strange, sensational tremor pulses in her mind, like static or white noise rushing through her nerves. A brief mental haze passes, but the sensation lingers.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (whispers) There it is again…

(The streetlight above flickers violently—and then she sees it. A faint trail of sand slithers across the pavement, moving like a serpent. It stops… and in an instant, EXPANDS into a massive sand hand, reaching toward her like a claw.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (gasps) HELL no!

(Roberta leaps back just in time, the sand hand slamming down where she stood with CRUNCHING force.)

Desert Storm Gangsters: (Arabic accents) Get her before she runs!

(From the shadows, five Arab gangsters emerge—each with earth, sand, and mineral-based Powerhuman abilities. Roberta backs away, eyes narrowed as the grains swirl around her.

And then, stepping from the shadows in a grand, sand-swirled robe and gold-lined keffiyeh… comes SANDSTORM.)

Sandstorm: So you are the one who defied our scouts. Impressive reflexes… for a normal girl.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Yeah, well, I like to keep things interesting. Who the hell are you?

Sandstorm: (smirking) I am Sandstorm. The storm in the desert. The one they whisper about… the leader of the Desert Storm Gang.

[Cutaway — Rokuro's Villain Profile: Sandstorm]

(Rokuro Mashimoto sits in front of a computer, sipping tea. His eyes narrow as he pulls up a file on Sandstorm.)

Rokuro Mashimoto: (narrating) Ramlan el-Habib. Powerhuman. Codename: Sandstorm. Born in the shifting dunes of Rub' al Khali. His powers? Full-scale Sand Generation and Manipulation. Not just your average sandbender… this guy can turn city blocks into dust bowls.

(As the file plays, drone footage shows Sandstorm disintegrating an entire armored vehicle with a wave of his hand.)

Rokuro Mashimoto: Highly dangerous. Tactical. Sadistic. And rumored to be building a human trafficking empire in western cities.

[Cutaway Ends]

(The gang surrounds Roberta, each with glowing marks on their skin—channeling powers from the earth beneath. Roberta closes her eyes, breathing deep. Her own Powerhuman sense flares. She focuses hard, reading their surface-level thoughts—the fear, the aggression, the intent to grab.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (under her breath) Left guy's gonna rush… middle two will burrow, guy on the right's flanking with rock shards.

(BAM! She ducks as a blast of hardened clay flies over her. SWOOSH! Roberta spins and lands a punch into one attacker's gut, sending him flying into a parked car. Another charges—she flips backward, lands, and knocks him out cold with a rising kick.)

Desert Storm Gangster #3: She's not normal!

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (gritting teeth) Guess that makes two of us!

(Sandstorms begin to spiral around them as the others launch minerals, molten rocks, and burrowing moves. Roberta dodges, weaving through the chaos like a dancer in a sandstorm. Then—it's just her and Sandstorm. He hovers slightly above the ground, arms crossed, sand swirling protectively around him like a cloak.)

Sandstorm (Ramlan el-Habib): You've earned my respect. You're strong. Defiant. You'll make quite the prize once I tame you.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (rolling eyes) Ugh. You're one step away from full Bond villain, you know that?

(Roberta launches at him, fists flying—but every strike is intercepted by living sand, the grains hardening like armor and rippling with his will.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (frustrated) Great. It's like fighting Gaara!

[Cutaway — Gaara the Ultimate Weapon and a Bored One]

(Gaara stands calmly as a squad of soldiers fires at him. His Sand Shield blocks everything effortlessly. He doesn't even blink.)

Gaara: (monotone) …Are you done yet?

(The soldiers look at each other and nodded their heads in fear.)

Gaara: Sand Coffin. (Sand erupts, trapping them, flatly) Sand Burial.

(CRUNCH.)

[Cutaway Ends]

Sandstorm: (chuckles darkly, sand forming spikes around him) Your fists are loud… but they are meaningless against the storm.

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): Then maybe it's time the storm met the night.

(From the rooftop above, a shadow drops down—The Shadowknight, cloak fluttering, blades glinting in the moonlight. Roberta glances up, eyes widened in relief but also curiosity.)

Roberta Tubbs=Brown: (half-grin) Took you long enough, Batman.

(As sand howls across the battle-scarred street below, Roberta braces herself. Just as Sandstorm prepares a devastating follow-up strike, a gust of compressed wind cuts through the air—FWOOOSH! A lone figure lands with a sharp thud beside Roberta. Cloaked in black, his high-tech armor gleams under the neon haze and kimono-like robes. A brown cloak and a domino mask underneath the hood. From his back, Shadowknight draws what appears to be a plain hilt.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (disappointed, mutters) A… flashlight handle?

(But the air crackles. With a sharp click, the hilt ignites—FWAAAAAHM! A blazing blue-white blade of psychic energy hums to life. Roberta gasps as the blade dances in the dark like a lightning storm caged in crystal.)

Sandstorm (Ramlan el-Habib): (startled) A Forcehuman?!

(Shadowknight's eyes narrow as he takes a calm, defensive stance, the wind whipping around him. Roberta's heart pounds—and suddenly she understands. That strange presence earlier...)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: It was… you. You're the one I felt… the presence—

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): (nods) You awakened your Force-gene tonight, Roberta. You're not just anyone now. You're one of us.

(Before she can reply, Sandstorm lashes out. Shadowknight turns to her, calm and firm.)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): Hold on.

(In one swift motion, he scoops Roberta up onto his back and leaps high onto a rooftop. He gently sets her down.)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): Stay here. I'll handle the rest.

(And with that, Shadowknight leaps back into the fray. Sand explodes upward as Sandstorm attacks with everything he's got—sand spears, dust cyclones, and solid mineral fists. But Shadowknight flows through them like water, effortlessly dodging, his sword slicing precise arcs of light.)

Sandstorm (Ramlan el-Habib): (livid) You think a glorified glow stick scares me?!

(Shadowknight says nothing. He tightens his grip and focuses. His body glows with light—Psychic Kiswirling around him in aurora-like waves.)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): Photon Splitter.

(Shadowknight moves faster than Sandstorm can react—cutting through a dense sand wall and phasing right through it like light itself. With one clean strike, he lands a glowing chop across Sandstorm's shoulder, piercing through the defenses.)

Sandstorm (Ramlan el-Habib): GAAAH!

(And then—)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): Voltage Cascade!

(Electric Psychic Ki surges from his blade into Sandstorm's body, the energy dancing along his veins and erupting in arcs. With a flash, Sandstorm drops to his knees and collapses. Minutes later. Police cruisers surround the scene. The remaining Desert Storm gangsters are restrained. EMTs are checking citizens. Roberta watches as Shadowknight approaches.)

Shadowknight: You alright?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Yeah… thanks to you. You're like… a Jedi or something.

Shadowknight: (smiling beneath the mask) Close. I'm an Orkal Knight. A Forcehuman—trained in the way of Psychic Ki. We fight for the light, but unlike Jedi, we embrace emotion, bonds… family.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: That's… incredible. So that's what's happening to me. This power...

(Before more can be said, Shadowknight gently picks her up bridal-style. Roberta blushes furiously.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: W-Wait, what are you—!?

Shadowknight: You've had a long night. Time to go home.

(And with a powerful leap, they soar over buildings—Roberta clinging to him as city lights fly past beneath them.)

[Shadow House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(They land softly. Shadowknight sets her gently on her feet.)

Shadowknight (Malachi Duran): I'll speak to my masters. You have a choice, Roberta… to find your own path as a Forcehuman… or to be trained as an Orkal.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (quietly, deeply touched) Thank you… Shadowknight.

Just then—SKREECH—! Erika's Toyota Crown and Meg's Corvette pull up. The Background Girls and Jeff jump out, rushing to Roberta and hugging her tightly.

Erika Fujibayashi: Oh thank God, Roberta!

Meg Griffin: We were so worried!

(Roberta looks back—But Shadowknight is gone. She closes her eyes, focusing… sensing… and then smiles softly.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: He's still watching.

[Shine House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(Returning to his room, Shadowknight removes his hood and mask, revealing Malachi Duran. ADAM, sleek and glowing with soft blue lights, turns from his wall charging port.

ADAM: Patrol status?

Malachi Duran: Handled. Sandstorm and his gang are in custody. Roberta's safe.

ADAM: Your heart rate and body temperature elevated during the mission. Emotional excitation detected. Subject: Roberta?

Malachi Duran: (freezes, flustered) J-Just… go charge or something.

ADAM: Understood. Update installed: "Love" – a form of biological and psychological attachment influenced by oxytocin, dopamine—

Malachi Duran: Go. Recharge.

(ADAM wheels away. Malachi sighs, flops onto bed. His expression relaxes. As he closes his eyes, a faint, dreamy smile crosses his face.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over) Tomorrow… I start tutoring her in calculus… and in destiny.

[Shine House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California] [September 15, 2021]

(The warm golden rays of the late afternoon sun filtered through the blinds as Roberta sat at the large study table, her brows furrowed in concentration. The notebooks sprawled before her were filled with careful notes, diagrams, and equations. Malachi sat calmly beside her, dressed in his usual dark-toned casual wear, his voice steady and patient.)

Malachi Duran: You're doing really well in algebra, Roberta. You've got a good grasp of variables and factoring already.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (softly smiling) Thanks… I think I've finally stopped fearing X and Y.

(But the moment the page turned to calculus—derivatives and chain rules—Roberta froze. She stared at the symbols like they were an alien language from a distant galaxy.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (with a groan) Okay… you lost me at …

Malachi Duran: (calmly) It's okay. Take a breath.

(Malachi gently placed his hands on Roberta's shoulders and gave them a slow, grounding massage. She blinked at the sudden contact, then slowly exhaled, her tension easing like a tide pulling back. His hands were warm, steady—his touch surprisingly soothing. She tilted her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Malachi's focused expression—calm, kind… handsomely serious. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (bashfully) Y-you're really good at this.

Malachi Duran: (raising an eyebrow) Explaining calculus?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (quietly) …That too.

(Malachi blinked, sensing something deeper. He studied her, concerned—not in a judgmental way, but gently probing.)

Malachi Duran: Is this about Federline again?

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (hesitated, then gave a soft sigh, eyes lowering) Yeah. I mean… five years, y'know? Five years of writing songs together, rapping about the future, making promises... and he couldn't even wait. I kept trying to justify it—telling myself he was just confused or that maybe I was the one who didn't give enough, but… (clenched her fist slightly) Then I found out about him and Lacey. Studio session turned love session, apparently…

(Roberta trailed off, face darkening with hurt, then blinked and turned to Malachi with a sheepish look.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown:: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to unload all that on you.

(Malachi had been silent, expression unreadable—but not cold. Just... focused. Jedi-serious.)

Malachi Duran: (deadpan) Sorry. This is the face I make when I'm calculating emotional equations and searching for the right words. Jedi habit.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (light giggle) Yeah. Very Jedi.

Malachi Duran: (gently) Roberta, you didn't fail him. He failed you. You're loyal, talented, strong, and honestly? You've got a presence. A force. You walk into a room and people feel it. You're kind without being naïve, smart without showing off, and your dreams? They could change people—if not the world.

(Roberta's lips parted slightly, eyes wide with surprise—and gratitude.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (softly): ...You really think so?

Malachi Duran: (nodding) With the right steps, just like in calculus—you'll get to the solution. Don't memorize the outcome. Learn the rhythm of the process.

(Malachi picked up a pencil and began guiding her through the chain rule, step by step, slowly demystifying the problem. Roberta's eyes lit up.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: Wait—this is kinda like writing a rap verse. You build it layer by layer… and it flows!"

Malachi Duran: (smiling) Exactly. Math, music, Force-energy… it's all patterns. All rhythm.

(Their heads were close now, their laughter mingling as the bond deepened. And just as Roberta leaned in to write something down—)

ADAM: (descending from above with perfect comic timing) Love is in the air~ everywhere I look around—

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (laughs out loud) Oh my gosh—ADAM!

Malachi, visibly red, rolled his eyes and casually hit the remote control in his pocket.

Malachi Duran: (visibly red, rolled his eyes and casually hit the remote control in his pocket) Mute mode.

ADAM: (mouth moving silently in dramatic ballad)

Malachi Duran: (sighing) I should've never programmed sass mode…

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (grinning) Don't apologize. I think it's adorable.

(Malachi stiffened slightly, cheeks reddening again.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (teasing) You're kinda cute when you blush.

(Malachi looked away, trying to regain composure—but his heart was beating just a bit faster, something even ADAM had been teasing about the night before. What Roberta didn't know—couldn't know yet—was that the quiet, kind, calculus tutor in front of her was also the mysterious force-wielding hero that had carried her to safety the night before. And as she returned to the numbers with new determination, Malachi kept his focus on the steps—not just in math, but in the delicate path unfolding between them.)

[Los Angeles, California] [September 16 to October 8, 2021]

[MONTAGE 1 – "Focus, Flow, and Falling" – Roberta & Malachi]

Background song suggestion: "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest (Instrumental)

(Shine House Study Room – Malachi sits beside Roberta, calmly walking her through a tough calculus problem. Roberta bites her lip, eyes darting—but he places a sticky note on her phone: "Ignore the noise. Solve the step." She nods, breathes, and tries again. Coffee Shop – Roberta and Malachi sit side-by-side on a couch, sipping drinks while reviewing her assignments. Her notes are now organized, colorful, and surprisingly confident. She playfully pokes him with her pen when she gets an answer right. He smirks. Malachi's Walking Tour of LA – The two stroll through Leimert Park, enjoying music and art. Kids run up to Malachi, calling him "Coach Duran!" He gives them fist bumps and advice. In Fairfax District, some Jewish teens wave and shout "Malachi!" excitedly, hugging him like a big brother. Roberta watches quietly, amazed. At Watts Towers, Roberta sketches the towers while Malachi talks about rhythm, structure, and soul—in both architecture and algebra. Classrooms – Professor Isaac McDaniel watches as Roberta solves a tricky equation on the board, nodding with pride. Professor Violet Secada reads Roberta's latest quiz and gives a rare smile: a B. UCLA Courtyard – Roberta races up to Malachi near the fountain, practically glowing.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (excited) Two Bs! Two actual Bs!

(Malachi lights up with genuine pride as she throws her arms around his. For a moment, neither of them speak—then they realize the closeness and laugh a bit, but don't pull apart.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (voice-over) I used to think love came with songs, flowers… flash. But now? It comes in patience, focus, and calm. It comes with kindness… and his name is Malachi Duran.

[MONTAGE 2 – "Anime Dreams & Love Teams" – Anime Club Film Project]

Background song suggestion: "Tank!" by The Seatbelts (from Cowboy Bebop)

Anime Club HQ – Storyboards cover every inch of the whiteboards. Hiyoshi claps his hands with Go Jinwoo and Sun Zuan as they outline the battle choreography for the climax of their anime short: "The Sannin Requiem." SOUND BOOTH – Meg stands at the mic, voicing Princess Saki. Hayley voices Princess Hana. Helen voices Princess Yuri. Jeff tries to sound "stoic and samurai-like," voicing Master Daigoro Muramasa, cracking up halfway through. The club members correct his posture like real directors. Roberta peeks in, smiling. Animation Process — Character designers help Background Girls understand shading and expression. Colorists sit in tight rows, filling in motion frames. Sound engineers sync the voice acting to the animation. Jeff sits in a circle with two senior club animators getting acting tips—exaggerating gestures and voice tones. Hiyoshi and Sun Zuan hold mini seminars on fight scene logic, anime philosophy, and the rule of cool.

Meg & Hiyoshi's Dates – Eating takoyaki at Little Tokyo. Laughing at silly haunted rides at an amusement park. Sparring in the gym, sweaty and close, with gentle banter. Studying side-by-side at the campus library. A sweet bookstore moment where they both reach for the same Miyazaki Artbook. Double-dating with Jeff & Hayley at a ramen spot and laughing like a real anime cast. Writer's Room – Meg pitches the final act of the film—a deeply emotional showdown that ends not with a battle, but with a sacrifice. Everyone in the room goes quiet… and then bursts into applause. Hiyoshi's eyes are shining. Sun Zuan claps her shoulder proudly.

Go Jinwoo: (grinning) Post-production, here we come.

(Cut to Campus Evening – Roberta walking alongside Malachi under the lamplights, her eyes soft as they talk about dreams and future goals. Meg and Hiyoshi sitting outside the anime club HQ, holding hands and eating bento while looking over the concept art projected on the wall. The film's title card glowing in the clubroom: "The Sannin Requiem: October Festival Premiere.)

[UCLA Event Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California] [October 9, 2021]

Cue music: "Paprika" by Kenshi Yonezu (Festival Remix)

(A colorful banner hangs above the crowd: "ANIME STUDENT FESTIVAL 2021 – CELEBRATING CREATIVITY, PASSION, AND OTAKU PRIDE!" Cosplayers flood the entrance. Anime fans, artists, and filmmakers from all over Southern California gather with buzzing anticipation. Dozens of college booths are set up, each with a giant poster of their student-made anime films. Voice actors are doing panels, animation reels are playing, and local vendors sell custom keychains, plushies, pins, and artbooks. The UCLA Anime Club booth—decked in elegant, minimalistic Sannin branding—is at the center of the chaos. On the table: art prints, character buttons, mini posters, and the special teaser for the club's big film… "SANNIN: Requiem of the Eternal Vow" A war-torn tale of friendship, sacrifice, and supernatural martial arts across fading empires. Meg, Hayley, Erika, Jeff, Helen, Courtney and Potala arrive together, all in anime-inspired outfits (Hayley dressed like a cool sword-wielding shinobi, Erika channeling an elegant mecha pilot, Meg in her dramatic cloak from the movie, etc. SOME COMPETING FILMS AT THE FESTIVAL: "MOON-STEEL" – CalArts — A cyberpunk samurai tale in a lunar colony, dealing with betrayal and honor. " " – USC Anime Creators — A digital romance story between a lonely programmer and a mysterious AI girl inside his dating sim. "KITSUNE KART" – Santa Monica College Animation Guild — A chaotic, Mario Kart-inspired short with supernatural foxes racing through different dimensions. "SUKI SUKI BATTLE CHEF!" – East LA Anime Circle — A cooking battle anime where food determines the fate of rival clans. Jeff's favorite, immediately. "PALWARS: Rise of the Trainerlords" – CSU Northridge A wild Palworld fan film packed with action, betrayal, and lots of rocket launchers. Matthew and William are wide-eyed.

Matthew Mason: Bro, is that a freakin' Pal riding a tank!?

William Wight: (grinning) Bro, that's not just a Pal—that's BEARGON. And he's dual-wielding machine guns.

(Just behind them, Kito, Pouya, and Courtney eye the booth with folded arms.)

Kito Motosimba: So this is Palworld, huh… I wonder how Satoshi Tajiri would feel seeing this."

POUYA (calmly, sipping coffee):
"Not so well… from what I've heard."

[Cutaway — Satoshi VS. Takuro]

(Inside the Cyber Dojo was Satoshi Tajiri, creator of Pokémon, stands in a dramatic gi and headband. Across from him, Takuro Mizobe, founder of Pocketpair/Palworld, slicked-back hair, tech-wear armor, and a smug grin.

Takuro Mizobe: Let's see how your morals hold up… against capitalism.

Both men raise their arms. On Satoshi's side, Pikachu, Lucario, and Gardevoir appear in glowing light. On Takuro's side: Lamball with an RPG, a wolf Pal with a flamethrower, and a stitched-up Pal riding a tank.

Satoshi Tajiri: …What have you done?

Takuro Mizobe: Made nostalgia profitable.

(The battle begins—explosions, thunderbolts, Pokéballs vs. assault rifles. Chaos. A Pal hits Pikachu with a baseball bat. Gardevoir shields Lucario. Tank Pal fires a bazooka.)

[Cutaway Ends]

[Rachel ZoeFashion Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(Roberta walks down the runway, stunning in her handmade urban-fantasy outfit—a blend of Afrofuturism and magical girl flair. Malachi cheers from the front row. She meets his eyes, and he gives her a calm thumbs-up.)

Fashion Professor: (to another faculty) Her control of fabric movement and concept fusion has improved dramatically.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (voice-over) He believed in me before I believed in myself… and now I can feel it in every stitch.

[UCLA Event Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(As the day rolls on, the Shine House crew gathers at the Sannin booth. Hiyoshi, Sun Zuan, Go Jinwoo, Link, Rokuro, Pouya, Matthew and Kito pose for photos as people gather around, excited for the upcoming screening.)

Sun Zuan: (adjusting her glasses)
"They've really shown up for this. I counted seven industry scouts."

Go Jinwoo:
"They came for anime... but they're gonna leave with a legacy."

Meg Griffin:
"Let's hope they don't leave because Jeff forgot half his lines again."

Jeff Fischer: (holding a juice box):
"I improvise with the heart of a samurai."

(A Staff Member waves toward the team.)

Anime Student Festival Staff Member: UCLA Anime Club, you're up next! Sannin Requiem in 10 minutes!"

(Everyone begins filing into the auditorium. The lights dim, the crowd roars, and the screen lights up…

Coming Soon: "SANNIN – Requiem of the Eternal Vow" (Title card fades into a slow build of music and cherry blossoms…)

[Rachel ZoeFashion Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(The show's winding down. Models glide by in stunning outfits, while backstage buzzes with excitement and pride. Roberta, radiant in her custom-fit dress—a high-collared, shimmering fusion of afro-fantasy elegance and futuristic motifs—steps off the catwalk to thunderous applause. Waiting for her just past the curtains is Malachi Duran, leaning casually against a lighting rig, holding a water bottle and looking stunned in admiration.)

Malachi Duran: (softly, with a half-smile) That was... ridiculous. In the best way. Like, if Beyoncé entered Final Fantasy, that would be your look.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (blushing, smirking)
"Oh please, don't gas me up like that. You'll make me trip on confidence next time."

Malachi Duran: (grinning) Then trip right into a fashion magazine. You owned that runway.

(They both chuckle, their laughter naturally fading into a quiet moment. There's a warm stillness between them. They lock eyes, their expressions softening. The tension builds—not from awkwardness, but from the overwhelming urge to say something honest.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (nervously tucking her curls) So I, um… I've been meaning to—

Malachi Duran: (at the same time) Listen, I was thinking if we maybe—

(They both stop. Awkward smiles. Laughter again.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: You go first.

Malachi Duran: (rubbing the back of his neck) I was gonna say... you looked really beautiful up there. But it's not just the dress or the walk or any of that. It's how you make it all yours. That's what stuns me.

(Roberta's eyes widen for a second, and she softens. Before she can speak—)

Robotics Student: (off-screen) Yo, Malachi! Emergency in Lab C! That ruler algorithm's going off the rails!

(ADAM, a small hovering spherical robot with digital eyes and no arms, zips past—bumping into a hanging dress rack in the process.)

ADAM: (panicked in text-to-speech) CONTAINING. MALFUNCTION. I HAVE NO HANDS. THIS IS BAD. SEND HELP.

(Malachi sighs and looks apologetically at Roberta. Her initial disappointment flickers—then melts into something more understanding.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (gently) Go. The future robot apocalypse is probably depending on you.

(Malachi chuckles but doesn't move immediately. Then, on impulse, he takes a step forward.)

Malachi Duran: (softly) Thanks for understanding.

(Before Roberta can respond—he leans in and kisses her forehead, slowly, tenderly.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (caught in the moment, barely above a whisper) Malachi…

(Malachi turns and hurries out, ADAM following in distress. Roberta touches her forehead, a soft breath escaping her lips. A small, genuine smile begins to form—until— GUNSHOTS. GLASS BREAKING. SCREAMS. Roberta spins around. From the upper windows and hallway, projectiles slam into displays, sand pouring in like smoke. Models and guests scream as some begin to fall—nets of quicksand-like substance snaring legs. Security is down fast. The crowd scatters.

A group of masked, rugged individuals wearing desert-style tactical gear enter—The Desert Storm Gang. Their gear is embedded with sand-augmenting tech, some bodies glowing faintly with an earthy aura.

At their front is a new threat—Duststorm, a tall, imposing Powerhuman with a torn cloak and a mask of weathered bone. Sand floats around him like a storm cloud.

Duststorm: (projecting his voice, furious) We come for the one called Roberta Tubbs-Brown. Surrender her… or watch this hall drown in the desert's wrath!"

Gasps echo. Some models are yanked off-stage. Others duck behind racks. Roberta hides behind a dress curtain near the side.

Her hands tremble for a second—but then she narrows her eyes. Her heart pounds. Her breathing steadies.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (inner monologue) They want me… to get to him.

(Flashbacks of Shadowknight in action—brief scenes of him taking down Sandstorm a month ago. Duststorm must've been there. A brother? A follower?)

Duststorm: (to his men) She is the bait to draw out the nadl who disgraced my brother… We will make this Shadowknight beg.

(Roberta slips away into the shadows of the hall. She pulls her phone from her bag, opens a secure encrypted line… and types fast.)

TO: SHADOWKNIGHT

"Fashion show under siege. Desert Storm gang. Duststorm here. They want me. I'm going silent."

(Roberta deletes the message immediately after sending it.

Then she looks up at a mannequin in one of her backup designs.

It's not armor, but it's something. She tears the dress from the mannequin, wraps it around herself, and pulls a metal ruler from a measuring station.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (voice-over, serious expression) If they want bait… then let's see if they're ready for a designer who fights back.

(Silhouetted by emergency lights and flickering displays, Roberta, now suited up in her Windwaker outfit—sleek black and green, with an armored high collar and wind-insignia across the chest—moves like a ghost through shadows. Whispers and sand crackle in the distance. She counts. One. Two. Three Desert Storm grunts below. With a deep inhale, her green eyes glow faintly. She leaps from the ledge and lands behind them without a sound. THWACK! Windwaker uses "Turbine Elbow", a spinning elbow strike augmented by a flash of psychic wind, knocking one grunt clean into a pillar. Another pulls a sand blaster—too slow. She counters with "Draft Break", a low sweeping kick followed by a telekinetic pulse that sends him flying into the wall. Third guy runs.

Windwaker (Roberta Tubbs-Brown): (yelling) Come on, cowards! If you've got sand in your pants, show me you've got balls too!

(The gang roars, furious. Duststorm, high above, glares down.)

Duststorm: (furious) You want fire, girl? You're getting the storm.

[UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(Windwaker dodges "Dust Hooks", swirling sand claws, and counters with "Windwalker Flip", vaulting over three attackers and slamming one with a focused psychic palm strike. She uses "Silent Gale", a telekinetic dash to phase past a thrown sand projectile and clotheslines a brute into a crate. But the numbers, and her inexperience with prolonged Forcehuman combat, begin to wear her down. She's scratched, bruised, and cornered. Suddenly—WHAM! A flying blue-light kick knocks Duststorm aside like a ragdoll. THE SHADOWKNIGHT lands between Roberta and the gang, blue eyes glowing beneath his mask. He places a scorched school bag gently beside Roberta.)

Windwaker (Roberta Tubbs-Brown): (dazed) …Shadowknight?

(No answer. Just a flash of light as he ignites his blade: Plasmasword Style – "Luminous Dusk!" His blue blade hums. Duststorm smirks and responds by condensing sand into twin curved sabers. Duststorm uses "Granule Mirage", multiplying himself with sand clones. Shadowknight counters with "Radiant Slash", dispersing them in a swirl of blue arcs. Duststorm slams his blades down with "Dune's Edge", a double-strike wave that erupts sand pillars. Shadowknight slides under and strikes with "Photon Fang", a quickstep lunge that cuts a deep line across Duststorm's side. But Duststorm is done playing. He sees Roberta catching her breath.

Duststorm: (raging) Then bleed for her!

(Duststorm whips out his final move—"Obsidian Lance", a hardened sand spike launched like a railgun blast. SLOW MOTION MOMENT! Roberta closes her eyes. The sand screams toward her. Then—impact. But not on her. Shadowknight takes the hit, shielding her with his own body. Roberta's eyes snap open as she watches Duststorm ruthlessly beating Shadowknight, blow after blow. ROBERTA'S INNER STILLNESS: She stumbles back to the school bag. Shaking. Tears forming. She opens it—inside is a second sword hilt. She hesitates… then remembers Malachi's wise words.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over) Patience is key to focus. Focus is ignoring everything that doesn't matter… until the job is done.

Roberta breathes in. Then out. Calm settles in her eyes. She levitates the hilt with her Psychic Ki—a green glow surrounds it. CLICK. A green Plasmasword ignites in her hand. She charges, Duststorm snarling and launching a dust wall. She runs up the side, spins mid-air, and uses "Windspire Ascend"—a tornado-aided jump flip. He turns—too late.

Windwaker (Roberta Tubbs-Brown): (roaring) This is for you! "Tempest Severance!"
(A high-velocity diagonal cut. SHHHHRRAKKK! Duststorm is cleaved diagonally in half, his sand blades crumbling with him. Silence. Roberta rushes to Shadowknight, now unconscious and bleeding, but alive. She gently places a hand to his head—her Forcehuman empathy syncs with his thoughts. Suddenly, her eyes widen.)

Windwaker (Roberta Tubbs-Brown): (whispering) No… it can't be…

Roberta slowly removes the hood, then the cracked face mask. Her breath catches. Malachi. She sits stunned, cradling his face gently. Footsteps echo down the hallway. With haste, she turns off both Plasmaswords, slings the school bag over her shoulder, and lifts Malachi into her arms. Wind against her cheeks, Roberta disappears into the shadows with him—headed back to the Shadow House.

[Basement Infirmary, Shadow House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California]

(Dim lights flicker softly overhead, casting a warm orange hue across the makeshift infirmary. A portable cot lies in the center of the room, and on it, Malachi Duran, AKA, the Shadowknight is slowly regaining consciousness, bandages wrapped around his torso and arm. His breaths are shallow but steady. Roberta sits beside him, still in her Windwaker outfit, her face calm but her eyes glassy withheld-back emotion.)

Robert Tubbs-Brown: (softly, relieved) You're awake… thank God. I thought you were gonna die on me, Malachi.

Malachi Duran: (weakly, groggy) You're safe…? That's all I needed to know.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (smiling gently) Yeah. Thanks to you. You really threw yourself into the line of fire. (pauses, eyes him) …You're insane, you know that?

Malachi Duran: (chuckles lightly) So I've been told.

(A short silence lingers. Roberta looks at him for a beat.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: I know. (beat) I know who you are. Shadowknight… is Malachi Duran.

(Malachi exhales deeply. He sits up a little with effort, then slowly removes his mask and hood, revealing his bruised face and tousled hair.)

Malachi Duran: (sincerely) I didn't want to lie to you, Roberta. But I had to protect the people I care about. And honestly… I didn't think you'd ever want to talk to me again once you knew.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (surprisingly calm) I'm still here, aren't I?

Malachi blinks, surprised by her composure. She gives a light chuckle.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: You think I'd freak out because you're a psychic-powered superhero with a lightsaber and a heart bigger than your ego? (softening) I've been in the cage with monsters, Malachi. You… you're the one thing that doesn't scare me.

Malachi Duran: (quietly, his voice edged with vulnerability) I guess you deserve to know everything now. The truth about me... about how this all started.

(Malachi looks away, eyes distant, as flashbacks begin to flow through his narration.)

[Flashback — The Origin of Shadowknight]

(An old hospital, the neon flickering. A frantic doctor shouting orders. A woman convulses on the table—Malachi's birth mother. An unnatural glow pulses around her abdomen as her body rejects the psychic serum. She lets out a final scream as she delivers a baby boy—Malachi. However the newborn Malachi's father coldly abandoned Malachi in the hospital, much to the doctors, nurses and medical staff's disgust.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over, narrator) I was born under experiments. My birth mom, Sara… died giving birth to me. She never knew they were injecting her with experimental serums. Ones designed to force the mind to evolve unnaturally. And my birth father? He didn't die… he left me. Cold. Unwanted. Left me in that hospital like I was nothing.

(Dr. Jonathan Duran and Valerie Duran stand over a hospital crib, gazing at the baby. A nurse hands over the adoption papers, frowning at the files. People whisper, judgment in their eyes.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over, narrator) But then the Durans came. A doctor and a lawyer from South L.A. Open-minded, compassionate… brave. They adopted me without a second thought. When others whispered… they stood tall.

(Cut to a scene of someone accusing the Durans of kidnapping. Valerie shows the papers. Jonathan shields baby Malachi with his coat. The Durans hold their heads high. Young Malachi accidentally lifts toys with his mind. Instead of fear, his parents kneel beside him, helping him control it with love and encouragement. Jewish symbols adorn the house. Star Wars posters on the walls. Jonathan teaches Malachi to build his first circuit board.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over, narrator) They never saw me as a burden. They raised me like their own—like they did with my older brother Jacob, and my little brother Noah. We built droids from scratch. Watched Empire Strikes Back on repeat. Studied Torah and sci-fi in the same house. They made me feel… human.

(Teen Malachi, hidden under a cloak and homemade armor, watches a Hispanic kid being arrested. Using his gadgets, he hacks a camera feed, exposes the corrupt businessman, and defeats the dirty cops. He holds the boy's hand as the cuffs are removed.)

Malachi Duran: (voice-over, narrator) Then one day… I saw something I couldn't ignore. A kid being framed because of his skin. And that night, I became something more than a brainy kid with powers. I became the one thing I wished I'd had when I was abandoned… (beat) …I became the Shadowknight.

[Flashback Ends]

(Malachi looks away, still unsure how she feels. But Roberta… has tears down her cheek. Not of pity—but awe.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: You've been through so much… and yet, you fight not for revenge, but to save. To uplift. (wipes her eyes and gently holds his hand) You didn't come to this college to live big and rich… you came to build something better. For your community. For people like me. Like us.

Malachi Duran: (nods, barely able to speak) I didn't think anyone could understand. Or… even want to be near me after hearing all that.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (softly, but firmly) I do. I'm here, Malachi. I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to fight alone anymore.

(Malachi looks at her, his eyes wide with emotion.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (smiles and leans in) And yeah… I'm willing to take the risk. To be part of your world. If you'll let me.

(Malachi's expression crumbles into a vulnerable smile. He brushes a strand of hair from her face, then they both slowly lean in and share a soft, tender kiss. Not passionate, but full of warmth and a promise of something real. As the kiss ends, Malachi rests his forehead against hers.)

Malachi Duran: You're incredible, Roberta.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: You're not too bad yourself, Windwaker's got your back.

[Shadow House, UCLA, Los Angeles, California] [October 10, 2021]

(Sunlight peeks through the window blinds as Roberta wakes up and stretches, a peaceful smile on her face. Malachi is already up, lacing his boots near the side of the bed, dressed and fresh, yet beaming with a quiet joy.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (playfully) You're up early, psychic Batman.

Malachi Duran: (smirking) Even heroes need to beat traffic… or roommates with cameras.

(They share a soft chuckle. She gets up, fully dressed as well, and they exchange a sweet good morning kiss before walking out the room hand-in-hand. The Background Girls with Jeff and Shine House crew are casually lounging around, eating snacks, and chatting as Channel 1 News plays in the background on the big TV. As Roberta and Malachi come down the stairs—holding hands—the chatter halts for a second. Then…

Courtney Quagmire: (squealing) I KNEW IT! I FLIPPIN' KNEW IT! You two are officially official now!

Meg Griffin: (grinning) Took long enough. About time a love story went right around here.

Hayley Smith: (mock-shocked) Wait, wait. Does this mean I don't owe Erika five bucks?

Erika Fujibayashi: Nope. Pay up. I bet they'd be together after the anime fest. Boom.

(The rest of the group cheers, claps, or offers smirks and congratulatory nods. Roberta blushes, a little embarrassed, and Malachi offers a sheepish grin.)

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (apologetic) Hey… I'm sorry we didn't show up to the Anime Student Festival. We meant to, but… one thing led to another and—

Malachi Duran: Yeah, we owe all of you. I should've been there, especially for the crew. I let you down.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (grinning) Bro, you almost died. You're allowed to skip the festival. Not showing up is better than showing up in a coma.

Sun Zuan: (playful) And besides, we kinda brought the house down anyway.

Jeff Fischer: (laid-back) No harm, no foul. We still won big. And I still got my Tezuka. No one's mad.

Juan Cortez: (TV, on-screen) —And in this year's Tezuka Awards, honoring excellence in student and independent anime films, the coveted Anime of the Year award goes to… Sannin Requiem!

Vivian Moreno: (TV, on-screen) Written, directed and animated by Hiyoshi Mashimoto, with co-creators Sun Zuan, Go Jinwoo, Meg Griffin, Hayley Smith, Helen Rhee, and Jeff Fischer—what a night for UCLA's Anime Club!

(TV clips roll of the festival night, showing everyone on stage dressed sharply and radiant with joy. Hiyoshi, accepting the award, gives his heartfelt speech.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (on-screen, smiling, confident) I just want to thank everyone—my amazing team, my brothers at the Shine House, my girlfriend Meg, the unstoppable Helen and Hayley, Jeff for his animation mastery, Sun Zuan, Jinwoo… everyone who poured their hearts into this. This isn't just an anime—it's our voice. Our soul. And most of all… thank you to my parents and brothers such as Masayoshi and Rokuro here—especially Malachi. You're my day-one. Even in the shadows, you shine.

(The room erupts in loud cheers, whoops and applause. Malachi watches, stunned, eyes blinking in surprise at being called out like that.)

Matthew Mason: (nudging Malachi) You crying, big man?

Malachi Duran: (teary-eyed) No. Just… someone cutting onions into my neural receptors.

Kito Motosimba: (laughs) We see you, Shadowknight. You still one of us.

Helen Rhee: (softly to Roberta) He's lucky to have you. And you're lucky to have him.

Roberta Tubbs-Brown: (smiling) Yeah. We both found something rare.

(The celebration continues with everyone hugging, fist-bumping, and goofing around. Roberta leans her head on Malachi's shoulder, and he wraps an arm around her waist.)

Jeff Fischer: (raising soda) To Sannin Requiem, to friendship, and to love that even survives near-death basements!

All: (in unison) To that!

(The group spills out of the house to head for brunch, laughter echoing through the neighborhood. As the camera pans up toward the clear blue sky, Roberta and Malachi share a knowing glance—full of hope, purpose, and something just beginning. Everyone is gathered again, relaxing with games, snacks, and cozy vibes after a long day. The laughter has settled a little, and now there's a shimmer of tension in the air—subtle but noticeable.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (clears throat) Hey… everyone. There's something we—me and the Shine House crew—need to tell you all.

Sun Zuan: (leaning in) Like… real talk.

Go Jinwoo: Big reveal time.

(The room quiets down. Meg, Helen, Courtney and Potala exchange casual glances. Erika, Roberta and Jeff look curious but not exactly tense.)

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (softly to Meg) You sure about this?

Meg Griffin: (smiling warmly) Do it. They're ready.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (nods, standing) Okay. I'm not just Hiyoshi Mashimoto. I'm… Sarugami. An alien warrior from Planet Zengo. A proud Zengokan.

Courtney Quagmire: (gasps) Shut up! You mean like Goku's cousin or something?

Pouya Zangane: (stepping up) And I'm Arrowranger, a defender of Mystica and Earth. Also, um… a Dark Elf. From another realm.

Kito Motosimba: (quiet but proud) I'm Lionheart, a Kugandan from Planet Kuganda. Born a warrior, now your local poetry-reading alien boyfriend.

Rokuro Motosimba: (smirking) I'm Inumaru. Yes, a superhero. Yes, an Akita Inu. And yes, Helen and I are a thing.

Sun Zuan: I am Huwang, a Chonguakan from Planet Chongua.

Go Jinwoo: And I'm Jeoseung. A Bangukan from Planet Kangu.

Matthew Mason: (pounding his chest) Earthfighter, baby. Powerhuman, born and bred. Gym class was the origin story.

Link Hargrove: (nodding solemnly) Swordmaster. Light Elf, trained in the realms of Mystica before crossing to Earth.

Malachi Duran: (smirking slightly) And y'all already know I'm a Forcehuman hero Shadowknight. The shadows speak, I listen.

(The room is dead silent. Tension. Nervous glances. A pause. Then—)

Meg Griffin: (sipping tea) Oh, we knew.

Shining Warriors: (in unison) …WHAT?

Hayley Smith: Yeah, I mean… come on. Hiyoshi, you punched a tank once. With your knee.

Helen Rhee: And Rokuro, you're a talking dog. Like me. Kinda hard to miss.

Jeff Fischer: (chill as ever) Y'all ever seen Kito eat wasabi without flinching? Alien energy, for sure.

Courtney Quagmire: Pouya has literal glowing eyes when he's happy. I thought it was cute. Also, Erika caught him teleporting once.

Erika Fujibayashi: (smirking) And he thought turning invisible would hide that. Sweet, but dumb.

Potala Sonora: Link literally sparkles in sunlight. Like, fairy dust sparkles. You think we wouldn't notice?

Meg Griffin: Look, we're not dumb. We've been watching. Connecting dots. And we love you guys. Whether you're aliens, elves, dogs, or super buff Earth boys.

Courtney Quagmire: (pulls Pouya into a hug) Doesn't change how I feel about you, Poof.

Erika Fujibayashi: (wrapping her arms around Kito) Still my lion.

Helen Rhee: (nuzzles Rokuro) Still my bonehead.

Meg Griffin: (squeezing Hiyoshi's hand) And still the boy who showed me the stars.

Rokuro Hashimoto: (grinning, tail wagging) Okay but like... did anyone not know?

Jeff Fischer: (shrugs) Honestly? I thought Malachi was Batman.

Malachi Duran: …Not wrong.

Hayley Smith: We're just glad you trust us. Powers or not, you're still our guys.

Sun Zuan: (genuinely touched) We really thought this would freak you out.

Go Jinwoo: (wiping a tear) I was emotionally preparing to get kicked out the window.

Potala Sonora: Please, we've seen weirder. Ever been to an anime con with four Deadpools and a confused Pikachu?

(EVERYONE LAUGHS.)

Meg Griffin: Now that everything's out, can we finally focus on what matters?

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (smiling) What's that?

Meg Griffin: (grinning) Season 2 of Sannin Requiem. And brunch. Preferably with alien pancakes.

Jeff Fischer: (raising his drink) To secrets, superpowers… and the best weird little family in California.

All: (cheering) To that!

(The sun begins to dip, casting a warm, orange glow across the cul-de-sac. Laughter fades as the Shining Warriors gather by the sidewalk in front of their bikes, skateboards, and sleek, alien-themed hover-scooters. It's time.)

Hayley Smith: (folding her arms, smiling knowingly) Heading out for patrol?

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (nods with a calm grin) Yeah. The city still needs light.

Rokuro Mashimoto: (tail wagging, tapping his communicator) And these paws don't take naps on duty.

Malachi Duran: (pulls his hood up) Darkness doesn't wait. Neither do we.

(The crew lines up, all looking effortlessly cool and heroic in the dying sunlight.

Hiyoshi Mashimoto: (with bold pride) Alright team— Shine brilliant and fierce into battle.

All Shining Warriors: (in unison, like a pact) Shine brilliant and fierce!

Hayley Smith: (blinking, actually impressed) Okay, whoa. That's… that's kind of iconic.

Meg Griffin: (grinning) Tell me that's on a t-shirt.

Sun Zuan: (already floating midair) It will be.

(One by one, they leap, launch, or vanish into the afternoon, their silhouettes fading into the orange horizon like legendary guardians on the move. The Background Girls watch with pride, then turn back toward the house.)

Potala Sonora: (pauses, sensing something behind her) Hmm?

Matthew Mason: (awkwardly shuffling over, cheeks red) Uh, hey, Potala?

Potala Sonora: (soft smile) Yeah, Muscle Man?

Matthew Mason: (clears throat, fidgeting with his jacket zipper) S-So I was, uh… wondering if maybe… you wanted to… go out with me… this Wednesday? After classes?

(Matthew's practically vibrating with nerves.)

Potala Sonora: (tilts her head, quietly touched) You're serious?

Matthew Mason: (nodding rapidly) Y-Yeah! Like, really serious. You're amazing and cool and you make fun of me in a way that feels… warm. And, um, I'd really like to get to know you more. Like, outside of battles and dog-stuff and elf bros.

Potala Sonora: (smiling with a surprising softness) Then yeah… I'd love to.

Matthew Mason: (genuinely stunned) Wait—really?

Potala Sonora: (laughs) Yeah, really. And you know… you remind me of someone.

Matthew Mason: (perks up) Oh?

Potala Sonora: Back in kindergarten at Woodland Elementary. There was this chubby boy—two years older—who stood up for me when these white kids made fun of me for being Miwok.
He'd always talk about his trucker dad, made those goofy "my mom" jokes I still laugh at today.
He helped me feel proud of who I was. He made me brave. We were best friends... until he moved away during 7th grade when his mom's books blew up. But I never forgot him.

Matthew Mason: (frozen, jaw slack) Wait…

Potala Sonora: (already walking toward the door, looking back with a little wink) I'll see you Wednesday, Matthew.

(Potala steps inside the Shadow House.)

Matthew Mason: (in a daze, walks home slowly) No way… that was… me?

(Matthew pulls out a slightly worn photo from his wallet. A chubby young boy, a gap-toothed smile on his face, arm around a smaller Miwok girl with braids, both laughing in the sun. It's him and Potala.)

Matthew Mason: (voice quiet, almost reverent) Don't worry… my wyhki. It took a while… But I found you again.

(The breeze blows gently. The sky dims to a golden purple. And the world just feels right.)

[The Meg Chronicles Ending 1 – Blue Rebirth]

(A soft piano melody starts, accompanied by gentle strings. A breeze is heard as the screen fades in from black. Soft, melancholic tone The camera fades in to a young Erika, standing alone in the middle of a rainy town square. People pass by, whispering, casting glances of pity and scorn after her father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty. The rain intensifies, blurring the figures around her as she grips her coat tightly. A young Potala sits alone in a classroom, surrounded by white children who sneer at her. They call her "savage," pointing and laughing. Potala lowers her gaze, gripping her notebook tightly as her vision blurs from tears. A young Courtney sits in a cluttered garage, surrounded by old junk and a group of ferrets curled up beside her. She hugs them tightly, her only source of warmth, as she stares at a cracked window where the moonlight barely reaches her.)

"The town whispered behind my back,
Shadows cast by the past won't fade.
I reached out, but the warmth was gone,
Left alone in the cold, unchanging days."

(More emotional, building up. A young Roberta is curled up on the stairway of her old home in Stoolbend. Her hands cover her ears as the muffled sound of her parents, Donna and Robert, shouting at each other echoes through the house. A shadow passes over her as her father walks out the door for the last time. A young Hayley stands frozen in shock, her wide eyes reflecting a violent scene. In a dark warehouse, her father Stan Smith and his CIA colleagues stand over a lifeless body— a former terrorist shot down mercilessly. The gunfire echoes in her mind as her small hands tremble. A newborn Helen, in her small puppy form, is being handed over by her normal dog parents to a human adoption center. She stretches out her tiny paws toward them, begging, but they turn away. The door slams shut as she is taken away, alone. A young Meg sits curled up in a fetal position on her bed, covering her ears as her family—Peter, Lois, Chris, and Stewie—laugh and mock her from downstairs uplifting. Tears roll down her cheeks as she clenches her hands into fists, trying to drown out their words. Young Meg slowly uncovers her eyes. As she blinks, her gray, suffocating bedroom ceiling shifts— transforming into a bright blue sky over Los Angeles.)

"I called your name, but no one turned around,
Trapped in a world too cruel to see me.
Yet even in the darkest nights,
A spark remained, waiting to be freed."

(Chorus – Powerful, yet emotional tone. One by one, the younger versions of the Background Girls—Erika, Potala, Courtney, Roberta, Hayley, Helen, and Meg—find themselves in a surreal dream-like space. Their past selves look up, lost in despair… until their present-day selves step forward. Erika offers her younger self a reassuring nod. Potala kneels and takes her younger self's hand, squeezing it gently. Courtney smiles warmly at her childhood self, motioning for her to stand. Roberta places a hand on her younger self's shoulder, as if telling her it's okay now. Hayley gently takes her younger self's trembling hands, calming her. Helen nuzzles her puppy form, smiling. Meg, hesitating at first, reaches out and embraces her younger self. As the past versions of themselves disappear into glowing light, their present-day selves turn toward the skyline of Los Angeles, where a new path awaits.)

"Let me reach that blue sky,
Even if the wind has torn me apart.
I'll stand again, I'll walk again,
Because now, I am not alone."

(Meg, now standing alone on the rooftop of the Shadow House, closes her eyes as the wind blows through her hair. She takes a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air, no longer suffocated by her past. She opens her eyes and looks down. Below, standing on the sidewalk, are Erika, Potala, Courtney, Roberta, Hayley, and Helen—all smiling warmly at her. The sun shines down on them as they wave for Meg to come down.)

"The sky is wide, the wind is kind,
And now I see your hand in mine.
Let the past fade like morning rain,
A new adventure calls my name."

(Meg's lips curl into a small but genuine smile. She steps forward, running down the stairs to join them. The Background Girls walk together through the bright, bustling streets of Los Angeles, heading toward a new adventure. The camera pans upward, focusing on the clear blue sky as the last note of the song fades out.)

(End of Ending Theme)

And this here is the day two teams will take into becoming something big. While I am still learning how the Anime Festival rewards works, I figured this is a way to pay tribute to the late Osamu Tezuka, best known for his works such as Astro Boy and being called the Godfather of Manga and Anime. Even though this is an anime festival for college student, it's still treated as the same as actual ones because it shows that art students have potential to bring, anime into the U.S. and bring more opportunities of creativity.

Also, Forcehumans have a lot of history into it, they're like the minds of superhumans. And since Family Guy did a lot of Star Wars, I want to extend a more so here's some explaination: On Earth, Forcehumans who fight for light became peacekeepers and protectors of the innocent and weak, essentially creating their order of Force-Gene users known as the Orkal (basically Jedis but for Forcehumans and those with Psychic-Ki). Orkal derives from the words Or and Kal which means light from Hebrew.

I have a list of the ranks in the Orkal Order

For beginners they're called:

Talmidan (derived from the words for students (male and female), תַּלְמִיד(he)m (talmíd), תַּלְמִידָהf (talmidá); Talmidans learn under an Orkal Knight or Master once they're ready.

For experts they're:

Orkal Knight (similar to Jedi Knights) who go forth to guard and protect people and engage in battle against evil forces and enemies.

For master's they're :

Orkal Masters (equivalent to Jedi Masters) the most experienced and have trained a Talmidan into a Knight and can teach more and even become members of their Orkal Council regardless of nations.

Last but not least:

Orkal Grandmaster – The leader of the Orkals and most elderly and experienced, wisest and patient Orkal Master of all.

So, yeah, now the Background Girls know that the Shine House Crew AKA the Shining Warriors are superheroes and aliens, elves and superhumans. And not to forget the fact that Roberta Tubbs-Brown has powers and now a Forcehuman. Sure, it took finding out Federline Jones cheated on her with Lacey Stapleton, that Paris Hilton-wannabe for her Force-gene to awaken. Thank goodness it took Malachi/Shadowknight to be there for Roberta, tutoring, hanging out, complimenting, encouraging and spending time with her for them to finally become a couple

See ya next time on the Meg Chronicles Season 1 Episode 6 — Weird Science. October is around the corner and two old childhood friends are about to become a couple in accordance with the Great Spirit's will. Also I think Jeff's getting a visit from a certain hooded person with a bladed tool.