Home: Sample Scripts: Endings and Beginnings

Quicksilver #13
"Endings and Beginnings"
Plot by Joe Edkin
Art by Chris Renaud and Scott Elmer
Cover by Derec Aucoin and Rich Faber
Edited by Mark Bernardo
Quicksilver and all related characters are © and TM Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

SPOILER WARNING:

This plot will reveal more about the identity of Nestor as conceptualized by Joe Edkin and John Ostrander. It's very possible that future writers will never again use Nestor or completely redefine his identity if they do.

END SPOILER WARNING

The narrative device that ties this entire issue together is the recording of a letter to Crystal. Quicksilver is confronted by Nestor who wants Quicksilver to relive his past in order to move into the future. Who IS Quicksilver and what does he really want are the questions that drive the story.

NOTE TO MARK: The following reference would be useful to the artist--
Uncanny Origins #2 for reference of Pietro's birth and early life
Quicksilver #7 for monitor room reference
Quicksilver #8 for Nestor reference
(Uncanny) X-Men Vol. 1 #4 for castle reference
Avengers Mansion reference
Avengers #17
Avengers #150
Avengers vol. 3 #1

NOTE TO THE ARTIST--
The nemesis of this story is Nestor. While we are keeping Nestor's true identity a secret at this point (for use in future stories), here is what you should know about him: He keeps his face hidden from Quicksilver at all times. He is wearing a hooded cloak that hides his face and costume. In the course of this story, you will be revealing more of his costume than has been seen to this point. It should look like a cross between Magneto's and Quicksilver's. It has a helmet that is shaped like Quickie's, but the colors will not be exactly the same as Mags's. Our goal is to make the readers and Quicksilver think that the mystery villain for this story is really Magneto, so use every trick in your repertoire to lead the reader astray.

Also be aware that this is a lot of talking. (Sorry about that.) We are using our last issue to take a good look at who Quicksilver is, not what he can do. The story is full of flashbacks and talking people, so you will have to pull out all your tricks to make the story visually interesting.

If you have any questions or suggestions, or just want to say hello, feel free to call me at the number above.

--Joe Edkin

PAGE ONE

SPLASH PAGE

Twilight, exterior, forested area on Wundagore Mountain in Transia (middle Europe). QUICKSILVER in the foreground, head bowed. He looks fatigued and troubled. Behind him in the distance is the Citadel of Science on Wundagore Mountain. The Siege has just ended and QS has had to act like his father in order to win the day--this is what is troubling him. The war was won, but at what cost? QS's latest letter to Crystal begins on this page and continues throughout. Leave room for several captions that will bring the readers (and Crystal) up to date about the end of the war--including the fact that QS was exposed to Isotope E and he can still feel its effects coursing through his veins.

Leave room for title, credits, and indicia.

PAGE TWO

PANEL ONE

Behind QUICKSILVER, the robed & hooded figure of NESTOR begins to fade into sight, commenting on how Quicksilver is once again feeling sorry for himself. In this shot, we give context to where Quicksilver is standing. He is in front of Bova's cottage--the place where he and his sister were born.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER turns to confront the now completely visible NESTOR. It's him again! Quicksilver demands to know, "Who are you?" Make this a fairly large panel (the largest on the page) to introduce Nestor visually--it is important to keep Nestor's face hidden in the shadows of his hood, we should only catch glimpses of his eyes, mouth, and nose through the T-shaped opening of his helmet (which, as mentioned previously, is shaped like Magneto's). Please also leave room for several caption boxes as QS's letter to Crystal fills the readers in on the mysterious cloaked figure.

PANEL THREE

NESTOR is unruffled by QUICKSILVER's rudeness, calmly responding to the question with, "That's the question you should be asking yourself."

PANEL FOUR

Medium close shot of QUICKSILVER. He knows who he is--Pietro Maximoff, Quicksilver!

PANEL FIVE

NESTOR is unimpressed by Quicksilver's assertion, telling him that those are only names. What meaning do they really have?

PANEL ONE

NESTOR tells QUICKSILVER that his name is Nestor--but does that really tell QS anything? You have to get beyond the names to know who a person really is. He asserts that he is QS's friend--or else he wouldn't have helped him escape from Exodus.

PANEL TWO

Close up of QUICKSILVER as he responds to Nestor's next question, "So, who are you?" Keep Nestor off panel. Focus on Quicksilver's reaction--he really doesn't know how to answer this question. Leave room in the lower right hand corner of the panel for a letter caption as Quicksilver reveals to Crystal that this is a question he'd never given any thought to.

PANEL THREE

Pull back to show NESTOR and QUICKSILVER in front of the cottage. Nestor asks why Quicksilver has come to this place.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER opens the door to the cottage, NESTOR standing right behind him. QS looks pensive, as if trying to understand that this was once his home. Compose this shot from inside the cabin, with QS and Nestor framed by the door. QS tells Nestor that this is where he and his sister were born. He wonders what it must have been like for his mother on the night sure first arrived here. The cottage should look like it has not been inhabited in quite a while.

PANEL FIVE (flashback)

This panel is how Quicksilver imagines his mother's arrival at the cottage. It is a cold, wind-swept night with snow in the air. The cottage door has opened. MAGDA stands outside shivering, illuminated by the moon. She is pregnant and asks for help. BOVA is in the foreground looking surprised by the stranger's presence. The cottage has a homey feel to it. Leave room for captions as QS tells Nestor the story.

This panel echoes the previous panel visually in terms of composition with Magda taking the place off QS & Nestor.

PAGE FOUR

PANEL ONE (flashback)

Weeks later, MAGDA is lying in bed exhausted, having just given birth to twins. BOVA is holding the INFANT WANDA and INFANT PIETRO and complimenting Magda on her strength. Leave room for captions.

PANEL TWO (flashback)

MAGDA walking alone through the snow-covered forest. QS's captions comment on how much Magda must have loved her babies to sacrifice herself to keep their father from finding them.

PANEL THREE (back to real time)

QUICKSILVER and NESTOR are now inside the cottage. QUICKSILVER looks ashamed as he tells Nestor about how much Magda must have feared her husband--the mutant who later became known as Magneto. Is that to be his fate? To become like his father?

PANEL FOUR

Two shot, over Quicksilver's shoulder looking at NESTOR. Nestor tells QS that it is all up to him.

PANEL FIVE

Pull back. NESTOR gestures to the cottage as he asks QUICKSILVER who he was when he was here. QS tells him "a baby."

PANEL SIX

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER what happened next.

PAGE FIVE

PANEL ONE (flashback)

BOVA stands before the HIGH EVOLUTIONARY holding the infant WANDA and PIETRO in her hands. As much as she would love to take care of the babies, she knows that they should be raised by humans. High Ev promises that no harm will come to the children. QS captions tell Nestor that this is the way the story was told to him.

PANEL TWO (back to real time)

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER where he went next.

PANEL THREE

Establishing shot. QUICKSILVER and NESTOR at the edge of a gypsy camp, staying in the shadows. GYPSIES are gathered around a fire. There is a sense of community and cheerfulness, despite the fact that these are poor people who work odd jobs to survive. In the upper left hand corner, the letter caption talks about how weird QS finds it telling this stranger about his life, but somehow he feels compelled to do so. QS speaks to Nestor that he and his sister were brought to this gypsy camp...

PANEL FOUR (flashback)

Nighttime, exterior of gypsy camp. The HIGH EVOLUTIONARY, wearing a hooded robe that conceals his armor--although we can see a glimpse of his purple mask under the hood--stands before DJANGO and MARYA MAXIMOFF. He has given the infant WANDA and PIETRO to the care of these gypsies. QS captions explain to Nestor what is happening.

PANEL FIVE (flashback)

DJANGO and MARYA promise the robed HIGH EVOLUTIONARY that they will care for the children.

PAGE SIX

PANEL ONE (flashback)

Ten years later. YOUNG WANDA and YOUNG PIETRO are playing in the gypsy camp as DJANGO and MARYA watch. QS caption comments how their adoptive parents were as good as their word. Their childhood was happy.

PANEL TWO (back to real time)

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER who he was when he was here. QS answers, "boy, son, and brother. Things were simpler then."

PANEL THREE

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER if that is still who he is. QS answers, "no." Nestor asks why not.

PANEL FOUR (flashback)

Four years later. TEEN WANDA is casting a hex sphere. TEEN PIETRO is a blur, running circles around her. QS caption explains that in their early teens, they discovered their powers.

PANEL FIVE (flashback)

Four years later. YOUNG ADULT WANDA and YOUNG ADULT PIETRO are surrounded by ANGRY GYPSIES who are chanting "Burn the witch." Caption explains that to save the life of a child, Wanda used her powers in public and they were forced to leave Transia--the only home they had ever known.

PAGE SEVEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER comments that is when he stopped being a boy and son. NESTOR asks who did he become next.

PANEL TWO (flashback)

In one swift movement, YOUNG ADULT PIETRO runs past a booth at an open market, having stolen a loaf of bread which he hands to YOUNG ADULT WANDA. Caption explains that he became his sister's protector and that they had to live on the streets until...

PANEL THREE (flashback)

YOUNG ADULT WANDA and YOUNG ADULT PIETRO are confronted by MAGNETO who offers them a place to live amongst others like themselves. Let's make Magneto look really impressive and commanding in this shot. Caption explains that Magneto offered them sanctuary--a home.

PANEL FOUR (back to real time)

NESTOR tells QUICKSILVER to show him this home. QS tells him that he isn't going to carry Nestor all that way.

PANEL FIVE

Close up of NESTOR telling Quicksilver (who is off panel) not to worry. He'll be waiting for him there...

PAGE EIGHT

PANEL ONE

Establishing shot. QUICKSILVER running across the water towards an island in the Mid-Atlantic. It is mid-afternoon (remember, he's crossing time zones). There is a cliff overlooking the beach of the island, and on top of that cliff is a run-down castle.* Letter expresses wonder that he is much faster now and can run across the water. This must be an after-effect of his exposure to Isotope E. Also, he is wondering how Nestor could get to the castle before him.

* This is the castle hideout of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants from (Uncanny) X-Men vol. 1 #4.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER runs up the side of the cliff to the run-down castle which is overgrown with plant life. Letter remarks on how the castle is in a state of disrepair.

PANEL THREE

QUICKSILVER stands on the edge of the outer wall (which surrounds the castle within) looking over the run-down courtyard. Letter expresses arrogance--QS knew that Nestor could not get there before him. He is, after all, the world's fastest mutant.

PANEL FOUR

NESTOR emerges from the castle itself, and addresses QUICKSILVER who is still standing on the outer wall. He was wondering how long it would take QS to get there.

PANEL FIVE

QUICKSILVER stands beside NESTOR in the courtyard, a blur indicating that he ran there. Nestor asks QS who he was when he was here. "A hero, by Magneto's definition. Here to save mutantkind from flatscans."

PANEL SIX

Close up of QUICKSILVER as he admits, "A villain, by the world's definition."

PAGE NINE

PANEL ONE

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER about the name "Brotherhood of Evil Mutants." What is in a name? Did Quicksilver or Wanda ever see themselves as evil?

PANEL TWO (montage panel)

In real time, QUICKSILVER hangs his head, ashamed of the memory of having been used by Magneto, commenting that he and his sister were being played. The main focus of this panel is a flashback showing YOUNG ADULT QUICKSILVER (in his green and white costume), YOUNG ADULT SCARLET WITCH, TOAD, MASTERMIND, being led by MAGNETO. QS caption explains that he never wanted to do "evil" things--all he and his sister wanted to do was survive and find a safe place.

NOTE: This scene is a reference to (Uncanny) X-Men, vol. 1 #4.

PANEL THREE (real time)

NESTOR indicates the castle to QUICKSILVER, who is still looking ashamed. Nestor asks if this feels like home. Quicksilver says absolutely not.

PANEL FOUR

NESTOR explains to QUICKSILVER that this is a part of who he was, but not of who he is.

PAGE TEN

PANEL ONE

Quicksilver's anger flares up. Why is NESTOR putting him through this?

PANEL TWO

NESTOR tells QUICKSILVER that he is trying to help QS learn who he is. QS is adamant. He knows who he is!

PANEL THREE

NESTOR smiles indulgently. "Really? Then what happened after you left this place?"

PANEL FOUR (flashback)

YOUNG ADULT QUICKSILVER (green and white costume), YOUNG ADULT SCARLET WITCH, HAWKEYE and CAPTAIN AMERICA fighting the HORNED MONSTER from Avengers #17. Caption explains that Quicksilver had wanted to join the Avengers to change the world's image of mutants.

PAGE ELEVEN

PANEL ONE (real time)

NESTOR asks QUICKSILVER whether he had done that for himself, or because he felt he had to.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER forcefully explains that he had a duty to make up for his father's misdeeds and help the world's mutants. NESTOR counters that QS went from adopted child to his sister's protector to evil mutant to Avenger...

PANEL THREE

NESTOR finishes his thought--that at no point did QS choose to be any of these things, he was forced, tricked, or felt obligated. What did he ever do for himself?

PANEL FOUR (flashback)

YOUNG ADULT QUICKSILVER marries YOUNG ADULT CRYSTAL. (ref. Avengers #150) Caption explains that he married Crystal.

PANEL FIVE (real time)

NESTOR reminds QUICKSILVER that he married a woman he'd known for a very short time--a woman who betrayed him several times with different men.

PANEL SIX

NESTOR explains that before QUICKSILVER can figure out what he wants, he has to know who he is. Who is he?

NOTE TO MARK--Yes, the question of "Who are you?" is repeated several times throughout this story. It goes back to Jungian psychology where the therapist keeps asking the client "Who are you?" not allowing the client to use names or repeat answers. It's a method of stripping away labels to get to the true essence of the individual. Ye gods--is this "high concept" or what?

PAGE TWELVE

NOTE TO ARTIST--pages twelve and thirteen have a very specific set up. Each has two panels of equal size. On the left side of the panel is half of Quicksilver's face as he answers the question. The center of the panel is a flashback illustrating how Quicksilver sees himself. On the right side of the panel is half of Nestor's face as he disproves Quicksilver's claim.

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER says that he is an Avenger.

In the middle of the panel, we see QUICKSILVER fighting side by side with CAPTAIN AMERICA, THOR, CRYSTAL, HERCULES, and SCARLET WITCH, circa Avengers Vol. 3 #1.

NESTOR counters that Quicksilver didn't make it onto the new team. Who is he?

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER says that he is a hero and a leader.

In the middle of the panel, we see QUICKSILVER leading the KNIGHTS of WUNDAGORE into battle, circa Quicksilver 11 & 12.

NESTOR counters that Quicksilver chose to walk away from X-Factor and the Knights. Who is he?

PAGE THIRTEEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER says that he is a husband.

In the middle of the panel, we see PIETRO and CRYSTAL sharing a tender moment. Note: Luna should not appear in this panel.

NESTOR counters that Quicksilver is a husband whose wife keeps leaving him. Who is he?

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER says that he is a father.

In the middle of the panel, we see PIETRO playing with LUNA--note: Crystal should not appear in this shot.

NESTOR counters that Quicksilver risked his daughter's life when he tried to alter her genetic code. Now he's a father who is separated from his girl. What kind of father is that?

PAGE FOURTEEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER explodes with anger at NESTOR, grabbing him by the front of his robe. He has had enough of this and he will not listen to any more!

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER runs away from NESTOR, having tossed Nestor to the ground. Leave room for a couple letter captions.

PANEL THREE

NESTOR getting back to his feet in the foreground watches QUICKSILVER running across the water, away from the island.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER runs past the Statue of Liberty. It is early afternoon in NYC (remember, we're crossing lots of time zones). Leave room for letter captions.

PANEL FIVE

QUICKSILVER runs along (on the surface of?) the Hudson River. Leave room for letter captions.

PAGE FIFTEEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER arrives at the Haven--the castle on the Hudson that has been his most recent home.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER walks into the main hall of the Haven. The place is a shambles after the recent battles. Leave room for letter captions.

PANEL THREE

QUICKSILVER looks at the mangled painting of the High Evolutionary that once dominated the main hall. Letter talks about father figures and how he's always searched for them: in Django, Magneto, Captain America, Professor X, and the High Ev.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER in his private quarters. He has found the letters (on disk) that he has recorded for Crystal and is contemplating whether or not he should take them to her.

PANEL FIVE

QUICKSILVER reacts in surprise to a voice from behind him--This was never your home. It was a place to live while you assumed another responsibility.

PAGE SIXTEEN

PANEL ONE

The voice belongs--of course--to NESTOR. QUICKSILVER is still angry with him, although it's hard to deny that he was never suited to lead the Knights of Wundagore. Nestor points out, "In your desperation not to face yourself, he was willing to latch on to anyone or anything that might equal family." QS is holding the disks in this shot.

PANEL TWO

NESTOR completes the thought--"Even though in doing so, you drove away your real family."

PANEL THREE

NESTOR tells QS that it is time to cast everyone off--he doesn't need anyone else. He must comes to terms with himself. Quicksilver is still holding the disks.

PANEL FOUR

NESTOR is now holding the disks and QUICKSILVER is looking in shock at his empty hand. Nestor tells QS that he must forget Crystal and Luna.

PANEL FIVE

QUICKSILVER leaps at NESTOR, enraged.

PAGE SEVENTEEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER passes through the spot where Nestor had been standing. NESTOR is several steps to one side.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER glares at NESTOR--he doesn't know how Nestor evaded him, but it won't happen again.

PANEL THREE

NESTOR taunts QUICKSILVER--he'll have to find him first.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER is suddenly alone in the room. This only makes him angrier.

PANEL FIVE

As QUICKSILVER runs down the stairs, he swears that he will find Nestor and make him pay for this effrontery.

PAGE EIGHTEEN

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER finds NESTOR in the monitor room (Quicksilver #7). Nestor is standing in front of some kind of massive electronic device. He is still holding the disks.

PANEL TWO

NESTOR tells QUICKSILVER that he will never be free of him. As long as QS is alive, Nestor will be with him.

PANEL THREE

QUICKSILVER demands that NESTOR return the disks. Nestor tells him to take them.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER punches NESTOR in the jaw, causing him to fly backwards towards the electronic equipment, releasing the disks. Nestor's head is snapped back and we can just see something flying off his head. (It's a helmet similar in shape to Magneto's, but do not draw too much attention to it at this point.)

PAGE NINETEEN

PANEL ONE

Before NESTOR collides with the electronic equipment, as QUICKSILVER catches all the disks from mid-air.

PANEL TWO

Exterior. QUICKSILVER, holding tightly to the disks, runs away from Haven.

PANEL THREE

Inside the lab, NESTOR picks himself up is on his hands and knees--reaching for the helmet that flew off his head. Do not show Nestor's face! The machine is sparking--about ready to explode.

PANEL FOUR

NESTOR is now standing, placing the helmet over his head. He is silhouetted as the machine bursts into gout of flame. The silhouette, especially given the shape of the helmet, make him look like Magneto.

PANEL FIVE

Exterior. The Haven is destroyed in a huge explosion.

PAGE TWENTY

PANEL ONE

QUICKSILVER running across the Atlantic Ocean. He is carrying the disks with him. Leave room for captions explaining that he is on his way to the island of New Attilan. It is twilight. (We're crossing time lines again. I'm getting jet lag--how about you?)

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER as a blur runs past BLACK BOLT and MEDUSA who are sitting on the moonlit beach of New Attilan. The letter reveals that QS did go back to make sure Nestor was all right, but the Haven was destroyed and Nestor was nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately, he could no deny much of what Nestor said.

NOTE TO MARK--Check with whomever is editing the Inhumans book to make sure this cameo is okay.

PANEL THREE

CRYSTAL in the main room of her chambers playing on the floor with LUNA, unaware that they have a guest. QUICKSILVER watches them silently from the doorway. Letter caption reveals that Quicksilver has given this a lot of thought before coming here.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER says hello.

PANEL FIVE

LUNA runs to hug QUICKSILVER as CRYSTAL stands up.

PANEL SIX

QUICKSILVER holds LUNA in his arms as CRYSTAL embraces them both.

PAGE TWENTY-ONE

PANEL ONE

Several hours later. CRYSTAL and QUICKSILVER watch LUNA sleeping in her room. Crystal asks what QS is doing here. She asked to be left alone.

PANEL TWO

QUICKSILVER and CRYSTAL leave Luna's room. QS tells Crystal that he could not stay away from their daughter, nor is it fair to ask him to do so.

PANEL THREE

They move back into the main room of the chamber. CRYSTAL admits this is true, but she's still not ready for QUICKSILVER to be back in her life.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER agrees with CRYSTAL. They both have a lot to figure out about their lives, but they can't allow Luna to suffer for it. She needs both of her parents.

PANEL FIVE

CRYSTAL accepts this and welcomes QUICKSILVER to visit them regularly.

PANEL SIX

QUICKSILVER gives the disks to CRYSTAL. He doesn't expect them to change anything, but she should listen to them after he has left. They will help her understand.

PAGE TWENTY-TWO

PANEL ONE

CRYSTAL, her expression one of trepidation, begins to play the first disk: "Dear Crystal... I need you! Luna needs you! I think there is something wrong with me!" (from issue 1)

There is a window over her shoulder that will help us indicate time. It is dark in this panel, with the moon visible.

PANEL TWO

Time has passed. CRYSTAL is still listening to the recordings. She is beginning to look sad. "Crystal, dear wife. In the nights when I thought I'd lost your forever, I got into the habit of composing long letters you would never see." (from issue 4)

The sun is coming up in the window.

PANEL THREE

More time has passed. CRYSTAL is still listening to the recordings. There are dried tears on her cheeks, but there is a sad smile--one of hope--on her face. This is the letter that has been running throughout this issue.

It is full daylight outside.

PANEL FOUR

QUICKSILVER running along a highway, passing a sign saying "Welcome to California." The letter continues as a caption: "I don't know where our lives will lead us, but I know this much..."

PANEL FIVE

QUICKSILVER standing in the middle of a busy street in San Francisco. On a roof of a nearby building is the silhouette of NESTOR--still looking Magneto-esque. The letter concludes: "I'm ready to grow up. I'm ready to learn who I am and what I want to do with my life. I love you, Pietro."