Characters belong to @SkyOfCrystals The third part of my storyboard for episode 1 of the Crystalcode animation project Zayan = gray Idris = orange Uncle Samir = yellow Script: “Wa-alaikum salam!” I called back, watching [Idris] disappear down the sidewalk, his tail swishing behind him. The streets quieted. I bounced the yoyo again, claws tapping the string with rhythm. A pigeon looked at me from a wire and cooed like it disapproved of my technique. Whatever, bird. “Zayan?” I froze and turned. “Uncle Samir!” I broke into a grin. There he was—fluffy, big-pawed, and covered in desert-colored tabby fur. His tail swayed behind him like he was always ready to pounce. I pounced into a hug. “I haven’t seen you in years!! You’ve grown so much!” he said with a rumbling purr. He sniffed and teased, “How old are you now, nine?” I let out a dramatic groan. “I’m twelve!” He blinked. “Seriously? You’re tiny!” I flicked my ears back. “Everyone says that!” “So, what are you doing out here?” he asked, walking beside me. “Heading to the shop to get something,” I replied. “Perfect. Let’s go. I need a snack anyway.” We padded down the alley, tails swaying. The scent of grilled fish and cheese pies filled the air from the nearby vendor booths. Just as we rounded the corner to the little snack stall I liked— BAM!! Out of nowhere, two tall tomcats in black vests leapt out. One of them tackled Uncle Samir, sending him crashing into a crate of canned sardines. “Uncle—!” I lunged forward, claws unsheathed. Another cat grabbed me by the scruff. “Got him!” “LET ME GO!” I thrashed, scratching and kicking. “UNCLE SAMIR!!” One of the cats hissed, “Put him out!” I caught a glimpse of my uncle struggling, his eyes wide, his paw reaching toward me. Then—pfuff!—a knockout powder puffball exploded near my face. I coughed. My vision swam. My yoyo slipped from my paw and bounced across the ground. I tried to stay up… but everything faded… Black.
