Zodiac Complete

INT.
ANOUSHKAS BEDROOM ALLAHABAD, INDIA DAY (2007)

We track back to see a blank sheet of paper lying on a dark
brown, wooden desk. A small, light brown hand with gold
undertones, holding a pencil, slowly begins drawing lines.
The pace of the drawing slowly increases up to a quick pace
as the picture begins to take form:
A large, white building lies in the foreground before a
rising sun, creating a glow along the edges of the building
and shadows down the front.
Touching, tinted windows make up the vast majority of the
round central structure which protrudes from the entrance
where a sign reads NH NAARDEN.
On either side of the curved portion of the building,
rectangular structures stretch out and back on forty-five
degree angles. Above the one on our left, is a sign that
reads hotel.
A line of four environmentally conscious cars are pulled up
in front, with a valet running from a booth to the first car
in line, a Nissan LEAF, where a heavy-set, middle-aged man
with long hair and a lengthy beard stands in front of the
open drivers door.
The hand continues working on shading and adding in little
details the flags blowing in the wind in front of the
building, little bushes and benches
Tap, tap, tap a knock on the door. We hear a mature
womans voice with a heavy Indian accent speaking in Urdu
with English subtitles.
CHANDA (V.O.)
(muffled)
Anoushka, Im leaving now. Can you
please come keep an eye on your
brother and sister?
The hand continues to finish up the section it was working
on adding a Capricorn symbol on the heavy-set mans
briefcase. A louder, yet softer and lighter voice responds
in Urdu, also with a heavy Indian accent, with subtitles in
English.
ANOUSHKA (V.O.)
Of course, momma be right there.
Her hand sets the pencil next to the page. We track in on
the drawing as we hear her chair push back across the floor
and her footsteps, growing softer as she gets closer to the
door.
The image takes up the entire screen and we begin to hear
the soft rumbling of energy-efficient car engines, wind
blowing, and birds chirping as we also hear Anoushka open
the door to her bedroom, step through and close it behind
her.
The drawing begins to take on color and as all of the colors
finish filling in, the image begins to move the valet, who
appeared to be running, actually jogging over to the man
standing in front of the Nissan LEAF, CAPRICORN - a slightly
tall, plump gentleman in his mid-fifties with fair/light
beige skin and pink undertones, wearing a cheap, but clean
and well-fitting, three-piece, royal blue suit and tie with
a white shirt and silver cufflinks.
FADE TO:
EXT. HOTEL NH NAARDEN AMSTERDAM DAY (2007)
A large, white building lies between us and the rising sun,
casting it in a golden glow. Touching, tinted windows make
up the vast majority of a round central structure which
protrudes from the entrance a sign reads NH NAARDEN.
On either side of the curved piece, rectangular structures
stretch out and back on forty-five degree angles. Above the
one on our left, is a sign that reads HOTEL.
The valet hands the large gentleman a ticket, with a nod and
a smile he turns towards the entrance.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL NH NAARDEN LOBBY - AMSTERDAM DAY (CONTD)
We see an open, well-lit lobby - classy, but not
extravagant. A couple is checking in at the front desk,
which lies on the left and is made of wood, stained in four
different shades of brown in a simple, yet fashionable,
design.
Behind the front desk, a 40 flat screen TV, mounted on the
wall, plays a morning show with a banner welcoming in the
New Year, 2006.
Across from the front desk, on the right side of the lobby,
a 3 by 7 black and white retractable banner reads: ICPEPA
2005: 7th International Conference on Political Ethics and
Public Administration. Next to the banner lies a stand
with flyers for the conference.
CAPRICORN grabs one of the flyers and as he skims through
it, the enthusiastic, childish grin on his heavily bearded
face continues to grow wider.
He scratches his beard, stretching several inches below his
face, and runs his hands through his straight, salt and
pepper hair, parted in the middle, falls down the back and
sides of his head in waves, reaching a few inches below his
shoulders.
He sets the flyer down and reaches for the thin, silver
chain, stretching from the middle button of his vest to his
vest pocket, and pulls out a small, elegant pocket watch.
His expression suddenly changes as he grows teary eyed while
raising the pocket watch to his face to see the initials
D.A.P. engraved on the front.
As he flips it over to see the R.H.P. engraved on the
back, a tear builds up in the corner of his eye and he wipes
it away with the back of his free hand. As he stares at the
watch without opening it, his eyes grow distant.
CUT TO:
INT. ROSALINDS HOUSE LIVING ROOM LOS ANGELES (FLASHBACK
- CHRISTMAS - 2006)
ROSALIND, a beautiful woman in her mid-twenties with long
blonde hair and bright blue eyes, stands in her festive
living room in front of a Christmas tree, wearing Christmas
themed cotton pajamas and holding a small, perfectly wrapped
present up for Capricorn with the same length hair,
dressed in dark green wearing silk, dark green pajamas.
Her husband, ELOND THYSIAN a tall, well-built Caucasian
man in his late twenties with light brown hair, long on top
and short on the sides, and loving green eyes, sits on the
couch sipping his coffee in his pajamas.
ALEXANDER - a handsome boy (6) with an oval face, a bent
nose, thin lips, and long, wavy, dark brown hair, the bangs
falling over his forehead and stopping just above his
excited and lively, green eyes, runs between all of them
playing with a big toy fighter-jet making noises of the jet
flying through the air, firing gunshots, and causing
explosions.
VIRGO (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
Ah there you are, you enormous, old
goat.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL NH NAARDEN LOBBY - AMSTERDAM DAY (CONTD)
VIRGO, a short, stocky, balding Pakastani man in his late
forties with a long, full, curly, and thick, salt and pepper
beard and big, round glasses that have heavy brown frames
around thick, clear lenses, wearing dark brown pants, a
white button-up shirt, and a matching brown tie, slaps
Capricorn on his back as his distant expression fades and a
smile returns to his face.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
And here I thought I might evade
your eye.
Dont miss much, do you? You short,
bald bastard.
Virgos gaze shifts from Capricorn to an attractive young
woman standing at the front desk.
VIRGO
(iambic pentameter)
No I most certainly do not, my
friend.
Capricorn grins but rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
I really appreciate you coming.
Virgos head tilts back and to the side, his eyes squint
slightly and he raises his hand, swiping it through the air
in a dismissive gesture.
Capricorn smiles as Virgos gaze returns to the woman that
stood by the front desk that is now crossing the lobby to
enter the restaurant.
The two men exchange a glance. Virgos lips contort into a
sly smirk, his eyes playful as he raises his eyebrows up and
down.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Rahmir, correct me if Im mistaken
Yet, I was under the impression
that
You, like I, are here for love of
ethics.
Virgos head inches back and to the side, tilting slightly
as his eyes squint and he leans back.
He looks behind him to see if theres anyone behind him whom
Capricorn mightve been speaking. He turns back and points
to himself, mouthing the question me? as his eyes open
wide as if suddenly surprised and his head arches forward.
Capricorn chuckles and sticks a finger in his chest.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Yes you, you sick, ridiculous
buffoon.
Virgos eyes grow lively again and he shows off his guilty
grin.
VIRGO
(iambic pentameter)
Daivhid, you caught me, you
scrutinous sleuth.
I was hoping, whole-heartedly, to
bask
In the sweet presence of divinity,
Which only presents itself around
you.
Capricorn stares at Virgo with an annoyed expression on his
face.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - upset)
My daughter is home in Los Angeles
She had to attend a big work party.
Virgos entire body sags as if all of the energy and life
inside him suddenly disappeared. His eyes fall to the floor,
his head tilt down with his chin inching toward his chest,
his shoulder slouch down and forward, and his back arches
forward like a hunchback.
Capricorn closes his eyes and shakes his head. He opens
them on Virgo, full of amusement.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Oh stop, you know shes happily
married.
Virgo raises his eyebrows and tilts his head.
VIRGO
(iambic pentameter)
Thats only because she barely
knows me.
Capricorn lets out a cross between a cough and a laugh,
raising his hand to his chest. He rolls his eyes and looks
straight ahead.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Shed never fall for an old virgin
like
Capricorn turns his head to look back at Virgo with a
teasing smile on his lips and in his eyes.
Virgo responds with an annoyed expression head tilted
forward and to the side with cold eyes, one wide open, the
eyebrow above raised, and the other eye squinting, the
eyebrow dropped low and tight to the eye.
VIRGO
(iambic pentameter)
Please, you know Ive gotten more
tail than Zeus.
Capricorn gives him a pitying smile, nodding slowly.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Come on, Billy Bob Thornton, lets
migrate.
Capricorn quickly picks up his briefcase with one hand,
grabs the handle to his small suitcase with the other, and
begins wheeling it towards the elevator.
Virgo smiles joyfully, grabs his small, black suitcase and
his dark brown, leather briefcase with the initials R A-M
engraved on it in white the R and A in traditional
bold letters and the M a Virgo symbol, and follows swiftly.
Capricorn reaches the elevator and presses the button as
Virgo trails just behind and stops beside him.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - in a whisper)
I trust that the Defiance remains
strong.
Virgos lighthearted demeanor fades as his playful grin
turns into a straight line and his eyes grow serious,
scanning around and behind him to see if anyone is looking.
He glances at Capricorn, gulps and nods, his eyes revealing
a hint of fear.
As they wait, they look around the lobby and at the people
passing through.
VIRGO
So, are you ready?
They look at each other with serious expressions as we hear
ding, indicating the arrival of the elevator, which opens.
Capricorn begins to smile and nod as they head into the
elevator.
CAPRICORN
(assured)
I believe I am.
The elevator doors close.
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE SEQUENCE
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE OVER
Capricorn
FADE TO BLACK
INT. HOTEL NH NAARDEN CONFERENCE ROOM - AMSTERDAM DAY
We see a large, well-furnished, but not overly indulgent,
dimly lit conference room with beige walls running down both
sides, and two large, wide windows on either side of a
projection screen on the back wall - offering a view of the
sun still rising over the water on the horizon.
Chairs, arranged in rows and facing a podium that stands in
front of the projection screen, are full of scholars in
affordable suits and dresses.
Behind them, many more people stand quietly awaiting the
next panelist.
All eyes rest on Capricorn, standing tall and relaxed at the
podium with his new book, Supernatural Power & Control;
Political Ethics in the New World, both positioned in front
of him and projected onto the screen behind him for the
others to see.
On the ceiling above him, forest-green glass panels cover
the lights, casting him in a mix of green and gold (from the
rising sun) light.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Supernatural Power and Control,
Political Ethics in the New World.
He takes a deep breath and looks over his peers, all
watching on with interested expressions.
He sees Virgo, who nods, and Capricorn smiles.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
The primary concern of this study
Lies in re-examining Foucaults
views
On concepts of power and control,
now
In a world where the supernatural
Has become a wild reality.
In one of the large windows behind him, the life-size image
of CANCER, a young, fit, Caucasian man in his late-twenties
with an oblong face, upturned, roundish almond-shaped, hazel
eyes, a big, strong, bent nose, and short dark brown hair,
styled up and to the side, is superimposed as he takes a sip
from the glass of water resting on the podium and surveys
the nodding crowd.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
If, as Foucault claims, knowledge
is power
And surveillance the tool most
suitable
For purposes of control, noting the
Classic example, the panopticon,
He subconsciously pulls out his pocket watch and starts
spinning it around in his hand.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Then how much more significant are
these
Claims now that the border between
Public and private has been wiped
away
Entirely, in the face of the recent
Manifestations of telepathy.
He clicks it open and we see a picture of Rosalind in the
inside cover.
CUT TO:
INT. EHLINE LAW FIRM LOS ANGELES NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
The office, decorated with Christmas lights, streamers,
balloons, and a Happy New Year banner, is utter chaos.
Cancers image is super-imposed on all of the windows,
watching as people run for their lives as a man in a blood-
stained suit is chased by two people:
LIGHTSPEAR, a very skinny, young woman (16) with straight,
fiery red hair, parted above the outside of her left eye,
puffed up slightly as it falls forward and to the side like
a wave, wearing a long, black sweater that is neither tight
nor loose, black heelless dress shoes, and black leggings
with three-inch thick horizontal red stripes across the
knees and a thinner stripe across the middle of her calves.
And ASH, a tall, slim, man in his early thirties with very
pale skin, small, black, sinister, monolid eyes, and long,
wavy white hair, parted above the middle of his right eye,
wearing all black dress pants, dress shoes, sweater, and
blazer.
Capricorn stands staring down on his daughter, ROSALIND, who
is in tears, kneeling on the ground over the body of her
dying husband, frantically trying to stop the blood from
coming out of his neck and chest.
She looks up, mascara and tears trailing down her face and
sees her confused, heart-broken father standing in front of
her clutching pocket watch she gave him tightly as he
watches on in shock and horror.
CUT TO:
Cancers image remains super-imposed on the window behind
Capricorn looking down on him as Rosalind, kneeling on the
ground of the conference room, looks around and sees
everyone staring at her father.
After a few moments, we begin to see everyone other than
Capricorn and Rosalind moving in slow motion.
CUT TO:
INT. EHLINE LAW FIRM LOS ANGELES NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
A confused and horrified Capricorn and Rosalind watch the
chaos unfolding around them in slow motion until Ash, still
chasing the same man, steps towards them, now only a few
feet away, and speeds up to their speed.
He stops suddenly and stares, bewildered by what he see
everyone else moving in slow motion other than him and
Rosalind (unable to see Capricorn).
As he looks at her, his expression grows excited and
venomous. He grabs hold of her by the shoulders and lifts
her off the ground.
She tries to resist, slapping, punching, and kicking
ferociously.
Ash drops her to the ground, and circles around her
leaving a trail of dark ash on the ground beneath him.
The ground beneath Rosalind, within the circle, turns to ash
and she falls through to the floor below.
Capricorn watches as Ash follows after her until she hits
her head when landing and passes out.
FADE TO BLACK
Capricorn finds himself back in the conference room, without
Rosalind, still clutching his pocket watch tightly.
With his other hand, he reaches up and gently rubs the back
of his head.
He realizes hed been holding his breath and as he exhales,
the others around him stop moving in slow motion.
Disoriented and traumatized, he wipes the sweat from his
face with a handkerchief and looks back towards Arthur, who
notices Capricorns sudden change in expression and
demeanor, sitting up and growing uncharacteristically
serious.
Capricorn takes another breath and begins holding it again
to find the others returning to slow motion.
Still confused, he uses this extra time trying to compose
himself. He closes his eyes.
CUT TO:
A SERIES OF IMAGES:
Rosalind, kneeling over her husband trying to stop the
bleeding, with people running for their lives all around
them.
Rosalind, looking up at him helpless and terrified.
Ash circling around her, fascinated.
Rosalind falling through the floor.
Ash dropping down after her.
CUT TO:
Capricorn opens his eyes and exhales, allowing the others to
return to full speed.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Youll never be able to understand
The full affect that these
abilities
Have on our lives and on the entire
world
Until youve experienced it first-
hand.
The room grows silent. Virgo looks to Capricorn
questioningly, who frown back with a significant look in his
eye.
The others continue to watch on, their expressions growing
somber and sorrowful.
Capricorn takes a deep breath in and watches the room slow
down around him.
He closes his eyes.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. EHLINE LAW FIRM ROOF - LOS ANGELES NIGHT
ROSALIND/CAPRICORNS POV
A starry night sky, with half the sky a mixture of blues,
purples and black, and the other a blend of reds, orange,
and yellow (cover photo, minus the Zodiac Signs) slow comes
into focus.
FADE TO BLACK
A room full of scholars moving in slow motion as they watch
and listen.
FADE TO BLACK
Rosalind lies on the ground of the roof, slowly opening and
closing her eyes and she regains consciousness.
She tilts her head to the side and looks around to see where
she is.
ROSALIND/CAPRICORNS POV
The man in the blood stained suit is sitting next to her
clutching his side and leg.
Beyond him, Ash leans against the railing, shoulders
hunched, staring down at them with a menacing expression on
his face.
FADE TO BLACK:
Cancer continues to watch, his image still super-imposed in
the window behind Capricorn.
As Capricorn exhales, everyone in the room returns to full
speed. He starts breathing fast and takes out his
handkerchief to clear the sweat from his face as he, again,
tries to regain his composure.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Please forgive me; I seem to have
let
My emotions get take control over
me.
He takes a deep breath and holds it in, still clutching his
pocket watch tightly. The room slows down. He closes his
eyes.
FADE TO BLACK
Capricorn stands on the rooftop as Ash saunters over to the
now sitting Rosalind, holding the back of her head.
Lightspear floats down from the perch, above the door to the
roof, landing next to them ass Ash grabs Rosalinds wrist
and roughly pulls her to her feet.
Rosalind scowls back in defiance and notices her father
standing right behind where shed be sitting. Her
expression changes and a mix of emotions wash over her
hopeful, angry, terrified, and melancholic. She mouths the
word Dad.
Capricorn steps forward and raises his arm toward her as
Lightspear places one hand on the man in the bloody suits
shoulder, gripping him tight, and offers her other to Ash.
As Rosalind tries to step toward her father, raising her
hand toward his, Ash tugs her back and Lightspears skin
begins to illuminate.
A glow surrounds the four of them as their gravitational
pull reverses, causing them to fall straight up into the
sky.
Capricorn watches as Ash and Lightspear instinctively do a
half flip, so that their heads point towards the ground and
their feet toward the sky, as they fall in that direction.
Capricorn finds himself in Rosalinds body as they fall
through the night sky.
FADE TO BLACK
Capricorn exhales and begins breathing normally. He looks
down at the pocket watch in his hand and loosens his grip to
see his daughters initials - RP.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
However, I endeavor to harness
These feelings and allow them to
fuel all
My hopes, efforts, theories and
suspicions.
He takes a deep breath and holds it. As he looks up his
eyes squint, his head arches back, and tilts to the side
The room remains at full speed, instead of slowing down
around him.
He looks back down at the pocket watch questioningly as he
takes another breath and clicks the single button on the top
of the watch.
The room slows down around him.
He closes his eyes.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. NIGHT SKY LOS ANGELES (CONTINUOUS)
Lightspears illuminating skin changes from an orange-red to
a golden yellow as the five of them (including Capricorn)
stop falling and begin hovering in place, 3000 feet above
the ground, 2000 above the tallest buildings.
They look down on the city like gods as Lightspears light
turns blue and they begin falling sideways through the air
in a straight line, Lightspear and Ash shifting again to
keep their feet below them.
While the world below them passes by in slow motion for
Capricorn, it now moves at full speed for Rosalind, still
clutching her head. She closes her eyes.
FADE TO BLACK
Capricorn opens his eyes and stops holding his breath. He
surveys the room and runs his free hand through his beard,
straightening his spine and lifting his head up high.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Lets return to the concept of
power
The ability and capacity
To do something or act in a some
manner,
Directing or influencing the
thoughts,
Words, behaviors, and actions of
others.
In the window behind Capricorn, we see Cancers expression
change from cold and observant to excited, interested, and
proud his lips curling into a grin, his eyes opening wider
and lighting up, and his head arching forward.
A wrinkly and meaty white hand with several gold rings on
chubby, white-haired fingers rests on Cancers shoulder.
CUT TO:
INT. CANCERS HOUSE OFFICE LOS ANGELES
Cancers image, with the hand on his shoulder, reflects off
the window that he stares into.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
Foucault asserted that power
reaches
Deep down into the very grain
within
Individuals, touching their bodies
And inserting itself right into
their
Every action, in their attitudes,
Their discourse, learning processes
and their
Everyday lives.
The reflection of his office becomes visible in the
surrounding windows as we track slightly back to find that
its a dimly lit, lavishly furnished, circular room with
windows covering the walls and domed ceiling.
CANCERS POV
In the window directly in front of him, Capricorn stands at
the podium facing the room of scholars with his back to us.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
We simply must acknowledge the
central
Role in which power plays in not
only
Everything we do, but also in
Everything we believe to be true.
Three windows lie on each of the side walls and a set of
glass double-doors is in the center of the far wall,
directly across from Capricorn.
Cancer raises his hand and points to the window with his
index finger. He swipes right and the image also appears on
the adjacent window.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
It permeates our each and every
Relationship with family,
partners,
Friends, coworkers, teachers, and
with strangers,
It dominates our schools, homes,
and cultures.
It dictates social
He points again at the large, rectangular window directly in
front of him, tilts his hand and brings his thumb an inch
away from his index finger, as if preparing to turn an
invisible knob.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
The question, however, is not
whether
Or not power exists, nor if its
this
Influential, but rather how power
Operates and the ethics behind it.
As he twists his fingers, turning the invisible knob, we
begin to see Capricorn from different angles as we look in
from the different windows, moving around the room until we
are staring straight at him.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
We have all built our own
understandings
Of what discipline is. Yet,
Foucaults stance
Offers great value and highlights
key points.
As Virgo listens, he nods and subtly pulls out his phone.
CUT TO:
INT. NH NAARDEN HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM
Virgo searches through the internet on his phone for
breaking news in California and finds a post on the Los
Angeles Chronicles website about an attempted abduction
going wrong at the Ehline Law Firm New Years Party, listing
a handful of casualties, a dozen injuries, and two missing
individuals, one of which being Rosalind, with an image of
her next to the more details of the incident.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
Discipline becomes a type of power,
A modality for its exercise,
Comprising a whole set of
instruments,
Virgo exits out of the safari app and goes to messages. He
touches the icon in the top right corner to start a new
message and types in the letters Esp.
He touches the contact Esperanza and types out: Landed in
quite the pickle, in desperate need of your assistance
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
Techniques, procedures, targets,
and levels
Of application; its both the
physics
And very anatomy of power,
A technology.
Virgo presses back and opens up his messages with Daivhid
and types: Itll be okay, Im already on top of it.
He looks back up at Capricorn as he takes a few deep breaths
and looks down at the pocket.
CAPRICORNS POV
Capricorns phone lies on the podium before him as he looks
at his watch, in his left hand, when the phone vibrates. He
clicks the watch and everyone in the room slows down around
him. His phone shows the text from Rahmir.
He looks back up at Virgo, his eyes full of thanks, fear,
and pain. He looks down at his glass of water and back up.
He reaches for the water -
CUT TO:
INT. CANCERS HOME OFFICE LOS ANGELES
Capricorns arm moves in a blur as he grabs the water, takes
a sip, and sets it back in less than half of a second.
Cancers expression grows extremely serious and he
immediately raises his hand to the wind, palm out.
The image of Capricorn, super-imposed in the window, freezes
as Cancer steps in closer. He swipe upward causing a copy
of the image of Capricorn to appear on the window above the
one directly in front of him, which continues playing.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
This is where the concepts of
surveillance
And the panopticon become vital.
He points back at the frozen image and turns his hand so
that his index finger is raised toward the ceiling and
starts to twirl it slowly, in a counter-clockwise motion.
As he does so, the frozen image of Capricorn begins to move
in reverse.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
If we had thought there was cause
for concern
Regarding the effects of the rapid,
Late technological developments
On borders between public and
private,
The Cataclysm significantly
Exacerbates this tragic dilemma.
He stops twirling his finger, sets his hand on his chest and
nods. Capricorns arm moves in a blur from his glass to his
face and back, again.
Cancer raises his hand again, repeating the process of
stopping and rewinding the scene.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
What would Foucault say if he could
witness
The magnitude in which this key
concept
Of the panopticon would soon
transform
In this strange, new world?
He stops the sequence just before the blur, points at it
with his pinky finger as if pressing a button and slides his
pinky finger down.
He returns his hand to chest and nods again. The sequence
plays in slow motion, revealing Capricorn taking a quick sip
of his water.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
More than ever, we are being
controlled
Pulled by invisible strings
attached to
Hands that well never even get to
see.
Cancers smile returns as he chuckles.
CANCER
(slowly, in a low voice, with a bit
of joy)
This night is just full of
surprises, isnt it Father?
FATHER ALBERT, a portly old man with short, white hair, a
cleanly shaved, round face, and enthusiastic, round, brown
eyes, nods in agreement, a bright, proud smile lighting up
his face.
FATHER ALBERT
(boisterous and high pitched)
Two sudden transitions, with an
unexpected New Butterfly already
making her pilgrimage to
Canterbury We simply must thank
the lord for favoring our mission
and lending us his hand.
Cancer sighs. He raises his hand, pointing his index and
middle fingers at the images on the two windows the one
frozen, the other in real time and slides them over so
that the one thats still playing is directly in front of
him.
FATHER ALBERT
(thoughtful)
The target managing to get back to
the party mustve been a test of
our faith, its a good thing we
stayed strong.
Cancer pinches the bridge of his nose, between his eyes, as
Father Albert smiles enthusiastically and looks up at the
night sky.
FATHER ALBERT
(thankful)
Oh how he works in mysterious ways.
Capricorn adjusts his reading glasses, glancing down at his
notes, and looks back up at his audience.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Now, I understand the desire to
have
Gifted individuals registered.
After all, many are quite
dangerous.
Cancer swipes the frozen image of Capricorn causing it to go
away. We track back as he starts pointing at the
surrounding windows and images of other people are super-
imposed on each.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
However, the governments of nearly
Every single one of the first world
Countries have gone and taken it
too far
To Capricorns right, we see PRESIDENT RICHARD SHRUB, a
cleanly shaven, middle-aged man of average height and build
with a pale, rectangular face, short gray hair - combed to
the side, cold, dark blue, almond-shaped eyes, and thin,
tightly pressed lips, wearing a gray Oxford suit with a
white shirt and red tie, sitting back in his chair, behind
his desk in the Oval Office, facing the window.
Behind him stands AZAZEL, a thin man of average height with
light brown skin with gold undertones, a small, round face,
short, curly brown hair, and little, round glasses over
still and patient, bright green eyes that stare out the
window wearing an all-black, three-piece suit and a kippah
on his head.
HEINRICH, a lean, middle-aged Caucasian man in his mid-
forties with a stern, triangular face, hardened, blue,
upturned eyes, and short blond hair, combed to the side,
stands beside the desk wearing a military jacket full of
medals and insignias, including one indicating that hes a
general.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - concerned)
Measuring not only the various
Uses for every individuals
Ability, but also pushing men
Shrub nods and Azazel steps back into the shadows of the
room, turning into a dark, translucent, smoky figure before
disappearing altogether.
CAPRICORN
(Furious)
Women, and children to unethical
Extremes, all in order to determine
The utter limits of poor, gifted
souls.
To Capricorns left, we look down, through a skylight, on
ELMER BOON, a tall, slightly stocky, middle-aged man with an
orange/tan, oblong face and blond hair longer on top than
on the sides and combed over with excessive poof and hair
spray, wearing a black Brioni suit with a white shirt and a
red tie with angled white stripes as he stands in a lavish
office in front of a wall of windows, angled outward at a 60
degree angle, allowing him to look down on a series of small
rooms as a group of men wearing all white orderly uniforms
hold down Rosalind in one of them, her face growing
increasingly furious.
Beside Boon, stands Heinrich, tall, still, and silent - in
the same posture as the Heinrich standing with Shrub.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - somber)
And then forcing these individuals
To devote at least a decade working
For the very governments that
treated
Them as if they were nothing but
lab rats.
In the window next to the one with Shrub, appears TAURUS, a
bull of a man at 63 240 pounds, with dark, chestnut skin
with red/gold undertones, a square face holding thick, dark
eyebrows over hard, light brown, downturned almond-shaped
eyes, a large, flat nose with wide nostrils, and big, full
lips; his curly, black hair is in a crew cut with a fade on
the sides, and he wears his military uniform with insignias
indicating his branch in the military and his rank of
Lieutenant, a white patch in the shape of an eye on the
outside of the left sleeve, above his bicep.
He stands in the corner of the officers tent, apart from
the others, conversing with each other.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - angry)
Visibly marking them so that they
will
Always stand out from the rest of
the world.
In the window to the left of Boon, the images of Lightspear
and Ash, now without Rosalind and the man in the bloody
suit, floating through the air, down toward Cancers home, a
monstrous fortress, modeled after a number of historic
castles, infused with modern elements - such as the top of
the central tower having glass windows covering the walls
and domed ceiling - resting atop the Hollywood Hills above
the Hollywood sign.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - disgusted)
Branding anyone who defies these
laws,
And anyone who aids and abets an
Unregistered gifted human being,
Both an enemy of the state and a
Potential terrorist - revoking all
Of their rights and seizing their
property.
Boon turns to the shadows of the room as Azazels smoky
figure forms out of the shadows, becoming solid as he steps
into the light.
Boon walks over to his desk and picks up a manila envelope
and hands it to Azazel.
Azazel opens the envelope and pulls out a dozen pages, the
top one revealing an image of Capricorn.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - sorrowful)
As if all of these mistakes werent
enough,
They take it upon themselves to
carry
Out covert abductions, which have
now caused
Countless civilian casualties,
While claiming our safety is their
top concern.
He flips to the next page and scans it over.
Cancer raises his hand and holds it up towards the window
with his thumb and pointer finger held a centimeter apart.
As he pushes his fingers apart, we zoom in on the image of
Azazel to see that the top of the page has a photo of
Capricorn and says:
NAME: Daivhid Papandreou
PROFESSION: Professor of Philosophy, Political Science, and
Ethics, Philosopher, and Author.
CURRENT LOCATION: Hotel NH Naarden Amsterdam
TRANSITION: Unknown Likely happened today, 1/1/2007 at
approximately 9:15am (Amsterdam time)
TYPE: Physical or Temporal?
SUBTYPE: Flash, Timekeeper?
ELEMENT: Earth
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Yet, we must ask what their true
motives are.
Its no secret that these so called
idols
Have ascended to the foreground of
the
Political, social, economic,
Militaristic, and cultural scenes.
Azazel flips the page to find the following page entitled
Known Associates with an image of VIRGO. Below the image,
basic information is listed:
NAME: Rahmir El-Mofty
PROFESSION: Inventor and Retired Chef
CURRENT LOCATION: NH Naarden Hotel Amsterdam
STATUS: Watch-List
SIGN: EARTH
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
*Have yet to be able to determine whether El-Mofty
transitioned after losing his wife in the terrible attacks
on 9/11, see his file for more details.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Given the power they inherently
Possess, its seems unfathomable to
Imagine the imbalance shifting back
Toward a more equitable position
Azazel turns the page and we see an image of NAIRA, a short,
pudgy, Native American woman in her early sixties with long,
gray hair - worn in a traditional hair knot called a
Tsiiyeel which was wrapped in white yarn, kind and wise,
dark brown, monolid eyes, a small nose, and thin, smiling
lips, wearing a dark green skirt made of woven yucca fiber,
and a white blouse. The following information is listed
below:
NAME: Naira Bylilly
PROFESSION: Retired, former Botanist
LOCATION: Unknown
STATUS: Cursed, Target
TRANSITION: Unknown
TYPE: Cerebral
SUBTYPE: Cerebralist/Headcase and Botanist
ELEMENT: Earth
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter suddenly
realizing what he has to do)
At least, not unless we had some of
them
Looking out for our side and vice-
versa.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL NH NAARDEN CONFERENCE ROOM AMSTERDAM
Capricorn opens his pocket watch on the inside cover is an
image of Rosalind. The clock reads 9:39am and 37 seconds.
He takes a deep breath in and presses the button. The
second hand stops. He looks up at the clock on the wall,
above his audience moving in slow motion, and watches the
second hand move at the proper pace.
He raises his watch so that he can see both at once. After
seven seconds of the second hand on his pocket not moving,
it clicks ahead one second.
As he stares at the image of Rosalind, she appears huddled
in the corner and his arm drops to his side.
Her dress is dirty and torn; her hair is a mess, and she has
fresh bruises on her arms from where Ash held her.
She looks up at him with tears strolling down her cheeks.
She mouths the word help. Capricorn gulps and exhales.
His watch skips ahead to the proper time as his audience
start moving at full speed again, several starting to grow
confused by the blurs they saw.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
Im quite certain that not everyone
Will concur with me on this
immensely
Controversial matter, however I
Will never condemn anyone using
Violence if its against fascism.
CUT TO:
EXT. NAIRAS CABIN NAVAJO NATION INDIAN RESERVATION - DAY
Naira hums softly to herself as she gardens works the large,
well-cared for garden that surrounds her small, dark log
cabin.
She closes her eyes and we hear Capricorns voice.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(iambic pentameter)
These days, I'm non-violent but
truth is,
I was once a very different man.
CUT TO:
Naira stands between Capricorn and Rosalind, she looks
directly at Rosalind and turns to face Capricorn, voicing
her apologies for their misfortune with her eyes.
Rosalind looks back at her confused as she nods and
Capricorn takes a deep breath.
CUT TO:
INT. CANCERS HOME OFFICE
Cancers eyes squint and his head arches forward as he
notices Capricorn staring off to the side.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter)
In the past, Ive stood shoulder to
shoulder
With fellow antifascists and
anarchists
To fight fascists with our fists,
our feet,
And whatever else we could find to
use.
In the window next to Capricorn, Azazel keeps flipping
through the file.
Behind Capricorn and Father Albert, Naira stands watching
them.
CUT TO:
Capricorn looks back at his daughter, still huddled in a
ball in the corner. His expression grows fierce
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - vigorously)
I have no regrets about those
actions,
Sometimes violence is necessary.
He looks back to his audience and stands up straight.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter, full of grief)
And grievously, now is one of those
times.
The crowd begins clapping loudly with a number of people
even standing.
CUT TO:
INT. CANCERS HOME OFFICE
Cancer and Father Albert continue to watch, through the
window, as Capricorn raises his hand, palm out, and nods in
thanks as he starts trying to make his way out of the
conference room.
GEMINI (V.O.)
(sweet and melodious)
I must say, I believe its past
time you boys took a break youve
been at it for hours.
Cancer and Father Albert turn to find GEMINI standing before
them holding a tray with a pot of coffee, a bowl of sugar, a
glass of cream, five mugs and some pastries - a very skinny
and slightly short, Turkish woman in her mid-twenties with a
diamond-shaped face, confident and charming, blue-gray eyes,
thin, smirking lips, covered in violet lipstick, a cute,
little, stud-pierced nose, small, round ears with four
earrings each (two little hoops, two small studs, and ones
in little designs a cheetah, a hummingbird, and two Gemini
symbols) and long, shiny, straight, dark-brown hair, parted
above the outside of her right eye so that it falls forward
and to the side, across her face, just above her left eye,
wearing a long, tight, plum-colored skirt, black, ankle-
strap, platform heels, and a loose, sleeveless, lavender
blouse.
GEMINI
Come on, Paolo. You always get
crabby when you go straight through
the whole night.
Cancer stares at her with a loving smile on his lips and in
his eyes.
Father Albert nods, enthusiastically, relaxing his body and
sighing in relief.
FATHER ALBERT
I couldnt agree more, Fusan. I
fear Im getting too old for this.
Gemini chuckles softly as she sets the tray down on the end-
table beside her and begins pouring coffee.
Beyond the table, rests a black leather sofa chair. In it,
a third Heinrich sits reading a book, using the lamp on the
end table for light.
GEMINI
Oooh stop, Father. Sometimes I
think you have more energy than
Angel.
She hands Father Albert a cup as he laughs loudly and Cancer
snorts softly.
CANCER
I take it you were able to get her
settled and put her to bed?
Gemini nods as she hands him a mug. He grabs it and instead
of letting go, she leans in and kisses him with passion for
a few seconds.
She returns to the coffee pot, looking over her shoulder at
him with a teasing grin.
CANCER
Good, we may be in need of your
assistance, if youd be so kind.
Gemini perks up, head spinning back to them as she stops
pouring with the mug only half-full. She arches her left
eyebrow up, eyes wide and lips parted slightly.
GEMINI
How much did I miss? I was only
gone for a half-hour.
Cancer and Father Albert exchange a look, their eyes light
up and their lips turn into wide smiles, making them look
like excited little boys.
Cancer turns back to Gemini.
CANCER
Quite a bit, love. Come take a
look.
She sets the coffee pot back down and joins them as they
return to the windows. He offers her his hand and she takes
it with a smile, leaning against him with her head resting
on his shoulder.
The images of Capricorn, Shrub, Boon, and Rosalind return to
the windows and are joined by a number of others in the
windows above and to the side of them.
Cancer raises his free hand and uses his index and middle
finger to point at Capricorn and Rosalind.
CAPRICORN
Not one, but two transitions. As
you can see, we have the one, but
the other is currently out of our
reach.
Geminis smile and eyes widen as she looks from the windows
to Cancer.
GEMINI
But not out of my reach.
Cancer smiles and kisses her nose. They stare into each
others eyes for a few moments.
CANCER
Need to see the hotel again?
Gemini shakes her head and leans forward, kissing him on the
cheek with a hand on his chest.
She turns and begins walking toward the French double-doors
leading out to the balcony, looking back at Cancer and
holding his hand until they can no longer reach each other.
She grabs her small, purple handbag off the other end table
and reaches the balcony.
She opens the doors wide, tilts her head downward, and
closes her eyes.
A few moments pass with her standing completely still. She
lifts her head and opens her eyes.
GEMINIS POV
Above the balcony overlooking the city of Los Angeles,
Geminis constellation appears lit up brightly in the night
sky.
The image begins to fade as the image of the NH Naarden
Hotel lobby, in Amsterdam, is super-imposed on the screen in
the open doorway, until the former image disappears entirely
and the latter image comes completely into focus.
Still staring straight ahead, she steps through the doorway
and into the hotel lobby.
CUT TO:
INT. NH NAARDEN HOTEL LOBBY DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Gemini stands in the lobby of the NH Naarden Hotel, one step
past the open double doors behind her.
Just outside the entrance, a little boy stares at her,
confused, but no one else shows any signs up noticing her
sudden appearance.
She slowly strolls through the lobby toward the elevator,
never breaking stride. She reaches the elevator and presses
the button.
Her eyes start slowly scanning the room and she notices the
little boy, still staring at her, now from the front desk of
the lobby as he stands next to his mother.
Gemini looks directly into his eyes and smiles down at him.
The boys expression slowly grows more relaxed and less
confused until he smiles and looks the other way.
As she waits, Naira appears next to her, watching Gemini
closely.
A final glance over the room shows no one else watching her
as shes unable to see Naira. The elevator arrives and they
steps in. The doors close.
CUT TO:
INT. NH NAARDEN HOTEL 3RD FLOOR - AMSTERDAM (CONTINUOUS)
Capricorn and Virgo quickly walk towards the elevator,
carrying only their briefcases. Naira appears next to them
and they exchange a significant look.
NAIRA
(nodding toward the elevator)
Shes in their now.
Capricorn nods and they begin heading to the door leading to
the stairwell. Virgo opens it and gestures for him to go
first. The two men rush through as the door closes behind
them, the doors to the elevator open and Naira watches
Gemini walk out.
She looks around and sees a sign for the conference room.
Naira smiles as she takes three steps down the hall in that
direction, until Gemini stops.
She reaches into her handbag and pulls out her phone.
TITLE OVER:
Paolo: He just left the conference room with Rahmir a minute
ago.
She spins around and quickly trots to the stairwell door,
opening it and dashing through.
The door closes behind her.
CUT TO:
INT. NH NAARDEN HOTEL LOBBY (CONTINUOUS)
Naira sits back in a dark green sofa chair as the stairwell
door bursts open. She watches as Capricorn darts through
with Virgo right behind him. They race through the lobby
and out the front door.
She turns her head back to the stairwell door as it finishes
closing and bursts open once again, with Gemini running out.
She scampers through the lobby and out the entrance.
CUT TO:
EXT. NH NAARDEN HOTEL AMSTERDAM
Gemini looks down the street to her left, then her right,
searching for Capricorn and Virgo.
Cancers image is super-imposed in the large series of
tinted windows above her. His fingers move on his phone and
he glances down for a moment.
Her phone vibrates and she looks at it.
TITLE OVER:
PAOLO: They went somehow got into the back room of the caf
on the corner to the left and should still be in there.
Gemini walks quickly down the street to the caf, Cancers

image following her, in the windows of the buildings that
she passes.
She reaches the caf and strolls through the doors.
CUT TO:
INT. CAF AMSTERDAM (CONTINUOUS)
Gemini walks up to the counter and smiles at the girl
working the register.
GEMINI
Hello, may I please use your
restroom?
CAF WORKER
(pointing toward the back)
Sure, its down that hall second
door on the right.
GEMINI
Thanks, I really appreciate it.
They both smile and the girl starts talking to the next
customer as Gemini walks down the hall.
She walks right past the womans restroom and to the last
door in the hallway, marked EMPLOYEES ONLY.
She opens the door a foot, steps through, and closes it
behind her, never even glancing back to see if anyone is
watching.
CUT TO:
INT. CAF BACKROOM (CONTINUOUS)
Gemini stands in the small, windowless office, looking
around.
GEMINIS POV:
A shelf with paperwork and supplies, a little safe, an old
computer on a cheap wooden desk, a door in the middle of the
far wall with a mirror on it, and no occupants.
Capricorn and Virgos briefcases lie on the desk and their
suits lie unfolded on the floor.
Geminis expression grows puzzled and disappointed. She
pressed a few buttons on her phone and raises it to her ear
as she walks through the small room.
We hear the soft ringing of the call as she opens the back
door, steps out and closes it behind her.
CUT TO:
INT. CANCERS HOME - OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
The ringing grows louder. Cancer stares at a window with
Geminis image super-imposed on it as she stands in the
alley looking around with her phone held to her ear.
He takes his phone out of his pocket and answers it.
CANCER
(apologetic)
They werent in there.
Geminis lips curl up slightly into a melancholic smile.
GEMINI
Its alright love, youll find out
where they went.
Cancers closes his eyes and sighs heavily. As he opens
them, the regain their determination and he nods.
CANCER
I will you should come home dear.
Geminis smile widens a bit and she begins to walk slowly
down the alley toward the street.
GEMINI
I will in a bit. I have to see if
I can find anything out first.
Cancer chuckles softly and his eyes squint as he shakes his
head.
CANCER
But of course, just dont stay
long its already quite late.
Gemini rolls her eyes, yet her grin widens further still.
GEMINI
(jokingly)
Dont wait up.
She hangs up the phone, stops walking, and turns to face the
window hes looking through to stick her tongue out at him
for a moment before continuing down the alley.
Cancer laughs softly as he puts his phone back in his
pocket.
Behind him, Heinrich looks over in his direction.
HEINRICH
(a deep and harsh voice)
Should I inform the others?
Cancer points at the window with Geminis image and drags it
to the right, to the adjacent windows, causing the images on
them (of Schrub, Boon, Rosalind) to switch places with the
image of her each time she passes one.
CANCER
(confidently)
Not yet, Heinrich, but thank you.
He places the image of Boon and Azazel on the window
directly before him as the latter flips through the file to
another page.
Cancer zooms back in on the file and we see an image of
Rosalind.
CANCER (V.O.)
Theyre satisfied knowing that we
came away with more than we set out
to acquire.
Beneath the image, information is listed:
NAME: Rosalind Papandreou
RELATION TO TARGET: Daughter
PROFESSION: Junior Partner at Ehline Law Firm
LOCATION: Examination Center
STATUS: Examination Phase
TRANSITION: Today, 1/1/2009 12:19am (Pacific Time)
TYPE: Temporal, Cerebral?
SUBTYPE: Timekeeper, Cerebralist/Headcase?
ELEMENT: Earth
CANCER (V.O.)
Lets let them enjoy their victory
for now.
Heinrich nods and returns to his book.
Azazel turns to the last page of the file and we see an
image of Alexander. Again, information is listed below:
NAME: Alexander Thysian-Papandreou
RELATION TO TARGET: Grandson
AGE: 6
LOCATION: Family home - Santa Barbara, California
ELEMENT: Fire
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
*The boy is currently being watched by his aunt and uncle,
Lila and Kal Thysian. Hes still sleeping in his bed and
hasnt been woken up to be told what happened to his
parents.*
Azazel slowly closes the file, sets it down on the desk, and
begins fading into the shadows once again.
We track into the shadows and
FADE TO BLACK
SHADOW REALM:
EXT. SKY SANTA BARBARA 2007 NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
AZAZELS POV:
A BLACK SCREEN
We hear a soft voice humming a melodious tune as a small
light begins to appear on the hazy, yet wide open landscape
in the distance, growing larger as the humming grows louder.
As we approach, we begin to see the shadowy remnants of vine
and ash-covered houses, scattered in the distance below,
cast in a faint purple light and showing serious signs of
decay with ceilings and walls crumbling away.
Ash falls from the sky and piles on the ground like snow.
A dark, smoky fog fills the air, growing denser as it nears
the ground.
A streetlight with cracked, broken, and shattered glass
panels flickers on and off beside a large, leafless tree.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. HADASSAH MEDICAL CENTER: RADIATION TREATMENT ROOM -
JERUSALEM, ISREAL - DECEMEBER, 2001 NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
AZAZELS POV:
The humming continues, but we are in a small, clean, dimly
lit room with a frightened, little boy with long, curly
brown hair and big green eyes lying on a linear accelerator
(a radiation treatment machine).
The image of the boy blurs and bony, white fingers wipes
tears away, making things more clear.
CUT TO:
SHADOW REALM:
EXT. SKY SANTA BARBARA 2007
AZAZELS POV:
The humming continues to grow louder.
Scattered clouds pass by just overhead. To the right, a
large, full moon emits a dim violet light down onto the city
below.
Rodents scurry across on a knocked over bench lying in a
pile of ash before another lifeless tree with jagged
branches.
The light in the distance continues to grow larger.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. HADASSAH MEDICAL CENTER: ICU DECEMBER 2001
(FLASHBACK)
STILL AZAZZELS POV:
The humming continues while the young boy throws up in his
bedpan. Azazel holds the bedpan in one hand and rubs the
boys back soothingly with his other.
He wipes the boys mouth with a washcloth when finished and
takes the boys face in his hand.
The boy leans into it and Azazel pulls him in close and hugs
him tightly.
CUT TO:
SHADOW REALM:
EXT. SKY SANTA BARBARA - 2007
The humming becomes clearer and a piano begins to play the
tune as well.
The light ahead grows closer still and proves to be a bright
flame, coming from inside one of a broken down home -
standing far apart from the surrounding, scattered buildings
- through a nearly shattered window with a massive spider
web crack in the center.
As we reach the house with the burning flames and approach
the window, a group of clouds covers the moon, casting the
entire landscape in darkness with the only light coming from
the inferno burning within the building.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing softly)
Imagine theres no heaven, its
easy if you try.
We approach the window and peak inside.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. ROSALINDS HOME ALEXANDERS ROOM SANTA BARBARA
2007 (continuous)
A spacious, well-furnished bedroom, lit dimly by two
sources: first, a stream of light coming in from the hall
through the slightly open door to bounce off the large,
rectangular mirror above the dresser, and second, a little,
light-green night light positioned in the corner nearest the
small bed where Alexander sleeps.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing)
No hell below us. Above us, only
sky.
We see a stuffed lion tucked under his arm and a copy of
Annibale Carraccis The Choice of Hercules above his bed.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing)
Imagine all the people living for
today.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROSALINDS HOME (CONTINUOUS)
The shadows outside the window of Alexanders bedroom swirl,
forming into Azazel made of smoke and shadows.
He looks into Alexanders window and watches the sleeping
boy for a moment. Backing away from the window, the shadowy
form turns his head and looks at the surrounding buildings.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing)
Imagine theres no countries, it
isnt hard to do.
CUT TO:
INT. HADASSAH MEDICAL CENTER: ICU DECEMBER 2001
(FLASHBACK)
AZAZELS POV
The little boy lies in his hospital bed, his head now
hairless. He stares at the tray of untouched food in front
of him with both arms wrapped tightly around his stomach, on
the verge of tears.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing)
Nothing to kill or die for, and no
religion too.
A gold necklace/chain with the Star of David hangs from his
neck.
CUT TO:
INT. ROSALINDS HOME - ALEXANDERS BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS)
Alexander continues to toss and turn in his bed, his body
growing tenser with each tight jerk and twist.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
(singing)
Imagine all the people, living life
in peace. You..
CUT TO:
SHADOW REALM:
EXT. ROSALINDS HOME (CONTUOUS)
Azazels shadowy figure floats away from the house and
begins to circle it, peaking into each window on Alexanders
floor and on the floor directly below, seeing only two
shadowy figures in the room directly below Alexander.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
You may say that Im a dreamer, but
Im not the only one.
I hope some day youll join us,
And the world will be as one.
He returns to her window and looks back in.
AZAZELS POV:
The entire room blazes with roaring flames, protruding out
of Alexanders figure, comprised entirely of fire with a
bright red heart beating slowly within.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. ALEXANDERS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Alexander suddenly sits straight up, his face, hair, and t-
shirt soaked with sweat as Azazels dark, ghostly shape
begins to emerge and form out of the shadows in the corner
across the room, opposite the night light, behind the
slightly open door, which blocks the light coming in from
the hall.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
Imagine no possessions, I wonder if
you can.
Both the night light and the one in the hall begin to dim
and the room darkens.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
No need for greed or hunger. A
brotherhood of man,
Alexanders already wide eyes widen further and he lets out
a short scream as he sees Azazels form growing less
translucent and more detailed.
The image of Capricorn, Virgo, and PISCES/ESPERANZA - ,
begins to appear in the mirror above Alexanders dresser as
Alexander throws back his covers and begins racing through
his room.
LILA THYSIAN (V.O.)
Imagine all the people, sharing all
-
His feet pound across the floor as he darts out the door,
into the dim hallway, and down the stairs.
Capricorn and the others watch from the mirror in horror as
Azazel silently and slowly follows, gliding across the floor
like a snake slithering across the floor, growing more
opaque still.
Capricorn looks to Virgo and Pisces, pleadingly.
Virgo closes his terrified eyes and takes a deep breath as
we hear the sound of a piano bench sliding across the floor
and more feet thudding across the floor as Lila and Kal rush
toward Alexander at the bottom of the stairs.
He opens his eyes, nods to Capricorn, and turns toward
Pisces to do the same.
Pisces lips curl up slightly into a sad smile. She holds
out both hands and the two men take them as she slowly
begins to close her eyes.
PISCES POV
FADE TO BLACK
SPIRITUAL REALM:
EXT. THE HURRICANE NIGHT
Pisces stands alone, beneath a partly cloudy sky, the
brightly lit stars of her constellation and a full, cobalt
blue moon so large and luminous that we can see the various
shades of pink and purple in the sand on the beach before
her.
Rain pelts down from the sky, soaking her to the skin and
the wind blows so strong that her braided hair flies in the
wind behind her.
We hear the sound of a woman shrieking briefly, before
getting cut off, followed by a soft thud and the sound of a
boy crying.
She begins walking down the beach at a quick pace, toward
the water, waves growing larger and larger in the distance,
crashing with ferocity, the tide reaching further and
further up the shore.
The crying continues as we hear the sounds of things being
knocked over and a loud thud of Kal being thrown against a
wall.
The rain and wind pick up as she reaches the water and
continues begins walking across its shifting surface, waves
crashing into her legs, and then chest as she gets further
from shore.
With each step, her arctic blue aura grows brighter and
brighter.
She stops before the waves start hitting her in the face and
we hear more sounds coming from the physical realm, Kal
grunting in pain, glass shattering, things breaking
KAL (V.O.)
(shouting in a demanding voice)
ALEXANDER, RUN!!!!
As she closes her eyes and breathes in deeply with her hands
cupped before her, across her waste, the symbol for her sign
appears on top of her left hand, and the image of two fish,
designed to resemble the yin and yang symbol, appears on the
inside of her right wrist.
Her aura flashes blindingly bright.
FADE TO WHITE:
PHYSICAL REALM
INT. ALEXANDERS BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS)
We hear the sound of the Kal being knocked into the piano in
the living room down below, causing the pianos lid to slam
shut and a number of keys to ring as the light recedes.
Virgo and Capricorns stand in Alexanders bedroom, with
their hands held up, positioned so that it almost appears as
if theyre still holding Pisces hands, who remains in the
mirror.
Capricorn looks around and notices hes now in Alexanders
room as he, Virgo, and Pisces all lets their arms fall to
their sides.
We hear Lighter footsteps dart across the floor below while
Capricorn quickly spins and burls his way across the room
toward the door.
PISCES
Ill be of more use to you in here.
We hear Capricorns feet thudding down the stairs and a door
banging open below as Virgo nods, turns, and starts
following after Capricorn.
Pisces image fades from the mirror as Virgo runs through
the door and down the hall to the stairs.
CUT TO:
INT. ROSALINDS HOME LIVING ROOM
Capricorn stands at the bottom of the Greek Key overlay
covered stairs, wide-eyed and still as he looks around:
CAPRICORNS POV
We hear Virgos steps growing louder as he comes down the
hall upstairs, towards the steps, and see Kals bloody
corpse lies in an awkward position in front of the shiny,
black piano which rests in in the far corner of the large,
well-furnished and decorated living room.
Nearest him, Lilas body rests on the ground in a pool of
blood with a large gash in her throat, surrounded by several
framed photographs lie knocked over and cracked on the
ground, a broken lamp, a fern, and a shattered Greek Blue
Bottle/Vase with lilies scattered between the pieces.
We hear Virgo coming down the stairs.
A Greek Blue painted end-table also lays, knocked over, on
the ground, beside the black leather sofa, which has been
pushed into the shattered coffee table, leaving countless
shards of glass to pile up on the Greek Key carpet below.
Naira stands in front of some torn Greek Key drapes which
hang from the windows staring back at Capricorn with
sorrowful eyes.
Capricorn takes a deep breath as Virgo, wearing the same
expression as Naira, reaches him and places his hand on
Capricorns back.
Capricorn reaches his hand into his pocket and pulls out his
pocket watch, looking down at it and the up at Naira, who
gives him a sad smile and nods slowly.
He opens the pocket watch and looks at Virgo with a
determined look in his eyes.
Virgo nods and they both take deep breaths. Capricorn
clicks the button and the second hand slows down.
Naira nods toward the back door and begins walking in that
direction.
Capricorn and Virgo sprint through the room ahead of her,
into the kitchen and out the back door.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROSALINDS HOME BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
Capricorn and Virgo rush out the back door and into the back
yard to find Naira standing on the right side of the lawn,
by the open fence door.
The two men, already sweating, sprint toward her and out the
opening. They pass across the side of the house and run
over to Naira, waiting in the street beneath a streetlight.
A car begins passing by in slow motion as they reach her.
They breathe in deeply, causing the second hand on the
pocket watch to return to its normal speed and the car to
drive by at the typical pace.
As they continue catching their breath, Nairas expression
grows increasingly anxious looking down the street and
back at them repetitively, clenching her jaw, and shifting
her feet.
She gives Capricorn a significant look.
NAIRA (V.O.)
(with regret and urgency)
Times up, you have to move now.
Capricorn and Virgo exchange a look and take a final deep
breath.
As, Capricorn clicks the button in on his pocket watch,
slowing down time for the two of them once again, Naira
disappears and reappears beneath the lamppost a few houses
down.
They rush off in her direction, out of the light and into
the shadows.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE SANTA BARBARA NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
The image of Alexander - shaking in fear and breathing
heavily as he hides, crouched down behind a bush - slowly
begins to appear on the screen.
Half of his face is lit dimly by a little, solar-powered,
lawn light with blue glass panels.
Beside his head, propped up on a cylindrical, stone lawn
ornament, lies a stainless steel, gazing globe in it, we
see Alexanders huddle form, reflecting off the glass.
He slows his breathing as best as he can and cautiously
peeks around the bush.
ALEXANDERS POV
Azazels shadowy figure stands below the lamppost, tendrils
of shadow and smoke swirling upward and around him, growing
larger and larger until they overpower the light coming from
above.
As he makes his way down the walkway leading up to the
house, the shadows drown out each of the little lawn lights
that he approaches.
He steps off the path and walks over to stand right before
the bush hiding Alexander.
The image of Pisces forms, looking back and forth between
Alexander and Azazel, begins to appear in the gazing globe.
CUT TO:
SHADOW REALM
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE SANTA BARBARA (CONTINUOUS)
AZAZELS POV
A bush burns like a roaring bonfire before a demolished and
rotting house and beneath a violet moon.
Ash falls from the sky and covers the ground.
All is silent.
AZAZEL (V.O.)
(in a deep, raspy, and sinuous
voice)
Come out, little lion
The burnish bush morphs into the shape of a lion cub made of
flames, standing with his head held high on a pool of lava.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE SANTA BARBARA (CONTINUOUS)
Alexander and Azazel stand before one another, ten feet
apart. Alexander stands tall despite the fear in his eyes,
while the shadowy figure grows more detailed and opaque.
ALEXANDERS POV
Azazel, wearing a wicked smirk, his ecstatic black eyes
locked on his prey, takes a step forward.
Two figures speed up behind him in a blur and stop for a
split second, revealing Capricorn, still holding his pocket
watch, and Virgo, staring directly at him.
Azazel notices Alexanders reaction and spins 90 degrees in
the blink of an eye to find the two men breathing heavily on
the sidewalk.
Alexanders suddenly wide and hopeful eyes stare at his
grandfather.
ALEXANDER
(scared and shouting)
Pappous!!
Capricorn smiles at him with melancholic eyes.
CAPRICORN
(in a calming and soothing tone)
Dont worry, Alexander. Im here
now.
Everything is going to be alright,
He raises his arms, hands tilted forward and to the side at
45 degree angles, palms out, the pocket watch hanging from
the chain now wrapped around his wrist.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter confidently)
All you have to do is stay where
you are.
Azazel snickers villainously and the shadows spiraling
around him begin growing larger still blocking Capricorns
view of Alexander.
Capricorns arms fall to his sides as Azazel shakes his head
and clicks his tongue three times.
AZAZEL
You shouldnt lie to the boy
He turns his head to look back at the boy and flashes his
devilish grin.
AZAZEL
(turning his head back towards
Capricorn)
Even if you think a false hope is
all you can offer.
Capricorns expression grows fierce, his eyes full of rage.
CAPRICORN
(iambic pentameter - struggling to
remain calm)
Just let him go, Im the one youre
after.
The shadows surrounding Azazel suddenly thin and shrink down
as Alexander takes a step forward, shaking his head.
ALEXANDER
(shouting)
NOOOOOO!!!!
Capricorn gives him a stern look, cutting him off and
causing him to step back to where he was.
Azazels eyes squint and his lips form a straight line as he
looks at Capricorn skeptically.
His black eyes soften for an instant and he immediately
closes them.
He shakes his head from side to side in quick, tight jerks
and opens his eyes, now a mix of pain and resolve the
smoke and shadows building up once again.
AZAZEL
(amused)
You really dont know do you?
Capricorns expression suddenly grows confused - eyes
squinting as his head arches back and tilts to the side.
Azazel lets out a single, soft chuckle as he rolls his eyes
and shakes his head.
He lets his gaze travel from Capricorns confused and angry
eyes to Alexanders tired and terrified ones, and back,
raising an eyebrow and tilting his head questioningly.
Capricorn shakes his head and closes his eyes for a moment
in frustration.
He opens them, full of rage, staring down the shadowy form
floating just above the ground, between him and Alexander.
CAPRICORN
(furious)
I havent a fookin clue what yer
talkin about.
Azazels expression suddenly turns sad. He looks down and
lets out a long sigh, his smoky body sagging as he does so.
As he takes in a deep breath his back straightens and his
head snaps back up with lifeless, black eyes locked on
Capricorn.
Behind him, in the street, a black 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
slows down and pulls over.
The drivers window rolls down and AQUARIUS a muscular
young man (19) with honey-bronze skin and sleek, straight,
black hair, longer on top than on the sides and slicked
back; on his heart-shaped face lies shocked blue eyes,
staring straight at the action, and thin lips surrounding a
wide open mouth which mouths the words what the fuck.
The shadows spiraling around Azazel both grow in size and
pick up in pace.
Capricorn takes a deep breath and grabs ahold of the pocket
watch, still hanging from his wrist.
Beside him, Virgos eyes glance at the pocket watch and he
breaths in deeply as well while raising his arm and reaching
into his inside jacket pocket.
Virgo pulls his hand out and lets it fall to his side,
clutching something small, round, and metallic.
Azazels face scrunches, eyes closing slightly and focusing
on Capricorn, jaw clenched, and lips pressed together
tightly in a straight line. He turns to fully face them and
falls into a confident and relaxed posture, hands tucked
into his pants pocket.
His eyes suddenly open wide, revealing a flicker of emotion
surprise, for a brief instant as Capricorn begins walking
directly at him, Virgo following just behind.
He regains control, his eyes growing emotionless once again
as a cruel smirk forms on his lips and he lets out another
soft chuckle.
Capricorn opens the pocket watch and looks down at it as the
swirling shadows grow larger still, moving faster and
faster, until one of them darts out before Azazel like a
spear - heading straight for his chest.
Capricorn and Virgo take one last breath as Capricorn clicks
on the button on watch.
CAPRICORNS POV
Azazels translucent form stands in the middle of the lawn,
barely visible as he is surrounded by spiraling shadows in
the shape of a small upside-down tornado.
A spear-shaped shadow, darting out from the center, slowly
travels right for him.
He steps to the side and keeps walking forward as Virgo
raises his hand to his chest.
They step within a few feet of the shadow spear and it
quickly flies past, between them.
Azazels expression remains unconcerned as a dozen spear
shadows slowly begin travelling toward them.
As he does so, Pisces body begins to materialize outside
the gazing globe, next to Alexander.
Capricorn gulps, turns to Virgo, and nods.

CAPRICORN
Better hope this works.
Virgo nods, wide-eyed and afraid. He presses a button on
the small, metallic ball and tosses it toward Azazel.
The shadow spears continue approaching, now only 7 feet
away, as the ball lands and a blinding light pours out of it
filling the screen.
FADE TO WHITE
END OF EPISODE ONE: CAPRICORN
EPISODE TWO: AQUARIUS
Episodes 2-12 each focus on the following Zodiac sign,

beginning with Aquarius
Season Two?
EXT. LOS ANGELES CITY HALL PARKING LOT - DAY
Dozens of workers leave through an open doorway and the
adjacent open garage door along to the music from Workers
Leaving the Lumire Factory (1895).
We tilt up to look up the tall white building. The sky
begins to darken, and bright stars emerge.
Synchronized rays of light shoot through sky, coming from
either side of City Hall.
CUT TO:
EXT. LA CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK - NIGHT
The city of Los Angeles stretches as far as the eye can see
- hundreds of buildings with lights shining through windows
under a clear, starry sky. The observation deck is empty
save for one person.
TAURUS, a very large and muscular African American man (33)
with a square face, a full, bushy, black beard covering his
chin and cheeks, thick lips, a big, flat nose, thick
eyebrows, and hard, pensive eyes, stands with a straight
back, staring out at the city below while wearing his blue
army service uniform - the pin of two swords on his collar
signifying his service in the cavalry, and the silver eagle
with wings spread indicates that he was a colonel.
Taurus closes his eyes.
CUT TO:
EXT. BAGHDAD, IRAQ THARTHAR PALACE APRIL, 2003
Armed United States army troops control the palace. Taurus
stands, focused and alert, in his combat uniform carrying an
M4 Assault Rifle. The two stripes, connected by two thin
lines, on either shoulder mark him as a captain.
CUT TO:
Taurus opens his eyes and his mouth becomes a straight line.
CUT TO:
EXT. BAGHDAD, IRAQ NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRAQ APRIL, 2003
Doors are busted open, display cases shattered, and the
majority of artifacts that havent been stolen lay broken on
the ground.
Lights flicker as Taurus walks through the destruction with
a team of alert soldiers with weapons raised.
CUT TO:
Taurus jaw clenches. He steps up on to the railing and it
groans under his weight.
He leans slight over the edge, staring down at massive
buildings, covered in graffiti, at broken down and abandoned
homes. In the distance he sees a fire, we track in on it
and
CUT TO:
th
EXT. IRAQ NATIONAL LIBRARY APRIL 14 , 2003
Flames and smoke pour out of the building. It continues to
burn and the fire grows.
CUT TO:
INT. IRAQ NATIONAL LIBRARY APRIL 14th, 2003
Manuscripts from civilizations dating back as far as 7,000
years are claimed by the flames, destroying history. The
fire spreads, unimpeded.
CUT TO:
EXT. IRAQ NATIONAL ARCHIVES APRIL 14th, 2003
The national archives burns. The fire roars uncontrollably.
Taurus watches on, his eyes a mix of horror, guilt, and
fear.
CUT TO:
Taurus looks down at the city, his eyes a mix of horror,
guilt, and fear. He gulps.
CUT TO:
EXT. BAGHDAD ZOO
A few dozen, half-starved animals lay in their cages. A
hundred other cages lay either empty or with dead animals,
starved and dehydrated.
Taurus and a group of soldiers make their way through the
zoo with looks of disgust. Taurus dry heaves.
CUT TO:
Taurus face is full of disgust. He gags and stands up as a
dark, hooded figure sneaks up behind him carrying a dagger,
shining in the moonlight.
The shadowy figure is several inches shorter than, and half
as thick as, Taurus. He manages to get the point pressed up
against Taurus spine before the large man shows any
indication of hearing him.
CUT TO:
EXT. LA CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK NIGHT
Taurus eyes are entirely white, pupils and all. They
return to their usual dark brown and his jaw clenches as a
dark, hooded figure sneaks up behind him carrying a dagger,
shining in the moonlight.
As the shadowy figure raises the knife towards Taurus
spine, the large man quickly spins and grabs hold of his
assailants wrist with a firm, unyielding grip.
Taurus reaches for his attackers throat with right hand. A
blade flashes under the moonlight, smacking his hand away
with the side of the blade and a slight slice, and returning
to its sheath on the hooded figures hip.
The other blade falls from the attackers right hand, still
held by Taurus, and is caught with the left hand. The
figure looks up as he returns the dagger to its sheath and
smiles.
LEO, a thin young man (23) with long, blonde hair, clever,
blue eyes, a clean-shaven face, and an athletic build
wearing skinny, black jeans and a black hoodie with the
words WORLD PEACE written on it, signed by Dizzy Wright, and
peace signs on the sleeves.
LEO
Colonel.
Taurus scowls.
TAURUS
Scoundrel.
Leo removes his hood looking pointedly at his wrist, still

held in Taurus massive hand.
Taurus drops it and turns back towards the city.
LEO
Im no more a scoundrel than you
are a sadist.
TAURUS VOICE
Grow the fuck up.
Taurus lets out a heavy sigh as Leo joins him in leaning up
against the railing.
TAURUS
What do you want?
LEO
To understand you. To feel what
burns deep inside your heart.
Taurus looks eyes him skeptically, lips pressed tight in a
straight line.
TAURUS VOICE
Whats your game, kid?
Leo shrugs, looks back out at the city, and gestures to it
with a nod.
LEO
What do you see?
Taurus head inches back slightly, surprised by the
question. His eyes squint further until he slowly turns
away and widens them on the city below.
TAURUS VOICE
Pain. Violence. War.
Taurus closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
TAURUS
A city.
LEO
How observant What else?
Taurus rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
TAURUS VOICE
What the fuck does he want from me?
He closes his eyes and clenches his jaw.
TAURUS
Leave me alone, kid. Some of us
have responsibilities.
Leo glares at Taurus, who turns to return the look.
LEO
You know what I see?
Taurus rolls his eyes and turns back to the city.
TAURUS VOICE
A playground for making movies.
Leo leans dangerously over the rail.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE COMPTON - NIGHT
A young African American boy huddles on the ground, in a
corner, with his arms wrapped around his knees, shaking.
LEOS VOICE
Pain.
A young, African American woman lies on the ground in the
middle of the beat up family room with a large bruise on her
face, and a busted, bloody, lip.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY COMPTON NIGHT
Crips and Bloods shooting at and chasing each other. Young
black men in their early teens fall to the ground and bleed
out.
LEO VOICE
Bloodshed.
CUT TO:
INT. CITY HALL
Men in suits sit in a lavish office laughing and drinking
liquor.
LEOS VOICE
Corruption.
CUT TO:
EXT. LA CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK NIGHT
Taurus slowly looks up and nods respectfully.
TAURUS
Crime. War. Injustice.
LEO
Inequality and disorder.
They stare out into the night, still as statues. Taurus
looks over and his lips curl up slightly into a small smile.
TAURUS
You know, youre not as thick as
you look, kid.
LEO
What if there was something we
could do?
Taurus squints and his head angles slight downward and
sideways. After a moment, he shakes his head and looks
away.
TAURUS
This is America. Theres nothing
we can do about it.
Leo turns and takes a step away from the railing.
TAURUS VOICE
Is there?
He pauses. After a long moment, he places his hand on
Taurus shoulder.
LEO
Daves Diner, tonight 12:15.
We tilt up into the stars as a series of shooting stars
passes by.
TITLE OVER:
Zodiac Origins
FADE TO BLACK
INT. SUBWAY STATION LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
We hear the music from Arrival of Train at La Coitat (1895)
and see a crowded, dimly lit subway station.
A train arrives, coming towards us with loud screeching
brakes.
A man with a bushy moustache runs parallel with the train
towards the camera as the crowd gathers near the doors.
The doors open, passengers get off while the crowd files in.
SCORPIO, a slender woman (28) wearing all black - tight
jeans, blouse, boots, and leather jacket exits the train
nonchalantly. On her wrist, below the cuff of her jacket is
part of a tattoo the tail of a scorpion.
She has straight, dark brown hair, parted just above the
middle of her right eyebrow and cut on an angle in the back,
falling to her shoulders.
Her alert, brown eyes slowly scan the crowd.
Inside the train passengers sit, or grab onto hand rails.
Leaning back in his seat, AQUARIUS, a well-built, young man
(21) with black hair, slicked back, stares out the window at
Scorpio with a serious expression.
AUTOMATED VOICE (V.O.)
Steer clear of the closing doors,
please.
He gulps, gets up and races out, but his foot gets caught in
the door and he loses his shoe.
Hes wearing black slacks and a sky blue button up.
He stares down at his feet, sighs, and looks back up, his
eyes searching for Scorpio.
The train begins to take off as he walks down the tunnel in
the direction that she took off and sees:
A young man saying something into his daughters ear while
she stares at Aquarius and her giggling.
A young boy staring at him and waving, his mother pulling
the little boy away and scowling at Aquarius.
AQUARIUS (V.O.)
Howd she even get me on the
subway?
As he distances himself from the main platform, he walks
through a patch of shadows and re-emerges with a completely
different appearance.
Hes now a thin, clean shaven, with a lean face and long
blonde hair like a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
He passes by a prostitute who looks at him seductively and
he rolls his eyes.
He passes by a drug deal and arches his neck trying to see
what theyre selling.
In the distance he sees a slender dark figure leaning
against the wall.
He passes through another shadow and re-emerges in his
initial appearance, with a sly smirk on his face.
AQUARIUS
Just so you know the last time I
followed a pretty girl to a dark,
mysterious place-
SCORPIO
Save it, Im not interested.
AQUARIUS
She turned out to be a he.
Scorpio scowls at him and he laughs.
AQUARIUS
Jeeezz, forgive me for tryna break
the ice Whats all this about?
Still leaning with her back against the wall, she looks
around while he reaches into his pockets and pulls out a
cigarette.
He offers one to her and she shakes her head.
He puts the pack back, pulls out a single match, and uses
his thumb to light it like in the old Film Noir movies
(Sunset Blvd).
Scorpios stern expression radiates in the light of the
match.
She takes a deep breath as he cups the flame, lights the
cigarette, and blow out the match with a puff of smoke.
Scorpio waves the smoke away from her face.
AQUARIUS
Im sorry, love, what exactly do
you want?
She rolls her eyes and pinches the bridge between her eyes.
She looks up at him with cold intensity.
SCORPIO
Go ahead, keep acting like a big
shot.
She looks away and stares down the dark tunnel for a long
while.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
You need our help as much as we
need yours.
He takes a long drag of his cigarette, his face pensive. He
looks down the dark tunnel.
He turns and looks over his shoulder, past the drug dealer
and prostitute to the loading platform. His eyes grow
serious.
He turns back to her, runs his hands through his hair and
clenches his jaw slightly.
He tilts his head and stares deep into her eyes.
AQUARIUS
Tell me, what is it that you think
you know?
Scorpio pushes away from the wall and turns to face him, her
eyes confident and her mouth a straight line.
SCORPIO
That youre just like the rest of
us, just a little more fucked up.
AQUARIUS
Brilliant, did Einstein reveal that
gem?
SCORPIO
That you slave away because you
fear being consumed by your
loneliness.
Aquarius face hardens and he stands up straight.
AQUARIUS
Right, cause I cant have any girl
I want or anything.
Scorpio shakes her head, closes her eyes, and looks down.
Aquarius notices his tense posture and forces himself to
lean his side against the wall to relax.
Scorpio suddenly looks up with a soft, compassionate
expression.
SCORPIO
We arent here to debate the
distinctions between lust and love.
Aquarius expression softens and his eyes grow distant.
He looks away and stares down the dark tunnel.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
Listen, I know how you feel were
all alone, its probably the only
thing that can bring us together.
His eyes squint, his head turns slightly, and inches
downward minutely.
AQUARIUS
And what might we be getting
together for?
He blows a puff of smoke into the dim light above them and
recalls his sly smirk.
She takes a step backward, into the shadows, and we see the
hint of a wry smile as she nods towards the dark tunnel.
She slowly turns and heads in that direction.
Aquarius stares at her skeptically until she reaches the
tunnel, turns to face him in the darkness, hops onto the
tracks, and disappears into the darkness.
He takes a long drag of his cigarette and flicks the butt
onto the tracks.
He closes his eyes and takes a long, slow, deep breath.
He opens his eyes and runs his hands through his hair
nonchalantly.
He reaches into his pocket, pulls out the pack of
cigarettes, takes one, lights it with a match, and slowly
walks after her.
His pace is slow, but confident, his eyes hard and locked on
the dark opening of the tunnel.
He stops right before it, leans over the track and looks
down.
After a hundred yards of darkness, lights line the walls no
train coming.
He turns and looks behind him, the drug dealers eye him up
fifty yards away no train coming.
He stands straight up, takes a long drag of his cigarette,
exhales, and hops down onto the track.
He takes another long drag, exhales, and chuckles while
shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
He steps into the dark tunnel with an amused smirk on his
face.
We track forward into the tunnel, behind his shoulder.
He takes one step, two, three We hear a soft screech.
AQUARIUS
Holy bejeezz louis!
He stops and looks down. We quickly tilt down and see, in
the very dim light, a rat scurrying away down the track.
He takes another step, raises his hand to his pocket and
feels his phone, and leaves it there for a moment as he
arches his head forward and squints his eyes.
He gulps. He lets his hand fall, takes a drag, stands up
straight, holds his head high and begins to walk calmly and
confidently down the track.
We track in and
FADE TO BLACK
We hear his slow footsteps in rhythm with his long, deep
breaths.
We hear the sound of rats racing around his feet and down
the tunnel.
We hear a soft ticking sound, followed by a thud. The sound
is repeating and growing louder.
We hear a voice over the beat, speaking/rapping about
morals, inequality, freedom, injustice, and revolution, soft
and slow at first but increasing in intensity and pace.
The sounds grow louder in rhythm with his footsteps and
breathing as he nears the dim lights up ahead.
We hear the sound of the tracks rattling softly, but growing
in intensity with the sounds of everything else.
The rails start shaking, louder and louder.
He flicks his cigarette and we hear his footsteps grow soft
and quick, faster and faster as the sound of an oncoming
train adds to the raucous.
The light nears closer and closer, 40 yards, 30, 20
Theres a small, dark platform off the track opposite the
lights.
A light shines directly in the camera and the sound of the
train laying on its horn is the only thing we can hear. 10
yards, 5
He climbs the steps onto the platform just as the train
screams past him.
He sits on the top step, breathing heavily.
INT. LA - MICKEYS HOME - OFFICE NIGHT 2006
ANGELS POV
We look up at Mickey and Gemini, standing side by side
outside leaning on the railing of the balcony staring out at
the night sky above and the city below, camera positioned so
that theyre on different sides of the many pained glass
door, with their backs to us.
GEMINI
(quietly)
Does it ever feel wrong to you?
CUT TO:
EXT. BALCONY
Mickey stands up straight and turns to face her with kind,
strong eyes.
MICKEY
What do you mean?
Frowning, she turns slightly to glance at him for a moment
then looks back down at the city below.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE
ANGELS POV
Camera positioned in the same angle as before, we zoom in as
Mickey leans on his elbow and lowers his head, inching
closer. Her melancholic, gray eyes slowly trail back up to
him and she shrugs.
GEMINI
(even more quietly)
The inequality, the poverty, the
corruption?
CUT TO:
EXT. BALCONY
Mickey frowns and Gemini lowers her head, looking down to
the city.
Mickey slowly raises his hand and uses his thumb and
forefinger to gently lift her face.
She stares up at him with a troubled expression, like there
are two forces fighting inside her.
MICKEY
How can those things be right or
wrong? Its just the way things
are. The way theyve always been.
On the verge of tears, her eyes dart back down.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE
ANGELS POV
Same angle as before, she pulls away and wipes the corner of
her eyes with her sleeves. Mickeys eyes grow sad and he
puts his arm around her.
GEMINI
I suppose But I think your mind-
set is part of the wrongness. The
world shouldnt be like this.
MICKEY
How do you know that?
GEMNI
I just do.
After a few moments, she turns and walks towards us and
looking directly at us with a smile on her face and her head
held high. She opens the French Doors and we
CUT TO:
EXT. BALCONY
MICKEYS POV
Gemini bends down and picks up Angel (3), and carries her
through the office.
We track forward and watch them descend the stairs. Mickey
follows, closes the door behind him and stands by the door,
staring out.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES HOLLYWOOD HILLS NIGHT
An enlarged replica of the Eames House, the historical
landmark designed in 1949 by Ray and Charles Eames rests
atop the Hollywood Hills.
The home is surrounded by thick, white stone walls fifteen
feet high.
Guards walk the walls and are positioned on the watch towers
at each corner.
Below lies the HOLLYWOOD sign, the city of Los Angeles at
the bottom of the hill.
An abnormally thick fog begins to surround city and castle
alike, swirling in the wind.
Atop the tallest tower of the castle is a small, hexagonal
greenhouse. The room is lit by a large TV and a single
lamp.
Mickey stands at one of the windows, watering some plants
with careful attention.
Finishing, he sets down the water pot and stares out with
focused eyes.
GOD (V.O.)
(whispering authoritatively)
Kill him.
Z, a small, dark figure, levitates above a lower tower,
looking through the mist at Mickey. The mist thickens,
obscuring his view.
GOD (V.O.)
You should kill him.
Z jaw clenches as he remains otherwise motionless, in a
crouched position, staring through the swirling fog at the
glass room the TV illuminating it with different colors,
intensities, and rhythms.
Z holds out his hand, palm facing downward. A moment later,
he begins to fall as three coins shoot up into his hand.
He drops to the tower, landing softly in another crouch next
to a couple of unconscious security guards.
Z slides to the edge of the tower, tosses the three coins
off the side, and jumps off into the courtyard after them.
Z moves quietly across the courtyard in the dense fog.
Z (V.O.)
She was trained by the survivor.
There was a man who refused to let
others control him.
Z pauses beside the outer keep wall, below a buttress, as a
pair of armed guards pass by. He stoops, removing a
cobblestone, and retrieves a dirty manila envelope.
He replaces the cobblestone, drops a coin and launches
himself out into the foggy night sky.
We pan right and tilt down to see the city below. We track
in on a massive, concrete building with three tiers.
On the front of the uppermost tier is a massive clock.
It reads 11:17. On the side of the uppermost tier, etched
into the concrete in big, bold, capital letters is THE
TIMES.
CUT TO:
INT. L.A. TIMES EDITOR IN CHEIFS OFFICE SECURITY CAMERA
The door to the empty office slowly opens a foot, then
closes without a sound.
The chair at the desk pulls out and spins slightly right,
then back left, and pulls closer to the desk.
CUT TO:
LIBRAS POV:
A computer screen open on the front page of the times with a
window open that says PRINTING. Just below, the mouse
travels to the button and hits cancel.
The title on the front page of the paper reads MEDIA ICON
HIT BY CRIME WAVE with a picture of NBC Studio surrounded
by crime scene tape.
The photo is clicked on and deleted. The title is deleted
and replaced with TIME FOR CHANGE. The photo is then
replaced with a photograph of five people sitting in a small
greenhouse surrounded by plants and windows.
We slowly track back as all of the texts and other articles
on the front page are deleted to find the chair, desk, and
entire office unoccupied.
Despite this, the mouse continues to move on the mouse pad
as if by a ghost. A folder labeled Flash Drive L opens
containing a single document titled Expose.
The pointer icon scrolls over it, the mouse clicks, and a
word document opens.
The text gets copied and pasted into the front page of the
news.
We track back in on the computer screen and see the
beginning of the article as the print screen comes up, the
mouse clicks on the number of copies and it changes from
500,000 to 5,000,000. The mouse then clicks on print and we
see the cover page again. It reads:
TIME FOR CHANGE
By The Invisible Woman
Why is it, I wonder, that we
Americans think were better than
everyone? Because we defeated the
evil, imperialistic British 250
years ago? Because we fought for
freedom, equality, and the little
guy? Because we have the most
powerful army in the world? Are
we really supposed to be proud of
that? Or should we be ashamed for
spending more on defense than the
next 26 countries combined? Its
not like 25 of them are allies.
Oh, wait They are. Meanwhile, we
continue burying ourselves in debt
instead of feeding the hungry,
housing the homeless, healing the
sick, or properly educating the
poor
FADE TO WHITE
DISSOLVE INTO:
Manuscript, neatly and precisely written:
Zodiac Guild,
I understand you are unhappy with the manner in which the
current system is operating, I therefore feel inclined to
offer my assistance in any manner you see fit.
I first encountered Mr. Michael Magnoli in 1995
The writing goes on but the camera only shows up to this
point.
DISSOLVES INTO:
EXT. BEACH DAY - 1995
We watch a young boy, MICHAEL (8), play in the white sand
beneath a somber setting scarlet sun and partly cloudy lilac
skies from a short distance.
Hes building two large sand castles, facing each other,
complete with walls, towers, dungeons, and moats.
He even draws windows in the towers with a stick.
He reaches into a beach bag, surrounded by beach toys, and
pulls out a handful of action figures (Batman, Superman,
Ironman, Aquaman, TNMT, Power Rangers, Thor, the Hulk) and
places them strategically on the tower to his left.
He then pulls out a handful of villains (the Joker, Darth
Vader, Magneto, Lex Luther, Thanos) and places them on the
castle to his right.
He plays with the action figures, using them to attack the
castles.
MICHAEL
Come on, boys! Unity forever!
INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS
Camera is angling through the window, but the window-frame
is not cut into scene.
We see only the sandy beach again, same angle as in previous
scene. Michael is attacking the sand castles with his action
figures. Now -
Camera pulls back, the frame of the window appearing, and we
are inside the living room of a cabin. Mrs. Magnoli (25), is
looking out towards her son.
Just as we take her in she speaks in Italian subtitled in
English:
MRS. MAGNOLI
(calling out)
Be careful, Michael.
MR. SOLONS VOICE
(English, heavy Greek accent)
Mam-
MRS. MAGNOLI
(Italian w/ subs, cutting him off
and calling out again)
Dont get too sandy, you just took
a bath.
But Michael, in his own little world, is oblivious to this
and dives into a tower of sand holding Thor out in front of
him.
She turns to face the camera for the first time we see her
face strong, tired, and kind.
MR. SOLONS VOICE
Mam, I think we should tell him
now-
Camera now pulls back further, showing MR. SOLON, an Israeli
man (35) dressed in a fine suit, standing before a table on
which is his stove-pipe hat and an imposing multiplicity of
official-looking documents.
He is a very stuffy, middle-aged man, very expensive and
conservative looking.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(English)
I'll sign those papers -
MICHAEL SR.
(Italian subtitled in English)
Youre forgetting I'm the boy's
father.
At the sound of Michael Sr.'s voice, both have turned to him
and the camera pulls back still further, taking him in,
while Mrs. Magnoli walks towards the camera.
Michael Sr. (28) gives his wife a stern look.
Camera continues to pull back as she walks through the open
doorway and into the kitchen, leaving the men standing
behind her in the living room and young Michael still
visible through the window.
From outside can be heard faintly his wild and cheerful
cries, enthusiastically playing in the sand.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(Italian w/ subs)
It's going to be done exactly the
way I've told Mr. Solon
They slowly begin following her to the kitchen.
MICHAEL SR.
(Italian w/ subs)
Theres nothing wrong with this
city. I dont see why we cant
raise our own son, just because we
came into some money.
Mr. Solon takes a seat next to Mrs. Magnoli while her
husband stands on the other side of the threshold of the
kitchen.
MICHAEL SR. (CONTD)
(Broken English)
If I want to, I can go to court. A
father has a right to
MR. SOLON
(English, annoyed)
Mr. Magnoli, the certificates that
Mr. Greaves left here are made out
to Mrs. Magnoli, in her name. Hers
to do with as she pleases
MICHAEL SR.
(Broken English)
Well, I don't hold with signing my
boy away to any school as guardian
just because we came into some
dough.
Mr. Solon hands some papers over to Mrs. Magnoli and she
reads them over.
MICHAEL SR.
That property was as much mine as
it was hers. And if Ed Graves had
any idea this would happen, hed
have made those certificates out in
both our names.
MR. SOLON
Yes, but theyre only in your
wifes name.
MICHAEL SR.
He meant for it to go to the both
of us.
MR. SOLON
I understand but according to the
law-
Michael senior makes a dismissive gesture, waving a hand
through the air and speaking loudly to cut off Mr. Solon.
MICHAEL SR.
Fuck the law!
She looks up at him, pleading with her eyes.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(Italian, quietly)
Mic, enough please.
Mr. Solon turns to him with soft eyes, his mouth a long
straight line.
MR. SOLON
(English, sincerely)
Our Institution will take excellent
care of your son.
Michael Sr. shakes his head, turns to look over his shoulder
at his son, still playing happily just outside the window.
He turns back and his hot temper slowly begins to fade. He
speaks to his wife if in Italian, in a soft, hushed tone
subtitled over in English:
MICHAEL SR.
A boy should be with his family.
MRS. MAGNOLI
Nonsense, you know this is whats
best for him.
MICHAEL SR.
You care too much about trivial
things.
She tilts her head and squints her eyes, her mouth a
straight line, jaw clenched slightly.
MICHAEL SR.
Money, reputation, perception even
education means nothing next to
family.
They stare at each other for a long moment, his expression
firm while shes on verge of tears.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(quietly)
I wont let him fall victim to the
system, Mic
Teardrops form in the corner of her eyes. She looks down
and away as she wipes them with the back of her hands.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(even more quietly)
I cant.
MR. SOLON
Well assume full management of the
land of which you, Mrs. Magnoli are
the sole owner.
Michael Sr. opens his mouth a couple times, as if to say
something, but holds his tongue disgruntledly.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(has been reading the papers)
Where do I sign, Mr. Solon?
MR. SOLON
(pointing to a line on one of them)
Right here, Mam.
MICHAEL SR.
(sulkily, in Italian)
Dont say I didnt warn you.
As she lifts the pen, he steps forward into the kitchen.
MICHAEL SR.
(in Italian w/ subs)
Rose, Ill ask one last time its
my duty as a husband and a
Mrs. Magnoli slowly looks up at him, stopping him mid-
sentence.
MR. SOLON
Your son will receive the best
education money can buy, Hell
probably rule half the world one
day.
She puts the pen to the paper and signs.
MICHAEL SR.
Well, lets hope its all for the
best.
MRS. MAGNOLI
It is. Go on, Mr. Solon
Mrs. Magnoli, listening to Solon, has her other ear turned
towards the window and the boys voice.
Mr. Solon becomes aware that the boys voice is running
counter to his own and that her attention is divided and
pauses.
As he does so, Michael Sr. genteelly strolls over to the
window and stares out at his son with a sad smile.
EXT. CABIN
Michael Jr., seen from Michael Sr.s position at the window,
is advancing on the villains castle, Batman action figure
in hand, dropping to one knee to attack the main gate.
MICHAEL
If they want a war, well give it
to em boys!
He uses Thor, in his left hand, to fly through a wall,
making his own sound effects.
MICHAEL
The terms are unconditional
surrender. Come on, boys! Unity
and justice forever!
INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM
Michael Sr. closes the window. Mrs. Magnoli rises from her
seat and heads towards the window.
MR. SOLON
(over the boys voice)
Everything else is to be
administered in trust for your son
until his eighteenth birthday, at
which point hell take complete
possession of the leftover funds.
MRS. MAGNOLI
Go on, Mr. Solon.
He continues as she opens the window, his voice, as before,
is heard over with overtones of the boys.
EXT. CABIN LIVING ROOM
Michael Jr., seen from Mrs. Magnolis position at the
window, is now nearly on top of the sand castle with the
hulk raised high in his right hand.
MICHAEL
Hulk smash!!!
He brings the action figure down on a tower, smashing it
apart.
MR SOLONS VOICE
Its nearly five, mam, dont you
think Id better meet the boy
INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Magnoli stands at the window staring out at her son
with sad but intent eyes. Mr. Solon stands at her side with
an apologetic expression.
MRS MAGNOLI
His suitcase is all packed
(she chokes a little)
Its been packed for a week
Unable to say more, she starts for the hall. Her husband,
leaning against the wall next to the window with a bitter
expression, clears his throat, his eyes dart back and forth
between her and his son.
MR SOLON
We even have a big brother program,
his will meet us in Chicago. Id
have brought him along had you not
been anxious regarding secrecy
He stops as he realizes that shes paying no attention to
him and, having opened the door, is already well into the
hall that leads to the side door of the cabin.
He takes a long look at Michael Sr., tightens his lips and
follows Mrs. Magnoli.
Michael St., shoulders thrown back like one who bears defeat
bravely, follows them.
EXT. CABIN
Michael Jr., stands in the white sand, in front of the half-
destroyed sand castle. His arms, clothes, and legs are
covered in sand and his hair is all disheveled.
He spreads his arms out wide and belly flops on top of it,
completing its destruction. The cabin, in the background,
is a shabby, one-story frame building.
Michael Jr. looks up as he sees the single file procession,
led by his mother, coming toward him.
MICHAEL
(Italian)
Hi, momma.
She smiles warmly at him as he gets up and wipes himself
off.
MICHAEL
(gesturing at the destroyed castle,
Italian w/ subs)
See, Ma? I helped Batman beat the
bad guys.
MRS. MAGNOLI
(Italian w/ subs)
Did you?! You better come inside,
my hero. Weve got to get you all
ready for for
MR SOLON
Michael, my name is Mr. Solon
MRS MAGNOLI
Thats Mr. Solon, Michael.
MR SOLON
How are you, Michael?
MICHAEL SR
He comes from the Los Angeles.
MICHAEL
Hello, sir.
MRS MAGNOLI
Hes heading back tonight and
youre gunna go with him.
MICHAEL SR
On an airplane, flying through the
sky.
MICHAEL
Are you coming too, Ma?
She tries to say something but cant find the words, tears
begin to swell up in the corner of her eyes again.
MICHAEL SR
No, son, youre going to a special
school where youll learn how to be
a king.
MICHAEL
But Im not a prince.
Michael Sr. looks over at his wife and watches her wipe the
tears streaking down her cheeks.
MICHAEL SR
(quietly)
I know, Mic, but I need you to do
this anyway -
He bends down on one knee and wraps his arms around the boy.
MICHAEL SR
(whispering into his ear)
For your mother.
He lets go and stands up while Michael looks at his mother
and Mr. Solon sorrowfully. He looks at his father and
Michael Sr. nods.
MICHAEL
When can I come back?
Michael Sr. places his hand on his sons back and leading
him away from his wife and Mr. Solon.
MICHAEL SR
Youre gunna have to live with Mr.
Solon from now on, bud.
(he looks at his son showing him
the tears falling down his face)
Youll have it all one day. Your
Ma figures that is we decided
this isnt a proper place for you
to grow up.
Michael stops walking, his expression terrified. He looks
down and away as he speaks:
MICHAEL
I dont care! I wanna stay here
with you and Ma!
Using his index finger, Michael Sr. lifts the boys chin up
so that theyre staring into each others eyes. The mans
expression is melancholic but firm.
MICHAEL SR
I know, but you have to be strong.
You wanna be a man, dont ya?
The boy nods, tears falling down his cheeks.
MICHAEL SR
Then you have to do this
(he bends down and hugs the boy
again)
Now wipe your face, put on a smile,
and tell your Ma how proud youre
gunna make her.
He lets go, stand up, smiles at his son, and leads him back
to the others.
MICHAEL
Ima make you real proud, Ma,
youll see.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME OFFICE 2015
MICHAEL/MICKEYS POV:
We see only young Michael on the sandy beach, same angle as
in previous scene.
PISCES VOICE
(softly, coming from the TV)
Doesnt anyone understand how much
better things could be?
Now, camera pulls back, the frame of the window appearing,
and we are inside an office surrounded by glass windows,
like a greenhouse.
PISCES VOICE
(angry)
Not only do several countries in
Europe have free healthcare and
college tuition, they get twice as
much vacation time per year as we
do.
Michael/Mickeys (28) reflection in the window is
superimposed over that of him as a young boy.
Hes tall and lean with a stern face and brown hair, slicked
back. He wears a black, three-piece suite.
PISCES VOICE
(concerned)
Why is it that we feel kids have to
be babied?
Camera pulls further back and out of Mickeys POV as the
image in the window dissolves revealing an old man, FATHER
ALBERT (75), standing next to Mickey in a clerical clothing,
his old, wrinkly, ring-covered hand resting on the Mickeys
shoulder.
PISCES VOICE
(serious)
Strife breeds strength. Look at
any self-made individual. Nine
times out of ten theyll have
onerous histories.
Mickey turns to the old man with a somber expression and
nods.
Father Albert does the same, lets his arm fall to the side.
Mickey looks out the window at the night sky.
HEINRICHS VOICE
Tarec alerted me of another.
We pan slowly pan right to see a HEINRICH (55), sitting,
with his side facing us, in his blue army service uniform,
reading a book and turning down the volume on the
television.
HEINRICHS VOICE
The guidance counselor at
Marlborough school. Eleven.
We pan back left, track in, through the window and we
CUT TO:
EXT. MARLBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL - SCORPIOS OFFICE
We see another window and track in on it. Inside, we see a
small, lightly decorated office with dark brown walls, a
bland desk made of oak, and two black sofa chairs, facing
each other through the slits in the blinds. A wall clock
reads 11:00.
Between the chairs lies a small end table, the little lamp
resting on top of it provides the only light other than the
thin, horizontal streaks of sunlight seeping through the
blinds and stretching across the room.
A door opens and SCORPIO, a slender woman (28) with
straight, dyed brown hair falling to the top of her
shoulders, an oval face, and stern, brown eyes, enters
dressed in a long, dark grey skirt, black, open-toed heels,
and a nice, black blouse.
ARIES, a tiny, young Japanese girl (17) with smooth, honey
skin, and long, wavy, black hair follows closely behind
wearing a sleeveless, black dress with matching black, open-
toed heels and an annoyed expression.
ARIES
I still dont see why this is
necessary.
Scorpios lips form a thin, straight line and her eyes are
apologetic as she gestures for Libra to take a seat in one
of the black sofa chairs.
Aries rolls her eyes and takes the seat while Scorpio sits
across from her, opens a notebook, and pulls out a pen from
inside.
ARIES
So, hows this work?
SCORPIO
Why dont you start by describing
the day this all occurred from the
very beginning?
Aries lets out an annoyed sigh. She looks up and away.
Scorpio scribbles a quick note in her notebook.
ARIES
It was a Monday obviously, cuz
Mondays arent bad enough as is
She looks down, but not at Scorpio, staring straight ahead,
her eyes distant.
ARIES
I spent the whole fucking weekend
She turns toward Scorpio with apologetic eyes.
ARIES (CONTD)
Im sorry, I didnt mean to say
that
Scorpio lips curl upward slightly.
SCORPIO
Its alright, you dont have to
worry about that here.
Aries smiles at Scorpio, seeing her in a new light.
ARIES
My entire weekend was ruined
because I was arguing with my
boyfriend and
SCORPIO
What about?
ARIES
Were too different and I just
cant -
Scorpios eyes squint and her head inches forward slightly.
SCORPIO
You cant what?
Aries stares off into space for a long moment and Scorpio
jots another note down.
SCORPIO
Miwa. What were you going to say?
CUT TO:
INT. SCORPIOS OFFICE DAY
Miwa meets her eye again and she suddenly looks as if shes
about to collapse. Her eyes are low and full of exhaustion,
her back is bent and her shoulders slouched.
ARIES
I just cant take it anymore.
SCORPIO
Why now?
She looks away again, her face pensive.
ARIES
I dont know Ive been working
myself to the bone and with
everything thats going on, its
too much.
Scorpio writes in her journal and Libra looks around
anxiously.
SCORPIO
What is it that he wasnt being
supportive of?
Aries closes her eyes and tilts her head down, causing her
long, wavy black hair to hide her face.
ARIES
We just dont see eye to eye. We
arent right for each other
Scorpio notices her avoidance and takes note of it in her
journal.
ARIES
Im not right for anyone.
Scorpio looks up immediately, her face sad and sympathetic.
SCORPIO
Why do you say that?
ARIES
I dont know My past. My
present.
Aries finally turns back to Scorpio, her expression growing
fiercer by the second.
ARIES
The fact that I spend every moment
of every day feeling like I dont
belong in this generation. In this
society. This country.
Scorpio stares observantly at Aries waiting to see if shell
continue on her own.
Libra notices that shes being bated and decides to turn
away again and wait for Scorpio to say something.
SCORPIO
You should know youre not the only
one who feels this way. In fact,
its actually quite common.
Especially among immigrants.
Aries aggravated demeanor remains unwavering. She
writes ,a couple of lines in her notebook, looks up with a
plain face, and tilts her head slightly sideways.
SCORPIO
You seem to have some deeply rooted
issues with society and America as
a whole. What is it about these
things that make you so angry?
Aries eyes slowly slide over to meet Scorpios while her
head remains still.
ARIES
I thought we only had an hour.
Scorpio smiles slightly and nods.
SCORPIO
You cant rush these kinds of
things.
ARIES
Lord, where do I begin?
SCORPIO
Lets start with society.
CUT TO:
INT. MALBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Lunch ladies put out food.
ARIES VOICE
Gender roles.
High school jocks wear their football jerseys
and sit with pretty girls in dresses and
confident expressions.
EXT. LOS ANGELES DAY

McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell,.
ARIES VOICE
Fast food.
China King, Moes. Skyscrapers, Wallmart, Oil Rigs.
AREIS VOICE
Capitalism,
Fox News Station. The Pentagon.
ARIESS VOICE
Materiality. The fact that I make
a living selling people over-priced
shit that dont need only to waste
the money I make on that same
pointless trash.
Santa Monica Place, an outdoor mall. People of all
ethnicities and ages walk around, carrying bags, and looking
into windows at clothes.
Extravagant mansions with enormous swimming pools and a
driveway full of expensive cars.
ARIES VOICE
Inequality.
Compton. The slums, boarded up houses, graffiti, drug
dealers, and prostitution.
ARIES VOICE
Bullying.
A playground. An office. A big kid pushes a smaller kid
down. A furious, middle-aged gentleman in a suit stands
over a scared, young man.
ARIES VOICE
The complete and utter fucking lack
of parenting, guidance, idols,
morality
CUT TO:
INT. SUBURBAN HOME
Caucasian ids sit on a nice couch watching American Dad on a
60 HDTV.
CUT TO:
INT. CITY HOME
African American kids sit on old couches, in a small, beat-
up living room, smoking weed and listening to rap.
CUT TO:
INT. SCORPIOS OFFICE
Aries casually glances over at her with a look that says
Are you satisfied?
AREIS
I could go on all day.
Scorpio scribbles in her journal.
ARIES
(loud and angry)
My entire fucking generation is
comprised of addicts feigning sex
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM
Aries and her ex-boyfriend, Derek, a tall, young man with an
athletic build, tan skin, and dark hair roll around on his
bed half naked.
ARIES VOICE
Drugs.
Aries taking two Vicodin pills.
ARIES VOICE
Money.
CUT TO:
INT. JUICY COUTURE STORE
Aries clocks out. Aries buys a pair of sunglasses and puts
them on.
Gossip.
A couple of girls whisper to each other while watching
Aries.
CUT TO:
Aries sits up straight, clutching the arms of her chair, her
muscles tense.
ARIES
And instant gratification.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Aries sits at a table surrounded by her peers.
ARIES VOICE
I dont belong.
The lights dim and the others blur as they grow out of
focus.
ARIES VOICE
I feel like an outsider, like the
only civilized person on a planet
full of barbarians!
Aries as a little girl with other kids laughing and rough
housing all around her.
CUT TO:
Scorpio stops writing and looks up from her notes,
intrigued.
ARIES
I dont mean to say I think Im
better than everyone, because I
dont.
Aries takes a deep breath and stares down at her feet.
ARIES
Sometimes its just that I feel
like Im the only person in the
entire fucking way that even cares
about these things
Scorpio nods along, her eyes signaling that she understands.
ARIES
And thats what really makes me so
upset.
SCORPIO
Listen, Mina. Im going to close
my notes here and put them away
Aries looks over, confusion and surprise written all over
her face, while Scorpio puts her pen away, closes her
notebook, and tosses it on her desk.
SCORPIO
You see, in my professional
opinion, I dont think you need a
psychiatrist at all.
Aries confusion remains and Scorpio smiles.
SCORPIO
I could spend all day trying to
convince you that youre not alone
but the truth is it wouldnt do
much good. Youve passed that
stage and you need proof.
Aries expression starts to soften as she grows intrigued,
leaning forward.
SCORPIO
You need to surround yourself with
people that see as you see, feel as
you feel, and think as you think.
Aries rolls her eyes and chuckles softly.
ARIES
Right Cuz you can help me with
that.
SCORPIO
I can If you meet me and my
associates tonight.
Aries eyes Scorpio skeptically.
ARIES
Isnt that against the rules?
SCORPIO
Entirely, Ill lose my job and
never be able to get another if
anyone finds out.
She grows further skeptical and starts shaking her head.
ARIES
Then why would you did it?
Scorpio shrugs nonchalantly.
SCORPIO
Because I can relate. Most kids
can sit and talk about their
problems, but like you said, youre
nothing like them. You need to do
something about it.
Aries eyes grow wide as she listens. Finally she smiles and
shakes her head.
ARIES
What the hell, whatve I got to
lose?
Scorpio smiles and nods.
SCORPIO
Wonderful. To keep things under
wraps youll go by the name Aries.
Aries squints and her head tilts slightly sideways.
ARIES
Howd you
Scorpio smirks and points at the file in her lap.
ARIES
Right. Anything else?
SCORPIO
You must do exactly as I say. If
you wish to leave at any point, you
may do so just so long as you
promise not to mention a word of it
to anyone.
Aries confident composure deflates slightly, along with her
posture. She gulps and nods.
SCORPIO
You have to say it.
ARIES
I promise.
Scorpio tilts her head expectantly.
ARIES
Ill keep all of this a secret, you
have my word.
Scorpio smiles and nods.
SCORPIO
Splendid! Now, please dont be
alarmed or disheartened if I seem
cruel tonight, we all have our
roles to play.
Aries grows confused but she nods anyway. Scorpio notices
and smiles warmly.
SCORPIO
Here, Im a warm and happy guidance
counselor. But, tonight I must be
something much different.
Aries nods, starting to understand.
ARIES
Kind of like how I have to act
differently around my parents and
my friends?
SCORPIO
Exactly. Now, what else do you
have to say about society?
Aries laughs and looks away, her face growing pensive again.
ARIES
Please, you dont want me to keep
ranting.
SCORPIO
No, I really do. Its important.
ARIES
Okay, but you asked for it.
Parents hardly talk to their kids
nowadays so we grow up learning
about how the world works through
what we see in the media.
We cut to a series of shots showing the things shes talking
about:
ARIES (V.O.)
Film, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Vine, Snapchat, Tinder, Youtube
these things are ruining this
country.
(back to the office)
And the worst part is, they contain
so much potential.
(raising her arms in frustration)
FADE TO BLACK
ARIES (V.O.)
Some people use them productively
to learn, educate, inform, and
expose, but not nearly enough.
INT. NAIRAS CABIN NIGHT
NAIRA, an elderly Native American women dressed in the
traditional deerskin dress, sits by the wood-burning stone
fireplace holding her hands to the fire, swaying back and
forth slightly and slowly while humming softly.
ARIES (V.O.)
Nearly every other fucking girl in
this entire country is obsessed
with the Kardashians.
The little cabin is plainly furnished with suede amber sofas
complimenting the dark oak coffee table and end tables,
giving it a homely look.
ARIES (V.O.)
They re-watch episode several times
while ignoring serious shows like
House of Cards, The Peaky Blinders,
and Black Sails.
We pan right to see Leanne Wildermuths painting Omniscient
Observation and Edward Munchs The Scream.
We track in on her soft, pensive face as she takes a deep
breath and closes her eyes.
NAIRAS POV
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. LOS ANGELES DAY
Sun shines on the Los Angeles skyline. Behind lies Mount
Baldy, snow-capped mountains towering above the buildings in
the distance.
We track in on the mountains and see
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNT BALDY
AMIR, a young Indonesian man (18) walks alone down a path
wearing a traditional Indonesian clothing - sarong, batik,
and peci. He carries a tall, white, walking staff and his
expression is contemplative.
The hot sun radiates upon him and sweat pours down his face
as he walks he walks along a stream, towards a large, dark
cave, at a calm pace, his long, wavy, black hair blowing
lightly in the soft breeze.
As he nears the cave, his pace slows as he nears the cave,
coming to a halt at its edge. He eyes the small, dark
opening speculatively.
He looks all around him and back at the cave, both hands
clenching tightly to his staff. His foot jitters
uncontrollably as his grip continues to tighten until he
finally notices, closes his eyes, takes a deep breath,
loosens his grip, and stills his foot.
Amir opens his eyes and steps inside the cave.
CUT TO:
INT. CAVE
Amir walks through the dark, eerie cave and we hear the
sound of water splashing against water, echoing throughout
the cave. A feint light appears far ahead allowing us to
see a three separate pathways leading from the initial area.
Amir heads down the left path, where the light is coming
from. The tunnel tightens and Amir has to turn sideways to
continue. On the wall are cave drawings of animals and
stick figures, depicting a hunting scene.
Past the hunting scene are drawings of more stick figures,
except instead of a hunting they are at war. Silver stick
figures, drawn by scraping the walls with a pointed stone,
and black stick figures, drawn with a burnt piece of wood,
attack each other.
As Amir continues down the tunnel, it brightens and the
sound of water grows louder. He comes across a stick figure
with a black body and a silver head standing between two
stick figure armies, one black and one silver.
The tunnel begins to widen and opens up into an enormous,
spherical room with a large, round opening at the very top
where a water and sunlight fall through.
Below, lies a dark pool of water, flowing deeper into the
cave. Amir climbs down the rocky hill to the water, takes
off his sandals, steps into the water, continuing forward
until the wetness reaches his knees causing the bottom of
his sarong to get wet, and looks up as JIBREEL, a radiant
Israeli man (55), floats down wearing a bekishe, black dress
shoes, and a yamaka.
Amir eyes him suspiciously as he slowly descends. Gabriel
touches the water, stands on it, and walks across it toward
Amir with a hint of a smile.
AMIR
Who are you?
JIBREEL
Oh, Amir, youre so different from
AN-NR. Im Jibreel.
Jibreel turns and gestures for Amir to follow him further
into the cave. He waits for the mysterious man to take a
few steps before following after him.
As he catches up, he looks down and notices that he too is
walking on top of the water. His head tilts sideways, his
face confused, he stares at the bottom of his suddenly dry
sarong and his feet walking across the top of the water.
They reach the other side of the room and climb through the
small opening where the water runs down further into the
cave.
The tunnel darkens as they distance themselves from the
light. Jibreel stops and turns to face the wall of the
cave, lines of archaic text stretch from floor to ceiling, a
dozen feet in width.
Jibreel gestures at the text with an open palm, looking
expectantly at Amir.
AMIR
The language is not familiar to me.
Jibreel rests his hand on Amirs shoulder and repeats the
gesture. Amirs eyes grow distant for a moment.
AMIR
Im sorry, I dont know how.
Jibreel steps between him and the text, placing his other
hand on the boys other shoulder, and stares into his eyes.
Jibreel gives him a slow nod.
Amir just looks at him sympathetically and shakes his head.
Jibreels lips form a straight line. He takes a deep
breath, and gently runs his hand over Amirs eyes,
indicating that she should close them. He complies.
Jibreel places the hand on his chest, grabs Amirs hand,
places it on his own chest, and takes a deep breath. After
a moment, Amir slows his breathing to match Jibreels.
Jibreel lets his hand fall, walks around Amir, and nods.
Amirs eyes open and glow a bright silver in the dark cave.
He stares at the text on the wall and his face becomes a mix
of confused, amazed, and contemplative.
AMIR
(quietly, reading)
Proclaim. If not for your creator
than for mother and father.
The text glows in an assortment of colors, creating an image
of globe with the text in a post-impressionistic style.
AMIR
(quietly, reading)
Proclaim. And see the wisdom
within the words, the hidden power
behind their meaning.
The colors of the words change as the globe spins slowly.
AMIR
(whispering)
Its how weve always been taught
that which we knew not.
Amirs eyes grow distant and Jibreel smiles as he slowly
backs away, into the darkness. We track follow him,
tracking into the blackness and we
FADE TO BLACK
LEO (V.O.)
(with deep interest)
What would it take to legitimately
and ethically overthrow one of the
strongest and most corrupt nations
ever built?
PISCES VOICE
(somber and quiet,
coming from a TV)
Am I the only one that doesnt
understand why as kids we waste
three months, every year, not
learning?
INT. MICKEYS HOME - OFFICE NIGHT
MICKEYS POV (STILL NAIRAS POV)
Blue Foundations Eyez on Fire (Zeds Dead remix) plays over
a black screen as bright little specs come into focus and we
see the 00:00 of a digital clock in military time reflecting
off the window.
CAPRICORN (V.O)
By the tone in which you propose
that inquiry, I surmise that youve
already accepted the first and most
crucial aspect required in such a
task
We see Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, the two stars in
the constellation Libra the Scales that sit about midway
between Spica and Antares and mark Libras place in the
heavens.
We pan down to see an apartment complex covered in graffiti.
In an assortment of colors, we see, mixed in a clash of blue
Crip and red Piru tags, the names of the twelve zodiac signs
forming an abstract scale.
We track into the wide window on the top floor and see
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS STUDIO APARTMENT LIVING ROOM
The apartment is small, messy, and lightly furnished with
cheap dcor. A scale sits on the kitchen table.
Famous photographs line the brick walls including V-J Day by
Alfred Eisenstaedt, Lunch atop a Skyscraper, and the raising
of the American flag at Iwo Jima.
Wind chimes dance in an open window. A gust of wind blows a
pile of photographs on the floor.
LEO (V.O.)
A death wish lying within the heart
of the instigator? But of course,
I assumed that went without saying.
A door opens and LIBRA, a slightly thick, pretty, young
woman with long, wavy blond hair, an hour-glass waste,
luscious red lips, and sweet emerald eyes walks in wearing
dark blue jeans, a modest blue blouse, and headphones in
her ears. An ornate, silver cross hangs from the lone
necklace around her neck.
Behind her we see a darkroom with photographs hanging up to
dry as she shuts the door and races over to pick up the
photos that fell on the floor.
LIBRAS POV
She wears no rings or bracelets on her hands or wrists. A
bunch of close-up photographs of drug dealers selling to
young teens, junkies, and even a pregnant woman.
City school classrooms, inattentive African American kids
with old, beat up textbooks selling drugs and fighting each
other. Suburban school classrooms, predominantly white with
some minorities sitting lazily, whispering to their friends,
pointing and laughing at a young black girl with her hand
raised high. Private school classrooms,
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(pleased)
Precisely, following this crucial
premise, the endeavor ultimately
must begin first and foremost with
intelligence
Homeless kids living on the streets, prostitution, a white
cop shooting an unarmed black kid, and the cops badge
number up.
CAPRICORN (V.O. CONTD)
Finding out who ones friends and
enemies ought to be, who can and
should be turned, who must be taken
down, their weaknesses, and how
those flaws could be used to
anothers benefit.
As she gathers them up, she flips over the last one and we
see that its a close-up of five people sitting in Mickeys
office, a lavishly furnished, dimly lit, circular room with
windows covering the walls and ceiling like a greenhouse.
GEMINI, a skinny Turkish woman in her mid-twenties of
average height with tan skin and straight hair thats a deep
copper brown falling to the small of her back.
She has several earrings in her ears - turtles, rings,
studs, faces the left light and the right dark, as well as a
little stud in both the left nostril of her little nose and
the lower right lip of her thin, deep-red smiling lips.
Under fine, dark eyebrows, lie bright-gray, innocent eyes.
HEINRICH, a lean, middle-aged man (55) with blond hair
wearing a military jacket full of medals and a hard
expression.
An old, fat PRIEST dressed in clerical clothing with a cross
around his neck.
ANTHONY, a young man with thick glasses and long and shaggy,
brown hair wearing a lab coat.
MICKEY, a thick, but handsome, Italian man in his late
twenties wearing a three piece designer suit, his brown hair
slicked back.
MICKEYS POV
Libra stares at the photo and gulps before getting up and
putting them back on the counter. She stares at it for
another moment, unable or unwilling to look away, while she
grabs her purse off the counter and begins to make her way
over to the open window.
We track back slightly until the frame of her window appears
on either side of her as she closes it and we see
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
Mickeys image, reflecting off the large window in his
office and superimposed over Libra as she grabs her purse,
opens it, and pulls out her prescription bottle of Xana.
She takes out two, puts them in her mouth, walks over to the
sink, turns it on, uses her hand to cup the water, and takes
a sip.
She then picks up the bottle of Xanax, caps it, lifts it
above her purse, and just stares at it for a second before
grimacing, opening in, taking two more out, and putting them
in a little pouch in her wallet before leaving her
apartment.
The door closes and the music transitions from Eyez on Fire
(at one minute and ten seconds in) into Hiii Power by
Kendrick Lamar as we slowly pan to the right and see into
the adjacent window.
A dimly lit bedroom with the only source of light coming
from a small lamp on the nightstand in the far corner and
the candles burning around the room.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS BEDROOM
LEO, a thin, but toned and well-proportioned, young man with
long blond hair like Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet and
tattoos covering the majority of his exposed chest and arms,
lights a torch and starts heating up the white quartz nail
head attached to his 16 Toro bong on his dresser.
He wears black skinny jeans and black, white, and blue
Creative Recreation high top sneakers.
On his right bicep is a half-sleeve black and grey, portrait
tattoo of a cherry blossom tree next to a melancholy lions
face with a blue lotus above its ear, tucking into its mane.
As the nail slowly starts to heat up, he turns around and
looks at his room.
LEOS POV
Hockey jerseys and posters cover the worn-down blue and
white walls; a small, red Buffalo Sabres Afinogenov jersey,
a small, black Amherst Knights jersey, V For Vendetta, The
Dark Knight, California Dreaming, Tupac, Game of Thrones,
Pro Era, and an abstract chess board by Sandro Del-Prete.
Incense burn on the night stand. The beginning of The
Seventh Seal plays on his 42 LG HDTV, the part where Death
approaches the knight as he lies on the beach next to a
chessboard.
Books, folders, notebooks, and DVDs fill a dozen shelves
including The Name of the Wind, The Wise Mans Fear, The
Count of Monte Cristo, the A Song of Ice and Fire series,
Film Theory & Criticism, Film Theory: An Introduction the
Senses, Hitchcock the Making of a Reputation, A Hitchcock
Reader, Engaging Cinema, Give me Liberty, the Harry Potter
series, Shakespeare Remains, A Study in Scarlet, Muslim
Identities etc.
A big dog - pitbull-husky mix - with short, light brown and
white fur, bright blue eyes, and big ears lies on top of the
bed on his back with his paws up in the air next to a
laptop.
We turn back to the nail to see that its now red hot.
Behind the nail lies a bottle of pills and we watch as Leo
turns the torch off, picks up a dentists tool with a small
amount of greenish brown, waxy substance on one end.
He puts his mouth on the top of the bong and inhales while
delicately and slowly touching the wax to the nail head.
Everything grows out of focus other than the wax melting on
the nail.
After a few seconds, he steps back, and in slow motion looks
up into the mirror, smoke still coming out of the top of the
bong and his mouth as he French inhales.
He sets down the dentist tool, grabs a glass of water off of
his dresser and takes a long sip, then sets it down and
looks at his reflection in the mirror.
Smoke pouring out of his nostrils, his mellow demeanor grows
belligerent as his eyes dart toward the window (and camera).
The camera slows down, the room dims, and the edges of the
screen blur slightly out of focus while the center grows
brighter and more detailed.
He looks into the mirror and a silver mask appears over his
face, designed to look like a lions head, for a split
second. His jaw clenches and he walks over to the window.
The music grows louder and we hear the music crescendo as he
reaches it and we see his reflection, his face framed by the
window frames.
Mickeys face, reflecting off his own window, is
superimposed over the image so that theyre looking directly
into each others eyes with the frame of Leos window
between them.
As soon as their faces both come into view, Kendricks verse
starts as he says Visions of Martin Luther staring at me,
Malcolm X put a hex on my future someone catch me, Im
falling victim to a revolutionary song, the Serengeti's
clone. Back to put you backstabbers back on your spinal
bone They expressions matching the painful and hostile
tone of Kendricks song.
A ding sound interrupts the music briefly, causing Leo to
turn away and walk over to the laptop on the bed the dogs
starts wagging his tail as he approaches.
A small rectangular box pops up saying Lucifer has
challenged you to a match, behind the box we see a word
document opened to the first two pages, written there is
Alexander the Great Pilot a script by Leonardo di Palermo.
His expression becomes a mix of confused, surprised, and a
bit spooked as he looks up at the TV to see Death playing
chess with the Knyght in The Seventh Seal. As he hits
accept, we see a chess board pop up and another message
saying Lucifer has chosen black, your move before we cut
back to
MICKEYS POV
(Out of slow motion) Leo sits on his bed using one hand to
play chess on his laptop, and the other to pet his dog
while, on the TV, Death and the Knight begin their game of
chess.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
As Mickeys image comes back into focus, Leos begins to
blur and HiiiPower fades (at one minute and thirty seconds
in) as we track right with Mickey while he steps over to the
next window, and transitions into Ab Ajaao by Atif Aslam as
we see
CUT TO:
INT. VIRGOS APARTMENT
Politics and Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle on an end
table, up against the window, next to a globe, a glass of
water, a plant, and a copy of the Quran.
Behind them, VIRGO, a middle aged, balding Pakistani man
with a long salt and pepper colored beard comes into focus,
sitting on the loan old sofa in his austere apartment
reading.
He wears tradition Pakistani clothing - shalwar kameez,
kurta, Pakistani Waistcoat, achkan and sherwani, as well as
a Jinnah Cap on his head, Khussa on his feet, and a shawl
made of Pashmina.
The black star and crescent of Islam has been painted on the
light brown walls, barely visible as stacks of books line
them, nearly reaching the ceiling in some places.
He gets up from the sofa, sets down Marcus Aurelius on top
of Politics, and waters the plant with the glass.
Virgo performs Wu, washing his face, hands, arms, feet,
and ankles, then sets down a rug, and prays to Allah. We
hear him over the music until
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
We track right with Mickey as he makes his way to the next
window.
As we do so, we see (still reflecting off the window) him
raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.
The edges of the screen begin to go dark and we fade to
black as he closes his eyes for a few seconds before opening
on
CUT TO:
INT. AQUARIUS APARTMENT BEDROOM
We pan around the room to see clothes scattered all over the
floor and stacks of money on the dresser next to bottles of
Jamison and Fireball.
We hear moaning and the sound of the bed creaking and the
headboard knocking against the wall, slowly but at an
increasing pace.
On the gray walls are framed a movie poster starring MICHAEL
SALVADOR (AKA AQAURIUS), next to a shelf with an Oscar
award.
On the ceiling is a mirror and in it we see a large, unmade,
and occupied bed. AQUARIUS, a well-built, and entirely
naked, young man with short, thick black hair and a neatly-
groomed beard, is having sex with a young brunette.
She lies on her stomach with him on top, her wrists are
handcuffed above her head to the bed posts, and a blindfold
covers her eyes.
The moaning grows lauder as the knocking speeds up.
Their backs arch simultaneously, his hands on her shoulders.
Their muscles tense, the moans grow louder, and the
headboard bangs against the wall, faster and faster.
They finish with a satisfied sigh and her lips curl upward
in a pleased smile as he makes his way downward, kissing
every inch of her stomach with varying lengths and
intensities.
On the bed next to her lies an assortment of whips and
paddles.
He reaches over to the night stand and grabs a small glass
vile full of cocaine. He opens it, pours a line across her
back, and snorts it off.
A rapid series of short clips:
He then puts the vial back, grabs a small key, takes the
handcuffs off her, gets up, and puts on his boxers while she
takes off her blindfold and lights a cigarette.
He walks over to the nightstand, takes a long swig of
Jameson, grabs the cigarette out of her mouth while she puts
her panties on, and takes a drag.
She hops up on her knees as he leans towards her and they
kiss passionately.
He gives sly smirk as he turns, takes a drag, picks up his
dark slim, black suit pants off the ground, and sits on the
bed to put them on.
She grabs another cigarette and lights it while making her
way to the bathroom.
Aquarius puts on his black button up shirt, grabs his black
and gray, plaid, knee high socks and sleek, shiny, black
dress shoes, puts them on, and walks over to the night
stand.
He pours out a line and snorts it in the opposite nostril as
before, takes another long drag of Jameson, spins, grabs his
black button up shirt off the ground and puts it on,
buttoning it up two-thirds of the way.
He grabs his slim, black suit jacket off the end of the bed
and takes out a flask. He fills it with Jameson, puts it
back in his inside pocket, grabs the little bottle of
Cocaine, and makes his way out the door.
The door closes behind him and we
CUT TO:
INT. ARIES BEDROOM
A door opens into a large bedroom with wood floors, futon
beds, Zabuton seating cushions, bonsai, palm, and orchid
plants, and tatami chairs.
Aries dances around in her underwear and a pair of
sunglasses looking for something with delicate grace.
A ram tattoo becomes visible on her thigh. She finds her
phone, smiles, sends a message and sets it down on her bed.
She dances over to the closet, pulls out two kimonos, one
sapphire and one ruby, twirls over to her mirror on tip toes
and holds them up.
She goes back and forth between the two before tossing the
blue on her bed and squirming into the red, leaving enough
of an opening to reveal a golden teardrop necklace leading
towards the meticulously adjust minute amount of cleavage.
She looks back in the mirror, her face is soft and round.
Her hair is thin, straight, and black, falling to her waist.
Suddenly a silver mask engraved to look like a rams head
covers her face in the mirror for a brief second, leaving
her with a terrified expression.
She gulps, closes her eyes, and shakes her head, looking
back up with a confident smile.
As she dances, we see a Hello Kitty pillow, a serene Buddha
statue, a Shinto Shrine, anime posters including Fairy
Tale, Bleach, Hunter X Hunter, Death Note, and Code Geass as
well as ones of American Pop Culture such as Taylor Swift,
The Vampire Diaries, Dirty Dancing, and Footloose while
Step Up plays on her TV.
She looks at the Hello Kitty clock on her nightstand and we
see that the digital clock reads 12:07am.
We track into her eyes as they change from a dark brown to
bright red.
ARIES POV
The room is suddenly abnormally bright, even beneath the
sunglasses.
We hear an older woman speaking in Japanese, in a concerned
tone, as we look through the wall with heat vision to see
two figures in the bedroom on the other side of the wall.
We pan left to see another, smaller, figure in another room.
ARIES MOTHER (V.O.)
Shes been acting so strange lately.
ARIES FATHER (V.O.)
Its not her fault, its this
damned citys! We never shouldve
came to America.
She turns off her light and the heat vision becomes night
vision as she makes her way across her room to the closet.
She pulls out a katana, towards her large, expansive window,
surrounded on both sides by Shojis (authentic Japanese
screens), opens the window, and hops out.
CUT TO:
EXT. ARIES HOUSE
Her fall occurs almost in slow motion as she lands
gracefully in the lawn below. Her eyes turn from red to
gold and we see:
ARIES POV
A fenced in yard with an elaborate garden through night
vision. She walks around to the side of the large, brick
house and up to the door of the tall wooden fence.
She gently grabs the handle and slowly starts to lift the
bar but stops when it begins to squeak loudly. She then
climbs the fence, hops over, walks down the driveway and
into the street.
We hear the sound of crickets, sprinklers, lampposts, the
neighbors television the news talking about the violent
crime and gang wars in the city, and of cars passing by
their engines revving, brakes locking, tires screeching and
radios playing. A car alarm starts going off in the
distance.
She reaches into her purse, pulls out her wallet, and
searches through it until she finds a pill jar labeled
Vicodin 5 mgs all the while, the sounds grow increasingly
louder.
She stops walking, opens the pill container, takes out two,
puts them in her mouth and swallows them.
She closes her eyes and we
FADE TO BLACK
As all of the sounds slowly start to fade away. After a
moment, we open up on the street, start tracking forward,
tilt up, and zoom into the starry night sky.
We hear a womans soft voice as the colors in the sky begin
to swirl turning it into Van Goghs Starry Night.
All Blues by Miles Davis plays softly.
PISCES (V.O.)
Malcolm? Malcolm?
TAURUS POV
We tilt further up into night sky as it divides into red and
blue (COVER PHOTO).
We stop tilting up and start to slowly tilt down to find and
enormous and elaborate scale with finely detailed images of
the Zodiac signs engraved into, and stretching out from,
its base and currently balanced arms the two faces of
Gemini where they meet, surround by a scorpion, a lion, a
centaur, a bull, etc. lying between the red and blue
(COVER PHOTO).
We continue tilting down to find it resting atop Mount Sor
Ida, the dormant volcano on which the Crueller Island was
built. Blood pouring from both sides like waterfalls down
opposite sides of the mountain towards the city surrounding
it below.
On the left side of the scale, beneath the blue night sky, a
thin lion with resolute blue eyes and a bleeding paw stands
licking its bloody paw.
A black scorpion lies on the blue lotus in its mane. Behind
the lion, a centaur stands, watching over a ram lying a pool
of blood, with an arrow notched in his bow.
An old goat watches the rams breathing calm as a crab
pinches its wounds. A young Indian girl in her early teens
with shy eyes.
On the right, weighing as much as all of the others, rests
an Arri Alexa video camera and a directors chair with
nothing in it but a clapperboard.
Sitting on top of the scale is a little Turkish girl with
short, curly hair that looks black in the night sky. Above
her, an enormous white dragon with blue scales and red eyes
hovers above spitting a stream of fire towards us as
We track back out of Taurus fully white eye as they return
to their normal, dark brown color. Hes wearing a black
suit with a white shirt, black tie, and a military haircut,
sitting at a table next to the large glass window of a
restaurant, staring out and up at the sky with an onerous
expression.
Behind him lies a mini aquarium a massive fish tank
stretching from floor to ceiling containing countless,
colorful fish. In its reflection we see PISCES.
PISCES
Malcolm?
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
MICKEYS POV
As TAURUS and PISCES (30), a Latina in her early twenties
with a thick head of wavy, jet black hair down to her waist,
a slightly round, and breathtakingly comely face consisting
of thick lips, lust red in color, and virtuous, golden eyes,
sit at a table in an elegant restaurant, their hands on
their wine glasses, her expression grows worried.
Mickeys reflection is superimposed over the image of them,
his curious face positioned between them. We turn our
attention to the next window and see
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCS
SCORPIO walks down the pier, dressed in all black, past a
series of shops carrying a tall, dark spear. HiiiPower is
playing again and we hear Alori Johs voice on the bridge
singing Everyday we fight the system just to make our way
She calmly approaches a handful of armed men.
A massive, hard faced man sees her and raise his hands,
signaling for her to stop.
She obeys, looks him in the eye and gives him a wicked smile
before continuing towards them.
They pull out their guns and cock them, she stops again and
looks down at the ground.
After a moment, the big man looks back at the others. One
of them nods and the big man inches his way forward,
reaching cautiously for the handle of her spear.
His hand darts backwards as she breaks her stare to glare at
him with another hateful grin. He raises the gun towards
her chest.
She twists her wrist and sends the staff of the spear
crashing against the big mans hand, knocking the gun out of
it.
The spear swirls around again and bites deep into the side
of his head, making it halfway through before turning
translucent with her body, passing the rest of the way
through without cutting him, just as the others start
shooting, their bullets passing right through her.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
Mickeys image is superimposed over hers as she slices the
last mans throat with her spear. Blood splashes on the
window over Mickeys face and we see him grimace as she
stands over their dead bodies and looks up at the stars. He
eventually comes back into focus as he moves over to the
next window and we see
CUT TO:
EXT. LAS VEGAS
The EDC Festival takes place and tens of thousands of ravers
dance to the electronic dance music under neon lights.
On the stage a laptop plays Insane by Flume next to a
piano keyboard playing along, the keys moving up and down to
the song while the knobs, buttons, and switches on the
Serato behind the keyboard turn, move up and down, press,
light up, and flip.
Next to the mixer lies dirty shot glasses, empty Blue Moon
beer bottles, a small pile of Molly, and an ashtray with a
lit blunt.
SAGITTARIUS, a tall, young man of athletic built in his mid-
twenties with a cigarette pressed between his lips, short,
brown, un-gelled hair parted to the side, and a scruffy
beard dances into view wearing black gym shorts, a gray
beater, and large headphones dances on the stage.
We see part of a large black and grey centaur tattoo on his
back near his right shoulder, sticking out of the beater as
he plays the air-piano keyboard to the song with his eyes
closed.
He jumps up onto the massive speaker and, still dancing,
begins to walk up the walls and onto the ceiling.
He looks out to the crowd and sees
SAGITTARIUS POV:
A blurry crowd of blurry people dancing, drinking, and
taking drugs. Vibrant lights of all colors moving
constantly, to the music.
ANGEL (V.O.)
Whatcha watchin, daddy?
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME OFFICE
Mickeys reflection is superimposed over the image and we
see him smirk and hear him let out a little chuckle.
We track slightly back from Sagittarius dancing builds with
the music as it nears the drop.
The music stops, Sagittarius image dissolves and the
reflection of Mickeys office becomes visible as we track
slightly back to find that its the same dimly lit, lavishly
furnished, circular room with windows covering all of the
walls and the domed ceiling.
PISCES VOICE
(curiously)
What if we could have all that time
back? Were our lives really that
hard as kids?
Anthony plays Mozart, Requiem in D minor on the piano in the
corner.
We pan around to see a little girl, ANGEL (12), sitting on
the edge of the couch in her nightgown next to GEMINI.
MICKEY
Come see for yourself, Angel.
The TV continues to play quietly, and in the reflection
coming off a fish tank we see Pisces (27), the news anchor
for ACNS NEWSNIGHT continues her nightly rant.
PISCES VOICE
Those days were a walk in the park
compared to a crummy 9 to 5 let
alone the terrible minimum wage
jobs that enslave us all...
She leans forward and spins the proxinoscope resting on
coffee table in front of them, next to the board game
Trouble.
In the mirrors of the proxinoscope we see a man riding a
horse.
PISCES VOICE
Immoral men in lavish suits sit in
their luxurious offices staring
down at us with contempt while they
steal precious years of our lives
in exchange for hardly enough
scraps to keep us complacent.
She has long, wavy, chestnut hair, tan skin, and small,
oval, purple-rimmed glasses covering her lively, lilac eyes.
PISCES VOICE
And yet we refuse to believe it.
She turns from the proxinoscope to smile innocently at her
father.
In one of the lounge chairs opposite the couch sits
HEINRICH, reading The Art of War.
In the reflection coming off the window behind her, we see
him hold out his arms. She hops enthusiastically off the
couch and races over to him and he lifts her onto his
shoulders, playfully pretending to barely be able to lift
her.
As they begin to slowly spin around we cut to
ANGELS POV
Looking slightly down on all of the windows, we see the
MAYOR, an old, fat, balding man with white hair on the side
of his large, egg-shaped head.
SWANN, a slender young woman with straight, dark brown hair
parted in the middle and falling just beneath her alluring
cleavage revealing her large breasts. In her ears, we see
swan earrings.
NAIRA, an old Native American woman with wise eyes and a
confident grin.
AENGUS, a monstrous man in his late twenties with no hair
and a fierce expression.
DEMERE, a young black man of average height and build, a
thick black beard stretching a couple inches out from his
chin, and a small afro of equal length beneath a black and
red Yankees fitted hat, putting his baby boy, JAYDEN down
for bed.
Jayden lays there staring up at the mirror and picture of
his dad and mom, NICOLE (22), a slightly heavy Italian
woman, spinning above his crib.
ANOUSHKA, a young Indian girl (17) with wavy black hair
falling to her shoulders, wearing a violet and orange sari
and worshipping a Birth of Vishnu statue.
TAREC, a well-built Ukrainian man in his late twenties
disappearing into the shadows outside Libras apartment.
They start to spin quicker and we catch a glimpse of the
Police Commissioner, the District Attorney, a judge, HELIOS,
and EVE
The spinning slows to a stop and after a few seconds of
regaining balance and focus we see Alexander and Capricorn
sitting on the boys bed.
ANGEL (V.O.)
Hey, that boys in my class. Why
are you watching him daddy?
We hear the air rush out of Mickeys nose in two short
bursts and a soft chuckle.
The old man runs his hands through the grinning boys hair.
MICKEY (V.O)
Im watching his grandfather,
sweetheart.
The boy swats his hand away and messes his hair back up.
ANGEL (V.O.)
But why?
The boys eyes suddenly grow serious as he mouths the word
pappous.
We track slightly forward and right while simultaneously
tilting down and panning slightly left to look down at
Mickeys face as he tilts his head back to look up with a
melancholic smile.
MICKEY
Its my duty, bella mia.
His melancholic eyes suddenly turn bright and his smile
widens.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Care to eavesdrop?
He nods toward the window revealing Capricorn and Alexander.
We tilt up and down quickly, several times before tilting up
and tracking slowly in on the window.
In the reflection, we see FATHER ALBERT get up from the
couch and walk over to them. As Mickey put his hand on the
old priests shoulder, the music fades completely and we
hear
ALEXANDER (V.O.)
Am I male?
We continue to track in on the window
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS HOME
A small lamp rests on the nightstand next to the bed.
Capricorn, a frail man with large, round, brown glasses with
thick frames and thicker lenses, bushy patches of white hair
on the sides and back of his balding head, and a mustache
slightly curled up on both ends, nods and pushes his glasses
back up on his nose while packing a tobacco pipe.
The skinny, bright-eyed boy sits up in his bed with a
pensive expression. The bedroom is small but well decorated
with green walls, football and basketball trophies, a framed
photograph of a young man and woman at their wedding, old
jerseys, a couple of old stuffed animals a crab and a
goat, roller blades, a surf board, and a Hercules poster
next to Annibale Carraciis Choice of Hercules.
Other symbols of Greek mythology are spread throughout the
room, a little Pegasus action figure, Poseidons trident, a
small statue of Zeus with a thunderbolt painted on the wall
behind it.
INT. MICKEYS/CANCERS OFFICE
Gemini watches them stare out the window.
TITLE OVER:
GEMINI
Her eyes stroll across the room to the glass door and the
balcony beyond. She casually makes her way toward it.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS APARTMENT - BEDROOM
Leo puts on his coat, grabs his dogs cheeks and kisses his
nose.
He stands back up and smiles down at him, then turns and
heads toward the door.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS/CANCERS OFFICE
We track in on the door as Gemini approaches it.
A close up of her putting her hand on the doorknob. Her
hand rests there.
A close up of her looking over her shoulder.
GEMINIS POV
Mickey/Cancer, Angel, and Father Albert stare out the window
while Heinrich reads his book and Anthony plays the piano,
all of their backs facing her.
A close up of her turning back toward the glass door. She
looks down.
A close up of an umbrella leaned up against the door.
She looks out and up at the clear night sky.
A close up of her grabbing the umbrella.
A close up of her hand on the handle.
A close up of a grin forming on Anthonys face while, behind
him and across the room, she turns the knob.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS BEDROOM/LIVING ROOM
Leo turns the knob, opens his door, and walks into his
living room and closes it behind him.
The room is small, dim, and lightly furnish with old
couches, a TV, a cheap coffee table, and some more movie
posters.
We track (position of the camera moves) around the corner of
the couch and see (GEMINIS POV):
Leo crosses the room toward the door and opens it.
Beyond the threshold, instead of a hallway, lies a dark,
eerie forest and pouring rain lit briefly as lightning
strikes.
Leo doesnt seem to notice as he turns back and walks toward
the light on the end-table, leaving the door open.
We hear the thunder CLAP!
We track left, almost entirely behind the couch, as he turns
the light off.
It grows very dark with the only light coming in through the
window from the streetlamps below and the moon and stars
above.
We track right, out from behind the couch again, and watch
Leo walk toward the door.
A close up of Geminis sly smirk and excited eyes.
She gets up and silently follows Leo.
We track in on them slowly as they approach the open door
and the dark forest beyond.
EXT. FOREST NIGHT - RAINING
Leo steps through the threshold, his eyes widen and he jumps
in shock at the rain.
He raises his fists and prepares to defend himself while
spinning around, turning his back toward us, to look behind
him for the portal back to his apartment.
He stands still as a statue while, beyond him, we see Gemini
approaching the still open door of his apartment. He starts
shaking his head and looking around.
LEOS POV
A dark forest surround on all sides, no doorways.
GEMINIS POV
A thick, dark tree trunk. We peak around it and see Leo
looking around. He turns his back toward us.
Establishing shot: Leo looks around as Gemini steps out from
a tree, behind him.
He spins around and raises his fists again.
He scowls at her, turns his back and starts running away.
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She stands there,
under her umbrella for a long moment, scratching her head.
She slows starts after him at a lazy stroll.
Leo races through the forest toward a clearing up ahead. He
makes his way out of the dense woods and comes to an abrupt
stop at the edge of a cliff.
GEMINI (V.O.)
I know you hate me
A close up of Leos face - eyes full of anger, pain, and
hatred, his jaw clenched tight - Gemini behind him out of
focus.
She comes into focus and we see the remorse in her body
language her head held low, facing away from him.
GEMINI
Im sorry.
Leo slowly becomes less tense.
GEMINI (V.O.)
Listen -
Leo stands staring off into the distance, getting soaked by
the rain.
LEOS POV
A dark forest, out of focus, with Gemini off in the
distance.
A brief FADE TO BLACK.
The forest returns and Gemini slowly comes into focus, now
facing us with the umbrella lying at her feet her head
still held low, hair and clothes soaked by the rain.
FADE TO BLACK
We hear the sound of glass shattering. A woman shrieks.
Lightning flashes and a white DOOR slowly becomes visible,
surrounded by darkness.
We slowly track in towards the door and hear a shotgun being
cocked. Thunder ROARS.
Lightning flashes again and we hear the doorknob rattling.
Fists pounding on the door.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. FOREST
Leo stands stiffly with distant eyes. He slowly blinks,
THUNDER CLAPS again. A GUNSHOT BANG! He slowly blinks
again and shivers.
Gemini, now only a few feet away, watches with an apologetic
and worried gaze.
GEMINI (V.O.)
Come on, lets get out of here.
His blank expression slowly fades and he looks at her and
stares into her eyes, nervously.
She slowly reaches out and grabs his hand. Her lips form a
sad smile and leads him toward a pathway leading between two
large tree trunks, a thick branch crossing between them over
their heads.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS APARTMENT
Beyond the still open door, lies the apartment complexs
hallway.
Leo and Gemini appears as they step through the threshold
and back into the apartment, their soaked clothes dripping
onto the wood floorboards plop, plop, plop.
Leo turns behind him and looks out into the hallway, turning
back with a strange look on his face. He tries to take a
step and stumbles to the ground.
Leos POV
The room spins around him as Gemini watches on, giggling.
He grabs his stomach and groans.
GEMINI (V.O.)
Sorry, I shouldve warned you it
was coming.
After a moment he works his way to his feet and reaches for
the light switch.
She grabs his hand and stops him.
GEMINI (V.O.)
(Regretfully)
He cant know.
The pain and anger returns to Leos face.
He pulls his arm away from her, crosses the living room, and
opens his bedroom door letting the light from his bedroom
flood into the living room.
He walks in, leaving it open, and Gemini quickly moves into
the shadows.
She walks up to the edge of the door and silently sits down
with her back to it, bringing her knees toward her chest,
wrapping her arms around her legs, gripping her for forearm
and shin tightly, her head bent low.
Inside the bedroom, Leo pets Luffi (his dog).
GEMINI (V.O.)
(Softly and quietly)
You dont get it, he never stops-
Luffis head pops up. He and Leo both look to where she
sits in the shadows beyond the door.
GEMINI
(Sincerely)
Just be careful.
Leo watches as Luffi gets up, hops off the bed, and prances
across the room and through the open doorway to Gemini. He
licks her face until she smiles and grabs his face.
She gets up and crosses the room toward the front door. She
opens it slightly and turns back to look at Leo, still
sitting on his bed watching her Luffi still at her side.
Their eyes meet and her sad smile returns, he stares back
skeptically, though less tense than before.
She looks down at Luffi and scratches behind his big ears
until he shakes his head.
GEMINI
(Whispering)
You stay here boo.
She bends down and kisses his nose, stands up, and turns
towards the doorway.
GEMINI (V.O.)
Something strange is going on,
things I cant explain.
She opens the door further, stepping between the threshold
and the dog.
Leo looks over at her as she turns back and they exchange a
brief, yet significant, glance.
She crosses the threshold and disappears.
Luffi tilts his head and wines as Leo gets up and crosses
the room.
A close-up: He begins to close the front door.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
Gemini closes the door to the balcony. Everyone (Mickey,
Angel, Father Albert, Anthony, and Heinrich) are as she left
them.
She smiles and walks through the room, down the stairs and
out of sight.
We track in on Mickey, Angel, and Father Albert at the
window.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
(in a Greek accent)
You asked if he was male, not if he
was a man.
In the window we see
Alexanders head inches back and tilts slightly to the side
as his eyes squint and his jaw clenches minutely until a
flicker of understanding washes over him.
ALEXANDER
So I was a boy when I died?
CAPRICORN
Nope, six.
The boy grabs a pillow and throws it at the old man, hitting
him in the chest.
Capricorn laughs and throws it back.
TITLE OVER:
CAPRICORN
Alexander picks up the pillow and clenches it to his chest,
eyeing his opponent with fierce competiveness.
ALEXANDER
Was I a fictional character?
CAPRICORN
(in a Greek accent)
You asked if he was male, not if he
was a man.
Alexanders head inches back and tilts slightly to the side
as his eyes squint and his jaw clenches minutely until a
flicker of understanding washes over him.
ALEXANDER
So I was a boy when I died?
CAPRICORN
Nope, six.
The boy grabs a pillow and throws it at the old man, hitting
him in the chest. Capricorn laughs and throws it back.
Alexander picks up the pillow and clenches it to his chest
and eyes his opponent with fierce competiveness.
ALEXANDER
Was I a fictional character?
Capricorn smirks and shakes his head.
CAPRICORN
No, but clever question
grasshopper.
Alexander chuckles while Capricorn pulls out a match and
lights his pipe. The boy smiles proudly and bites his lip.
After a long moment he gathers himself, sitting up tall and
setting the pillow aside. His words come out soft and slow
ALEXANDER
As far as I recall, you havent
taught me about any famous English
scientists or inventors from way
back then. That would leave
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
Camera is positioned, same angle as before, and we track
back to reveal the frames on the window in Mickeys office.
Angels face is superimposed over the image, reflecting off
the window.
He takes a deep breath, his eyes grow distant, and when he
speaks, he does so quickly starting with a matter-of-fact
like tone and ending almost in the form of a question.
As we track back, other images are superimposed on the
windows. Those of Aries, Father Albert (his reflection),
Mr. Solon, Alexander, Sagittarius, and Leo.
ALEXANDER
Explorers, clergy, historians,
monarchs, musicians, and writers?
Capricorn opens his mouth to answer and Alexander waves his
hands out in front of him.
ALEXANDER
That wasnt a question! This is,
was I a monarch, musician, or
member of the military?
The images of Aries, Father Albert, Leo, and Mr. Solon begin
to blur as the image of Taurus appears next to the others.
They both grin boastfully and Capricorns enlarged eyes
glimmer through his thick glasses as he answers with a hint
of pleasure in his voice.
CAPRICORN
And which military might that be?
Alexander gives him a suspicious look and Capricorn smirks
while puffing on his pipe.
ALEXANDER
The English or British.
CAPRICORN
No, thats eight.
The boy lets out little sigh as the images of Taurus,
Sagittarius, and Alexander begin to blur, bringing Aries,
Father Albert, Leo, and Mr. Solon back into focus.
ALEXANDER
Was I an explorer or member of the
clergy?
CAPRICORN
No you were not, and you better
slow down and learn some patience
before you embarrass yourself.
Youre about to be half-way there.
A slight surge of anger reaches the boys suspicious, bright
green eyes as Father Alberts reflection fades along with
the image of Aries.
ALEXANDER
Was I a historian?
Leos image blurs and Mr. Solons comes into focus as
Capricorns smirk grows wry, his eyes taunting.
CAPRICORN
No siree.
Mr. Solons image fades, leaving only Leos image coming
back into focus, Angels reflection, Alexander, and
Capricorn in the window.
ALEXANDER
So I was a write that-
CAPRICORN
Ah-ah-ah I never said that.
CUT TO:
INT. ALEXANDERS BEDROOM
We track back into the window as Alexander shakes his head,
looking at the old man as if hes an idiot.
ALEXANDER
What else could I be famous for?
CAPRICORN
Thats not a yes or no question,
dummy.
A slight smile reaches the boys lips as he rolls his eyes.
ALEXANDER
Youre just tryna trick me into
wasting another question.
Capricorn messes up Alexanders hair who fights him off and
readjusts it.
CAPRICORN
Maybe. Your approach has been
impressive thus far but the young
are quick to overlook the little
things.
The boys face grows serious and intent, he looks out the
window at the night sky.
ALEXANDER
Fine, was I a writer?
Leos image reappears.
CAPRICORN
Yes-
Alexander picks the pillow back up and lunges at Capricorn
with it. They laugh as the boy attacks him ferociously.
ALEXANDER
Youre such a jerk!
CAPRICORN
Thats it, youre gunna get it you
little brat!
Capricorn manages to get the weapon for his attacker and
pushes him back down against the bed.
He abandons the pillow, climbs on tip of the boy and begins
tickling him while he squirms to get away.
Leo smiles, chuckling softly to himself.
ALEXANDER
Okay, okay. Stop, I give up, I
give up!
Capricorn only picks up his intensity, making the little boy
laugh and squirm beneath him, while shouting in Greek,
dropping the pitch of his voice to a low growl.
CAPRICORN
I do not speak your brutish
language, Cronus.
The boy only laughs louder, looks around, and manages to
grab hold of the pillow that his nemesis discarded. He
pulls off the white pillow case and waves it in the air
yelling back in Greek.
ALEXANDER
Mercy, mercy, please I beg you,
Apollo. Mercy!
Capricorn climbs off and sits back on the edge of the bed,
laughing and grinning merrily. He speaks in English.
CAPRICORN
Whats this supposed to be?
He points to the pillow case.
ALEXANDER
Its my white flag!
CAPRICORN
They didnt use those back then,
stupid!
Capricorn sticks out his tongue.
Alexander drops the pillow case, picks the pillow back up
and pulls it back, ready to attack until the old man raises
his hands.
CAPRICORN
No, no. No more, were supposed to
be winding down for bed not
preparing for battle.
The boy grins, sets the pillow down and leans back.
ALEXANDER
SO I was a writer-
CAPRICORN
Oh, no you werent.. I was just
messin with ya.
Alexander snorts out a little chuckle, rolls his eyes, and
shakes his head. Leos image fades.
ALEXANDER
Was I a painter?
The image of ANOUSHKA (16), a cute, plump Indian girl with
sad, golden brown eyes painting Blue Delphiniums with a
post-impressionistic style.
CAPRICORN
How quickly you found another path
to fame No.
Her image begins to fade as the boys eyes light up.
ALEXANDER
Oh! I was philosopher then, like
you?!
CAPRICORN
No, but now you see how foolish it
was to assume you were a writer.
Alexander grows irritated. 1812 Overture by Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky starts playing softly.
ALEXANDER
How am I supposed to know him if
hes not any of the professions I
know of?
CAPRICORN
Thats the question you must answer
to save yourself from the
embarrassment of sure and utter
defeat.
He thinks for a long moment, biting his lip as he looks
around, his eyes coming in and out of focus until they lock
on the piggy bank on his dresser and his face reveals
recognition.
ALEXANDER
Was I a merchant?!
Mickeys reflection is superimposed between them.
CAPRICORN
No, five more questions.
His image dissolves away.
ALEXANDER
What about an archeologist or an
anthropologist?
CAPRICORN
No, but that wouldve been a good
one.
Alexanders cheeks start to grow red in frustration.
CAPRICORN
Relax Take a deep breath, clear
your head, and think.
Alexander closes his eyes and does as hes told. The music
grows louder.
He opens them and looks around again. He scans the entire
room, stumped. He looks out the window and as he stares at
the frames a sly smirk slowly starts to surface.
ALEXANDER
Was I a criminal?
The music starts to pick up. Pride pools in Capricorns big,
brown eyes as he smiles happily at the boy and responds in a
cheerful tone.
CAPRICORN
Some would certainly say so.
ALEXANDER
A conspirator then?
Capricorn grins warmly at the young boy and nods.
CAPRICORN
Why yes, Alexander, he most
certainly was that.
Alexanders face is a wash of satisfaction.
ALEXANDER
And I wore a mask, didnt I pappos?
Capricorns smile is so wide and his eyes are so pleased
that he looks to be on the verge of tears.
CAPRICORN
That you did, Elir.
The boy perks up even more at this. He looks up and away
with his hands held out, palms up
ALEXANDER
And was I to be hung on January
31st, 1606 when I jumped from the
scaffold and broke my neck?
CAPRICORN
No
The music breaks as Alexander looks back at Capricorn,
suddenly confused.
CAPRICORN (CONTD)
You were to be hanged.
The boy rolls his eyes and the music continues.
ALEXANDER
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
He grabs the pillow case still lying next to him and lays it
across his back like a cape. Grabbing it with his right
hand, he stands up, bends his elbow, and uses it to cover
the bottom half of his face.
ALEXANDER (CONTD)
Im Guy Fawkes! An English
Catholic who, along with Robert
Catesby, planned to assassinate
King James the sixth and replace
him with his daughter, Princess
Elizabeth.
Capricorn claps his hands as Alexander wraps up.
CAPRICORN
Very good, that was a rather
remarkable finish.
The music begins to wind down.
CAPRICORN (CONTD)
Now settle down my little caped
crusader, its past your bedtime.
The boy shrugs humbly and looks away.
CAPRICORN (CONTD)
Whats wrong?
ALEXANDER
You had to help me.
Capricorn puts his hand on the little boys cheek and lifts
his face so that he looks at him.
CAPRICORN
I taught you, and now youre wiser
than you were just a few minutes
ago.
He smiles warmly and the boy manages to return the grin.
CAPRICORN (CONTD)
Come on, lay down its almost...
He looks at the digital clock on the nightstand, it says
12:17.
CAPRICORN (CONTD)
The mou, its almost 12:30! Your
parents would kill me if they were
here.
Alexanders eyes grow sad, he lets out a heavy sigh and
wines
ALEXANDER
But Im not tired!
Capricorn pulls the covers over the boy, walks over to the
bookshelf, and pulls off The Name of the Wind.
CAPRICORN
Here, try not to stay up too late.
The boy manages a smile and lays down. Capricorn pulls the
covers over him and kisses him goodnight on his forehead.
ALEXANDER
Night, pappos.
CAPRICORN
Good night, my little hero.
Alexander smiles as he opens the book and Capricorn begins
to leave. The music fades and the faint outline of Tarecs
face appears in the shadows in the corner of the room as the
old man closes the door.
CUT TO:
(Still ANGELS POV)
Angel and Mickeys images are superimposed onto the screen
between Capricorn and Alexander.
MICKEY
I think its past someone elses
bedtime too.
The image of Capricorn in the window fades and we see, in
the reflection, Angel raise her hands to her eyes. As they
reach her eyes we
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE OVER
ANGEL
GEMINI (V.O.)
Oh come now, akm. Ill tell you
a story if you take your medicine.
We hear a door knob turn, a door opening and then closing.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME - ANGELS BEDROOM
(Still ANGELS POV)
Angel opens her eyes to see Gemini set something down on the
bed behind her and turn back with a hypnotic smile.
Behind her we see the high posts and hanging, pink drapes of
her elevated, queen size bed and the elaborately decorated
wall which lie behind.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Have I told you about the time my
sister and I were back in Turkey
visiting our grandmother?
We pan slowly pan slightly left and back right as Angel
shakes her head no, her eyes suddenly sad.
ANGEL (V.O.)
You never talk about her, anne.
CUT TO:
EXT. MICKEYS HOME ANGELS WINDOW
We track in on the sky light windows of Angels bedroom from
above and watch as the frame literally divides Gemini down
the middle and Angel comes into view as they sit on her
enormous bed facing each other.
Geminis smile grows sad, her eyes distant.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME - ANGELS ROOM
We zoom in to see countless stuffed animals stacked all over
the bed and around the room, a lion, a bull, a crab, a ram,
a bear
GEMINI (CONTD)
We were out trying to get food and
thank Allah, Elif, was there cuz I
probably wouldve starved if Id
been on my own.
Angel looks at her quizzically, her red hair falling into
her eyes. She tries to tuck it out of the way but it
doesnt fully cooperate.
ANGEL
Why?
CUT TO:
EXT. MICKEYS HOME ANGELS WINDOW
We track to the side window of Angels bedroom to see Gemini
tuck Angels hair behind her ears in a single window frame
and track in.
CUT TO:
INT. ANGELS BEDROOM
Gemini recalls her alluring smile as she cups Angels cheek,
her eyes full of love.
GEMINI
Well things are very different over
there. Instead of lines, they all
just crowd around the register and
push their way to the front.
Angel looks at her incredulously, her mouth hanging open in
complete and utter disbelief. Gemini lets out a short,
sweet, soft laugh and raises her hand to delicately nudge
Angels jaw up and close her mouth, making her giggle.
ANGEL
Why do they do that? Wouldnt
people fight over getting cut?
As they talk face each other, we see, in the mirror, her
room disappear around them and turn into a dim room with
rigged stone walls, floor and ceiling the only light
coming from the sconces lining the walls and the candles in
the candelabra on the long stone table in the center of the
room.
GEMINI
No more than they do here, every
place and every culture is
different.
Gemini glances up to see their reflection - Angel sits in
one of the large, stone chairs as the Zodiacs, clad in
hooded black robes and wearing masks depicting their sign,
stroll in from the darkness on all sides to surround them.
Geminis eyes widen and she grabs Angel, lifting her into
her arms. Angel grows worried, she turns to look in the
mirror (where her mother is staring) and she screams.
CUT TO:
EXT. MICKEYS HOME ANGELS ROOM
We look into the room, through a side window to see Gemini
and Angel in front of the mirror still staring into it. In
the reflection coming off the window, we see Mickey/Cancers
jaw clench and his eyes swell up with panic as he sees their
fear and hears her scream.
We track into the mirror to see the zodiacs enclose on them.
Scorpio raises her spear toward them.
Gemini tries to move but is frozen in place. Scorpio
thrusts her spear through Geminis heart.
Mickey turns from the window; fear, hatred, panic, and anger
radiating out of him as he races down the stairs, through
the hallway and into Angels room.
INT. ANGELS ROOM
Gemini stands with her back to the mirror and her eyes
closed holding Angel, pressing her head tightly to her
mothers chest.
She slowly looks up and opens her eyes to see Mickey racing
towards her, eyes full of relief as they embrace.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. MICKEYS HOME ANGELS ROOM (CROSS CUT WITH INT.
ANGELS ROOM AND INT. MICKEYS OFFICE)
We look down through the sky light at Gemini and Angel. As
she continues, a slow montage of the reflections of the
Zodiacs (Libra nervous and shy, Leo suspicious and
slightly timid, Aquarius pompous and sly, Scorpio dark
and hostile, Aries proud and excited, Virgo cautious and
observant, Taurus militant and strong, and Sagittarius
corky and childishly) on the door of a diner one at a
time, not together - starts to be superimposed on the panes
of glass surrounding them.
GEMINI (V.O.)
So everyone has different beliefs,
different values, and different
ideologies.
Mickeys face is superimposed on the window between them,
smiling lovingly.
Angel looks at her in an expecting, dumb-founded expression
causing Geminis bright smile to grow wry as it shrinks and
curls on up on just one side. Her eyes grow taunting.
ANGEL
You cant answer my questions with
a bunch of words that I dont know.
CUT TO:
INT. ANGELS ROOM
Geminis eyes dance with joy at her daughters fiery
response. She sits up straight and tilts her chin up.
GEMINI
And which words might those be?
Angel looks down thinking to herself for a moment for
meeting Geminis grin.
ANGEL
Well I hear culture a lot but
everyone uses it differently so I
have no clue what it means, and I
dont think Ive ever heard, what
was it, idealogy?
Geminis sweet laugh makes Angels cheeks grown red as she
lowers her gaze.
GEMINI
Dont hide your face, Melek.
She uses her pointer finger to raise Angels head so that
the little girl is looking up at her.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Never be ashamed for having the
curiosity and courage to ask a
question if you think its
important.
The flush fades from Angels cheeks as she begins to smile.
GEMINI (CONTD)
The problem with your question,
other than the fact that the word
you were looking for was ideology-
Angel tilts her head slightly to the side, squints her eyes,
and sticks out her tongue.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Is as you say, everyone uses the
term culture differently. You see,
since words only hold the meaning
we give them, they end up carrying
several different and at times even
contradicting meanings.
Angel nods along, listening intently. She sits waiting for
more as Gemini struggles to find the right words.
ANGEL
So everyone uses culture
differently because it means
different things to everyone?
GEMINI
Kind of, and because it can be used
in all of those ways.
She opens her mouth to continue but sighs instead. After a
moment she looks up.
ANGEL
I still dont get it.
GEMINI
Here, I think the best way to get a
basic understanding is to look it
up.
She pulls out an iPhone and begins typing.
CUT TO:
EXT. ANGELS BEDROOM
We look down through the sky light, same angle as before
the Zodiacs surrounding Gemini and Angel, Mickeys proud
face between them.
GEMINI
(speaking slowly)
This ones good, culture is the
customs, arts, social institutions,
and achievements of a particular
nation, people, or other social
group.
As she begins to read the definition, more faces are imposed
in the windows, next to the Zodiacs; Naira, Demere, Anoushka
drawing a picture of Gandhi, Alexander, RICHY, a young
Chinese man (21) with long, braided, black hair falling to
his waste, AMIR, JIBREEL
Angels face grows pensive as she thinks about what shes
just learned.
ANGEL
So wouldnt that mean there are
like a bagillion cultures? Gemini
nods, her eyes bright with pride.
We slowly track back and the images shrink as more and more
appear next to them; Tarec, Aengus, Heinrich, EVE
HARRINGTON
GEMINI
A gazillion bagillion trillion
million cultures, cultures within
cultures, within cultures till
infinity.
ANGEL
And what about
CUT TO:
INT. ANGELS ROOM
Angel opens her mouth and pauses, looking up and to the
left.
ANGEL
Ide-ideol-ideology?
Her smile wide, pleased that she remembered.
GEMINI
Ideology is like a way of thinking.
Its a system of ideas and ideals
Or it can just be the study of
ideas, where they come from and
what their nature is.
Angels eyes are distant as she tries to piece everything
together. We start to hear the soft sound of rain drops
hitting the window.
ANGEL
How can one little word mean so
much?
Gemini giggles and slides over to Angels side, hugging her.
GEMINI
How can one little girl mean more
than the world to me?
Angel hugs her back, happiness exploding out of her eyes.
GEMINI (CONTD)
So, tell me my little curious cat,
why would I have starved had Elif
not been there to save me?
Angel takes a long moment to gather her thoughts.
ANGEL
Because youre too nice and passive
to fight your way to the front and
everyone else wouldve walked all
over you because thats what the
ideology of their culture has
taught them?
Tears of pride and joy pool in the corners of Geminis eyes,
she wipes them away hand and then sleeve.
ANGEL (CONTD)
Whats wrong mommy?
Gemini giggles again as her smile grows wide and her loving
eyes marvel at the little girl.
GEMINI
Nothing, love. Youre just so
smart and you remind me of her so
very much. You and your father.
Angels eyes grow sad as she smiles and wraps her arms back
around Gemini.
ANGEL
I love you, anne. Im sorry about
what happened.
A tear rolls down Geminis cheek as we
CUT TO:
EXT. ANGELS SKY LIGHT WINDOW
Rain drops run down the window over the image of Gemini and
Angel.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
FATHER ALBERTS POV
The window becomes just a window and in the reflection we
see Father Albert take his hand off Mickeys shoulder.
PISCES VOICE
It was easy to tell who was a slave
and who wasnt back then. There
were very distinguishable
boundaries.
We pan left as he turns back to face the office and walk
over to the sofa to sit by Heinrich while Mickey continues
to stand by the window.
PISCES VOICE
Black and white. Landowner or
indentured worker. Union or
Confederate. Now, theyve enslaved
us all from coast to coast.
FATHER ALBERT
Such a sweet girl.
Heinrich nods without looking away from his book.
PISCES VOICE
And whats worse is theyve
convinced us all that theyve won,
myself included though I am
slowly beginning to see.
FATHER ALBERT (CONTD)
Such a sweet girl.
Heinrich nods and looks away from his book.
We FADE TO BLACK as Father Albert closes his eyes to rub
them.
He opens them and we track in on Mickey, standing behind
Heinrich, still staring into the window with the night stars
surrounding him.
He turns and with a sympathetic expression looks expectantly
at the stairs leading downward as Gemini climbs up them.
She looks at us with a bright smile and calm eyes.
GEMINI
Im going to call it a night, dont
you boys keep him up all night.
She glides across the room to Mickey.
FATHER ALBERT
(reassuringly)
Im sure it wont me much longer,
another hour at most.
MICKEY
Goodnight, honey bunny.
GEMINI
Goodnight, Pumpkin.
She kisses him lightly on the lips and lets her and run down
his neck, shoulder, arm, and hand as she leaves him. She
grins warmly at us.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Night boys.
FATHER ALBERT
Goodnight, sweetheart.
We pan right in time to see Heinrich look up from his book.
HEINRICH
Goodnight.
We pan left to watch Mickey turn back to the window and
watch for a moment, waiting.
MICKEY
Father.
We see, in the reflection of the large window, Father Albert
rise and walk over to Mickey. He stands staring out for a
moment at the starry, night sky and we see him take raise
his hands to his temples and beginning massaging his head as
he takes a deep breathe in.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN
NAIRAS POV
The wood in the fireplace has nearly burnt out.
We watch he get up and toss a few logs into the fire,
stacking them neatly. She wipes her hands together and then
on her dress as she makes her way across the cabin and
through a doorway.
On the table lies a large bowl, a whisk, a greased cake pan,
eggs, vegetable oil in a measuring cup, and brownie mix.
She quickly mixes the ingredients together, pours it in the
cake pan, and turns on the oven.
She then grabs a spoon and the nearly empty bowl of brownie
batter and makes her way back to her chair by the fire. She
looks at the fire and sees that the logs have already caught
nicely. She looks down at her bowl
NAIRAS POV
Her hands use the spoon to scoop up brownie batter and raise
it towards her mouth. She repeats the process, making sure
to get a good amount of batter on there, and looks at the
fire.
We hear Revolution by The Beatles starting to play, slowly
growing louder.
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE OVER:
One For the Money
INT. DAVES DINER NIGHT

LIBRAS POV (STILL NAIRAS POV)
We see Libras reflection in the glass of an old juke box
over The White Album by The Beatles as the Title fades.
As we slowly pan left, we see Demere outside standing on the
corner with headphones in, dancing to the music.
We continue panning left and track in on a rectangular table
where Sagittarius, Leo, Scorpio, Aries, Taurus, Virgo, and
Aquarius sit finishing their slices of pie.
Leo sits up with a slight slouch, he seems to be thoroughly
enjoying his milk while the others drink coffee. He wears a
blue and white plaid button up with the sleeves rolled up to
just below his elbows.
Sagittarius sits with the back of his chair in front of him,
arms rested on the top, coffee cup in hand.
Libra takes the seat up against the window. She brings her
feet up and rests them on the edge of her chair, her thighs
pressing against her chest, she wraps her arms around her
legs and holds onto her wrists.
Aquarius pours liquor into his coffee cup from a flask,
tucks it back into his , leaning back in his seat so that
its balancing on two legs his knees pressed against the
table to keep from falling, scrolls through his phone while
Virgo, leaning forward with his elbows on the table, gives
an explanation of a theory he has about the movie Inception.
Aries sits with her right leg underneath her, sunglasses
still on. She pushes her plate away, the crust remaining,
and rubs her temples.
VIRGO
The whole movie was a dream, Leo
never returned to reality. Did you
notice his kids hadnt aged a day?
LEO
No its not, the top wobbles at the
end.
You dont know how long hes been gone, it could have just
been a year.
VIRGO
Find me a physicist who specializes
in calculating torque to confirm
that presumption and you may have a
case.
AQUARIUS
(scrolling through his phone)
Twerkin hoe, twerkin hoe Which
one was that?
Aries lets her sunglasses slide down her nose in order to
pointedly roll her eyes. Leo ignores him, Sagittarius
frowns at him, and Libra seems to not even hear him.
VIRGO
Listen, the initial sequence begins
with a dream that transitions into
another dream before sliding into
yet another dream.
Leo pays close attention, holding his milk up but waiting to
drink it, while the others show little interest.
VIRGO (CONTD)
They supposedly wake on a train,
but were not shown how they
arrived there.
Scorpio stares out the window, anger storming in her eyes.
Taurus looks around for the waitress.
VIRGO (CONTD)
The inability to identify how one
maneuvered from point A to point B
is the films very definition of a
dream.
Aries watches Aquarius scrolls through his phone laughing to
himself.
VIRGO (CONTD)
In Scorseses Shutter Island, we
know hes mentally unstable, but
Nolan approach to the unreliable
narrator and mind-games are subtle
and even debatable.
The room darkens slightly and Sagittarius attention darts
towards the window as rain suddenly starts pounding against
it, violently.
SCORPIO
Which ones Shutter Island?
SAGITTARIUS POV:
We see the others but no one else notices or even seem to
hear and we turn back to the window.
TAURUS
Youve never heard of Shutter
Island? Even my old ass knows that
one.
SCORPIO
Ive heard of it Im just trying to
refresh my memory, some of dont
have much time for entertainment.
Rain pounds harder and the wind howls.
LIBRA
I hated Inception, it was too
confusing.
LEO
I liked it, I had to watch it a few
times to really get it but thats
what makes a good movie.
The rain stops, as suddenly as it started, and the room
brightens again.
VIRGO
Guys, Im trying to make a point
here and I keep getting
interrupted.
Sagittarius continues to stare at the window.
SAGITTARIUS POV:
The glass wasnt wet anymore nor did anything outside show
any indication that itd just rained.
AQUARIUS
Was she that bitch from Filthy
McNastys No I think she was the
one from the OAR concert Or maybe-
ARIES
(to Aquarius)
Youre disgusting, and you smell
like sex.
AQUARIUS
I didnt know they taught that in
sex ed.
LEO
I say of, you say a, I say
revolution and you say
SAGITTARIUS
Jah, Jah, Jah, Jahova!
Aries glares at him, Taurus chuckles, and Virgo shakes his
head.
VIRGO
Drats, what was I saying?
SAGITTARIUS
You said Inception is one big dream
cuz we have no proof of reality.
Sagittarius still stares out the window.
SAGITTARIUS POV: His vision begins to blur as Virgo
continues.
VIRGO
Ah precisely. Its a dream within
a dream, within a dream, within a
dream, within a dream.
Suddenly the buildings outside begin to distort and the
colorful graffiti lining the dirty, dark brick walls swirl
like a kaleidoscope.
LEO (V.O.)
How many dreams is that?
LIBRA (V.O.)
Too many.
VIRGO (V.O.)
The true significance of the film
stems from Leos emotional
breakthrough in overcoming the
guilt and realizing his wifes
death wasnt his fault.
AQUARIUS (V.O.)
I need better descriptions.
VIRGO (V.O.)
The dream aspect is a secret gem
though in that it makes it okay for
the flatness of all of the other
characters.
LIBRA (V.O.)
(mockingly)
Youre such an intellectual, Virgo.
The others laugh and the building slowly begin to return to
normal.
AQUARIUS
Anal loving Asian?
Sagittarius looks over to find Leos hand on his shoulder.
He follows the arm up to find Leos concerned expression.
Sagittarius nods and Leo lets his arm fall.
ARIES
Jesus Christ! Give me that you
fucking pig.
Aries snatches his phone out of his hands and puts it in her
bag.
AQUARIUS
Who the fuck do you think you are?
Give me my phone.
Libra stares out the window and sees a young boy in the
backseat of a car moving in slow motion into a head on
collision, directly outside the window.
She immediately jumps, closes her eyes and turns away from
the window.
Virgo watches Libra observantly as she wipes the tears from
the corner of her eyes.
TAURUS
Excuse me, waitress, can I get a
refill?
ARIES
You can have it when we leave, Ill
kill myself if I have to hear you
read one more degrading name.
AQUARIUS
Youll give it to me now.
The waitress comes over and fills Taurus cup.
TAURUS
Thanks.
WAITRESS
Anybody else?
SCORPIO
No, just the check please.
Aquarius continues to cast a stern glare at Aries.
ARIES
Ill give it to you if you put it
away, youve been yapping about
your fucking whores for ten
minutes.
She rests her elbows on the table and rubs her temples.
AQUARIUS
So?
ARIES
Soo its fucking annoying! Im
stuck in the middle of their
pointless argument and your
demeaning bullshit.
TAREC (V.O.)
Thank god.
Leos eyes dart outside and he stares into the shadows
lurking just beyond the reach of the lamp posts and Diner
signs.
AQUARIUS (V.O.)
I said give it to me.
We track out the window and across the street.
ARIES (V.O.)
I will, once you promise to put it
away so we can get down to
business.
We track further into the shadows and see a dark figure with
ghostly features, and an indistinguishable shape looming in
the darkness.
AQUARIUS (V.O.)
I dont have to promise you shit.
ARIES (V.O.)
Then looks like Im keeping your
phone.
Leo closes his eyes, rubs his temples, and looks up at the
others.
AQUARIUS
You know who wears sunglasses
inside? Blind people and assholes,
thats who.
Aries scowls, Sagittarius rolls his eyes, Taurus chuckles,
Scorpio ignores them, Virgo squints suspiciously, and Leo
sighs.
LEO
Curb your enthusiasm. You guys
been watching the Godfather weekend
on HBO?
ANTHONY (V.O.)
You know I hate those movies.
Leo immediately looks around, searching the diner for
Anthony.
SAGITTARIUS
Yeah, those films are the best.
LEO
(still searching)
For some reason I never saw em as a
kid.
Taurus eyes go white and we
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCS NIGHT
A slender figure dressed in all black, leggings, boots,
pull-over hoodie, stands carrying a tall black spear. Over
her face lies a silver mask with the outline of a scorpion
etched in and painted black.
SAGITTARIUS (V.O.)
And you call yourself a filmmaker.
LEO (V.O.)
I know, I was slacking.
Across from her stands Anthony, in his long, white lab coat,
as always.
SAGITTARIUS (V.O.)
Ill say. Man, those movies take
me back.
He stands tall, an aura of authority in his posture and the
expression on his face.
SAGITTARIUS (V.O.)
I watched the second one last night
and realized for the first time
that he kills his brother at the
end. I was like what the fuck?!
She starts walking towards him, calmly, her limbs swaying
loosely.
VIRGO (V.O.)
You werent aware that he had his
brother killed?
She raises her spear and grabs it by both hands, raising it
above her head.
SAGITTARIUS (V.O.)
Naw, I dont know why. I just
thought it was a mystery or
something.
CUT TO:
INT. DAVES DINER
Taurus eyes return to their normal, dark brown color, and
he looks at Scorpio with a hard, unrevealing eyes.
SCORPIO
Are you kidding me? It was so
obvious.
SAGITTARIUS
I know! I mustve just tuned it
out and told myself that he
couldnt have had his brother
killed.
SCORPIO
You were an idiot.
TAURUS
Were?
They all laugh while the waitress brings them the check.
WAITRESS
Here you are, you can pay at the
register.
Leo grabs the check, his fingers brushing lightly against
hers. He gives her a warm, flirtatious smile.
LEO
Sounds good, thank you.
She returns the smile.
WAITRESS
Youre welcome, have a wonderful
night.
LEO
You too, love.
SCORPIO
Here, give me that. Its on me.
Leo hands her the check without any objection. As she makes
her way towards the counter, she sees Anthony outside.
Hes leaning up against a building, staring back at her with
a serious expression. She walks past the counter and stops
as he suddenly disappears.
Her eyes search the street for a moment before she sighs and
turns back to the counter.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN
STILL NAIRAS POV
Naira opens her eyes on the now roaring fire, looks down at
her bowl, and takes another couple of scoops while making
her way back into the kitchen.
We hear a long beeeeep as a little red dot appears next to
the word preheated on the oven.
She sets the bowl in the sink, pours a little soap in it,
and turns the water on high, letting it fill up as she grabs
the cake pan and puts it in the oven.
She returns to the sink, turns off the faucet, and leaves
the kitchen without setting a timer.
She sits back in her chair and looks back to the fire.
CUT TO:
INT. DAVES DINER
Aquarius scowls at Aries as she watches Leo licks the apple
off his plate from the pie and giggles.
Sagittarius rolls his eyes, Taurus sits silently with a
serious expression, and Libra stares out the window with a
worried expression.
LEO
It was $43, everyone give me a
couple bucks for a tip.
TAURUS
A couple bucks? You dont wanna
tip her you wanna fuck her.
Leo closes his eyes and we hear everyone at the tables
thoughts at once.
SAGITARIUS (V.O.)
Naw thats just how he is.
AQUARIUS (V.O.)
Fuck a duck, who wouldnt?
TAURUS (V.O.)
Little prick thinks hes Christian
Grey.
ARIES (V.O.)
He wouldnt have to give her a good
tip.
LIBRA (V.O.)
I dont know, he seems sincere
but
VIRGO (V.O.)
The lion and the bull, eternal
adversaries.
Leo opens his eyes on Libra with a sad smile and a hint of
disappointment in his eyes.
He lets his gaze wonder around the table, nodding to
Sagittarius, observing Virgo, smiling and blushing slightly
at Aries, rolling his eyes at Aquarius and finally scowling
at Taurus.
He reaches into his back pocket for his wallet.
LEO
I cant do this with you right now.
This is turning into Reservoir dogs
and youre the big, black Steve
Buscemi.
Libra, Aries and Sagittarius laugh, Virgo does all he can
not to, and Aquarius looks confused while Leo pulls out the
only bill inside his wallet, a ten, and tosses it on the
table shaking his head at Taurus.
Aquarius and Taurus laugh, Virgo nods respectfully having
noticed it was all the money Leo had, Sagittarius glares at
Taurus and Aquarius.
AQUARIUS
(whispering to Libra)
Whats Reservoir Dogs and whos
Steve Buscemi?
She smiles and rolls her eyes as Leo glares at Taurus.
TAURUS
Wasting money chasing couchie if
you ask me.
SAGITTARIUS
Hed do the same if it were a
dirty, old man.
Libra eyes him and the suspicion slowly starts to fade.
Aries grins at him boldly.
Scorpio comes back and stands next to Leo.
Aquarius gets up and stares down at Aries with a stern look
and his hand held out. She slaps his hand and the laughter
picks up again.
AQUARIUS
Give it to me.
SAGITTARIUS
Thats what Leo wants to hear from
the waitress.
Leo cracks a smile while the others laugh yet again. The
laughter dies down and Aquarius scowls at Aries.
AQUARIUS
Now!
ARIES
Alright, alright. Lets get out of
here, then.
Hustler Musik by Lil Wayne starts playing softly as we
track out of the window and see the image of Mickey and
Father Albert watching on through Mickeys window
superimposed over them while they make their way through the
diner.
We see Leo make his way over to the waitress and hand her
the tip money he collected, smiling and standing close,
while the reflection of the city in the diner window comes
into focus as the rest of them climb into their cars.
Text appears on the windows superimposed over Libras
reflection, the city behind her, as she stares back into the
large, mirror-like windows. In the distance we see the LA
TIMES building.
TITLE OVER:
We tell ourselves that were free,
but I dont feel very free.
Im a grad student. Im a writer,
a blogger. Im a daughter, a
sister, a step-sister, a
stepdaughter, a granddaughter, a
cousin, a half-sister, and a niece.
I am a friend to anyone with a good
heart and a girlfriend to the man
with the best heart. Im a reader,
a thinker, a visionary, a
humanitarian, a philanthropist, and
an optimist -even though I have my
fair share of doubts every now and
then.
CUT TO:
EXT. DINER
The text fades as Aries and Libra pull away. Mickey and
Father Alberts images fade as well while the reflection of
the city comes more into focus.
On the corner, DEMERE, a young black man with a long beard
and fauxhawk like James Harden, headphones in his ears,
black jeans, a black hoodie, and a black, red, and white
fitted Maimi Heat hat, sings and dances to the music.
MARCUS, a young black kid with corn rolls wearing a large
white T-shirt and a red do-rag strolls over and slaps him
up.
MARCUS
What up, D?
Demere reaches into his pocket and turns down the volume of
the music.
DEMERE
My nigga, Marcus. Whatchu need lil
nigga?
Marcus tight expression loosens a bit.
MARCUS
Quarter, you tryna burn?
Demere looks at him like hes stupid for a brief moment
before rolling up his sleeve to reveal a tattoo of Yoshi
smoking a blunt.
DEMERE
You know Yoshll always smoke.
Marcus nods towards an old brown Cadillac parked across the
street.
MARCUS
Word, lets hop in mine and roll
up.
They cross the street and get in the car.
INT. MARCUS CAR
Demere pulls a large bag full of medicinal marijuana out of
his hoodie pocket, takes a smaller bag out of it, and hands
it to Marcus.
DEMERE
Yeeaaaahhhh, thats that
goooooooooood shitttt.
Marcus opens it up and takes a big whiff. As he lowers the
bag from his nose, we see him smile for the first time.
MARCUS
Smells like it.
He takes out a nug and hands it to Demere who is already
almost done breaking up his nug onto a random envelope.
DEMERE
You see my boi fucked shit up
tonight?!
MARCUS
Hes unstoppable, they gon win
again this year.
Demere finishes breaking up the weed, and guts a blunt.
DEMERE
You know thats right, then my boi
is gunna go back to Cleveland and
win a few with them cuz he a real
nigga, and you know what they say.
Marcus lets out a little chuckle.
MARCUS
Yeeaah, real niggas do real things.
Marcus starts his car, puts on Heyzues View by Joey
Badass, and starts driving while Demere licks the blunt shut
and lights it.
DEMERE
Yeeaahhh nigga. Bro hes so good,
so fucking good that Michael
Jordan dont even like em.
Demere starts hitting the blunt and this time Marcus laughs
loudly, shaking his head.
MARCUS
Fuckin right, that nigga out on the
golf course right now praying this
nigga dont win another.
Demere coughs up a bunch of smoke laughing and passes the
blunt to Marcus. He hits it and coughs
DEMERE
Woooohh!!! Dats dat shiittt
boooiiii!!
Marcus smiles, exhales, takes another hit, and passes it.
MARCUS
Have you heard this shit, yet?
Just as Demeres about to hit the blunt, he pauses, squints,
and tilts his head for a moment, listening to the music.
DEMERE
I dunno, I feel like my mans Mar
mighta played it before. What is
it?
MARCUS
Heyzues View by Joey Badass.
Demere takes a few puffs and passes. His phone vibrates and
he looks at it.
DEMERE
Fuck, speak of the white devil.
Marcus looks out the window at a nearby building, its side
covered in graffiti. We see Marcus name written in red and
black under a Piru tag and in between a 310 tag and a
Crueller City tag.
Demere sends a text while they continue to smoke and listen
to the music.
MARCUS
Fuck, I wish I could spit like that
nigga.
DEMERE
That nigga aint got shit on me.
Marcus rolls his eyes. Demere straightens his spine, tilts
his head back slightly, and puts on a serious expression for
the first time.
DEMERE
Your talkin to the Rolex wearing,
diamond ring wearing, kid stealing
woooh!!
Marcus starts laughing while Demere makes hand gestures to
further emphasize his words.
DEMERE
Wheeling, dealing, limousine
riding, jet flying son of a gun!
And Im having a hard time holding
these alligators down, woooh!!!
Marcus shakes his head, trying his best to stop laughing.
MARCUS
Where the fuck you get this from
shit nigga? You wildin.
Demere smiles wide, showing his teeth.
DEMERE
I usually have no fuckin clue but
thats Rick Flare, Nature BOYYY!!!
MARCUS
That weird, old, white wrestlers?
DEMERE
Yeaahhh, dats dat nigguuh. I
gotta bounce bro, Mar waiting on
me.
Marcus nods, pulls over, and puts the blunt in his mouth as
he slaps Demere up.
MARCUS
Aight good looks, D.
Demere gets out of the car, underneath a lamppost, and
starts walking down the street.
We see Tarec, a dark figure lurking in the shadows, watching
him with cruel, dark eyes.
A white 77 Mustang with a wide blue racing stripe bordered
on each side by two thin, black stripes, tinted windows, and
black rims pulls up.
Demere opens the door and looks in.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS CAR
Leo sits in the drivers seat sparking a king size joint.
The interior is black, the seats leather. ADHD by
Kendrick Lamar plays through the speakers.
LEO
Eight doobies to the face, fuck D
Demere does the Rick Flare walk before hoping in next to Leo
and shutting the door.
DEMERE
Fuck around wit the fuck around.
Its like we never left.
Oooouuuuuu!!
Leo laughs, puffs on the joint, passes it, puts the car in
drive, and takes off.
LEO
What does that even mean bro?
DEMERE
Nigga you know what that shit mean.
Leo shakes his head and rolls his eyes with a smile, picks
up his phone, scrolls through it, and changes the song to
Mortal Man by Kendrick Lamar while Demere takes out a
quarter and puts it in the cup holder.
LEO
Yeah homie, I smell that shitchu
steppin in
DEMERE
My boi!!
LEO
Yin and Yang! I read books and
that makes me cultured, dawg. But
you probably dont know what that
means.
Demere looks over with eyes full of rage and his jaw
clenched tight.
DEMERE
Fuck you nigga, I know what dat
shit mean. Im cultured too motha
fucka.
Leo laughs and nods.
LEO
(sarcastically)
Oh yeah, totally bro you know
every word to every marginally
popular rap song ever made.
DEMERE
Dont mock me, pasty white boi, at
least I get my dick wet.
Leo laughs again, rolls his eyes, and shakes his head.
LEO
Pussy aint a priority to the wise.
Demeres jaw draw and his eyes go wide as he stares in
disbelief. Leo chuckles again as they pull up to a red
light.
LEO (CONTD)
Close your mouth and give me my
fucking weed, ya dumb monkey.
Demere wraps his hands around Leos throat and pretends to
choke and shake him violently.
DEMERE
Whatd you fucking call me?
Leo shoves him off, grinning like a little child, his face
red and his hair messed up.
He looks in the window and runs his hands through his hair
to rearrange it.
The light changes and they pass a bunch of buildings covered
in graffiti.
DEMERE
Your trees been right there, bro.
You wanted a quarter right?
Leo stares at Tarec, lurking in the shadows every time they
pass a lamppost.
DEMERE
Nigga! Quarter?
Leo looks over at Demere as they pass under a lamppost, at
Tarec as they drive through a stretch of shadows, and back
at Demere under the following lamppost.
LEO
Yeah, thanks.
Leo pulls out his wallet, takes out a $50 and hands it to
Demere.
DEMERE
Thank goodness, I dont spent more
money on spilled liquor and women
from here to the next.
Leo looks at him like hes an idiot but with a slight curl
to his lips. Demere laughs.
DEMERE (CONTD)
The fuck did I just say?
Leo laughs and shakes his head as he turns his attention
back to the road.
LEO
I have no fucking clue bro, Ive
been tryna figure that out for
years. Try speaking English.
Demeres mouth becomes a tight line and his eyes grow
serious.
DEMERE
I am speaking English, nigga. This
is how niggas talk.
LEO
Bro, you sound soooo black that
god dont even like you.
Demere stares coldly at Leo, his jaw clenched.
DEMERE
Now thats racist nigga.
Leo looks over with a wicked grin causing a smile to crack
on Demeres face and they both laugh.
LEO
Bro, that was a good one. I gotta
write that down so I dont forget
it.
Demere laughs and starts dancing in the car to the music.
DEMERE
Naw, bro, we cant be friends no
more. Niggas cant be chillen wit
no racists.
LEO
You wanna walk your lazy, black ass
home?
Demere just closes his eyes and leans his head back against
the head rest as he French inhales.
DEMERE
Naw, its cool nigga, we can stop
being friends tomorrow.
Leo chuckles and rolls his eyes. The drive for a bit in
silence, looking out the windows.
We pass Libras apartment and see the abstract scale made up
of a bunch of individual graffiti tags.
LEO
Yo whatchu you know anything about
Mickey Magnoli?
Demere looks over, all of the playfulness gone from his face
and the music begins to fade as Leo turns down the volume on
his phone.
The image of Mickey and Father Albert, reflecting off the
window in Mickeys office, is superimposed over and in
between the images of Leo and Demere on the front
windshield, their expressions growing more exhausted by the
second.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
MICKEYS POV
We hear ___________ by __________ playing softly, building
in both volume and intensity.
Leo and Demere fade out of focus as we track and pan right
with Mickey to the next window to see.
We hear a bunch of raucous pushing, arguing, threats,
shouting, and cursing as we track into
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS LOFT
TARECS POV
The loft is spacious and lightly furnished.
Taurus stands in the center, between the living room and
kitchen scowling and pointing his gun at Aquarius who stands
in front of the loaded pistol with a cocky smile.
Libra and Aries stand in between them on, raising their
arms, gesturing for Taurus to put the gun down and trying to
calm them down.
Sagittarius sits on the kitchen counter smoking a cigarette
and drinking a beer. He turns up the music on the laptop
thats plugged into the surround sound system.
LIBRA
Put the gun away!
She turns towards Sagittarius.
LIBRA (CONTD)
(to Sagittarius)
Thats not helping.
Aries steps directly in between Aquarius and Taurus. She
rests her hand on the hilt of the sword hanging from her
waste.
TAURUS
Get out of my way!
LIBRA
Just calm down.
Aries smiles confidently.
LIBRA
Stop, this is my loft, guys! If
you have to act like children, have
the decency to take it outside.
The door opens Libra turns to see Scorpio and Virgo walking
in while Aries draws her samurai sword from its sheath and
forces the gun out of Taurus hand using the non-edged side.
Sagittarius closes his eyes, makes a swiping motion at the
air right in front of him and flings his arm upward sending
the gun upward and making it stick to the ceiling.
SCORPIO
What the fucks goin on?!
SCORPIOS POV
Taurus points at a smirking Aquarius with fury.
TAURUS
Your star is gunna get us all
killed!
Aquarius shakes his head and closes his eyes. When he opens
them, theyre full of mystery and locked on Scorpio as his
lips slide into a cruel smile.
AQUARIUS
Oh hes just being bullheaded.
TAURUS
Are you fucking -
LEO
Would you two please just shut the
fuck up?
They all look over at Leo standing behind Scorpio and Virgo
in the doorway.
SCORPIO
Lets get down to business. If you
two arent mature enough to put
your differences aside, then you
can get the fuck out.
LIBRA
Id like that, I didnt sign up for
a juvenile dick measuring contest.
AQUARIUS
Wait a minute, if this was a dick
measuring contest Id without
doubt be the clear winner.
LEO
Whats the worst that can happen.
Libra lets out a brief chuckles and rolls her eyes,
Scorpios expression remains aggravated, Aquarius grins and
nods, and the others grow confused.
Scorpio and virgo stroll past them and sit in the two
recliner sofa chairs while Sagittarius rolls his eyes and
puts the second headphone over his ear making the music
louder as he follows Aries and Libra over to the couches.
Taurus and Aquarius continue to stare at each other, with
scorn and contempt radiating out of their expressions and
body language.
Leo walks in looks at them at them cool eyes and a blank
stare as he walks right by them. He passes the others,
walking over to the large windows, turns towards them and
leans his back against the glass.
Aquarius cognac brown eyes, full of disdain and still
locked on Taurus, grow mocking as he smirks and walks
towards the others, pulling out a small glass vile, pressing
it to his nose, and sniffing cocaine as he does.
Taurus follows reluctantly shaking his head and scowling at
Aquarius back.
ARIES
Thank goodness, I didnt want to
have to hurt anyone.
SAGITTARIUS
Alright, can we please get to the
reason were all here?
Sagittarius puts out his cigarette, pulls his pack and a
Flic My Bic out of his pocket, takes another out and lights
it.
LEO
Fat Mickey Cannoli
Scorpio shoots the three speakers a silencing glare which
achieves the desired effect.
SCORPIO
Mickey Magnoli has caused each and
every one of us agony and grief.
I, for one, refuse to rest so long
as he, or his empire, sits in
control of this city.
VIRGO
Well said, boss.
SCORPIO
Shut up, Virgo. As I was saying
this man has everybody thats
anybody in his pocket.
He pauses and shoots a demeaning scowl at Taurus and
Aquarius.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
What that meeaaanss is, we have to
work together if were going to
take him down.
TAURUS
Youre right, Im sorry boss.
Whats your plan?
SCORPIO
Well get to that, but first I want
you all to introduce yourselves.
If were going to be working
together, well need to get to know
each other.
ARIES
Good thinking, Ill start.
Aries straightens her spine and holds her head up high. She
uses her pointer finger to move her hair out of her chestnut
colored and almond-shaped eyes.
ARIES (CONTD)
Call me Aries, Im nineteen and I
was a freshman in college studying
psychology when all this happened.
SCORPIO
Special ability?
Aries expression transitions from energetic and confident
to bold and defiant.
ARIES
I dont see why that needs to be
shared.
SCORPIO
Special ability.
SAGITTARIUS
We need to know what were all
capable of so we can create a plan
on the fly.
ARIES
Fine! Superhuman senses. If you
have any questions, you can use
your imagination.
SCORPIO
Virgo, her strengths and
weaknesses.
VIRGO
Shes bold and courageous but also
a quick-tempered dare devil.
Aries laughs.
ARIES
True enough.
SCORPIO
Sagittarius, youre up.
SAGITTARIUS
Im honest and intelligent-
VIRGO
And definitely not humble.
Taurus laughs, Leo rolls his eyes, Scorpio sighs, and
Sagittarius scowls.
SAGITTARIUS
Im also restless and blindly
optimistic.
SCORPIO
Ability.
He pauses and looks at the others with observant eyes before
looking back at Scorpio.
SAGITTARIUS
Telekinesis.
LIBRA
You can read my thoughts?!
ARIES
Thats telepathy.
Libras cheeks turn rosy in embarrassment.
LIBRA
Oh yeah.
LEO
He can move things with his mind.
She looks at him with gracious eyes and a charming smile.
LIBRA
Thanks.
SCORPIO
Taurus
TAURUS
Precognition.
VIRGO
The bull. Persistent, reliable and
patient. Also self-indulging and at
times greedy.
Taurus composed expression remains unaffected.
SCORPIO
Aquarius.
Aquarius stands up, lowers his head and snaps his fingers.
Suddenly his short, black fauxhawk grows long and blonde.
His broad chest and thick arms shrink, and as he looks up,
his short, thick beard fades.
He pushes the hair out of his face and reveals a mirrored
image of Libra. His cocky smirk locked on her bright green
eyes. He looks down at the blouse hes now wearing and
lifts the collar to get a glimpse at Libras breasts on his
own chest.
Libra grabs a book off the nearest end table and throws it
at him as the others laugh.
VIRGO
Independent, unpredictable,
detached, and loyal.
LEO
Yeah, to himself.
In the blink of an eye, Aquarius changes back to his normal
form before returning to his seat, smirk still stuck on his
face.
SCORPIO
Good, go ahead Virgo.
VIRGO
Im a harsh, critical,
perfectionist but Im also
practical and analytical. Boss,
would you be so kind as to reveal
my ability as I dont want to sound
full of myself.
SCORPIO
Heightened intelligence.
ARIES
Whoa, so youre supposed to be like
Einstein or something?
VIRGO
Or something. Its really just a
photographic memory, enhanced
endurance in learning and the
ability to free myself from emotion
to think rationally when need be.
SCORPIO
Libra.
LIBRA
Id have to say Im easy going and
diplomatic.
SAGITTARIUS
Dont forget charming.
Libra smiles at Sagittarius.
LIBRA
Ill leave the weaknesses to Virgo.
VIRGO
Indecisive, self-indulgent and
gullible.
Her smile fades though she doesnt object.
TAURUS
And your ability.
Libra smiles again and in a heartbeat she disappears.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Whered she go?
She suddenly reappears by the window, next to Leo, going
through his wallet.
He feels his back pocket, smirks, and holds his hands out.
The others laugh and as she gives it back, we see Mickeys
face reflecting off the window between Leo and Libra.
SCORPIO
Leo.
LEO
Yes?
Libra, Sagittarius and Aries smile while Virgo and Taurus
roll their eyes. Aquarius is watching Aries.
SCORPIO
Introduce yourself, god damnit.
Still standing apart from the others, Leo looks at Scorpio
and turns his back to her to stare out the window again.
LEO
I think Ill go last.
TAURUS
You are last.
LEO
I believe youre forgetting about
my lovely sister. In my opinion,
our knowledge of her should be
eight times as important as our
knowledge of each other. After
all, shes the boss.
Aries laughs and Libra stares at Leos back with intrigue
exploding out of her eyes.
VIRGO
Would you just do as she asks?
Leo meets his agitated eyes in the reflection, his face a
mask.
LEO
No, I think Ill wait.
TAURUS
Who the fuck does he think he is?
SCORPIO
Enough. Virgo, tell them.
Virgos jaw drops, his head inches forward and his eyes look
as if theyre about to pop out of their sockets.
VIRGO
Boss-
SCORPIO
Tell them!
Virgo shakes his head in aggravation and disapproval.
VIRGO
Emotional, powerful, passionate,
magnetic personality, for-
AQUARIUS
Good lord, if she had a cock itd
be half way down your throat brown
noser.
Taurus, Virgo and Scorpio grow frustrated while Aries, Libra
and Sagittarius laugh.
VIRGO
Forceful, obsessive, resentful and
jealous.
Virgo looks at his boss with an apologetic expression.
LEO
I do believe youre forgetting
something.
Virgo waits for his boss to give him a commanding nod.
VIRGO
Intangibility.
Leo turns around and walks over to where the others are
seated.
AQUARIUS
So thats why you cant be
captured.
SCORPIO
No more excuses, its your turn.
Leo studies his boss before turning his glance on the
others.
LEO
(jokingly)
I like to think of myself as the
Batman or Captain America of the
group.
He smiles at Libra, Aquarius and Taurus roll their eyes,
Scorpio sighs, Aries giggles, Sagittarius grins, and Libra
stares back at him with intrigue.
LEO
I was a director so Im used to
coordinating and trying to get the
most out of everybody.
VIRGO
Proud, creative and broad-minded.
Bossy and non-confirmative.
TAURUS
Also known as a problem with
authority.
LEO
I prefer to handle matters my way
is all, though I am always open to
suggestions.
SCORPIO
Ability.
Leo surveys the faces once more before turning away and
starting back towards the window.
LEO
I think Ill pass.
Outraged, Taurus stands up and races in his direction until
Sagittarius speaks up.
SAGITTARIUS
Telepathy. He can read our
thoughts.
TAURUS
What number-
LEO
Four. Now Seven. Thirty-one.
Taurus jaw drops and horror flashes across his face. Aries
eyes light up in excitement. She smiles seductively at his
back.
ARIES (V.O.)
Does that mean he heard me thinking
that hes cute?
Leo turns around with innocent smile, his cheeks a tad rosy.
LEO (V.O.)
No, but I heard that one.
Aries eyes widen in shock and she blushes in embarrassment.
The others watch on with confused looks. Leo turns back to
the window and Scorpio clears his throat.
SCORPIO
Thank the lord, now we can move on.
The subtle indication of satisfaction on Leos face becomes
visible in the window for a brief moment before it becomes
unreadable once again.
SAGITTARIUS
So, whats the plan?
SCORPIO
I cant tell you.
SAGITTARIUS
Excuse me?
LEO
Who here has heard of the
panopticon?
We see Mickeys sly smirk briefly superimposed on the window
next to Leos face as he turns to head over and finally take
a seat on the couch in between Libra and Aries.
VIRGO
I have
LIBRA
Me too.
SCORPIO
Im sure youve wondered how Mickey
has grown so powerful. You wonder
how he seems to always know
whatever youre up to, am I right?
SAGITTARIUS
Yeah, and
LEO
And were not the only ones with
abilities.
TAURUS
I dont get it, whats a
panopticon?
Libra stares out the window and we see
LIBRAS POV:
Dozens of butterflies of all colors glowing in the night as
they fly outside the window. A giant sequoia tree looms
between the buildings, its trunk stretching down below the
windows frame towards middle of the street. Butterfly
wings spinning downward like leaves.
VIRGOS VOICE
Its a type of institutional
building designed to allow one
person to observe all of the
inmates without them knowing
whether or not theyre being
watched.
Leo watches Libra with a concerned expression.
A flicker of understanding reaches Taurus and Sagittarius
alike while Aries still looks confused and Aquarius remains
aloof and uninterested.
ARIES
Im still a little confused. I get
that Mickeys power is that of the
panopticon but how can he watch
everyone at once?
Leo smiles and he leans close to her with kind eyes.
LEO
He cant, but since we dont know
when were being watched were
forced to act as if were always
being watched.
Mickeys face is superimposed on the windows behind them.
ANTHONYS VOICE
Hes always watching.
Leo immediately turns around and looks behind him all around
the loft.
VIRGO
Not only is it the ultimate form of
surveillance, its allowed him to
blackmail or threaten anyone who
stands in his way.
Leo turns back to the others with a distraught expression.
ANTHONYS VOICE
Information and surveillance,
thats the source of his power.
Libra and Leo turn this time, searching the spacious, dim
loft for the source of the voice with worried eyes.
SCORPIO
That means we all have to control
our behavior, so no more bickering,
no more mocking, no threats and no,
under any circumstances, speaking
of the plan whatsoever.
AQUARIUS
So, how do we devise and agree to a
plan without ever talking about it?
LEO (V.O.)
Perhaps I can be of assistance.
Startled, Taurus, Libra, and Aquarius turn their heads
towards Leo with startled faces. Aries smiles, as does
Sagittarius. Scorpio and Virgo remain un-phased.
SCORPIO
My thoughts exactly see what I did
there?
A smile reaches her lips for the first time and it fades in
an instant. Leo smiles and Sagittarius chuckles.
LEO
I do, that was a good one.
LIBRA
I need to ask you all something
before we dive into it.
Everyone looks to her expectantly and she bites her lip.
AQUARIUS
Youre not gunna way our souls, are
you?
She grins and rolls her eyes. When she looks back, her
expression is serious and her eyes worried.
LIBRA
(shyly)
No I was just wondering how long
youve all had your powers and if
anyone has any clue as to how we
got?
Sagittarius shrugs. Scorpios expression remains unchanged,
her cold eyes staring off into the distance.
Taurus gulps and looks out the window and we see Mickey and
Father Alberts reflections in it, their expressions quite
intrigued.
Aries and Virgo look at the others, their expressions firm.
And Leo leans his head towards Aquarius, looking up and away
with an annoyed expression.
AQUARIUS
Isnt it obvious?
He smirks mischievously. Leo closes his eyes and rubs his
temples as the others turn their attention towards Aquarius.
SAGITTARIUS
(Sarcastically)
Clearly, but why dont you explain
it for us anyway, Einstein.
Aquarius looks them all over pompously, letting the tension
and anticipation build. Leo lifts his pointer finger and
drops it as Aquarius looks up out the window and points to
the night sky.
AQUARIUS
Why our most generous lord, the
heavenly father up above, has
rewarded us with these abilities
for our most honorable character.
Libra rolls her eyes, subconsciously trying to hold back her
laugh. Sagittarius lets out an explosive sigh. Leo shakes
his head.
Aries grimaces and Scorpio scowls. Virgo just stares at him
like hes an idiot. Taurus jaw clenches and his massive
hands form a fist.
TAURUS
Dont talk about him like that, he
wouldnt waste a second on the
likes of you.
LEO
Maybe it was the devil then.
The others look at him to find him smiling playfully.
VIRGO
I woke up with them the day on the
last day the Hajj in Mecca so its
been almost 6 months.
SAGITTARIUS
Yeah I got mine around then too, I
was in NYC for the CMJ Music
Festival.
VIRGO
I wont deny thanking Allah when it
happened, but I too feel the need
to investigate.
Aquarius opens his mouth but is cut off by Leo.
LEO
What about you?
He nods at Libra, she bites her lip again.
LIBRA
I dont know. I got mine around
then too, it was October 14th. I
remember because it was the day
after my mom died.
LEO
Im sorry to hear that, I was
actually at one a funeral for one
of my best friends.
Tears swell up in the corner of Libras eyes until she wipes
them away with her hands. She opens her mouth to speak then
stops, looks down, and blushes.
AQUARIUS
You thought you got your power from
your mom, didnt you?
Libra giggles, her cheeks rosy, and her eyes still
glistening with tears.
LIBRA
Only for a couple of days, then I
started noticing I wasnt the only
one.
SAGITTARIUS
Ive always thought someone may
have given them to us but we have
no clue why anyone or how.
LEO
Maybe it has to do with struggle
and hardship. But then again
He glares at Aquarius.
AQUARIUS
Hey, money and fame dont equate to
happiness, Simba.
We track back, out of the large window to see them all
within its frame as the image of Mickey and Father Albert
comes into focus, reflecting off Mickeys window from his
POV.
CUT TO:
The image of Libra, Aquarius, Leo, and the others fade as
the window turns back into a regular window revealing the
starry night sky.
Mickey and Father Albert make their way over to the sofa
without speaking or looking in each others direction.
Mickey lets out a heavy sigh and looks over at Heinrich,
still reading.
After a brief moment, he looks up from his book.
MICKEY
Theres an interesting notion.
HEINRICH
Whats that?
MICKEY
That our abilities are related to
overcoming tremendous struggle.
FATHER ALBERT
Im sure its all just a part of
gods plan.
Mickey and Heinrich roll their eyes at the comment.
HEINRICH
While I cant recall an instance
that disproves said hypothesis,
Ill have to research a larger
sample.
MICKEY
Theyre not gunna tell us anything
else tonight, Ill see you both in
the morning.
While Mickey looks at Father Albert and gestures towards the
stairs, Heinrich looks back down at his book.
HEINRICH
Night, Mic.
MICKEY
Night, Heinrich. Be sure to turn
that light off before you leave.
HEINRICH
Of course, sir. Im right behind
you.
Mickey and Father Albert silently make their way down the
stairs and out of the room.
Heinrich grabs the corner of the page hes reading with his
right index finger, turns the page, and folds the corner
over.
Even You Brutus by the Red Hot Chili Peppers starts
playing softly.
He closes the book, gets up, and walks over to the single
lamp with the strict, tight posture of a military man.
He flips the switch and we
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE OVER:
While I may not be a politician, a
lawyer, or a CEO, I can claim to
know, with certainty that we can do
a hell of a lot better than this.
It doesnt take a genius to be able
to tell the difference between a
stable, impartial government and a
corrupt, volatile one.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. WOODS NIGHT (PAST)
A heavy rain falls as lightening streaks across the sky,
followed by the roar of thunder. We pan through the dark,
gloomy forest to see through an array of branches, a tiny,
dimly-lit log cabin with smoke coming out of the chimney.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN (PAST)
We track back from the fire, burning in the log fireplace to
find the little cabin plainly furnished with suede amber
sofas complimenting the dark oak coffee table and end tables
giving it a homely look.
We pan right to see Leanne Wildermuths painting Omniscient
Observation and stop to track into the mirror resting on the
wall beside it. In the reflection we see an old Native
American woman, Naira, coming through a door, carrying a
tray with three tea cups and three different flavors of tea.
As the door closes behind her we
CUT TO:
EXT. NAIRAS CABIN NIGHT (PAST)
Two dark, hooded figured, Mickey and Heinrich, walk through
the forest in the pouring rain, framed by branches, sticks,
and tree trunks.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN NIGHT (PAST)
Nairas tired face reflects off the window over the storm
raging outside.
After a brief moment, she lifts her head, opens her drooping
eyes and turns her frown into a bright smile. She turns
and, in the reflection of the window, we watch as she walks
through the living room to the door on the other side.
As the door opens we hear the sound of a teapot whistling.
A few seconds later, as the teapot quiets, we see two men in
black hoods approaching the cabin from a distance.
As they near the cabin we see, still in the reflection of
the mirror, the door across the living room opening and
Naira with teapot in hand.
We see her set it down on the coffee table just before
seeing the men outside reach the steps to the porch,
directly in front of the window.
We then hear the sound of a lock turning and a heavy door
opening as we
CUT TO:
EXT. CABIN (PAST)
Mickey and Heinrich stand still as statues in the pouring
rain in front of the little cabin staring at the old woman
standing in the doorway, dressed in traditional Native
American fashion with deerskin leggings and shirt, a feather
headdress, and moccasins.
After a long moment of silence, they exchange a significant
look. When Mickey nods, they climbs the steps to the porch
and make their way over to Naira. In the light coming from
the torches lining the railing, we see a faint sense of
uncertainty in Mickeys eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN (PAST)
Mickey (23), with a thin, neatly trimmed beard and long
brown hair slicked back sits with Heinrich (50) on the amber
sofa while Naira grabs the teapot.
Heinrich wears his blue army service uniform with a single
star of a Brigadier General, and Mickey is in a cheap suit,
their heavy, hooded rain coats hanging on a hook near the
fire.
On the coffee table, rests the three teacups directly in
front of each of them with teabags already in them.
She fills the cup in front of Mickey first and as she does
so she gives him an innocent, yet mysterious, look.
NAIRA
Jasmine for you, Mickey, our
future king.
She grins at him nonchalantly before turning to fill
Heinrichs.
NAIRA (CONTD)
Earl Grey for Heinrich, the father
of kings.
She gives Heinrich the same look that she gave Mickey, then
fills her own cup.
NAIRA (CONTD)
Sassafras for me.
Her cryptic grin turns into a genuinely warm and friendly
smile as she takes her seat in the recliner to their right.
They stare at her in disbelief, too baffled to hide their
astonishment.
MICKEY
Who put you up to this?
Naira chuckles and shakes her head as she picks up her tea
and spoon. She stirs it gently for a brief moment before
meeting Mickeys suspicious eyes with a pleased expression.
NAIRA
Tabaldak.
Heinrichs hand head slowly makes its way up his leg towards
his waste. When Mickey notices, he shakes his head and
Heinrich stops.
NAIRA (CONTD)
Theres no need for you to be
concerned. Im sure you know him
by another name, Dio, Gott, Jah,
Allah, the creator
Mickey continues to stare at her for a long while without
breaking eye contact. Finally he breaks the tension by
picking up his tea, leaning back and stirring it while
returning Nairas enigmatic smile.
MICKEY
Why did you call me the future
king?
Her smile widens and her eyes light up.
NAIRA
That, young Mickey, is a very good
question. One that Ill be happy
to answer, in just a moment
I have to get those.
Mickey squints and his head tilts slightly sideways.
MICKEY
Get what?
NAIRA
The cookies!
She gets up and makes her way across the room towards the
door. We hear a timer go off as soon as she opens the door
and see that beyond lies the kitchen.
Heinrich and Mickey exchange yet another concerned look
before turning their gazes on their surroundings. Again we
see Leanne Wildermuths painting Omniscient Observation
before panning over Native American tapestries, pottery, and
dcor.
After about twenty seconds of this Mickey clears his throat.
MICKEY (CONTD)
May I offer my assistance, mam?
Their expressions grow increasingly suspicious as they wait
for a response that doesnt come. After yet another
significant look, they quickly rise and head towards the
kitchen.
They enter the kitchen to find it empty. Mickey walks over
to the plate of cookies on the table, tries to pick one up,
drops it and sticks his burnt fingers in his mouth.
They look around the windowless room to find that the only
doorway is the one they came through.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Hey, Heinrich
Heinrich, looking entirely lost, turns to face him.
HEINRICH
Yeah, Mic.
Mickey stares off into space with a dumbfounded expression
stuck on his face.
MICKEY
Are we tripping balls?
HEINRICH
I fucking hope so.
CUT TO:
INT. GREY VAN (MOVING) NIGHT
We track up and right from behind the black seat to see out
the windshield of the van.
Leo, breathing and driving calmly, turns up the volume on
the radio and Even You Brutus gets louder. He notices a
beautiful young woman smiling at him on the sidewalk and he
smiles back shyly.
As their loft comes into view, Mickeys image is
superimposed on the screen reflecting off his window/the
windshield, and Leos joyful expression quickly becomes
concerned. He turns down the music.
LEO (V.O.)
Virgo, whats going on?
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS LOFT
Virgo sits in front of a series of monitors tracking the
others.
VIRGO (V.O.)
What do you mean? Everything went
according to plan.
LEO (V.O.)
Somethings wrong. Scorpio, whats
your status?
CUT TO:
INT. MERCEDES SUV (MOVING)
Taurus and Scorpio, covered in sweat and blood, drive
casually through the traffic so as not to bring attention.
SCORPIO (V.O)
A couple minutes behind you.
Everything alright?
LEO (V.O.)
Aries, give me an update.
In the span of a heartbeat Scorpios expression goes from
proud and relaxed to grim and frustrated.
CUT TO:
INT. MERCEDES SUV (MOVING)
Libra is driving with Aries in the passenger seat. They
show no signs of being in a hurry, though theyre both
sweating profusely and breathing heavily. Aries is covered
in blood though theres not a scratch on her.
ARIES (V.O.)
Were right behind the boss, whats
up?
CUT TO:
INT. GRAY VAN (MOVING)
Leo looks at the apartment complexs parking garage, at the
road in front of him, back to the garage and back to the
road again. He passes it and keeps driving.
LEO (V.O.)
I dont know, I just got the
feeling that somethings wrong.
CUT TO:
INT. MERCEDES (MOVING)
Aries closes her eyes and rubs her temples. Her eyes shoot
open, wide as can be and her face is full of horror.
ARIES (V.O.)
Youre right, their coming. A mile
back, forty cars at least.
LEO (V.O.)
Youre sure?
ARIES (V.O.)
Positive, I can hear the storm of
their engines roaring.
We hear the sounds of the engines as she looks over at Libra
whod been sneaking concerned glances.
ARIES
Punch it, they found us.
Libra puts her foot to the floor and they start racing down
the street, weaving in and out of traffic. They pass
Scorpio and Taurus, Scorpios face cold as ice. Taurus
accelerates and they follow the girls.
CUT TO:
Leo shows no signs of worry. Instead his face is composed
and pensive.
LEO (V.O.)
Boss, Virgo. They knew we were
gunna attack, they couldnt have
assembled that quickly unless
theyd already been watching us.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS LOFT
Virgo expression isnt surprised. He nods in agreement.
VIRGO (V.O.)
I know, we have a rat problem.
CUT TO:
INT. MERCEDES (MOVING)
Scorpio is extremely frustrated. His brow furrowed and his
mouth closed tightly.
SCORPIO (V.O.)
One crisis at a time.
LEO (V.O.)
Our best bet is to split up, change
our cars and appearances, and lay
low for a while.
SCORPIO (V.O.)
Virgo?
CUT TO:
INT. LOFT
Virgos eyes dart from screen to screen. He closes his eyes
and, holding his hands out in front of him, wiggles his
fingers. His eyes dart open, and a grin surfaces to his
face.
VIRGO (V.O.)
Its a good plan. Mickey can only
see whats above ground, you and
Taurus need to get into the sewage
system.
Virgo taps his index finger against his lips,
his eyes distant. After a brief moment, his
face lights up.
VIRGO (V.O.) (CONTD)
Leo, Mickey may not be able to
track you if you can get out of the
city. Tell Sagittarius and
Aquarius to slow them down till you
make it and find a place to hide
the van.
CUT TO:
Leo nods approvingly.
LEO (V.O.)
Right. Ill tell Libra to grab
Aries, turn invisible and await
further instruction.
He turns up the volume on the radio and we hear April 29th,
1992 by Sublime playing.
FADE TO WHITE:
EXT. ABANDONED FACTORY - NIGHT
We listen to April 29th, 1992 and track back out of
Taurus white eyes as they return to normal, his expression
unpleasant.
Two black Mercedes SUVs pull around back and into a garage.
Out of the first, Scorpio climbs out of the drivers seat,
walks to the back and opens the trunk.
Libra steps out of the drivers seat of the other and heads
towards his vehicles trunk followed by Leo and Aries.
Scorpio reaches into her trunk and pulls out a long metal
rod with a black, spade-shaped metallic spear head on the
end. Taurus grabs an assault rifle and turns to Scorpio.
TAURUS
Somethings gunna go wrong.
SCORPIO
Whatd you see?
TAURUS
An enormous black beast chasing
eight doves.
SCORPIO
What do you think it means?
TAURUS
Tell Virgo to devise a back-up plan
in case things fall through.
Leo takes out a belt with two sheathed daggers. He straps
it on, the elaborate silver guards enameled with sapphires.
The black hilts and silver lions head pommels visible on
both hips.
Aries attaches her katana to her belt and Libra slings a
longbow and a quiver of arrows over her shoulder.
As the two groups emerge; an eagle flashes across the
screen, Sagittarius drops down from above and Aquarius
strolls up to join them.
SAGITTARIUS
So. Where do you want us boss?
The music begins to fade out.
SCORPIO
Taurus, I believe this is your area
of expertise.
TAURUS
Sagittarius and Libra provide cover
fire from above for Scorpio and I
while we attack Mickeys guys from
their six.
He points off to his left and turns his attention to
Aquarius and Aries.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Meanwhile, Aquarius and Aries are
to do the same to the Columbian
cartel. Leo, your soul task is to
storm through as soon as the chaos
starts and get the drugs out of
there.
LEO
Oh, is that all?
ARIES
Piece of cake.
LIBRA
It does sound easy enough.
TAURUS
It wont be. Mickeys been
overcompensating ever since we
severed his ties with the Mexicans.
I wouldnt be surprised if they
each brought fifteen, maybe even
twenty armed killers.
SAGITTARIUS
Why arent we just blowing them all
up?
LEO
Well need the drugs if we want to
get to Mickey. If we had more
time, we couldve hit the cartel
first and blew up Mickeys guys
when they got here but alas we
cannot take that risk.
SAGITTARIUS
Right. Theyll be here soon so get
in position, leave no survivors.
LIBRA
Lets hope were all relaxing in
the loft by the time Mick gets a
whiff of this.
SCORPIO
Everybody to get their positions
and dont fuck this up.
She glowers at Aquarius who grins madly and opens his mouth
to make a retort but gets shoved by Aries before getting the
chance.
We hear Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen playing as we cut to an
establishing shot of the old, gritty factory under the night
sky as they get into position.
We tilt up to stare into the night sky and
CUT TO:
EXT. LEOS CABIN NIGHT
Text appears over the stars.
TITLE OVER:
Ive decided to take some time off
from school to dig into such
malfeasance. Who knows what Ill
uncover These men that I
mentioned will do their best to
dissuade me, with ruthless tactics
to be sure, and for this reason I
will not reveal my identity and
instead go by The Invisible Woman.
As I type these last words, anxiety
and fear held at bay by a steady
and nearly sedative combination of
Benzos, Blue Dream, and daiquiris,
Im beginning to think I shouldnt
be doing this But a brave and
totally unfamiliar part of me is in
control, almost as if its forcing
me to ramble my thoughts.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. MICKEYS HOME BEDROOM NIGHT (PAST)

Mickey (23) sits at his desk staring at Frans I Franckens
The Betrayal of Christ lying on the wall above. His eyes
remain locked on the sword thats just waiting to be brought
down on the man pressed against the ground.
He breaks his gaze to look at the clock, it reads 1:59am.
He opens a drawer to his desk and pulls out a black dagger
and unsheathes it to find it covered in blood and dripping
all over him.
He looks back up at the painting and then back down at the
dagger to find it clean with no blood in sight.
After a moment, he turns his attention to the far wall and
stares with an indecisive expression.
As we track into the wall, it becomes translucent and we
notice that beyond it lies another bedroom where Duncan lies
sleeping in a large bed and two armed guards stand watch
next to him.
The clock strikes two and we see Mickey, staring down at the
dagger again, start to shake his head as the bells ring on
the grandfather clock next to his desk.
After the seventh ring he rises abruptly, looks up and
gulps, the dagger in his hand shaking slightly and
uncontrollably.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME LIVING ROOM (PAST)
Geminis POV:
Bells ring. We pan left to look at the grandfather clock in
the living room reading 2:00.
Gemini (20) stands up and finishes her drink, with a
trembling hand, while anxiously making her way across the
room to the kitchen.
She sets her drink in the sink and looks at her reflection
in the window. Her hair is short and her expression
worried. We hear a muffled voice and see, in the window,
her frightened eyes dart up to the ceiling.
She struts back through the kitchen and living room to the
stairs and begins climbing them, her pace slowing gradually
as she nears the top.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME UPSTAIRS HALLWAY (PAST)
We see Geminis head emerging from below and watch as her
eyes dart towards the open doorway leading to the bedroom
next to Mickeys where Duncan slept.
Her pace slows to that of a snail. We hear floorboards
squeak under her feet followed by a muffled voice coming
from inside the room causing her to stop dead in her tracks.
MICKEY
(muffled, off-screen)
Whos there?! What is it?
Her eyes swell up with fear for a moment until Mickey comes
out of the room in stained clothes. Blood drips down the
dagger in his hand onto the white carpet below.
The tension fades from her as she races towards him.
GEMINI
Mic!
She hugs him tight for a long moment before backing up and
looking at him while he stares downward.
MICKEY
Its done.
GEMINI
Thank g-
Mickey drops the dagger and falls to his knees, and she
immediately kneels down in front of him. She uses one of
her hands to grab his, and the other to gently lift his chin
up.
Unable to make eye contact, he continues to stare downward.
MICKEY
One of his guards shouted Jesus
fucking But I slit his throat
before he could say Christ.
He finally looks up but his eyes remain distant. He starts
trembling slightly, shaking his head sideways minutely until
she places both of her hands on his cheeks and stares
sympathetically into his eyes.
She then pulls him in and hugs him tight.
GEMINI
Shhhhh Dont think about it,
youll go mad, akm.
His heavy breathing calms as she continues to hush him while
rubbing his head and back. After a long moment, he stops
shaking his head and starts nodding.
They let go of each other and separate enough to see each
others faces. Mickey swallows, his eyes still distant.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Come on, you should really get
some sleep.
His expression becomes horrified again, he gulps and a wave
of anger flashes over him. He puts his hands on her
shoulders and pushes her slightly back.
MICKEY
Ill never be able to fucking sleep
again! I just murdered its
innocence.
She puts her hand back on his face.
GEMINI
You have to be strong, Mic. Lets
clean you up.
She stands up and offers him her hand. He looks down at his
blood-stained clothes and back up at her looking like a lost
child. After a while he sighs and slowly brings his hand to
hers and lets her help him up.
She then bends down and picks up the dagger before leading
him to his room. She opens the down for him and urges him
through. As she turns to leave he grabs her wrist abruptly.
MICKEY
Where are you going?
Gemini rolls her eyes.
GEMINI
Relax, be right back.
She hold up the bloody, black dagger. She shuts the door
behind her and we
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS BEDROOM NIGHT
We hear a loud knocking sound KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. A bed
creeks softly as Mickey rolls over and turns on the lamp on
his nightstand casting a dim light on his tired face.
He looks over at Gemini, still sleeping, and sits up. He
stands up, grabs his robe from off the bench at the end of
the bed and puts it on as he makes his way to the door.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS HOME HALLWAY
Heinrich stands in the hallway wearing his military jacket.
The door opens and Mickey steps out. They walk down the
hallway in silence.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
Mickey and Heinrich stand in the dim room next to one of the
many windows, staring out at the night sky.
HEINRICH
The battles begun.
We track in on the night sky.
We tilt down from the night sky and pan across a forest with
monstrous trees, a hundred shades of green and yellow.
We see a creak and follow it to a river and then a cliff
with a waterfall.
Atop the cliff, sits a small log cabin with smoke coming out
of the chimney. Parked out front is a dark blue Range Rover
and a black BMW SUV.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN NIGHT
CAPRICORNS POV:
The walls are bare and the furniture is old and homely but
in good condition. Leo sits by the fire place, the rooms
only source of light, feeding it logs while Virgo paces the
small living room with a worried expression, shaking his
head side to side all the while.
Scorpio sits on the couch next to Taurus in relaxed states
showing neither concern nor frustration, solely exhaustion.
Leo stands up, casts a weighing glare at Virgo and then
Scorpio through furrowed eyebrows. His mouth is a straight
line, lips pressed tight together.
BLACK AND WHITE:
Leo flips over the coffee table, throws the end table, slams
his fist into the wall, and screams though we dont hear it.
COLOR:
Virgo and Scorpio exchange a glance then turn back to Leo
still sitting by the fire (the tables still in place)
Bohemian Rhapsody still playing.
LEO
What the fuck did you get me
involved in?! We all couldve died
back there!
BLACK AND WHITE: Leo standing across from Mickey in his
office.
SCORPIOS VOICE
I gave you a proposal, I dont
recall you taking the least bit of
convincing.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN
COLOR:
Scorpio scowls, Taurus rolls his eyes, and Virgo watches
Leos distant eyes with concern. Leo finally looks up at
them.
LEO
How could I be such a fucking
idiot?!
TAURUS
The plan still worked, lets just
figure out who the traitor is.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS OFFICE
BLACK AND WHITE:
Taurus stands behind Mickey with a smug look on his face.
Aquarius appears on Mickeys other side. Sagittarius and
Aries lay dead at their feet.
VIRGOS VOICE
Technically theyre not a traitor.
Whoever it is, was never one of us.
Spy would be more appropriate. Or
mole, informer, imposter-
CUT TO:
Scorpio scowls and Virgo shuts up.
LEO
It doesnt fucking matter what you
call it! You say the plan worked
but now Mic knows were coming for
him. That was our one and only
advantage, and now its gone.
TAURUS
So fucking what?! We were well
aware of the Vietcong and they
still kicked our asses out of Nam.
LEO
This isnt fucking Nam! Guerrilla
warfare wont force the fat fuck
out of his own fucking town.
VIRGO
Hes got a point, chief. Despite
his temper tantrum. We have to
figure out who the mole is before
we can take things any further.
LEO
Why?
Virgo stops pacing and looks at Leo stunned. Scorpio stares
at Leo like hes an idiot.
VIRGO
Why?! You just said yourself-
Leos sly smirk surfaces.
SCORPIO
What are you thinking?
LEO
Ever read A Clash of Kings?
Virgos shock and confusion become suspicion before
transcending to recognition and ultimately settling in a
combination of approval and respect.
Scorpio scowls. Leo laughs and Virgo grins.
LEO
Fine, did you see the second season
of Game of Thrones.
SCORPIO
No! Jesus Christ on a bicycle,
just fucking tell me what youre
thinking!
Leo looks to Virgo smiling and back to Scorpio.
VIRGO
It would still be wise to discuss
our suspicions.
SCORPIO
Fine, dont fucking tell me!
Douchebags! Its not like I put
this whole things in motion or
anything.
LEO
We have a plan, but itll probably
work better if you dont know the
details.
VIRGO
My moneys on Aquarius. Or
possibly Sagittarius I dont think
hes intelligent enough but it
could easily be a ploy.
LEO
Its not Sagittarius, I trust him
with my life.
SCORPIO
Its not Aquarius, it could be one
of the girls.
Leo looks at her interrogatively, Virgo curiously.
LEO
How can you be so sure?
Scorpios eyes grow distant in memory and we
CUT TO:
INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL
AQUARIUS sits for a long moment and catches his breath. He
looks over his shoulder to see a door marked EMPLOYEES
ONLY, MAINTNANCE
He approaches it and finds it locked.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pack of
cigarettes, opens it, and pulls out a pre-rolled joint.
He puts the pack away, pulls out a match, lights it against
is fingernail, and sparks the joint.
He tosses the match at the still passing train, takes out
his phone, and reaches into his back pocket.
He pulls out a pair of tangled up iPhone headphones and
untangles them while the train finishes passing by, shaking
his head and smoking the joint all the while.
AQUARIUS
Stevie boy couldnt have solved
this modern catastrophe before
kicking the bucket.
With the train gone, the rapping returns louder than before,
coming from the other side of the door.
His head tilts sideways slightly and looks over his shoulder
at the door.
He looks back, rolls his eyes, and shrugs, then turns around
and knocks loudly on the door three times.
The ticks, thuds, and rapping stop. We hear footsteps
approaching from the other side of the door.
They stop. A lock turns, then a handle, and the door slowly
opens a couple of inches.
Scorpios dark eye appears on the other side, surrounded by
darkness.
SCORPIO
Ahh, I wasnt sure if you were
gunna make it.
The door remains but a couple inches open. He looks over
his shoulder, and back with a grin.
AQUARIUS
Yeah, I was almost dragged away
She rolls her eyes.
AQUARIUS
Didnt our train just take off that
way?
He points to his left, the direction that their train went
and the direction the other train had just come from.
SCORPIO
It crossed over from the line
running next to it you know like
railroad tracks.
He smiles and his cheeks flush a bit in embarrassment.
AQUARIUS
Obviously
He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. She stares at him
with cold, observant eyes as he takes a hit of the joint,
closes his eyes, runs his hands through his hair, and opens
his eyes with a charming smile.
AQUARIUS (CONTD)
Well, arent you gunna invite me
in?
Her head tilts slightly upward and sideways, her eyes
squint, and her back straightens.
SCORPIO
I havent decided yet.
His eyes go wide and his charming smile disappears. He
turns and points to the track.
AQUARIUS
Listen, I almost just got hit by a
train Im dont particularly feel
like trying to convince you of
anything at the moment.
She rolls her eyes and lets out a heavy sigh.
SCORPIO
Fine, just answer one question
honestly.
He takes a long drag of the joint and flicks the roach, then
turns back to face her with a serious expression and shrugs
nonchalantly.
SCORPIO
What do you want more than
anything?
His face grows pensive as he pulls out his cigarettes and
lights another.
He takes a deep puff and exhales.
AQUARIUS
Thats a damn good question What
do I want?
He laughs and looks up at her with certainty in his eyes and
a wide smile on his face.
AQUARIUS (CONTD)
I guess I want what we all secretly
want, even if we are too ignorant
to realize it.
Scorpio opens the door and stands in the entrance,
surrounded by darkness looking at him with a soft
expression.
SCORPIO
(whispering)
And whats that?
He shrugs his most nonchalant shrugs and shakes his head.
AQUARIUS
(whispering)
A revolution.
She stares at him for a long moment, then turns and walks
into the darkness.
He watches her go, but only for a second before following.
We track into the darkness and
CUT TO:

STILL CAPRICORNS POV
Camera is position, same angle as before, so that Leo is
facing us, the others on the couches facing him and the
fire, their sides to the camera, as we slowly track in.
CAPRICORNS VOICE
Shes sure. His trust floats in
the wind though this was not his
handiwork.
LEOS POV:
Taurus, and Virgo turn as soon as he starts talking.
Virgos expression surprised, Taurus determined, and
Scorpios deadly until they see the old man walking towards
them from the shadows, his cane tapping against the ground.
TAURUS
Whos this?
CAPRICORN
Ahh, who indeed? Some call me a
madman. Others, a genius.
Virgo and Leo smile while Taurus and Scorpio continue to eye
him skeptically.
CAPRICORN
While these names bear some truth,
they too bear deceit.
Their expression begin to soften lightly, though Taurus
still remains stiff.
CAPRICORN
Inhibiting while somehow
simultaneously liberating.
Their faces grow slightly pensive, Virgo and Leo watching on
excitedly.
CAPRICORN
But in reality, Im nothing more
than an old Greek philosopher
looking to set an example for his
grandson.
Scorpio and Taurus turns to face Leo, Taurus scowling.
SCORPIO
You shouldve told me he was here.
Leo smirks, and shrugs ever-so nonchalantly.
LEO
Its his cabin, besides I needed an
independent variable.
VIRGO
Doctor.
They exchange a respectful glance and nod.
CAPRICORN
Doctor.
LEO
Aries seems the most likely then,
but theres something about Libra
that I cant put my finger on and
Im not ruling her out.
TAURUS
You said that Aries was the one who
told us they were coming for us!
How can she be the trait-
Taurus notices Virgos expression harden and Leo grinning.
TAURUS
The spy?
VIRGO
It couldve been an attempt to gain
our trust in the advent that we got
away without her help.
LEO
Exactly. She claims to have heard
the roar of fifty racing motors
trailer her, a mile back, but who
knows if shes even capable of
that.
Scorpio sits up and stares at Leo with an interrogative
look.
LEO (CONTD)
I know, I know. For all we know,
it could be one of us. To be
completely honest, the only ones I
trust are Sag and you.
He nods at his sister.
SCORPIO
What in gods name am I supposed to
make of this?
VIRGO
We best go through with this plan
of his for now. We should be
fairly confident afterwards.
Scorpio looks from Leo to Virgo and back. Her expression
hard and frustrated.
SCORPIO
Fine, do what you have to.
Leos face is a mask. Scorpio looks to Virgo and he nods
agreement before she lets her cold eyes return to Leo.
FADE TO BLACK (END OF ACT TWO)
EXT. ALLEYWAY NIGHT
Two black figures make their way through a labyrinth of dark
alleyways. We pan around to look beneath their hoods and
see gold masks covering their faces.
The masks are spitting images of a scorpion and a bull,
complete with sharp horns.
Scorpio holds her spear alertly and Taurus, his assault
rifle. The scorpion stops and places a hand on the bulls
shoulder. Taurus stops and turns to face him as Scorpio
pulls him behind a dumpster and leans in close.
SCORPIO
The bars right around the corner,
theyll be outside. You ready?
Taurus nods but as Scorpio turns to continue, he grabs her
and leans close.
TAURUS
I just saw a bull lying in blood in
a sea of darkness.
Scorpio pulls back and sighs heavily.
SCORPIO
Do your images always come true?
TAURUS
Always, though when I cannot say.
SCORPIO
Let us hope its not tonight.
Taurus lies still for a brief moment before nodding and
gesturing to continue but after a few steps, Scorpio turns
and sees that Taurus hasnt budged.
SCORPIO
What is it?
TAURUS
More of the same, but clearer.
Theres twelve of em. Two
shotguns, two Uzis, three with two
pistols each, and five rifles.
SCORPIO
Take out the shotguns first, then
the Machine-
TAURUS
It wont work, the ones with
pistols are well trained. Ill get
blown to pieces.
Scorpio shakes her head and looks up the alley then back to
the golden bull.
SCORPIO
What do you suggest?
TAURUS
Make some noise, theyll send a
couple of guys to check it out.
Ill hide above on the fire escape
and signal when to make our move.
SCORPIO
And here I thought you were just a
raging, thick headed bull.
Taurus makes a noise that sounds in between a grunt and a
laugh.
TAURUS
People often arent as they seem.
SCORPIO
No they certainly are not.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE HARBOR NIGHT
A white ram mask covers the face of a short and thin figure
dressed in all black, a sword rests sheathed on her left
hip.
Behind Aries, an enormous, hooded man with jet black skin
follows. On his hoodie is the image of a water bearer,
embroidered in white. Hes unarmed.
Next to Aquarius is another dark figure, a tight and slick
black mask weaves around his eyes and over his nose. On his
hoodie is the image of a man kneeling with a bow and arrow.
In both of his hands lie a silver throwing star.
They walk down the boardwalk along the ocean when
Sagittarius stops suddenly.
SAGITTARIUS
Aries, hold up.
Aries and Aquarius stop and Aries turns to face him.
ARIES
What? Lets do this.
SAGITTARIUS
We all have to be on the same page.
Well be outnumbered four, five to
one.
AQUARIUS
Dont be nervous, Sarg.
SAGITTARIUS
Theres a serious distinction
between nervous and cautious.
ARIES
Hes just trying to get you worked
up. Well be fine so long as you
cover us.
SAGITTARIUS
Dont forget what Leo said.
AQUARIUS
Be alert as fuck, we got it champ.
Sagittarius rolls his eyes and looks back the way they came.
Aries walks up to him.
ARIES
What is it?
Sagittarius turns back to her and leans in close to whisper
in her ear.
SAGITTARIUS
I dont trust him.
Aries backs up and giggles.
ARIES
Is that all? Neither do I.
Aquarius laughs and smiles at Sagittarius before turning his
back to him. Sagittarius leans back in to whisper again.
SAGITTARIUS
Im just saying, be prepared to
face them and him.
ARIES
Sounds exhilarating!
SAGITTARIUS
This is serious, hes more
dangerous than you think.
ARIES
Okay, okay. Ill be extra cautious
and prepare for the worst. Now
can we continue?
Sagittarius nods and Aries quickly turns to take off.
Sagittarius walks up to Aquarius and notices that hes
changed back into his original appearance.
SAGITTARIUS
You shouldnt be wearing that face.
AQUARIUS
I also shouldnt blow all my dough
on drugs, booze and bitches but I
do.
Sagittarius stares at him with eyes full of suspicion. He
shakes his head and gestures for him to follow Aries.
AQUARIUS (CONTD)
Please, after you.
SAGITTARIUS
I dont think so.
Aquarius smiles a wicked grin and
laughs out loud.
AQUARIUS
Why so serious, Sarg?
SAGITTARIUS
I dont trust jokers.
AQUARIUS
How wise of you.
Sagittarius stares at him scowling.
ARIES
Come on ladies, Scorpio and Leo
will throw a bitch fit if we miss
the meet.
Sagittarius gestures again for Aquarius to go. He stares
back at Sagittarius expressionless for a long moment before
taking a step.
As soon as Sagittarius starts to follow he stops and turns
to face him with a sly smirk. Sagittarius shoves him and
Aquarius follows Aries, laughing disturbingly.
CUT TO:
INT. MARVA MANOR NIGHT
The mansion is lavish and extravagant. A slender figure
crosses the screen. Shes wearing black leggings and a
tight black leather jacket over a deep purple shirt, her
black hair tied up in a bun.
We pan around to see a two-faced mask covering her forehead,
nose, and surrounding her childish lilac eyes. The left
side of the mask is lavender with soft features and henna,
the right is black and has hard, cruel features.
TWO FACE
Can I get you a drink?
We pan around to see a man, HELIOS, sitting upright on a
black leather sofa. Hes a handsome, beardless man with
long, dark brown hair flowing to his shoulders wearing a
deep plum Dormeuil Vanquish II suit.
HELIOS
Please, scoth on the rocks.
Two Face pours two drinks while Helios watches her with
distant eyes.
TWO FACE
Howd they get away?
HELIOS
It appears as if they arent as
careless as we originally assumed.
TWO FACE
Certainly not, there were half a
hundred cars after them.
She joins him on the sofa and hands him a drink.
TWO FACE (CONTD)
You guys shouldve let me follow
them.
Helios looks at her thoughtfully. Slowly, he takes a long
sip and swallows easily, his face calm and pensive the whole
time.
HELIOS
If we had, youd likely be dead by
now.
Two Faces eyes grow sullen and he smiles.
HELIOS (CONTD)
Dont look at me like that, it
wasnt an insult. We simply dont
know enough about these saboteurs
to risk so much.
She leans back and lets her body relax. Helios shifts his
gaze around the room at the paintings and sculptures. He
turns his gaze on her and raises an eyebrow.
TWO FACE
What?
He stares at her observingly for a long moment.
HELIOS
I want you to promise me you wont
do anything stupid. She throws her
head back and sighs.
TWO FACE
Im not going to do anything
stupid.
Helios continues to weigh her behavior, she lifts her head
and fixes her hard eyes on him.
HELIOS
I know youd never do anything that
you would consider stupid, but we
tend to differ in opinion. I want
you to ask yourself if Id approve
of your actions, before you act.
TWO FACE
Okay, okay. I promise.
Relief washes over Helios face.
TWO FACE (CONTD)
(sarcastically)
Is there anything else, master?
HELIOS
You know why Im doing this, its
not that I dont trust you.
She nods and they finish their drinks.
HELIOS (CONTD)
Well then, I must be taking my
leave. I bid you goodnight, my
lady.
They both stand and for the first time, Two Faces eyes
relax a bit and the edge in her voice fades as she speaks.
TWO FACE
Goodnight, Helios. Ill see you in
the morning.
He nods with a warm smile before turning and departing. For
a long moment, she stands there, her eyes faraway.
The sound of the front door closing spurs her into motion
and she walks over to where the liquor sits.
She pours herself another drink, sighs and lifts it to her
lips.
Her eyes are squinted and lost in thought. She downs the
drink in a single sip and sets the glass down before slowly
turning and making her way out of the room.
Humming to herself, she slowly walks to the glass door
leading to the back patio, the innocence returning to her
eyes with every step. She opens the door and an armed guard
turns towards her.
TWO FACE
Ill be upstairs, holler if
anything happens.
GUARD TWO
Yes mam.
She closes the door behind her and we
CUT TO:
EXT. MARVA MANOR MICKEYS MANSION NIGHT
A massive brick house with towering white pillars is
surrounded by guards.
We pan around to see Libra standing next to a tall lean
figure dressed in all black. A silver lions head mask
hides Leos face but on his hips we see the hilts of his
swords.
On Libras black hoodie lies a weight balancing scale. Her
hand is on Leos shoulder as he sticks a block of C4 on the
side of the house.
A guard with an M-16 walks by and looks right at them but
theyre invisible. Once alone, Libra leans in to whisper in
Leos ear.
LIBRA
He keeps drugs in this place?
LEO
Not drugs, money. And not just
money, millions.
LIBRA
Why are we blowing it up? We
should be stealing it!
LEO
We arent thieves anymore, this is
about more than money.
Leo turns and walks to the corner. He pokes his head around
and sees a dozen armed men in the backyard. He turns to
face Libra and puts a finger over the lions lips, signaling
for silence.
They slowly creep around the corner and Leo sets another
block of C4. They weave through the pacing guards to the
back door and Leo takes another block out of the bag on
Libras back.
As he turns towards the house, Libra lets go. He turns back
immediately and draws a dagger. Shes gone, he closes his
eyes and hears the crumble of leaves. He dives and takes
her to the ground.
GUARD ONE
Intruder! Drop your weapon!
She tries to squirm away as he feels for her throat and
places his dagger to it.
GUARD TWO
Hold your fire!
Leo looks up to see twenty-something guards aiming at him
and he laughs.
LEO (V.O.)
Imagine how this looks.
LIBRAS POV
Leo laughs then stares at Libra with fierce blue eyes behind
his lions mask.
A window lies over Leos shoulder with a Two Face staring
down at them.
CUT TO:
INT. MARVA MANOR -NIGHT
GEMINIS POV
Leo crouches holding his knife a foot off the ground. He
leans forward, jerks his wrist and stands as Hardknock by
Joey Badass starts playing.
Libra appears on the ground below him, clutching at her
bloody neck as we pan back to see the guards turning their
guns on each other and hear a loud chorus of gunshots.
Two Face gasps and raises her hand to her mouth.
Leo bends down, picks up the backpack, pulls out the
detonator, and turns to glare up at Two-Face. She turns and
raises from the window towards the door.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARVA MANOR NIGHT
Leo detonates the explosives and watches the mansion
explode.
CUT TO:
INT. ALEXANDERS BEDROOM NIGHT
Alexander sits up so abruptly he nearly jumps out of his
bed, the open copy of The Name of the Wind falling from his
chest off the bed and onto the floor.
His eyes are wide and his expression is equal parts shock,
fear, and concern. He looks around the room frantically.
He quickly gets up out of bed, picks up the book, sets it on
the nightstand, walks out the room and closes the door.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN - NIGHT
A wooden door opens revealing the dark night outside as
Libra and Aries enter the cabin to find Leo sitting
patiently on the soda. They look at him expectantly and he
nods towards the other side of the apartment.
They make their way across the room in silence to far wall
where Leo bends down and lifts a trap door to reveal a hole
in the ground with a ladder leading into darkness.
They climb down until we see sconces lining irregular walls,
formed by a solid slab of uneven, dark gray stone. The
floor and ceiling are similarly fashioned.
In the center of the room lies a long, wooden table, a large
candelabra containing eight lit candles in the center. The
members of the Zodiac guild sitting around the table in
silence.
Scorpio sits at one head, Virgo and Taurus on either side.
Leo takes the seat at the other head next to Sagittarius and
Aquarius. The girls sit across from each other in the
middle.
Scorpio is silent and expressionless. Virgo observes him
while Taurus looks around the room. The girls look at
Scorpio and then each other confused.
They look at Leo, he smiles at each of them. Sagittarius
observes everyone and Aquarius eyes are closed as his head
rests on the back of his chair.
LIBRA
Im not sure how I feel about the
new hideout.
Aquarius answers without budging or opening his eyes.
AQUARIUS
I like it. Its quiet and kinda
creepy.
ARIES
Can we get down to business? My
parents are gunna notice Im gone.
Aquarius laughs.
AQUARIUS
I agree, we wouldnt want our
little sheep to get scolded. Im
sure we can all imagine how strict
your stereotypical Asian parents
are.
Aries gives him her best annoyed frown. Scorpio looks at
Virgo and raises her eyebrows. When Virgo nods, Scorpio
shifts her gaze to Leo and gestures for him to speak.
LEO
Were resuming our campaign.
SAGITTARIUS
More sabotage?
LEO
More or less. For this phase were
splitting into three groups.
ARIES
I want to be with you and
Sagittarius.
LEO
The groups have already been
chosen, and were not changing
them. Youll be with Sagittarius
and Aquarius.
She looks pleased enough and as shes about to say something
Leo resumes.
LEO (CONTD)
Taurus will be with the boss, Libra
with me.
LIBRA
What about Virgo?
LEO
Hell be monitoring us again.
LIBRA
But he cant go back to the loft.
VIRGO
Ill find somewhere safe to set up.
ARIES
What will we be doing?
Scorpios eyes suddenly grow wide in horror. She stares at
the wall. Leo glances at her, the only one to notice as
everyones attention is on him.
LEO
Sagittarius will tell you when we
split up.
ARIES
And when will that be?
Scorpio recovers her composure though still looks
distraught, staring down at her feet.
SCORPIOS POV:
Blood pools around her feet up to the middle of her calves,
out of focus in the background more blood pours down the
walls.
LEO
As soon as I finish-
TAURUS
At this rate, that should be
sometime next may.
We tilt up and pan over to see Leo scowl at Taurus, his
hands forming a tipi on the table in front of his chest.
LEO
Once youve completed the mission,
Virgo will inform me and Ill tell
you where to go from there.
TAURUS
That doesnt sound sketchy at all.
LEO
If you dont like it, make my day
and get the fuck out.
Leaning forward in their chairs, they glare at each other
and the tension builds.
ARIES
Oh settle down, boys. Whatre you
so worried about, Mr. Precognition?
Taurus looks away and shakes his head in frustration before
sitting back in his chair.
LEO
We had a close call last time so
everyone needs to be alert as fuck.
Aquarius smiles without moving anything other than his lips.
AQUARIUS
Alert as fuck, got it Captain.
Aries, Libra and Taurus laugh.
ARIES
He does kind of look like a badass
Captain America, doesnt he?
Leo smiles as Sagittarius and Virgo join the laughter and
Scorpio clears his throat.
SCORPIO
Enough. If theres nothing else,
lets get to it.
LEO
One last thing.
Leo opens a wooden chest at his feet and reaches into it.
He hands out the masks and hoodies before gesturing for them
to disperse.
Libra sits watching the others leave out of a ladder built
into the stone and turns her gaze on Leo once theyre alone.
He gets up slowly and sits next to her, his face a mask.
LEO (CONTD)
In about an hour were going to
blow up one of Mics stash houses.
Her eyes open wide in astonishment.
LIBRA
Are you serious?! Which one?
Leos expressionless face remains still.
LEO
Marva Manor.
LIBRA
And none of the others are coming
with us?!
Leo shakes his head.
LIBRA (CONTD)
Are you sure about this?
He nods and her expression slowly grows more confident.
LIBRA (CONTD)
Leo
LEO
Yes, dear?
LIBRA
What about the others?
LEO
Theyll be fine. We have to do
this. I can rely on you right?
She gulps and nods.
LEO (CONTD)
Good, lets get going then. Were
on a tight schedule.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY NIGHT
Scorpio stands in the alley and Taurus crouches up above on
a fire escape, the gold of his mask visible only to his
boss.
SCORPIO
Hey!! Where the fuck are you
pussies?!
After a moment, two men come around the corner with weapons
drawn. The man with the two pistols moves slowly, his eyes
darting from the man in the scorpion mask to the surrounding
alley and the fire escapes above.
His glance passes over Taurus, hidden in shadow with no
indication of spotting him.
GUNMAN ONE
Hold up.
He slows to a stop, fifteen feet from Scorpio. The other
man is enormous in both height and girth. Carrying a
shotgun, he pulls up ten feet from Scorpio and aims at his
chest.
GUNMAN TWO
Quit being a pussy. Its just a
freak in a mask, he doesnt even
have a gun.
Scorpio glances up and sees the gold horns shifting up then
down slowly. The man with the pistol follows his gaze.
GUNMAN ONE
Theres-
A gunshot rings loudly in the dark alley followed by a
flash, a grunt, and the sound of the man with the pistol
falling to the pavement. Scorpio becomes translucent just
as the big mans finger squeezes the trigger.
The bullets pass through him and he becomes opaque as he
prepares to thrust his spear.
We pan around and in the span of a heartbeat, we see the
black rod slices through the air and bites into flesh and
heart before coming out of the huge mans back in the shadow
on the side of the building. Taurus drops down as Scorpio
digs the spear out of the dead man.
TAURUS
Theyll all come this time.
SCORPIO
Good, Id hate to be here all
night.
Silence.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
Go back to the cabin and wait for
me and the others.
TAURUS
Boss-
SCORPIO
That was an order, not a
suggestion.
Taurus nods and walks back the way they came. Once alone,
Scorpio strolls in the direction of the bar.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE HARBOR NIGHT
Aries, Sagittarius and Aquarius walk down the boardwalk in
silence. They stop just before reaching the pier.
SAGITTARIUS
Stay here, Im going to get an
aerial view.
Sagittarius takes off and Aquarius stares at Aries as she
watches him go.
AQUARIUS
Youre barking up the wrong tree.
Aries turns to face him, her ram mask tilted down and
slightly to the side. His face is blank.
AQUARIUS (CONTD)
You cant tell? Hes gay. Im
talking straight Clay Aiken anal
penetration gay, not just your
typical-
She hits him hard on the arm.
ARIES
He is not. And Im not barking up
anyones tree.
AQUARIUS
Interesting. You claim to be
uninterested, yet you defend him
before defending yourself.
Aries shakes her head.
ARIES
Damnit! I always do that.
Aquarius reveals his pleasure with a grin.
AQUARIUS
Here he comes, maybe I should tell
him.
Aries leans close and places her hand on his chest.
ARIES
Youre an idiot, I was just fucking
with you.
She pats his chest and walks away slowly. As she turns, a
gentle breeze lifts her hair and causes it to brush against
his face.
Aquarius stares at her ass as she walks towards Sagittarius.
SAGITTARIUS
Theres twenty of them. Mics
being ever careful as always.
Maybe we should call it off.
As she walks past him, she runs her hand down his arm.
ARIES
Oh come on, itll be fun. Just
watch my back.
Aquarius appears at Sagittarius side.
AQUARIUS
I cant stop watching your back.
Sagittarius looks at him disapprovingly but his eyes dont
stray.
CUT TO:
INT. MARVA MANOR OFFICE
A large oak door opens and Gemini, dressed all in black with
Two-Faces mask barely visible in her hand at her side,
enters an enormous office with shelves of books lining the
walls.
She sets down the indistinguishable mask and sits in the
extravagant looking chair behind the large desk and lets out
a long yawn.
When she opens her lilac eyes they show nothing but
exhaustion.
She plays with the little charm on her necklace with distant
eyes.
GUARD TWO (V.O.)
Drop the weapon!
Gemini races to the window and looks down at the back patio
below. Through the window frames we see
GEMINIS POV
Twenty guards surrounding a dark, hooded figure holding a
dagger parallel to the ground six inches above the tile.
GUARD ONE
Hold your fire!
On and On by Joey Badass plays as a chorus of gunshots
rings and for a brief instant we see her face reflecting off
the window fully lit from the sparks below, her eyes filled
with horror.
She backs away for a heartbeat before turning back to the
window.
The dagger barer slices through the air and blood squirts
out of nowhere. He stands up and Libra appears below, her
throat covered in blood.
Leo turns around and we see the silver mask in the image of
a lions head. He picks a backpack up off the ground, takes
a remote out of it, and tosses it over Libras face.
We pan left and track in on the door, making our way around
the desk and grabbing the mask. We hear an explosion. As
the door opens and we start to reach its threshold, flames
engulf us.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARVA MANOR
We see the mansion explode and tilt up to look at the starry
night sky.
TITLE OVER:
Strangely enough, as I realize what
Im about to do - whether willingly
of by some powerful and
inexplicable force theres a part
of me my invisible self that
rests assured knowing that I wont
be alone in this. Somewhere out
there is someone who shares my
thoughts There has to be, doesnt
there? I cant be the only one
that feels this way. Can I?
Oh, well Its too late.
The text fades as we tilt down to see Leo standing in the
enormous backyard, out of reach of the explosion. He takes
off his mask and watches as the mansion burns to the ground.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS BEDROOM NIGHT
We hear soft sobs as a replication of The Photograph That
Ended a War but Ruined a Life, by Eddie Adams (1968) comes
into focus.
The lighting is very dim.
We track back from the photograph to see the white walls of
Libras small and tidy room.
A queen size bed lies beneath the photograph with a white
comforter and fluffy white pillows.
The quiet sound of crying persists.
On an adjacent wall lies a dresser and mirror, between
replications of Unknown Protestor and Lunchtime atop a
Skyscraper.
In the mirror, we see a stationary picture window with
casement windows on each side allowing the light coming from
the lampposts, stars, and moon outside to slightly
illuminate the room, giving it a dark, somber tone.
A bookcase rests beside it.
On it we see To the Lighthouse and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia
Woolf, Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion by Jane Austen, The
Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Great Gatsby by
F. Scott Fitzgerald, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee,
and a bunch of other classics.
Just past the bookcase, Libra sits on the ground in the
corner with her knees pressed to her chest, arms wrapped
around her legs, hands locked around her wrists, and her
head down.
She breathes in sharply through her nose and looks up,
resting her chin on her knees.
Her face is a wreck with cuts and bruises, and she looks
younger.
Her hair is styled with great attention to detail, she wears
a revealing purple blouse, red lipstick, blush, earrings,
bracelets, and necklaces.
Her red eyes are full of anguish and her mascara runs down
her cheeks.
She swallows and wipes most of the tears and mascara from
her face with the back of her hands.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS CAR DAY (PAST)
Libras face is angry and annoyed.
We hear _________ playing as she drives through the city in
her white Prius.
Rain splashes relentlessly against the windshield and wipers
wipe.
She passes a few billboards:
One reminding drivers not to text and drive, another for a
new movie starring Michael Salvador AKA Aquarius, and
another depicting a bad car accident with the words Hurt in
a bad accident? Call
She changes the song on her phone to __________ and
continues driving, the tension in her back, neck, and face
slowly starting to fade.
We hear the sound of a fighting game.
In the back seat, on the passengers side, Libras little
brother, Angelo (11), plays BlazBlue on his PlayStation
Vita.
Libra shakes her head in the front seat, frustrated.
LIBRA
(sarcastically, under her breath)
Im so glad I get to be a
chauffeur.
Lightning flashes overhead as she approaches a light as it
turns yellow and accelerates slightly.
Thunder roars as she enters the intersection.
CUT TO:
EXT BLACK PICK-UP TRUCK DAY
A young man in an old, black pick-up truck drives towards
the red light.
His phone rings briefly. Lightning strikes as he turns,
reaches down, and looks at it.
Thunder roars as Libras white Prius enters the
intersection, coming from the left of the pick-up truck.
She looks over at the quickly approaching truck and her eyes
widen in fear.
We hear her heart start racing and tires squealing on
pavement as she tries to brake and swerve out of the way.
The truck driver looks up just as he enters the intersection
and tries to do the same.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS PRIUS
Nick looks up in the backseat as the car tries to swerve out
of the way.
The truck T-bones the Prius.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRAS BEDROOM
Libras face fills with horror.
She gags, reaches her hands to her mouth, stands up, and
races across the room to the bathroom.
She turns on the light, throws up in the toilet, flushes,
and walks slowly over to the sink with her head down and
shoulders slouched.
She pulls her hair back and looks up into the mirror, her
face is red, scraped, and bruised, her hair is a mess, and
her eyes full of regret.
She closes her eyes tightly.
We see a streetlight changes from green to yellow, and hear
tires squeal and a crash.
She opens them and sees a thin, black mask covering part of
her face in the mirror.
Libra grows confused and scared though the reflection
remains firm, strong, and brave.
She tilts her head. The reflection tilts her head and
smiles.
Her reflection completely disappears.
Libra stands, staring at the mirror, seeing the bathroom
wall behind her in the reflection.
Libras eyes widen. She looks around in shock.
As she looks down at herself, her body starts to disappear.
She looks up into the mirror to see her masked reflection
back, grinning and nodding back at her.
She looks down and sees that shes still invisible.
Libra sits on the ground, still as stone, curled up in the
fetal position, eyes distant.
She slowly comes around and her expression grows confused.
She looks around, eyes wide with shock.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN
STILL NAIRAS POV
The logs in the fire are almost entirely burned up, a large
bed of coals lie where theyd been.
We watch her repeat the process of getting up, putting a few
more logs on the fire, wipe her hands together, and then
wipe them on her dress as she makes her way back to the
kitchen.
She grabs a pair of oven mitts, puts them on, takes the
brownies out of the oven and sets them on the stove.
Naira then gets a plate, a knife, and a spatula, and sets
them next to the brownies.
The old woman takes a tea pot, fills it, and sets it on the
stove. She lights the stove, grabs two tea cups, two little
spoons, a sugar bowl, and a tray.
She sets everything on the tray, cuts the brownies up and
uses the spatula to transfer them to the plate.
She carries the tray in the other room, sets it down on a
coffee table, sits on the amber sofa, and looks out the
large windows at the night sky. We track in, through the
window, on the sky.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAPRICORNS CABIN NIGHT
We pan down from the night sky to see Leos cabin.
Sagittarius carries a bleeding and screaming Aries inside
while an eagle soars overhead.
CUT TO:
Sagittarius gives Aries a bottle of whiskey and she takes a
long swig.
ARIES POV
We rapidly transition between heat vision, night vision, and
regular vision, zooming in and out sporadically all the
while as she drinks the liquor. We see through her skin and
watch the
We hear all sorts of loud sounds from the creaking of
floorboards, to birds chirping outside, the sound of Virgo
grabbing a pair of tweezers and a knife off a plate, her
heavy breathing and racing heartbeat.
Virgo pulls bullets out of her stomach, back and thigh, then
sews her up. Aries cusses and screams all the while, her
heightened super-senses frantic.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT NIGHT
Leo, his hoodie soaked with blood, walks in to find the five
men in the same seats as earlier. Other than Aquarius, who
looks like he doesnt have a care in the world, their
expressions are equal parts serious and exhausted. Leo
takes his seat and sighs.
TAURUS
Wheres Libra?
Leo stares at him, eyes full of regret, and theres a long
tense silence.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARVA MANOR
Libra lay still, on her back, her neck covered in blood.
VIRGOS VOICE
She didnt make it.
Leo stands over her with his hands pressed to the sides of
his head. His mask is up and a tear strolls down either
side of his face.
SAGITTARIUSS VOICE
What do you mean she didnt make
it?
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT
Sagittarius leans forward surprised, eyeing Leo. Taurus
grows suspicious.
AQUARIUS
You surprised, Sarg? I coulda told
ya that.
SCORPIO
You knew?!
Aquarius looks at them all like theyre idiots.
AQUARIUS
No, but I had my suspicions that
she was our mole.
They stare at him in disbelief waiting for him to continue
but hes not even looking at them.
After a long moment he brings his gaze down to them, laughs
and makes a cruel grin.
AQUARIUS
Would you like to know why?
SCORPIO
Dont play coy.
AQUARIUS
We all have our roles in this
production, Im simply rehearsing
the lines provided for me.
LEO
This isnt a fucking movie, our
lives are at stake and youre
joking.
Aquarius grins and dismisses the comment with a wave of the
hand.
AQUARIUS
I started suspecting her as soon as
things went wrong. She only killed
one of em back at the factory and
right before I left I swear I saw a
feint flicker of remorse in her
eyes.
The torch behind Aquarius suddenly goes out, dimming the
room and covering him in shadows. Leo watches them all as
they look at it.
Scorpio scowls, Virgos expression is curious, Taurus alert,
and Sagittarius creeped out.
CUT TO:
EXT. CALIFORNIA JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK NIGHT
Libra takes photographs of the trees and rock formations.
SAGITTARIUS
That doesnt mean anything. She
was a thief and photographer, not a
killer.
She comes to the top of a hill and sees an enormous Sequoia
tree surrounded by large, luminescent butterflies of all
colors.
Libra looks on in awe eyes wide and moving in a slow arch,
lips partly open, and camera held with both hands at her
waist.
AQUARIUS
Never trust a girl that gorgeous
and charming, Sarg. Trust me,
theyre nothing but trouble.
A shadowy figure lurches in tree, hopping from branch to
branch, hidden under the cover of leaves.
LEO
Is that it, or do you have anything
else?
Libra takes a step back, her expression suddenly worried.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT
Aquarius leans back in his chair. He looks like hes having
the time of his life.
AQUARIUS
There was also the time she
interrupted you when you were going
over the plan to ask what Virgo
would be doing.
SAGITTARIUS
So what? Aries asked a hundred
questions.
AQUARIUS
And thats just like Aries;
energetic and bold. I believe
those were your exact words,
Virgin.
Virgo frowns.
VIRGO
Dont call me that.
AQUARIUS
And what did you call Libra? Easy
going and indecisive, if I
recall correctly.
We hear a door slam shut up above and again everyone, other
than Leo, looks. They turn their attention towards the
ladder leading up to the cabin. Aquarius simply smiles.
AQUARIUS
She wasnt curious, she didnt have
any requests or suggestions. She
just needed to know.
AQUARIUS
We expecting company? Mother Mary,
I woulda brought more yayo!
Leo shakes his head, his expression blank. Virgo eyes Leo
skeptically, Taurus reaches for his side pistol, and Scorpio
tenses.
SCORPIO
(rising)
Ill go check it out, get back to
business.
She calmly walks through the room and climbs the ladder.
LEO
What happened to Aries?
SAGITTARIUS
This lunatic turned into a dragon
before we were ready and nearly got
her killed!
Taurus eyes open wide and fear flashes across his face.
Scorpios expression hardens. Virgo and Leo observe the
others and Aquarius shows no sign that hes even paying
attention.
LEO
A dragon, huh?
AQUARIUS
Impressed are we?
LEO
No, not particularly. Though its
no wonder you cant follow the
simplest of orders, youre more
beast than man.
Aquarius smile grows wild with amusement.
AQUARIUS
Why thank you, Im starting to like
you all over again.
LEO
Fan-fucking-tastic for you, Im
losing respect for you by the
second.
Leos face is a stern.
TAURUS
Jesus fucking Christ! Two less
people and twice the bullshit.
Wheres the old man?
LEO
Home, he takes care of his
grandson.
VIRGO
Other than Aquarius childish
outburst that lead to Aries brush
with death, all went according to
plan.
TAURUS
Youre forgetting Libra.
SAGITTARIUS
We knew we had a rat, exterminating
it was the plan.
LEO
And now that we have, were down
two members. Well need more.
TAURUS
Thatll open the door for another
rat to take Libras place.
VIRGO
Its a risk we have to take.
Theres an army coming for us.
Theres a long silence and the tension builds.
Scorpio returns and shrugs when the other look to her
expectantly.
Virgo and Taurus look to Leo who closes his eyes and rubs
her temples.
Aquarius gets up and starts playing with the fire burning in
one of the sconces on the walls, slowly running his hand
over it, back and forth, closer and closer each time.
LEO
Im an idiot.
AQUARIUS
Ill say.
LEO
Weve been going about this all
wrong.
AQUARIUS
Gee, ya think? How did this turn
into a massive sausage fest.
LEO
Would you please take a scene off
and just listen for two minutes,
theres something I have to tell
you guys.
AQUARIUS
Fine but only cuz its the last act
and my highs wearing off. I need
to skedaddle.
Leo lets out a heavy sigh and rubs his eyes.
LEO
Ive had lofty dreams for as long
as I can remember.
Aquarius rolls his eyes, Taurus sits up and leans forward
slightly, Sagittarius smiles, Virgo nods, and Scorpio
studies each of them with a cool, blank stare.
LEO (CONTD)
I grew up in Buffalo and I wanted
more than anything to be the next
Wayne Gretzky.
CUT TO:
INT. THE PEPSI CENTER - BUFFALO, NY 2004
Leo as a young boy in a black and red Amherst Knights
uniform skates past a defender on the ice rink.
LEOS VOICE
Sometimes, in the winter, my
brother and I would skip school and
play in our living room.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS HOME BUFFALO, NY 2004
Leo roller blades on the wood floors, rugs, couches, and
tables pushed into the adjacent, kitchen. Anthony, Leos
brother, plays goalie in the net along the opposite wall.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT
Leo lets out a heavy sigh and looks away, staring the sconce
that went out behind Aquarius.
LEO
Until my dads gambling addiction
caught up to him and we couldnt
afford it.
AQUARIUS
Awwwee woe is me.
Leo ignores him and continues addressing the rest of the
group.
LEO
So after asking myself what else
Id be happy spending the rest of
my life doing, I chose to become a
filmmaker.
AQUARIUS
Hey Buzz Killington, can we just
skip to the final act?
Aquarius pulls out a flask and drains the rest of it while
Leo goes on.
LEO
(still ignoring him)
I realized that the best filmmakers
were the ones who not only made
deeply intellectual and
philosophical films about prominent
social issues.
AQUARIUS
And so you became this little
goodie two shoes that wants to save
the world, we get it. Can we move
on please?
Leo finally stops to scowl at him.
LEO
Guys theres only one way this will
work We have to set our egos
aside. The face under the mask
isnt important, its the mask
itself. Its the guild. The
Zodiacs.
AQUARIUS
I like the sound of that. The
Zodiac Guild. Its got a lovely
ring to it, dont you think?
LEO
We cant just be a bunch of
vigilantes seeking revenge anymore.
This has to be about more than
that.
TAURUS
The little lion got his first taste
of blood and now he wants to be the
king of the jungle Youre not
Muffasa, just a wanna be hero.
AQUARIUS
Ive always wanted to be a
superhero. Ooouu ooouuu, Ill be
mystique!
Leo sighs and rolls his eyes. Scorpio glares at Aquarius,
wiping the smirk off his face.
She turns to face Taurus.
SCORPIO
Quit being so bull-headed. Look me
in the eye and tell me you dont
hear the voice inside your head
telling you that you could be using
your powers to help people.
VIRGO
Freuds super-ego lives within us
all, its time to create something
stronger than ourselves.
LEO
This guild is everything. We have
to be a symbol, a sign in the stars
that brings hope to the helpless
and drives fear into the heart of
our enemies.
AQUARIUS
How poetic.
SAGITTARIUS
That means we all have to think and
act as one when in battle.
He casts a significant stare at Aquarius who laughs and
makes a dismissing gesture with his hand.
AQUARIUS
Have no fear, Sarg. I promise, I
wont prick your feathers again.
SCORPIO
Good. Thats it for tonight. Its
been a long day, everyone get some
rest. Well discuss the next step
tomorrow.
Taurus, Sagittarius and Aquarius depart without a word.
Scorpio looks up at Virgo.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
The two of you better be damn sure
about this.
Virgo looks to Leo and they share a nod of agreement.
VIRGO
Its vital. If we try to do this
alone, we wont see the new year.
SCORPIO
If another mole gets in, Ill kill
every last one of you and start
over.
With that, Scorpio takes his leave. Once alone with Virgo,
Leo clears his throat.
LEO
What if I were to tell you that
Libra may notve been the problem.
Virgo swallows and his jaw clenches minutely for a brief
second.
VIRGO
Didnt she try to get you killed?
LEO
You heard Sag, she was a frightened
to death photographer caught up in
a revolution.
He looks towards around making sure theyre alone.
LEO
Aquarius made some good points but
it could be that she just wanted to
take Mics stash and disappear.
And Aquarius may just be tryna give
us a false sense of security.
VIRGO
True, hes certainly a fickle one
and it wouldnt have been difficult
for her.
They sit in silence as Virgo considers how to proceed
LEO
Have you had any hallucinations?
Virgo looks up at him surprised. He shakes his head and Leo
sighs.
LEO
Drink?
VIRGO
Please.
Virgo eyes Leo skeptically as the young man walks over to a
small table and pours two glasses.
LEO
We have to change our approach.
VIRGO
How so?
He returns and hands one to Virgo still sitting, deep in
thought.
LEO
We acted too quickly
Virgo nods, waiting for Leo to gather his thoughts.
LEO
I spent five years studying film
and literature before making my
first short.
The flames on the scones suddenly and mysteriously flare
brightly, illuminating Virgos impressed expression in
shades of orange, red, white, yellow, and blue.
They both turn and look curiously at the flames, dancing
strangely high in the sconces. They exchange a look as the
flames go down.
VIRGO
The Conte of Monte Cristo?
Leo grins.
LEO
Basically, I was thinking V for
Vendetta and Mistborn.
Virgo nods approvingly. They hold their glasses up.
VIRGO (CONTD)
To the Zodiac Guild.
Leo smiles and nods respectfully.
LEO
Long live the Zodiacs.
They clink their glasses together, drain their cups, and set
them down on the stone table.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN
NAIRAS POV
Hot water is poured into two tea cups on an Mahogany coffee
table next to The Coffee Table Book of Coffee Tables by
Kramer (Seinfeld), a plate of brownies, two packets of tea,
and a small bowl of sugar.
We watch small, old, callused hands slowly set down the tea
kettle, dip tea bag in each cup, mix in a small spoonful of
sugar into one, and stir gently.
NAIRA (V.O.)
Come in.
We hear a door open as she picks up the tea cup without
sugar and lift it to her lips. She takes a small sip, sets
it down, and turns to see ANTHONY, the young man with shaggy
brown hair and glasses that was in the photo with Mickey,
Gemini, Heinrich, and Father Albert, sit down.
Hes dressed in a black sweater and dark gray jeans, no
glasses. His calm hazel eyes contradicting the twisted grin
on his lips.
NAIRA (V.O.) (CONTD)
I was wondering when youd stop by.
Anthony cant help but to laugh, his eyes begin to smile and
his wry smirk turns into a more genuine smile. His voice is
soft and sinister.
ANTHONY
No you werent.
ANTHONYS POV
Naira smiles slightly. She gestures toward the tea cup on
the table.
We see Anthonys hands reach out, grab it, and lift it to
his lips. He slurps softly
NAIRAS POV
ANTHONY
Mmmmm, perfect.
He sets the cup back on its little plate and holds it in his
lap as he reaches for a brownie.
ANTHONY (CONTD)
Howd you know I was craving
brownies? Oh, and theyre still
warm!
His sly smirk resurfaces and the calmness comes back to his
eyes.
We watch them both as they sit next to each other, studying
one another, her with scrutinizing eyes, his calm.
NAIRA
So, Anthony, why dont you tell me
why it is that youre here.
Anthony expression remains calm but theres a playfulness in
his voice.
ANTHONY
Naira, please, I imagine there
wont be any need for that
He looks around the room and sees the copy of Edward Munchs
The Scream and the painting Omniscient Observation.
ANTHONY (CONTD)
Ill just let you do the talking,
after all, you know best.
They sit comfortably on the sofa sipping their tea, both
completely relaxed. Behind them we see a copy of Edward
Munchs The Scream.
NAIRA
Very well, where shall I begin?
Her expression grows ponderous. Anthony waits patiently
with a pleasant grin, thoroughly enjoying his brownie.
He takes a few more and puts them in his jacket pockets
while Naira gathers her thoughts.
After a long moment, she sighs and looks at him cooly.
NAIRA
I supposed Id best tell you that
it wont work.
Anthonys expression grows perplexed as his head tilts and
inches forward, his eyes squinting.
ANTHONY
You presume to know my intentions.
Nairas face is a mask, expressionless.
NAIRA
Not in the least, though I see how
youll respond to what ensues.
Anthony shrugs nonchalantly.
ANTHONY
Perhaps itll all be an act.
His smirk widens and his eyes reveal a tremendous amount of
amusement.
ANTHONY
Or dare I say, an allusion.
INT. HIDEOUT
Anthony walks out of a tunnel and into the hideout. Hes
wearing a dark suit and his long, dark brown hair is gelled
to the side.
He smokes a blunt and sits at the table, right in front of
Leo and Virgos empty glasses.
CUT TO:
INT. NAIRAS CABIN
Anthony, wearing his lab coat and glasses, long shaggy,
brown hair an unruly mess, snickers softly.
NAIRA
Everythings an allusion dear.
Anthonys expression grows pensive. He nods and smiles,
genuinely in appreciation.
ANTHONY
I bow to your wisdom, mademoiselle.
Ill let you get some rest, we may
resume this discourse when we next
cross paths.
She nods with a tired smile. They rise together and she
leads him to the door.
NAIRA
Ill be seeing you soon, dear.
She opens the door for him. He turns and nods with a final
smile before departing. We track forward on him as he
strides through the night into the woods.
We tilt up at the night stars above.
FADE TO BLACK
Zodiac Rebellion
EXT. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK NIGHT OCTOBER 2015
A tall species of yucca tree and breathtaking rock
formations: jumbled piles of outsize boulders that glitter
with crystals.
Libra takes a photograph of the landscape and lowers her
camera, her expression tranquil as she stares at the peak of
the tall structure ahead, the stars above are overwhelmingly
vivid due the absence of light pollution.
She stands at the top of the tall structure, looking out at
the park surrounding her and the starry night sky up above
in amazement.
Large, unnaturally bright butterflies dance around her
glowing in an assortment of colors, some yellow, some red,
others blue, purple, green, orange
To her right is a giant sequoia tree, towering up from the
ground right next to the base of the rock formation, so
close that she could use it to climb down if needed.
She stares at the tree and the strange butterflies flocking
around it, glowing in the dark.
Her eyes follows them for a moment and she see a pair of red
wings tear from a butterflys body and float slowly
downward. Another pair of red wings fall.
SEE-ERS VOICE
(cool and dry)
The red ones offend my aesthetic.
Libra takes a step back as she tries to peer through bright
butterflies and dark branches.
SEE-ERS VOICE
(criticizing)
Keep staring, forget about manners.
She straightens her posture and holds her head up high.
LIBRA
Forgive me, mam. Ive never spoken
with a tree before and am wondering
if Im dreaming.
Shadows sway in the ominous tree.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Im no more a tree, my child, than
you are a doormat. I am the See-er
and you are fortunate to stumble
across my path. Many would envy
your opportunity.
Libra squints, stepping forward slowly, trying to get a
better view of the shadowy figure up in the tree.
LIBRA
Opportunity? Youre an oracle.
The shadow chuckles softly to himself
SEE-ERS VOICE
Oracle. How quaint. Refrain from
equating me to fanciful names,
dear. I am the See-er. I am. I
see. I know.
Two blue wings flutter separately downward where a butterfly
had been.
LIBRA
That one was blue.
SEE-ERS VOICE
(nonchalantly)
There arent any red ones left and
the blue ones are ever so slightly
sweet.
A flicker of movement and another pair of saphire wings
fall.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You wrote that story didnt you?
Libra opens her mouth, closes it, and looks down.
SEE-ERS VOICE
I thought so, I can see it in your
eyes.
She looks up, her expression suddenly fierce.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Come now
(coming from a different part of
the tree)
Your urge to pry must be consuming
you at this very moment.
She hesitates, her eyes a mix of fear and intrigue,
LIBRA
I suppose I might have a question
or two.
SEE-ERS VOICE
I thought you might.
Libra steps forwards to the edge of the rock formation and
sits with her legs swaying over the side of it.
LIBRA
What can you tell me about Mickey
Magnolis organization?
Wings flutter to the downward as the See-er sighs, annoyed.
SEE-ERS VOICE
(irritated)
Dont be nervous, little one. No
more games. Ask me of the titans
and have done.
Libras eyes widen and her lips part slightly, her mouth
hanging open.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Oh, dont look so shocked. For
gods sake, girl, youre a clear
pool. I can see ten feet through
you, and youre barely three feet
deep.
Another blur of motion. Two pairs of wings spin down; one
blue, one violet.
LIBRA
Why the violet one?
SEE-ERS VOICE
Pure spite, I envied its innocence,
its lack of care. Too much
sweetness nauseates me, as does
willful ignorance.
Libra gulps and looks away from the tree, back out at the
park below.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You desire to ask me of the titans,
do you not?
Libra turns towards the tree and nods, her eyes full of
fear.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Not much to say, though you should
really call them the twelve.
Titans is too mythological,
people will think youre crazy.
A long pause. Silence. Libra sits motionless staring up at
the stars.
LIBRA
(softly)
Tell me more.
SEE-ERS VOICE
(a hint of playfulness)
Why?
LIBRA
I need to know.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Need? Suddenly so indigent. Your
professors and bosses may have the
answers you seek but youd never
ask.
Libra looks over, desperation in her eyes.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Youre too proud for that. Too
clever to ask for help. Too
mindful of your reputation.
Libra opens her mouth to speak, closes it and swallows.
LIBRA
Please They
SEE-ERS VOICE
(sympathetically)
Killed your parents
(suddenly fascinated)
Are you going to try to kill the
Titans? Track and kill them all
yourself?
Libra looks away, discouraged, her head tilting downward.
SEE-ERS VOICE
How on earth would you manage? The
one called Cronos has been alive
for thousands of years without a
second of sleep.
Another long silence, Libras face hidden by the shadows and
her hair.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Clever to seek out Mickey, I
suppose. I guess your pride isnt
blinding.
Libra pushes her bangs out of her face and looks up with a
slight glimmer of hope.
SEE-ERS VOICE
He may even help. Though his trust
will come at a dangerously high
price.
Libra lifts her legs, pressing her thighs to her chest, and
wraps her arms around her legs, holding onto her wrists.
She presses her forehead to her knees and stares down into
her lap.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Dear, oh dear. Whatever is a
tenacious, young lady to do?
She looks up, her face screaming desperation.
LIBRA
(pleading)
Tell me!
SEE-ERS VOICE
I can imagine how frustrating it
must be. The few believers are too
frightened to speak and everyone
else just laughs at you.
The See-er sighs dramatically and the sound seems to come
from several places in the tree at once.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Thats the price you pay for
civilization though.
LIBRA
What price?
SEE-ERS VOICE
Arrogance, you assume you know
everything. You dismissed
fantasies until you turned
invisible. Youll be hopeless
until you accept this.
A long pause. Libras face is pensive as she considers the
advice. Another pair of violet wings drift downward. Libra
gulps.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You understand few will take your
proposal seriously? That young man
you met, however, is exceptionally
understanding.
Libras eyes soften.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Stick by him and hell lead you
right to Mickeys doorstep.
A thin, dry chuckle comes from the tree.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You creatures dont have the wit to
appreciate my humor. Remember what
I said, eventually youll get the
joke and have a laugh.
LIBRA
What can you tell me about the
titans?
SEE-ERS VOICE
Since you asked so sweetly, Coeus
is the one you want. You must
remember him long, white hair and
dark eyes. The things he did to
your mother.
Libras eyes swell up with tears, hatred, and pain.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Nevertheless, she was ever the
trooper. Your father on the hand
Her eyes grow distant, her expression horrified.
CUT TO:
A SERIES OF IMAGES
A woman lying in the dirt, her hair wet with blood, her arms
twisted beneath her, broken at the wrists and elbows.
A man lying a few feet away, his gut sliced open, and a
trail of blood running for twenty feet. His arm reached out
toward her.
A lean, middle-aged man, standing over them laughing.
CUT TO:
EXT. JOSHUA NATIONAL PARK

Libra wipes the tears off of her cheeks, gulps, and looks
over at the tree, still huddled up in a little ball with her
arms wrapped around her legs.
LIBRA
Why?
SEE-ERS VOICE
Why did they do such nasty things
to your poor family? Why, because
they wanted to, because they could,
and because they had a reason.
Libras jaw clenches and her expression hardens.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Why leave you alive? Because they
were sloppy, because you were
lucky, and because something scared
them away.
LIBRA (V.O.)
What scared them away?
SEE-ERS VOICE
What? Are you looking for a
different why? Why do I tell you
these things? What good comes from
it?
Libras anger turns to wonder and confusion.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Maybe Cinder has done me wrong.
Maybe it amuses me to send you
snapping at his heels.
She gets up and starts pacing.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Maybe the soft churning of you
grinding your teeth is a symphony
to my ears. Oh yes it is, that you
can be sure of.
Libra scowls at the tree and after a long moment of silence,
she turns and starts walking away from the tree.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Why cant you find this Cinder?
She stops in her tracks.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Well, well isnt that an
interesting why. After all, one
would think such a man would make
an impression. How have you yet to
catch wind of him all this time?
She slowly turns around and walks back towards the tree with
a hard, determined stare. She shakes her head and the See-
er seems to take it as a signal.
SEE-ERS VOICE
I mean really, you just saw him a
few days ago.
Libras eyes widen and grow distant.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Pity you let him get away, thats a
twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity if
I ever saw one.
Wings fall as another butterfly is plucked out of the air.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Dont be ashamed for not
recognizing him, their quite
experienced in the art of
deception. Besides, its been
years and youve been busy.
Libra expression grows angry.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Currying favor, rolling around on a
mattress, satisfying your base
desires.
Three green butterflies twitch, all at once, and their wings
spin to the ground like leaves.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Speaking of which, what on earth
would your precious Gabriel think?
Fear returns to Libras face, along with guilt and shame.
SEE-ERS VOICE
My, oh my. Imagine him, seeing you
with this demigod, humping like
rabbits.
Libra turns away, sits on the ground in a cross-legged
position with her elbows pressed against the inside of her
knees and her face in her hands. We here soft sobs.
SEE-ERS VOICE
He beats him, you know. His
employer. Not always, but often.
Sometimes because hes angry, but
more often for entertainment.
Libra looks up and over her shoulder at the tree, tears
rolling down her face.
SEE-ERS VOICE
How far can he go before young
Gabriel cries? How far can he push
before he tries to leave and has to
be lured back? While its nothing
too grotesque, its only a matter
of time.
Libra wipes her face and stands up, facing the tree, with a
look of defiance.
LIBRA
Why are you telling me this?
SEE-ERS VOICE
The other day he used a pool stick.
Welts across his back, bruised to
the bone, trembling on the floor,
covered in blood. And you know
what he thinks before the black?
Libra closes her eyes and turns back away.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You. He thinks of you You
thought of her too though, I
assume. In between all of the sex
and drugs.
The shadowy figure makes a sound that resembles a sigh.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Poor thing, hes tied on so tight.
Thinks thats all he deserves.
Wouldnt leave even if you asked.
Which you wont.
Libra opens her somber eyes, tears strolling down her
cheeks.
SEE-ERS VOICE
You, so careful. So scared of
startling him away. And you should
be. That boys a loner if I ever
saw one. Now that hes left LA,
how can you hope to find him?
Libra turns back toward the tree, startled, confused, and
upset.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Such a shame you left without word.
He was just starting to trust you
Before you got angry and ran off,
like every other girl.
Libra gulps and shakes her head. She presses her hands to
her ears as if trying to block out his voice.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Exchanging lustful looks, then just
walking away. Leaving him alone,
again. Its a good things hes so
used to it by now, isnt it?
She turns away again, and starts walking away, her face full
of guilt, shame, and concern, tears falling uncontrollably
down her cheeks.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Otherwise you might have hurt him.
Otherwise you just mightve broken
that poor boys heart.
Libra starts running, desperately trying to get away as the
See-er laughs.
SEE-ERS VOICE
Come back. Come back. Ive more
to say. Ive so much more to tell
you, wont you stay?
Libra trips, scuffing her elbow. Blood pours down her arm
as she scurries away, never looking back.
We track in on the shadowy figure in the tree.
CUT TO:
EXT. USC CAMPUS SUNSET (LAST MONTH)
Aries slouches atop a tall building with her feet dangling
over the roof, overlooking the University of Southern
Californias campus with a sad and lonely look on her face
and pain in her eyes.
ARIES POV:
Gardens, fountains, and statues of Trojan warriors decorate
the courtyard outside the magnificent building.
We hear Whats Up by 4 Non Blondes playing softly.
The music begins to crescendo as all types of people pass
by; students and faculty of all races and ethnicities, some
in suits and dresses, others in shorts in t- shirts.
The camera fishes for its subject, LEO, a young man (23)
with slightly big lips, blonde hair, short on the sides
though fading up, long on top, and parted just above the
inside of his right eyebrow.
The thin, but toned and well-proportioned young man slowly
walks down the path, away from the buildings, his head held
high, sad, bright blue eyes staring straight ahead, lip
singing passionately to the music.
Hes wearing skinny a tight, blue and white, plaid button up
tucked into his black skinny jeans that are tucked into his
black, white, and blue high top Creative Recreation
sneakers.
Two girls, coming towards him, check him out as they pass by
but he doesnt even seem to see them.
We zoom out and pan across the courtyard, fishing for our
next subject.
After a few moments we slowly zoom in two well-dressed men
heading in Leos direction.
The younger of the two, VIRGO, a middle-aged (42) Pakistani
man in a dark brown suit, points at the young man while
leaning over to say something to CAPRICORN, the old man (72)
wearing a light gray sweater over a white collared shirt,
white coloroid pants, and a gray Greek Fishermans cap.
Virgo speeds up and waves Leo down before he passes by. Leo
smiles and turns down the volume using the button on his
headphones as Capricorn pulls up next to them and leans,
with both hands, on his walking cane.
VIRGO
Mr. Campanella, just the man I was
hoping to encounter.
LEO
Dr. Amir. Your lecture in
Political Ethics today was quite
enlightening.
VIRGO
Why thank you, Eland. I believe I
told you about Dr. Megalos.
He gestures to Capricorn, who smiles politely.
Leos face lightens up. He stands up straight, holds his
head high, smiles, and nods.
LEO
(turning to Capricorn)
Its an honor to finally meet you,
sir.
Capricorn chuckles softly.
CAPRICORN
From what I hear the honor should
be mine.
Leos cheeks grow rosy and his smile widens for a moment
until hes able to regain his composure.
CAPRICORN
Dr. Amir seems to think we have a
lot in common.
The old man looks at his companion and back at the young man
as he pulls a tobacco pipe out of his back pocket.
Leo watches attentively as he searches his pockets and after
trying each one, Leo pulls a lighter out of his own pocket
and offers it to him.
Virgo smiles and the Capricorn chuckles softly again as he
takes the lighter, uses it to get the cherry lit, and offers
it back with a nod of appreciation.
Leo takes it back and tucks it away as Capricorn begins
walking away.
Virgo and Leo exchange an amused look before hurrying after
him.
Capricorn makes his way to a bench, sits back, rests his
walking cane across his lap, and pulls on the ends of his
handlebar mustache as Leo and Virgo pull up.
CAPRICORN
Give us a minute, Mufakkir, Id
like to talk to the boy alone.
Virgo smiles, nods, and departs back in the direction that
he came from.
Capricorn turns his inquisitive eyes on Leo, tilts his head
slightly to the side, his mouth a straight line, and pats
the bench next to him, gesturing for Leo to sit.
The young man complies, sitting up straight, and turns
slightly to angle his body towards Capricorn. He smiles
nervously, patiently and eagerly waiting for Capricorn to
lead the conversation.
CAPRICORN
Did Dr. Amir mention why he thought
we should meet?
LEO
He only said that Id undoubtedly
admire you and that I could benefit
immensely from your wisdom.
Capricorn chuckles, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
CAPRICORN
He can be such a brown-noser
Capricorn glances back over at Leo, giving him an amused
grin, making him laugh.
CAPRICORN
See what I did there?
Leo nods, his smile wide and his bright blue eyes fixated on
the old man, marveling in wonder and respect.
LEO
Clever, though I must admit that I
never expected you to be so jovial.
Capricorn smiles happily and turns his body slightly,
angling his body towards Leo.
CAPRICORN
Sometimes we simply have to take
pleasure in our good health and the
suns warming rays on a beautiful
day.
Leos smile becomes forced as his eyes grow sad, and his
demeanor disheartened.
As Capricorn looks deep into Leos bright blue eyes, his own
sympathetic eyes turn from hazel to a deep forest green and
we hear an alarm going off as we
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS PARENTS HOUSE BEDROOM NIGHT 2015
CAPRICORNS POV:
The room is nearly pitch black with the only light coming
through the window from the moon above and street lights
below.
Leo rolls over in his bed, searching for his phone under the
covers.
He pulls it out and the alarm playing out of it grows louder
until he turns it off. The phone reads 3:09a.m. Wednesday
April 16th, 2015.
Leo lets out a heavy sigh and rubs his eyes to wake himself
up.
He throws the covers back, gets up, and starts doing push-
ups.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS PARENTS HOUSE KITCHEN 2015
Black granite countertops, stainless steel stove,
refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave, dark brown, and
stained wood floors. The clock on the microwave reads 3:39.
Leo rounds a corner, dressed in grey skinny jeans and a blue
v neck t-shirt, hair gelled, carrying a refillable water
bottle, and wearing an annoyed expression.
He opens the refrigerator, pulls out a pitcher of water,
fills his glass, and puts the pitcher back.
He then closes the refrigerator, and opens the glass door.
We hear him run down the stairs slam has hand against the
wall to turn off a light switch, race back up the stairs,
and hit slam another light switch.
He comes back into the kitchen shaking his head in
frustration, slams his hand against the two kitchen light
switches to turn them off and we
FADE TO BLACK
LEOS VOICE
Every single fucking day
douchebags!
CUT TO:
INT. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO LIBRARY NIGHT
We hear Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
playing.
The black screen becomes a computer screen turning on.
Leo sits in front of the computer, pulling out a book, a
notebook, and a pencil case from his backpack while the log-
in screen loads.
He opens his notebook and book to a particular page and logs
into the school computer.
The desktop loads and we see that its 4:17a.m. 4/16/2015.
We click on the MyDocuments folder and open a Microsoft Word
file titled Revolution.
Microsoft word opens and we track in to the still-loading
white page and
FADE TO WHITE
EXT. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
We track back from the reflection of the sun on a tinted
glass door as it opens and Leo steps out into the suns
rays.
He walks slowly, staring at the ground all the way to the
car, his expression exhausted.
He checks his watch and we see that its 4:15p.m. The hour
hand moves from 4 to 8 as we
CUT TO:
INT. NEW ERA CAP INC.
We zoom out of the watch and tilt up to see a large, empty
office complex full of cubicles.
Leo pushes a large garbage bin over to the next cubicle,
moves a chair, bends down, grabs a blue recycling bin, takes
out a small black garbage from within, empties it, replaces
the bag, empties the recycling into a separate bag, and
returns the bin under the desk.
He closes his eyes and we
FADE TO BLACK
INT. LEOS BEDROOM
LEOS POV (STILL CAPRICORNS POV)
Leo opens his eyes and we see him staring into the mirror on
his dresser, in front of his bong. He exhales and a long
cloud of smoke comes out.
He takes a sip of water from his re-usable bottle, grabs his
phone and we see that its 21:24.
He walks over, turns off the lone lamp in the corner on the
nightstand, and collapses on his bed, laying on his back and
looking like hes about to cry.
FADE TO BLACK
We hear an alarm going off.
Leo rolls over, finds his phone, turns the alarm off and we
see that its 3:09a.m. Thursday April 17th, 2015.
CUT TO:
A SERIES OF IMAGES/SHOTS
The earth from outer space. A drain carrying waste,
polluting a lake. Factories burning smoke into the
atmosphere. McDonalds. Walmart. The Declaration of
Independence. A V for Vendetta poster with the words
Freedom Forever.
CUT TO:
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2016
ARIES POV:
Capricorns distant, deep, forest green eyes return to their
hazel color as his expression becomes amiable again.
Leos remains dismayed, staring down at the ground, and
slouching forward.
CAPRICORN (V.O)
Such a stressful life, hes so hard
on himself.
Leo looks up and his discouraged expression begins to slowly
fade into intrigue as he sits up straight again and holds
his head high.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
Did he just hear that?
Leo makes a subtle gesture that could be interpreted as a
nod.
CAPRICORN
How do you feel about honesty?
Leo squints and his face grows pensive.
LEO
I value it most highly, though
society and I seem to differ
greatly in this regard.
Capricorn smiles and pulls on the ends of his mustache
again.
CAPRICORN
As do I, lad Which is why I must
be completely honest with you.
Leo nods respectfully in appreciation.
CAPRICORN
Theres no easy way to explain this
so Im just going to have to come
out with it I can see into your
soul, son. I vividly feel your
pain and hope youll let me help.
Leos expression is unwavering. He squints slightly, trying
to assess the situation.
LEO
How do I know I can trust you?
Capricorn frowns and stares into Leos eyes with sincere
innocence.
CAPRICORN
You slave away, working yourself to
the bone, climbing the capitalistic
ladders of America just so you can
turn around and use that wealth,
fame, and influence to fight the
system.
Leo shrugs nonchalantly and looks away.
LEO
Dr. Amir couldve told you that
much.
Capricorn chuckles and smiles proudly at Leo.
CAPRICORN
Is it details that you want? You
often wake up at 3 or 4 in the
morning to do your schoolwork
before class and work because you
take twice as many classes as the
average full-time student.
Leo looks over, still unimpressed.
LEO
Everyone knows that, Ive been
doing it for years.
CAPRICORN
You loath pollution, big business,
fast food, and our current
political system. You eat one meal
a day despite the fact that you
only sleep 4 hours a night and
cant afford to be losing weight.
Leo looks away and stares out at the sunset.
LEO
Youre still not telling me
anything my friends and closest
professors dont already know.
Capricorn sighs and turns his attention from Leo to the
somber, setting, scarlet sun.
CAPRICORN (V.O.)
He thinks for himself, too, wont
take anybody at their word.
Leos hardened expression softens a bit, though he keeps his
eyes straight ahead.
CAPRICORN
Were more alike than I believed
possible I didnt want to have to
take it this far, but youre
leaving me no choice.
Leos demeanor hardens, preparing for the worst.
CAPRICORN
Despite having a loving family and
countless friends, youve felt
alone your entire life.
Leo fights to keep his composure but its clear that
Capricorn his penetrating his defenses.
CAPRICORN
Youre nothing like anyone youve
ever met and you fear more than
anything that youll be lonely
forever.
Tears build up in the corner of Leos eyes. One falls down
his cheek and he wipes them away with the back of his hands.
LEO
Alright Im impressed.
The corners of his lips curl upwards slightly. Capricorn
turns to face him and nods earnestly.
CAPRICORN
Hey Zeus, its about time.
Capricorn gives him a teasing smirk as he rises from the
bench and starts walking away without another word. Leo
watches him curiously for a moment before getting up and
chasing after him.
LEO
I see my feelings have not yet been
reciprocated.
Capricorn looks over and grins approvingly.
CAPRICORN
So quick. Your ethics and
discourse are admirable but youre
too young and too eager.
Leos lips become a straight line and his expression turns
pensive. He looks at the old man skeptically.
LEO (V.O.)
Hes testing me, like Elodin did to
Kvothe.
Leo stops walking, stands up straight, and speaks firmly and
confidently.
LEO
Youre misjudging me.
Capricorn stops, still staring straight ahead, though his
expression grows slightly pleased.
LEO
Complete patience, unquestioned
loyalty, and relentless
determination are what I offer you.
Capricorn turns back with a smirk.
CAPRICORN
Oh, is that all?
Leos lips curl upward as he rolls his eyes and shakes his
head.
LEO
Now youre just fucking with me.
Capricorn arches an eyebrow expectantly. Leo sighs.
LEO
Fine! Im both a highly critical
and an immensely imaginative
thinker, as well as an experienced
director, and a persuasive
communicator.
Capricorn snorts softly and nods for Leo to keep walking
with him as he turns away and takes off.
Leo quickly closes the distance and matches Capricorns slow
pace.
They begin to cross the courtyard in silence, Capricorn with
a sophisticated look of calm indifference and Leo with a
pensive expression glancing periodically over at the old
man.
CUT TO:

Leo works out by doing push-ups, pull-ups on a tree branch,
planks, leg lifts, and crunches.
Sagittarius hovers above the cabin and smokes a cigarette
while he meditates.
Scorpio and Taurus spar without weapons. Aquarius flies
overhead in the form of a Falcon.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN CONTINUOUS
Virgo watches surveillance videos on the TV, his laptop and
his iPad and takes notes on what he sees. We see the same
lean, middle-aged military man on all screens.
Aries lies next to him sleeping, its clear that shes in a
great deal of pain.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAPRICORNS CABIN
Leo sparks a king-sized joint and starts smoking it.
Sagittarius tries to hit Aquarius (as a Falcon) with his
throwing stars by manipulating them with his mind while
Aquarius dodges and evades them.
Scorpio and Taurus spar, this time Scorpio has his spear and
Taurus has his Warhammer.
CUT TO:
Virgo changes Aries bandages and gives her a shot of
morphine. He then returns to taking notes on the videos.
We see him pause the image on the TV of an enormous, bald
man standing by Mickeys side and a handful of bodies lying
on the ground around them.
CUT TO:
Leo gives Sagittarius the joint and starts meditating.
Sagittarius smokes without using his hands while holding a
large bolder above the ground. His forehead is getting
sweaty. Scorpio goes for a run by himself. Taurus breaks
down a tree with his hammer. Aquarius flies around the
island.
CUT TO:
Virgos eyes widen and his mouth drops. After a long moment
he sits up straight, gulps and looks around. We see:
VIRGOS POV
An image of Mickey at a large table surrounded by the lean
military man, the enormous, bald man and several others.
CUT TO:
Scorpio sprints up the steep hill to Leos cabin. He
reaches the top and turns to look at the view while catching
his breath. Sagittarius attacks Leo with his throwing stars
while Leo deflects them with his daggers. The tree Taurus
was bashing falls.
CUT TO:
FADE TO BLACK
We hear whispers, deep voice mumbling something too soft to
hear.
INT. HIDEOUT NIGHT
Scorpio, Virgo and Taurus sit at the stone table with
Pisces.
Scorpio sits still as stone, his cold, hard eyes locked on
the flame coming out of one of the sconces.
Taurus and Pisces face each other, his eyes on her while she
looks down at her fidgeting fingers. They talk in a low
whisper while Virgo listens attentively.
PISCES
Hes a monster.
TAURUS
So you see why we have to do this?
Pisces meets his eyes and nods, her face washed with fear.
TAURUS
Theres no need for fear, my dear.
Well keep you safe, I promise.
We hear the sound of a few people climbing some stairs and
walking across a porch coming from above. Virgo and Scorpio
look up.
CUT TO:
The door opens. Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius enter
followed by GEMINI.
They walk through the dark cabin in silence and stop at the
fall wall where Leo opens the trap door.
A lantern hangs from a hook on the wall above the opening
casting a dim light on them as Leo looks to Gemini and meets
her awaiting eyes.
LEO
Let me do the talking and follow my
lead.
She gives him a bold smile and nods. Leo gestures towards
the hole leading down to the hideout. She tilts her head
and looks at him curiously.
GEMINI
You have a basement in this thing?
LEO
Something like that.
Gemini studies Aquarius and Sagittarius. Aquarius smiles
enthusiastically, his eyes exploding with desire.
Sagittarius is straight faced, his trusting eyes warm and
friendly as he nods.
SAGITTARIUS
Theres no need to worry, you have
my word.
Gemini smiles at that. She walks forward and as she passes
in between them her breast brushes against Sagittarius
chest while her but grazes Aquarius crotch.
She stops before her head ducks below the floorboards to
look back at Sagittarius with a fearless grin.
Once alone Leo turns to Aquarius.
LEO
I know Ill regret saying this but
keep your mouth shut about what she
told us.
Aquarius villainous grin widens and his eyes spark with
amusement.
AQUARIUS
Leo, Im wounded by your misguided
and unwarranted lack of trust.
What have I done to propel you
towards this unmistakably tragic
conclusion?
Sagittarius jaw drops and he stares at Aquarius in complete
disbelief as if this were the most ludicrous thing hed ever
heard.
Leos blank expression remains unwavering and his blue eyes
are locked on Aquarius. Without a word, he turns and starts
down the ladder.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT NIGHT
Scorpio has yet to budge. Taurus holds Pisces hand.
Flames dance in the sconces lining the walls, their light
giving the dim, stone room an earie feeling.
PISCES
What will I have to do?
TAURUS
Well get to that later but rest
assured, we wont force you to do
anything you not comfortable with.
Virgos attention is on the corner of the room where the
ladder leads up to the cabin. Feet come into view, followed
by legs.
Gemini reaches the ground and looks over at the table.
PISCES
Okay.
TAURUS
Okay?
Virgo is the only one to notice her. Virgos face is
contemplative and Gemini is equally amazed and intrigued.
She looks up the ladder and awaits her companions.
PISCES
Im in.
Taurus expression is relieved. He sits back in his chair
and smiles contently.
TAURUS
You wont regret it. Theres one
more thing.
Pisces looks up at him expectantly, her eyes still full of
worry.
TAURUS (CONTD)
You cant be Mina anymore. If you
want to make things right, Mina
McGee has to die.
Pisces head tilts to the side, her mouth opens slightly and
her eyes squint.
PISCES
What do you mean?
TAURUS
If Mickey finds out youre a part
of this, hell go after your family
and friends.
Pisces nods in understanding and Virgo notices Leo emerging
from above followed by Aquarius and Sagittarius.
TAURUS (CONTD)
From now on youll be Pisces.
Dont tell the others your real
name.
PISCES
But arent we all on the same side?
Taurus grimaces. He sighs and takes a moment to choose his
words.
TAURUS
So it seems, but I dont trust
them.
VIRGO
Speak of the devil.
Leo, Aquarius and Sagittarius approach the table with Gemini
behind them, her face blocked by their heads. Taurus and
Pisces turn to see them while Scorpio continues to stare
statuesquely.
LEO
I see the three of you havent
wasted any time looking for more
members, either. May I introduce
our newest Zodiac?
He steps aside to reveal Gemini, standing tall and proud in
her black skinny jeans, high heels and revealing blue
blouse.
LEO
Everyone, this is Gemini.
TAURUS
YOU!!!
Geminis grin fades and her sanguine eyes suddenly swell up
with guilt.
GEMINI
Fuck.
CUT TO:
EXT. HELIOS MANSION NIGHT
The enormous, white mansion is surrounded on three sides by
beach and shore. The fourth side is blocked off by a brick
wall, a dozen feet high and several feet thick, topped with
barb wire and guarded by a small army.
A tinted out, all black Rolls Royce approaches the gate.
Behind it, four black Mercedes SUVs.
CUT TO:
INT. HELIOS MANSION NIGHT
The mansion puts Marva Manor to shame. There are Italian
granite counters, exotic hard wood floors, a Heintzman piano
and paintings lining the walls including Ruebens Massacre
of Innocents.
He sits reading The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing
the Bards Unknown Travels by Richard Paul Roe.
The doorbell rings and a servant, ETHAN hurries to the open
the door.
ETHAN
Hello sir, please come in.
MICKEY
Thank you, Ethan. Hows your
mother?
Mickey walks through the door wearing a black Stuart Hughes
suit. Hes a short, thick man with broad shoulders and a
large belly, his greasy brown hair slicked back. His face
shows genuine concern.
ETHAN
Shes still not well, but you are
most kind to ask. Helios is
reading in his study.
Ethan gestures for Mickey to follow him to the study and he
complies. Mickeys face is full of compassion.
MICKEY
Im sorry to hear that, at least
shes in the best hands. The
doctors will make her comfortable.
Ethan nods, his face full of appreciation.
ETHAN
Im forever grateful for that, sir.
I cannot thank you enough.
MICKEY
Theres no need to thank me, son.
I pray she makes a full recovery.
ETHAN
Thank you, sir. I dont mean to
overstep, however, I heard what
happened and I wish to offer my
condolences. You two were close,
were you not?
Mickey stops, his face suddenly distraught. In a heartbeat,
he composes himself and continues walking.
MICKEY
She was, your compassion is as
heartfelt as it is appreciated.
Mickey smiles warmly at Ethan, though pain lies visible in
his eyes. Ethan nods in response as they reach the study.
Helios looks up from his book as he hears them enter.
ETHAN
Sir, Mickey Magnoli to see you.
Helios stands up and walks towards them smiling.
HELIOS
Thank you, Ethan.
Ethan nods and departs, leaving the two men alone in the
study.
HELIOS (CONTD)
Mickey.
MICKEY
How are you, my friend?
They shake hands and Helios gestures towards the chairs.
HELIOS
As well as can be expected. How
are you holding up, sir?
They take their seats, both maintaining their posture.
Mickey looks down and away before closing his eyes and
sighing. He opens them on Helios and they regained
composure once again.
MICKEY
Not as well as Id like, though
thats to be expected. What do we
know?
HELIOS
Id just left a minute before it
started. There were gunshots
before the explosion.
MICKEY
Really? Please go on.
HELIOS
I heard a symphony of guns going
off at once. It only lasted a
couple of seconds. Then a minute
later, the explosion came. I raced
back to investigate.
MICKEY
Interesting. I take it there
werent any survivors.
Helios nods his head and lowers his gaze, his face tight and
full of dismay.
MICKEY (CONTD)
What is it?
HELIOS
When I examined the bodies, I
noticed that each of the guards had
a bullet embedded in their charred
skull.
Mickey studies Helios, both of their expressions unchanging.
MICKEY
Yet thats not what has you
spooked.
Helios meets his eyes and shakes his head.
HELIOS
I examined their guns-
MICKEY
And each one had a single bullet
missing.
Helios squints.
HELIOS
Were you watching?
MICKEY
No, but its the only logical
conclusion. Whoever did this must
have the ability to compel people,
and a whole lot of people at once
it seems.
HELIOS
How do we fight someone that can
compel us?
MICKEY
Well have to gather some more
information.
Helios still shows signs that somethings bothering him.
Mickey places a hand delicately on Helios fidgeting
forearm.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Brother, what is it thats still
troubling you?
Helios takes a deep breath and looks up to see Mickeys eyes
alive with tenderness.
HELIOS
I didnt find her body.
Mickey leans back and his expression bounces from shocked to
relieved to afraid in the blink of an eye.
MICKEY
Then where is she?
CUT TO:
Alexander stares at the ceiling with a distant expression
and bags under his eyes, the white of the eyeball full of
red streaks, signs of exhaustion.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN HALLWAY
The white of Leos eyes are full of red streaks, signs of
exhaustion. Swollen bags hang under his eyelids.
CUT TO:
INT. CARPRICORNS CABIN LEO & SAGITTARIUS ROOM NIGHT
Sagittarius lays on his bed piecing together the 500 piece
puzzle floating above him with his mind. The door opens.
Leo enters and smiles at the puzzle.
SAGITTARIUS
Youll never guess what happened
after we left.
LEO
What?
SAGITTARIUS
Guess.
Leo squints at Sagittarius.
LEO
Taurus stopped you and Aquarius to
tell you that he saw you
controlling a tornado of fire from
the top of a dragon.
Sagittarius smiles, his eyebrows raised. He sets the puzzle
down on the ground and sits up.
SAGITTARIUS
Pretty crazy, right?
Leo nods in agreement.
LEO
I need to get some air, you wanna
join me?
SAGITTARIUS
Sure, I need to get out of here.
Leo stares at his dagger belt before deciding to grab it.
He straps it on and they leave the room.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN HALLWAY
The door at the end of the hallway opens. Leo and
Sagittarius walk out of the room and down the hallway. Leo
stops at the first door on the left.
LEO
Ill be right there, Im just gunna
tell Virgo were stepping out.
Sagittarius continues down the hall as Leo knocks on the
door. Virgos answers from behind the door in his thick
Pakistani accent.
VIRGO
Who is it?
LEO
Leo.
VIRGO
Come in.
Leo opens the door and peaks his head in. Aries lies on a
bed with bandages around her left leg and her entire torso.
Her eyes are open and full of pain. Virgo looks up at Leo
with an expecting expression.
LEO
Hey, Aries. How are you doing?
ARIES
Just peachy, darling. Ill be back
in no time.
Leo smiles sincerely at her.
LEO
Dont rush, love. Im just glad to
see your personality is
bulletproof.
Aries blushes, her smile suddenly innocent.
VIRGO
I was just about to fill her in on
what she missed.
LEO
Good. Sag and I are gunna get some
fresh air, Ill watch her for you
when we get back so you can rest.
Virgo forces a smile and nods. Leo turns and heads back
towards the hallway, closing the door behind him.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN SCORPIO ROOM NIGHT
Scorpio lay in bed with the lights off. The moons rays
shine through the windows, illuminating the room dimly in
silver.
Scorpios eyes are open, rocklike and remote. Taurus sits
on a chair at a desk, his eyes are also open and they
resemble white marbles. After a moment the white fades,
leaving his dark chocolate eyes alive with intrigue.
TAURUS
I assume youre awake.
SCORPIO
Whatd you see?
Taurus sits up and looks at Scorpio, his expression still
full of curiosity.
TAURUS
Two things. The first was a two-
faced mask surrounding icy eyes.
The second, two fish swimming in
your mind.
Scorpio sits up and returns the expression.
SCORPIO
In my mind?
Taurus nods and Scorpio squints, trying to think of what it
might mean.
SCORPIO
Would you happen to know a Pisces?
CUT TO:
The front door opens and Leo walks out onto the porch. He
strolls down the steps and across the lawn to the edge of
the cliff next to the waterfall.
We pan around to see Sagittarius sitting Indian style in the
air just beyond the water. Beyond him, a forest stretches
out to a thin line of beach cast in moonlight. A raven
flies over their heads.
LEO
Theres something I wanna show ya,
lend me a hand.
We zoom in on Sagittarius as he turns around with a smile on
his excited face.
We pan around to see Leo racing towards the edge. He leaps
into the air and starts to fall just before reaching
Sagittarius. We pan down to see Leo shift in the air,
contorting his body until he is diving headfirst. He
descends rapidly parallel to the falling water, his cloak
flailing in the wind.
We zoom in on him and see Sagittarius raise his hand in
Leos direction.
We pan around to watch Leo grab both sides of his cloak just
as
Sagittarius, from a dozen feet above, passes his hand across
Leos figure.
Leos cloak stiffens and wraps around him like a gliding
suit.
He arches his back and cuts through the wind. Sagittarius
flicks his wrist forward and Leo darts forward just before
reaching the rocky bottom of the cliff.
We stop to watch Sagittarius fling after him with his arms
spread wide. They spin around enjoying their flight and
splash water from the lake at each other.
CUT TO
EXT. BOTTOM OF CLIFF NIGHT
Leo and Sagittarius walk up towards the cliff. As they
approach the waterfall, a bat flies overhead and disappears
behind the water. A skinny ledge pokes out of the rock and
leads into the waterfall.
Leo inches forward as Sagittarius floats behind him. As
they reach the pounding water, Sagittarius makes a parting
gestures and the water separates enough for them to pass
beneath.
CUT TO:
INT. CAVE NIGHT
Leo takes his phone out and turns the video camera light on.
We tilt up as he lifts his phone and bats fly down from the
ceiling at us. We watch them as they take off deeper into
the cave.
LEO
Pretty cool, huh?
Sagittarius does the same.
SAGITTARIUS
Yeeaahh, kinda eerie though.
LEO
Hater.
They examine the cave and find it much vaster than expected.
SAGITTARIUS
Jeeezzz, its fucking huge.
LEO
Lets see how far back it goes.
As Leos light passes over Gemini, he gasps and drops his
phone.
We hear him unsheathe his swords and the sound of a lion
roaring. Sagittarius light turns towards them and we see
Leo crouched in a fighters stance with a dagger in his left
hand between Gemini and him, and another in his right
pointed at an enormous lion.
Geminis startled eyes are locked on the lion, Leo looks at
her and lowers his daggers before turning his gaze on the
lion.
LEO
Come on, bro. Really? A lion.
The lion roars again as Sagittarius light grows closer.
The lion transforms into a smirking Aquarius, his creepy
eyes locked on Gemini.
AQUARIUS
My, oh my. I must say, if youd asked what I thought wed
find in here a lady half so lovely as yourself would
certainly have been my very last guess. How exciting!
SAGITTARIUS
Excuse me, hon, but who are you and what in the world might
you be doing here?
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCK NIGHT
Scorpio and Taurus stand at the edge of a dock looking out
across the water. The dock is small and there are two
motorboats tied up to it.
SCORPIO
Youre sure shes coming?
Taurus nods, his expression firm and confident. Scorpio
nods solemnly, her spine straight despite the exhaustion
written plainly on her face.
SCORPIO
Lets hope she arrives soon, we
cant wait all night.
TAURUS
Please try to be patient, boss. I
offered to meet her alone, you were
the one that insisted on being
here.
Scorpio grimaces at Taurus in the moonlight. Taurus sighs
and looks up at the sky. We pan up to see the moon, a
waning crescent and countless stars.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Ill be damned, todays the first
of July is it not?
SCORPIO
Yea what of it?
We see Taurus hand reach out and point to a j-shaped
constellation.
TAURUS
Its your constellation. See the
red one there? Thats Antares, it
marks where Scorpios heart lies.
Scorpio points to where Taurus indicated.
SCORPIO
There? The fishhook looking thing?
TAURUS
Yup. Its j-shaped, see?
He traces the constellation with a finger.
TAURUS
Those two stars on its stinger are
Shaula and Lesath, from there it
dips into the Milky Ways stream of
stars resulting in a galactic
treasure.
A long silence passes.
SCORPIO
Ive always loved looking at the
stars. My earliest memories are of
staring out my window and wondering
whats out there.
We look out at the ocean and see the starry sky reflecting
off its dark surface.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
I didnt know much of anything
about the constellations so Id
make up stories and write them down
so I wouldnt forget.
Taurus smiles and watches Scorpio stare up at the sky.
SCORPIO (CONTD)
I cant tell you how many times I
got in trouble for falling asleep
by the window.
Taurus laughs softly.
TAURUS
Looks like we have that in common.
Though I researched the
constellations. Would you like to
hear about Scorpius?
Scorpio looks at Taurus and for the first time her eyes are
soft. She nods eagerly.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Its written that Orion boasted to
the goddess Artemis that hed kill
every animal on earth.
Scorpios expression grows sorrowful. Taurus smiles softly
with somber eyes and nods in agreement.
TAURUS (CONTD)
She was a known hunter, yet she
also offered protection to all
creatures.
She smiles at this and leans forward slightly.
TAURUS (CONTD)
So with her mothers help, she sent
a scorpion to deal with Orion.
Scorpios eyes are wide as she stands up straight, tilts her
head back, and looks up at the night sky. Taurus takes a
long breath and smiles.
TAURUS (CONTD)
There was battle and the scorpion
killed Orion. The contest was
quite a lively one and so it caught
the attention of Zeus whod later
raise the scorpion to heaven.
Scorpio turns her intrigued eyes back on Taurus, tilting her
head to the side slightly as if seeing him in a new light.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Afterwards, at the requested of
Artemis, Zeus did the same for
Orion to serve as a reminder to us
all not to grow too prideful.
After a long moment Scorpio lets out a soft chuckle.
SCORPIO
Time is cyclic, Mic is Orion, and
I, a scorpion returned from the
heavens by Artemis and Zeus.
Taurus laughs heartily, smiles, and nods. We hear the sound
of a motorboat and they look down from the stars to see it
approaching.
CUT TO:
INT. CAVE NIGHT
Gemini stands up straight and proud in the light coming from
Sagittarius phone. Leo sheaths a sword and picks up his
phone.
GEMINI
Im Gemini and I just wanted to ask
you guys a few questions.
AQUARIUS
Thats funny, I can think of a
thousand things Id like to ask
you. For instance, do you prefer
being on top or taking it from
behind?
GEMINI
Hmm thats a tough choice, I guess
it depends on my mood.
Aquarius jaw drops. He stares at her and starts drooling,
his eyes burning with lust. She stands there, unflustered
and unblushing, with a confident smile.
LEO (V.O.)
Her clothes are dry, she either has
an ability or shes been in here a
while.
Sagittarius turns his gaze from her to Leo and nods. He
discreetly pulls out his throwing stars and they spin slowly
in the air behind his back.
AQUARIUS
Are you an angel?
Geminis smile grows almost innocent.
GEMINI
You could say that.
Her bold eyes move gracefully from Aquarius to Leos lions
head pommels.
GEMINI (CONTD)
And who might you be, blondie?
Leo stares at her suspiciously.
AQUARIUS
Thats Leo, you wont like him.
Hes boring.
Leo scowls at Aquarius but he doesnt notice as his eyes are
glued on Gemini.
SAGITARIUS
Would you shut the fuck up?! Just
because were silent for a second,
doesnt mean you should speak for
us.
Aquarius draws his wicked grin, his eyes still locked on
her. She smirks and turns her gaze on Sagittarius.
GEMINI
Lets see If I remember my signs
correctly, thatd make you
Sagittarius, and you
AQUARIUS & GEMINI
Aquarius.
They both smile and Leo clears his throat.
LEO
Great, now that were all
acquainted, I think its best we
take this outside.
AQUARIUS
Hes afraid of the dark,
Sagittarius told me that he had to
sleep with a night light till he
was fourteen. He used to have
problems wetting the bed, too.
Gemini laughs while Sagittarius and Leo frown at him.
CUT TO:
EXT. BOTTOM OF CLIFF NIGHT
Leo and Sagittarius sit with Gemini between them on a fallen
tree trunk on the edge of the lake. The stare out at the
waterfall lit in moonlight.
A small, gray cat lays in Geminis lap purring as she
strokes its ears. Sagittarius looks over and rolls his
eyes.
LEO
Howd you find us?
GEMINI
I followed you. You know, it would
seem as if you guys have a vendetta
against Mickey. What might that be
about?
Leos eyes move from the waterfall to the stars. He sits
silently, still as stone. Sagittarius looks over at her.
SAGITTARIUS
He doesnt talk about it, but I
assure you we have ample reason.
She looks deep into his eyes and smiles warmly.
GEMINI
How about you then?
Sagittarius looks at her as if hes about to tell her.
LEO
When did you start following me?
GEMINI
When you left Marva Manor.
Leo looks at her with distrustful eyes. Sagittarius is
surprised and Aquarius just purrs louder and nudges up
against her hand.
LEO
So youre one of his then.
GEMINI
Oh am I? Thank you for telling
me. Here I thought I might rather
be one of yours.
Her fierce smile moves slowly from Leo to Sagittarius and
back.
SAGITTARIUS
What makes you want to switch sides
all of the sudden?
GEMINI
I dont know. Could be that Im
touched by your story, or that I
never liked Mickey in the first
place.
Sagittarius studies her with accepting eyes and a friendly
smile.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Or maybe its because Im unable of
staying in one place for long. All
I know is I dont want to go back.
SAGITTARIUS
I think we should bring her back
with us.
LEO
If you were at Marva Manor, you
know what were doing. Are you
sure you want to be a part of it?
Her smile widens and she nods.
GEMINI
Just wait, were going to be the
best of friends. Youll see.
We hear a wood chair scrape against stone and several voices
shouting at once.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT NIGHT
Taurus hands are wrapped around Geminis throat. Pisces is
next Taurus, her hands on his wrists and tries to pull him
away to no avail.
SAGITTARIUS
Let her go!
Gemini stops squirming and her frigid stare softens as she
turns her gaze from Taurus to Sagittarius.
Leo sits smoking his g-pen observing Scorpio as she watches
Geminis face grow pale. Virgo scans the room, Aquarius
stands grinning, his eyes bouncing from Gemini to Taurus, to
Pisces and then back to Gemini gasping for air.
Still standing a half dozen feet from them, Sagittarius
lifts both hands to the air, as if placing them on Taurus
wrists, and pinches down with his thumbs and forefingers.
His hands shake slightly as he begins to slowly twist his
wrists and we see Taurus struggling to keep his grip on
Geminis throat.
Sagittarius closes his eyes, clenches his jaw, and struggles
to pull his hands apart until Taurus hands come off
Geminis throat.
She falls to her knees and gasps for air.
Sagittarius then releases his grip, still from six feet
away, and makes a forceful shoving motion, sending Taurus
staggering a few steps backwards before regaining balance
and pushing back causing a standstill.
Taurus takes a step closer. Sagittarius focuses harder,
forcing him to stop.
Pisces races between them and holds out her arms.
PISCES
Stop!
AQUARIUS
Two breathtaking ladies in one
night, I must be dreaming.
Taurus scowls at him fiercely and Pisces ignores him
entirely.
Sagittarius turns his attention to Gemini and as he offers
her his hand to help her up, Pisces puts her hand on Taurus
forearm. He looks down at her and his expression softens.
SAGITTARIUS
Are you alright?
Gemini nods and takes his hand. Sagittarius helps her up
and gestures for her to take a seat.
As she makes her way towards the table, she grabs her throat
lightly, purple bruises already starting to form in the
shape of Taurus massive hands.
They all sit and the tension builds as the silence stretches
on for an uncomfortable amount of time, no music, no non-
diegetic sounds.
SAGITTARIUS
So how do you two know each other?
Gemini stares boldly at Taurus with threatening eyes.
Taurus face is exploding with hatred.
GEMINI
Army buddies.
TAURUS
That fucking cunt is Mickeys baby
momma and the reason my Desis
dead.
Pisces stares at him with a reproachful expression. He
looks at her with apologetic eyes, grabs her hand, and holds
it in his.
Scorpios head turns with the words and her body tenses as
her eyebrows furrows and her mouth tightens. When Taurus
finishes, she turns her fuming eyes on Gemini, who looks
back at her courageously with no hint of remorse.
SAGITTARIUS
We all make mistakes and have
regrets, she used to be with Mickey
but she wants to switch sides and
join us.
Taurus stands and leans forward.
TAURUS
Are you fucking kidding me?! We
just got rid of a rat and now-
GEMINI
You didnt have a rat.
VIRGO
What do you mean?
GEMINI
Umm you didnt have a rat. How
else can I say it?
TAURUS
Dont fucking listen to her!
VIRGO
Why should we believe you?
GEMINI
I dont give a fuck what you
believe, its the truth.
VIRGO
Well how can you possibly know
that?
GEMINI
Like he said, I was Mics ball and
chain.
LEO
Im sending Aquarius back to Mickey
in her place.
AQUARIUS
Ooh? This aughta be more fun than
an eight ball and some hookers.
Leo rolls his eyes, Gemini giggles, Pisces ignores it,
Sagittarius sighs, Scorpio gives her dirty look, and Virgo
gawks.
TAURUS
Are you sure we can trust him?
LEO
I dont trust him at all but hes
the only one that can take her
place.
SCORPIO
Why not send her back?
LEO
Id rather keep her close.
Aquarius is unable to follow orders
anyway, hes of no use here.
Gemini, state your special ability.
GEMINI
I never agreed to that.
LEO
And yet youll tell us.
Gemini looks around the table at the others. Pisces and
Scorpio look ready to tear her throat out. Virgo eyes her
suspiciously and Taurus has already decided that she cant
be trusted.
Aquarius eyes are still burning with desire and Sagittarius
smiles at her cordially while Leo sits with his chin in his
hand and his eyes closed.
GEMINI
I can compel people if theyre
looking into my eyes.
Sagittarius pales a bit, his mouth a straight line, Taurus
eyes fume with rage, Pisces gulps, Leo stares at
skeptically, Virgo nods, Scorpio scowls, and Aquarius winks
at her making her chuckle.
The sconces along the wall start to go out one by one.
Everyone looks around frantically, except Leo who observes
everyone.
Scorpio stands and raises her spear toward the last
remaining lit sconce. Virgo sits tensely, his eyes swelling
with fear.
Aquarius sits up and watches with a wicked and enthusiastic
smile, licking and biting his lips.
Gemini turns and looks at Leo. They stare at each other
suspiciously.
The last sconce goes out. The only remaining light comes
from the small flames on the candles in the candelabrum on
the center of the table.
We track in on Leos tired and distant eyes as a strong gust
of wind storms through the room blowing out the candles.
FADE TO BLACK (END OF ACT ONE)
INT. CAR LEOS CAR NIGHT (LAST WEEK)
Leos blue eyes are full of exhaustion as he quickly starts
the car, puts it in reverse, backs out, and leaves the
parking lot.
He unplugs his headphones and the music stops until he plugs
his phone into his car and presses play.
He sings along to the Otherside by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
while reaching under a hoodie and pulling out an iPhone
case.
He opens it, pulls out a lighter and a joint, closes the
case, sets it down, and sparks the joint.
He closes his eyes as he stops at a red light and takes his
first deep hit.
We hear the sound of a horn and Leo opens his eyes to see
that the light has changed.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUPERMARKET LOS ANGELES NIGHT (LAST WEEK)
Leo pulls up and parks in the nearly empty lot. The music
stops again as he unplugs his phone from the car and plugs
in his headphones.
He scrolls through it while walking through the lot to the
entrance, presses play on Right on Time by Joey Badass.
CUT TO:
INT. SUPERMARKET
Leo sings passionately to Right on Time, his head dancing
side to side in rhythm, as he passes the bouquets of flowers
and registers with distant eyes.
LEOS POV
We slightly track left and right in rhythm with the music
and stare at the far wall with everything else out of focus.
The figure of a slender, young woman comes into view, but
out of focus. As she passes by, we see her head turn
slightly in our direction.
Leo keeps walking and swaying in rhythm with the song as he
reaches the last aisle, walks down it, and grabs a large bag
of dog food.
He makes his way back down the aisle, rounds the corner, and
heads towards the register.
A couple pass by and stare slightly at him, still mouthing
the lyrics passionately and moving at sloth like speed, in
rhythm to the music.
They chuckle and giggle softly to themselves after passing
but Leo doesnt even notice as his eyes remain distant and
full of loneliness.
He passes an old woman with a full cart who doesnt pay any
attention to him and a middle aged man who looks at him like
hes an idiot.
A skinny, young blonde in her late teens, wearing leggings,
Uggs, a brown leather jacket, and a revealing black blouse
looks at him with a wry smirk but neither his eyes nor head
turn toward her direction.
He reaches the register and gets in line behind the young,
slender woman with dark hair, Libra. He looks at her items
on the end of counter as he sets the dog food on the ground.
LEO
Damn, now I want cinnamon rolls.
She looks over with an amused smile and sees his serious
expression, the sad look still visible in his eyes.
LIBRA
I know, I saw them and just
couldnt resist.
She gives a shy smile, a feint red rising to her cheeks as
she blushes.
LIBRA (CONTD)
Youre gunna have to go get some.
He chuckles as he glances over his shoulder to the back of
the store, then turns back and meets her gaze with a
innocent smile.
LEO
Im like a kid in a candy store,
Id come back with ten things.
LIBRA
Me too! Im the worst, my friends
would always make fun of me for it.
They smile warmly at each other until the conveyer belt
moves and one of customers ahead of them leaves.
Leo picks up the dog food and puts it on the counter as they
slide closer to the register.
LEO
Whats your name?
LIBRA
Annabelle, and you are?
She holds out her hand for him to shake,
LEO
Its a pleasure to meet you, Im
Leo.
The shake hands and smile affectionately into each others
eyes.
LIBRA
Charmed.
She continues to smile warmly and stare into his eyes.
LEO
Do you have any pets?
She frowns and shakes her head, shifting her weight from
foot to foot.
LIBRA
No, but Ive been thinking about
getting a dog for a while.
LEO
You should!! Do you know what kind
youd wanna get?
LIBRA
Not really, the problem is I live
alone and work all day.
Dante nods and his eyes are full of understanding.
LEO
I know what you mean, theyre a lot
of responsibility.
He looks away as his eyes swell with pain and exhaustion.
LEO (CONTD)
Sometimes it feels impossible
He looks back at her with a stern expression.
LEO (CONTD)
But seeing how excited he gets when
I get home, how happy he is just to
see me, makes it all worth it.
Her eyebrows raise slightly, her mouth opens a bit, as she
looks at him lovingly rather lustfully.
LIBRA
See, thats what I want I just
moved here a few months ago and Im
just a bit lonely.
Leos face softens as the loneliness resurfaces.
LEO
Maybe you should take this as a
sign then.
He gives her a sad smile and her face perks up a bit.
LIBRA
Maybe I should, I was actually just
talking about it with my friend
earlier today.
LEO
What are you blind? Now you have
to get one!
She laughs and swats his arm playfully.
Right on Time ends and ________ starts playing.
They slide down as the person ahead of her leaves. The
cashier, a pretty, young Indian girl (17) starts scanning
Libras items.
CASHIER
Hello, how are you doing tonight?
LIBRA
Good, thanks. How are you?
CASHIER
Good, plastic alright?
Libra nods and briefly looks back at Leo with a shy smile of
her own.
His face grows pensive for a moment while she digs in her
purse for her wallet.
LEO
Going home after this?
She finds it and looks up at him with a frown and sad eyes.
LIBRA
Yeah, I have to be up early and
have a lot to do tomorrow.
Leos expression is calm and collected. She finds her
credit card and swipes it.
LEO
Id like to see you again.
She looks over and sees him smiling warmly, his eyes
sincere, confident, and innocent.
Her smile widens and her cheeks brighten to a pinkish-red as
she blushes.
She signs the credit card receipt, puts her card back in her
wallet which she then puts in back in her purse.
Still holding the pen, she takes her bag and receipt.
LIBRA
(To the cashier)
Thank you, have a nice night.
CASHIER
You too.
She then writes her number on the receipt, sets the pen
down, turns to Dante, and hands it to him, grinning and
blushing.
His smile widens as he takes it, staring directly into her
eyes.
His eyes move in a circle from her left eye, to her right,
to her mouth, and back to her left eye.
LEO
Goodnight, Annabelle.
LIBRA
Night, Dante.
She slowly turns and walks away.
CASHIER
Twenty-two thirty-nine.
The young cashier smiles at Leo longingly as he fumbles for
his money, still watching Annabelle who looks back over her
shoulder with one last smile before turning the corner and
disappearing out of sight.
He hands her the money and lifts the bag off the register.
She hands him his receipt and change. He takes it in the
hand still holding her number.
LEO
Thanks, have a nice night.
CASHIER
Thanks, you too!
His eyes are distant, locked on the corner leading to the
exit where Annabelle had just been.
As he hurries after her, the young blonde girl watches
curiously from the back of the line.
The cashier watches longingly for a long moment before
turning to her next customer, the old man, now grinning a
chuckling to himself as he watches Dante chase after
Annabelle.
The old woman piles her onto the next register as the
cashier there, another young woman sneaks a glance at Dante.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUPERMARKET
Dante walks out slowly and looks around for her as he makes
his way to his car but shes nowhere in sight.
CUT TO:
Alexanders eyes open slowly. His expression is confused as
he rolls onto his back and stairs up at the ceiling.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS LIMO
Mickey lays along the seat staring at the ceiling with a
confused expression. Outside the window is a sign for MAMA
ROSAS ITALIAN RESTAURANT
CUT TO:
INT. MAMA ROSAS RESTAURANT NIGHT
The elegant Italian restaurant is closed.
The owner, a short and plump old woman, ROSALIA, sits at the
register doing paperwork with a sense of pleasure on her
wrinkly face.
MARIO, her only son, is mopping the front when he hears
something. He lifts the closed sign on the door to see:
MARIOS POV
An all-black limo with tinted windows parked in front of
their restaurant.
MARIO
Ma.
His mother looks up and sees the driver getting out.
Rosalias husband, VICTOR, a short, balding, bull of a man
with white hair comes in from the kitchen to see whats
happening.
He yells to his family in Italian, subtitled in English:
VICTOR
Go into the office and lock the
door.
Victor walks behind the bar while they do as he commands.
He grabs a bottle of Lemoncello out of a freezer and sets it
on the bar with a handful of shot glasses.
He then walks over and leans against the counter that his
wife had just been sitting at. As the door opens he wipes
his sweaty palms on his pants and watches with a worried
expression.
Four men enter and instead of moving into them, we continue
to observe them from across the restaurant.
The two men in the back stand straight and alert with cold
expressions.
Heinrich, wearing a military jacket full of medals looks
around the restaurant methodically before locking his stern,
skeptical expression on Nino.
Mickey speaks to Heinrich in un-subtitled Italian:
MICKEY
This is the Battaglias
establishment?
HEINRICH
Yes, sir. I made sure of it
myself.
Mickey looks at Nino and turns to Heinrich, smiling.
MICKEY
Heinrich, would you please take
them-
He nods towards the two men behind Heinrich.
MICKEY (CONTD)
And wait for me outside until I
summon you?
HEINRICH
Of course, sir.
Once Heinrich and the other two men are out of the
restaurant, Mickey calls to Victor in perfect Italian,
subtitled in English:
MICKEY
Excuse me, my good gentleman.
Would this happen to be the
Battaglias establishment?
VICTOR
It is, sir. I am Victor Battaglia.
Mickey makes his way across the restaurant in short, slow
steps, looking at the Italian dcor, grinning and nodding in
admiration all the while.
MICKEY
Its a delight to meet you, Mr.
Battaglia. Your place is rather
enchanting, like a loved ones
smile on a dismal day.
He offers Victor his hand and they shake.
VICTOR
Thank you, sir. That means so much
coming from you. May I fix you
something to eat?
Mickey chuckles and his smile widens as he stares at Victor
for a long moment.
MICKEY
No, but thank you Victor it was
very courteous of you to ask.
Mickey watches as Victor nervously fidgets until he notices
and stops.
VICTOR
How may I be of assistance, sir?
MICKEY
There are some things I must
discuss with you, I hoped we could
have a drink and chat.
Victor nods and gestures towards the bar where the bottle
and glasses rest.
Victor
Of course! Right this way, sir.
Mickey slaps Victor on the back as they start walking toward
the bar.
MICKEY
Well look at you, Victor. Its
almost like you knew I was coming.
Victor grabs the bottle and two shot glasses off the bar and
sets them on the nearest table. He gestures for Mickey to
sit.
VICTOR
Please, have a seat.
Mickey does and Victor sits across from him.
MICKEY
So where is everyone? Surely
youre not here all by yourself.
Victor gulps and tenses up momentarily. He avoids eye
contact by pouring the liquor.
VICTOR
Everyone just left, I was about to
lock up.
Mickey slowly glances at the restaurants windows and we
see:
MICKEYS POV
The office where Rosalia and Mario are sitting, watching the
security cameras.
Mickey looks down and shakes his head. When he looks up,
his cheerful demeanor has returned.
MICKEY
Thats probably for the best. Im
sure you noticed that I made my men
wait outside, and if youre as
perceptive as you seem, then youre
probably well aware that this is
the type of conversation best had
in private.
Victor nods and offers Mickey the shot. He takes it and
they raise their glasses.
MICKEY
To family.
Victors expression grows suspicious.
VICTOR
To family.
They touch glasses, throw the shots back and slam the
glasses down on the table.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Now, before we get down to
business would you mind if we
spoke in English? I wanted to pay
my respects to our culture but Im
still learning the language and
well
He holds his arms out, palms up and shrugs.
MICKEY (CONTD)
We have delicate matters to discuss
and I have no wish to exacerbate
the situation.
Victor nods and replies in English.
VICTOR
Of course, sir. And your efforts
are graciously received.
MICKEY
Mr. Battaglia, what exactly do you
know about me?
Victor gulps and wipes the sweat from his forehead. He
grabs the bottle and offers another shot.
Mickey nods and observes Victor as he pours.
VICTOR
Not much, but I hear a great deal.
Mickeys grin widens.
MICKEY
(enthusiastically)
I like you, Victor. Youre a shrew
man. Tell me, what do you hear?
Victor passes Mickey a shot and they drink again.
VICTOR
They say youre the most powerful
man in the city and that you always
get what you want.
Mickey nods, leans back in his chair and stairs off into the
distance, grinning merrily.
Victor shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable.
MICKEY
Well put, my friend, well put.
He stares long and hard at Victor, smirking.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Im sure youre dying to know what
I could possibly want with you, so
please allow me to ease your mind.
Mickey reaches into his inside jacket pocket, pulls out a
photograph, and sets it face down in the middle of the
table.
Victor looks at it briefly before looking back at Mickey to
see him nod.
Victor turns the picture over and immediately closes his
eyes.
He pinches the bridge of his nose for a long moment until
finally dropping his hand and meeting Mickeys gaze.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Now, I cant imagine how
extraordinarily difficult this must
be for you but please realize that
you dont have a choice.
Victor shakes his head and a tear starts to stream down his
face.
Mickey sighs, takes his phone out of his pocket and dials.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Heinrich, would one of you please
come in here? Mr. Battaglia is
going to need persuading Thank
you, Heinrich, Id be lost without
you.
Victor wipes the tear from his cheek and watches in terror
as Heinrich enters and walks towards them.
As he reaches them, he stops in-between them and turns to
face Mickey.
MICKEY
Heinrich here is my most-trusted
advisor, you could call him my
right-hand man.
Victors hands start fidgeting uncontrollably. Mickey takes
note and then turns to face Heinrich.
With a sly smirk, he gets to his feet, draws his gun, aims
it at Heinrich, cocks it and fires.
Blood and brain matter splatter all over Victor and he falls
out of his chair onto the ground.
Mickey sets the gun down on the table and slowly strolls
over to stand above Victor whos lying on the ground,
trembling in fear.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Listen, Vic, theres no way you
couldve known this but hes taken
someone from me. Someone that I
care about very deeply and Id do
anything to get her back.
Victor stops trembling and Mickey offers him his hand.
Victor reluctantly takes it and Mickey helps him up.
Mickey grabs a cloth napkin from off the table and starts
wiping the blood and guts off Victors face.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Now that youve witnessed firsthand
the extent of my unparalleled
conviction, I think we can both
agree that itd be best if you
spoke up Id really hate to have
to go talk to your wife and son in
the office.
Mickey finishes wiping off Victors face and tosses the
napkin on top of Heinrichs blown away face.
He then places his hands on either side of Victors face
with a light smack and uses his thumbs to rub his cheeks.
Mickey sees the defeat in Victors eyes and he beams
enthusiasm in his victory.
CUT TO:
EXT. MAMA ROSAS RESTAURANT
Mickey comes out and with a smile on his face and a hop in
his step. We see the closed sign on the door and the neon
sign above that says MAMA ROSAS ITALIAN RESTAURANT.
MICKEY
Works every time.
We see Heinrich smiling back at Mickey. They make their way
back to the limo and we track in until they climb in and
shut the door.
CUT TO:
INT. HIDEOUT DAY
CAPRICORNS POV:
We hear footsteps echoing around us as we track through the
dark tunnels of the cave.
AQUARIUS VOICE
I have to ask you something but I
need you to promise to answer
honestly.
Firelight flickers from around a bend up ahead.
GEMINIS VOICE
Okay.
The tunnels brighten slightly as we track in further, closer
to the flickering light, and through the dimness we see
writing and drawings on the walls.
AQUARIUS VOICE
No, no. You have to actually say
the words.
Hundreds of sticks figures, grouped together by color red,
black, brown, white, yellow and fighting against one
another.
GEMINIS VOICE
I promise.
We peak around the corner and see Aquarius and Gemini
sitting next to each other at the opposite side of the
table. Aquarius smirks.
AQUARIUS
To?
Gemini rolls her eyes. Virgo writes on the same notepad from
earlier.
The Zodiacs sit in their usual seats with Gemini and Pisces
taking the places of Aries and Libra across from each other
in the middle.
GEMINI
To answer your question honestly.
Taurus and Pisces are watching Virgo and waiting for him to
finish so they can begin.
AQUARIUS
I dont know, that didnt seem very
sincere.
Leo rubs his forehead with his thumb, pointer finger and
middle finger, his hand shielding his eyes. Gemini smiles
and lets out an exaggerated sigh.
GEMINI
For fucks sake just ask.
Scorpio stares skeptically across the table at them.
Aquarius snorts softly.
AQUARIUS
Well thats no way for a mother to
speak. I dont know if youre up
for this.
She rolls her eyes again, sits up, turns towards him, places
her hand on his forearm, and smirks wickedly.
GEMINI
What it is?
Aquarius leans back in his seat, cocks his head slightly
back and tilts it on a small diagonal with a satisfied grin.
AQUARIUS
Do you know
The others, except Leo still rubbing his temples with his
eyes close, look over curiously.
AQUARIUS
The muffin man.
Gemini giggles, the others look away annoyed.
GEMINI
The muffin man?
Their grins widen.
AQUARIUS
The muffin man!
GEMINI
(pondering)
Yes, I know the muffin man
LEO
Who lives on Drury Lane?
Virgo stops writing and looks up.
VIRGO
Okay, Im ready.
TAURUS
Thank god.
He looks at Scorpio who gestures for him to begin. Leo looks
up, his expression ominous.
VIRGO (CONTD)
His name is Allah and I already
have. Im compiling a list of
Mickeys top advisors and
enforcers.
AQUARIUS
You mean a list of dead men.
GEMINI
And women.
Aquarius smiles at Gemini and she grins back.
VIRGO
A list of people that well have to
go through if we want our city
back.
AQUARIUS
You better run mothafuckas, we gon
kill you!
Gemini laughs, Leo sighs, Sagittarius and Pisces roll their
eyes, and Virgo glares.
SCORPIO
This isnt a joke! If you dont
keep your fucking mouth shut, Ill
shove my entire spear up your god
damn asshole.
AQUARIUS
(sarcastically)
Well that didnt sound gay at all.
Scorpio pushes his chair back and darts up. Taurus stands
up and puts his hands on Scorpios chest to stop him.
LEO
Stop! We need him right now, you
can kill him next week. Virgo,
proceed.
Theres a long silence as everyone waits for Scorpio to sit
back down. When he finally does Aquarius sly smirk widens.
VIRGO
Sooo this list is nowhere near
complete but hopefully Gemini will
be able to help.
GEMINI
Thats what Im here for, what do
you have so far?
VIRGO
Splendid. Lets start at the top.
Virgo pulls a photo of Heinrich up on his iPad and shows it
to everyone.
GEMINI
Thats Heinrich, Mics number two.
He was a five-star general before
taking over at the citys Army
base.
VIRGO
This man may be even more of a
threat than Mickey, himself.
AQUARIUS
That little pipsqueak?
VIRGO
His acumen in the art of war are
renowned worldwide.
AQUARIUS
Youre supposed to be a genius,
shouldnt you be able to outsmart
him?
LEO
War is like chess and hes not a
genius.
VIRGO
That and Heinrich has an ability of
his own.
GEMINI
He can make clones of himself.
SAGITTARIUS
What?! How many?
Gemini looks to Virgo and everyone else looks to her for the
answer. She looks around, first at Scorpios scowl and then
at Leo, his face peeked with curiosity.
GEMINI
I honestly dont know the most
Ive seen at once was maybe a
handful.
Leos expression turns pensive as he shifts his gaze towards
Virgo who stares back expectantly.
LEO (V.O.)
Keep testing her, lets see how
much she tells us.
VIRGO
Right, next we have Aengus.
Virgo pulls up the photo of the enormous, bald man and
Mickey on the iPad and shows everyone.
AQUARIUS
Holy man-bear of the California
State Tax Commission, what in
fucks sake is that thing?!
Gemini laughs, Pisces stares at the photo in horror, Leo
goes back to rubbing his forehead, and Sagittarius stares
into the distance annoyed while Taurus, Scorpio and Virgo
cast disapproving looks at Aquarius.
GEMINI
That would be Mics juggernaut,
BITCH!
Aquarius laughs while everyone else grows increasingly
frustrated.
VIRGO
Yes, Aengus seems to possess
superhuman strength and from what
Im able to deduce, impenetrable
skin.
Virgo looks to Gemini for verification.
GEMINI
Oh yeah, no pain either. I once
witnessed him taking a twelve gage.
The freak didnt even flinch.
SAGITTARIUS
Jeeezz! How are we supposed to
stop him then?
GEMINI
Hes a fucking brute, you just have
to outsmart him.
VIRGO
And how might you go about doing
that?
GEMINI
Id set a trap a lure him in.
Scorpios cold stare starts to soften as her face grows
pensive.
SAGITTARIUS
Then what?! How do we kill him if
we cant even pierce his skin.
GEMINI
I didnt say anything about killing
him, I said Id set a trap. Im
sure you all can think of a way to
imprison him.
Everyone considers the proposal. Gemini smiles and looks at
Scorpio who grimaces at her.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Or your captain here can use her
ability to reach inside him and
pull the cruel heart out of his
chest I mean, that is if she
isnt afraid of the monster.
Taurus shakes his head at her, Virgo casts a look of concern
at Leo who eyes Gemini suspiciously. Sagittarius watches
on with wide eyes waiting for a reaction.
Pisces looks at Scorpio with a worried expression as her
mouth tightens and her eyebrows furrow.
Leo clears his throat loudly.
LEO
If you try provoking someone into
making a Rash decision again, Ill
slit your throat and send you back
to Mic as a gift.
Geminis boisterous demeanor remains unaffected.
GEMINI
Oh come on, I was just messing with
her. Theres no need for everyone
to get their panties in a bunch.
Leo rubs his forehead. Pisces
scowls at Gemini as she smiles
mockingly back at her.
SAGITTARIUS
What you dont seem to understand
is that this isnt something most
of us can joke about.
TAURUS
Can we please just get back to the
list? At this rate, its gunna take
a week.
SCORPIO
Virgo, run through your list. If
there are any more unnecessary
interruptions, I wont hesitate
before resorting to violence.
Virgo pulls up another photo.
VIRGO
This is Helios, hes also a part of
the inner circle and one of our
most dangerous foes.
Aquarius mockingly pretends to be frightened.
VIRGO (CONTD)
This isnt just a well-educated,
prudent man, he possesses the
ability to harness and store the
energy from the suns rays like a
solar panel, and use it as a
weapon.
SCORPIO
His weakness.
VIRGO
Like all of us, his power resembles
the way our muscles work. He has
to train himself in order to better
control it. This means that he can
only store so much before the sun
goes down.
TAURUS
And thats when we attack.
VIRGO
Precisely. However, Im unaware as
to his limits. Perhaps Gemini can
shed some light for us.
SAGITTARIUS
Good one.
GEMINI
Uhhh I dont know, a lot.
Virgo stares and waits for more.
GEMINI (CONTD)
What do you want from me, his max
watts capacity?
(sarcastically)
3.9 million, I dont fuckin know.
Everyone continues to stare in silence.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Fine, let me put it this way. He
trains for eight hours-a-day, seven
days-a-week and he could probably
supply power to the whole city for
a brief period of time.
VIRGO
Good, thatll work. Now this
He pulls up a photo of Two Face.
VIRGO (CONTD)
Is Two Face, we believe she died
earlier when we blew up Mics
mansion on Marva Manor but theres
no way to be certain since her
abilitys unknown.
Gemini eyes reveal a hint of relief.
VIRGO
We all know about Gemini here so
Ill skip ahead to the obvious
public officials; the mayor, the
police commissioner, the DA, the
Editor in Chief of the Crueler
Chronicle, the head of the local TV
news station, the CEOs of the
citys top corporations-
SAGITTARIUS
So basically anybody with any type
of power, status, wealth or
influence?
LEO
Except us and all of the others
that hes stepped on to get where
he is. This is why we have to work
together.
He looks around the room getting a mixed response.
LEO
No one can make a difference by
themselves - but united, the
possibilities are limitless. We
have the chance to change the
world-
AQUARIUS
Youre such a lovely speaker-
SAGITTARIUS
Would you just shut the fuck up and
listen to what hes saying. Youre
the one thats always causing
problems.
SCORPIO
Enough! How many fucking times am
I going to have to say that?!
GEMINI
Oh the over/unders easily triple
digits.
Scorpios eyes fill with rage as she takes a deep breath in
through her clenched teeth.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Sorry, Im done.
Gemini and Aquarius grin and Virgo pulls up an image of a
UFC fighter in the octagon holding a championship belt over
his head.
VIRGO
This is Tarec, the former heavy-
weight champ.
LEO
Hold up. I just wanna clarify that
while Commissioner Levitt is under
Mics thumb, that doesnt mean that
well be killing cops.
He stares at Aquarius who smirk slyly back at him.
LEO (CONTD)
Most of them are good men doing
what they must to protect their
families.
TAURUS
Im glad you said something. That
goes for the Army guys too, some
might even be willing to help.
VIRGO
Excellent, I might have a task for
them that we can discuss later.
Taurus nods with a please expression.
VIRGO (CONTD)
As for Tarec, Ive been unable to
determine his ability for certain,
but it seems to have something to
do with shadows as hes always in
them.
He looks expectantly at Gemini.
GEMINI
Beats me. My guess is yes but I
wouldnt wanna step into the ring
with him even if he didnt.
Aquarius chuckles and Leo sighs.
PISCES
For someone trying to help, youre
doing an awfully shitty job.
GEMINI
(sarcastically)
God forbid I didnt have a detailed
assessment of Mickeys entire
empire compiled in full when I made
the impulsive decision to switch
sides.
AQUARIUS
(jokingly)
Turn-cloak.
Gemini grins and nods. Aquarius smile widens.
LEO
Enough. She has a point but it
makes no matter, well find a use
for her even if its only as bate.
Virgo-
VIRGO
Theres also a notoriously deadly
sniper and some other fighters that
Im researching but we can get to
them some other time.
SCORPIO
Thank goodness, Ive had more than
enough of you all for today.
Scorpio and Taurus get up and start to leave.
LEO (to Virgo)
Sagittarius and I are going into
town to get my dog and his cat.
LEO (V.O.)
Keep an eye on those two while Im
gone.
He turns his gaze towards Aquarius and Gemini who are
whispering and giggling while walking away.
Virgo nods as we pan over to the waterfall and track into
the water.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS BEDROOM NIGHT
Leos dog, LUFFI, lies on the ground under a miniature
waterfall built into the wall. We hear the unlocking of a
door and see
Luffis big pointy ears perk up.
We hear a doorknob turning, followed by a door opening and
we see Luffi lifts his head and tilts it towards the sound
of approaching footsteps.
Luffi gets up and starts wagging his tail when the footsteps
stop.
We hear the sound of another, closer, door being opened and
we see Luffis tail stop wagging. He tilts his head to the
side and arches his eyebrows.
We see Mickey standing in the doorway of Leos Room with his
head tilted and eyebrows arched, mimicking Luffi.
We track into the dark pool of water at the bottom the
miniature waterfall.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCK NIGHT
We tilt up from the dark water to see Leo and Sagittarius
walking down the dock towards a sleek motorboat in silence.
Its a calm and quiet night with a gentle breeze. When they
reach the boat, Sagittarius jumps in and starts it while Leo
unties it.
After tossing the last rope in, Leo stands up and looks up
off into the distance. We see
LEOS POV
A full moon and a cloudless sky full of bright stars above a
small cabin on top of a distant cliff.
He stares for a long moment until Sagittarius clears his
throat.
SAGITTARIUS
Everything alright?
We tilt down and pan left to see Sagittarius genuine
concern. We looks out across the water and we see:
A dark, seemingly endless body of water. We pan right and
see Sagittarius waiting for an answer.
We pan further right to see the waterfall in the distance.
We follow it up and see the cabin again. Finally Leo turns
his gaze back to Sagittarius and nods decidedly.
LEO
Just worried about-
SAGITTARIUS
Leaving Gemini and Aquarius alone?
I could go alone.
LEO
Too risky, lets just make it
quick.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS CABIN LIVING ROOM
Gemini sits on the couch petting the little gray cat that is
sitting in her lap. Relaxing music plays from her phone.
The cat gets up, walks to the edge of the couch, stops and
turns to face Gemini.
GEMINI
Going somewhere?
The cat hops onto the back of the couch, walks over to
Gemini and nudges its face against hers until she giggles.
GEMINI (CONTD)
Whhaaattt?
The cat runs off the couch, down the hall and through an
open doorway. Gemini rolls her eyes, gets up and follows
still grinning.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS CABIN AQUARIUS ROOM
Gemini strolls into the room and looks around for the cat
but its not in there.
We hear a door slam shut and see her quickly turn around,
startled.
Aquarius leans against the closed door with a sly smirk.
AQUARIUS
I wonder why we get along so well.
He stares at her with lustful eyes as he makes his way
across the room and sits on the bed.
AQUARIUS (CONTD)
I usually dont click like this
with a Gemini.
Gemini grins and slowly makes her way towards the bed.
GEMINI
I dont know, sometimes my moon
sign takes over you must have a
thing for Libras.
She sits next to him on the bed so that their arms brush up
against each other.
Aquarius squints, tilts his head to the sign and clenches
his jaw ever slightly.
AQUARIUS
I think it has more to do with the
fact that youre particularly two-
faced.
Geminis smile widens and her eyes
light up.
GEMINI
You dont even know the half of it.
Aquarius sly smirk returns to his
lips.
AQUARIUS
Oooh? Enlighten me, boo.
He inches his head closer to hers and stares into her eyes.
Gemini, while still grinning, bites her bottom lip, her eyes
contemplative.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEOS APARTMENT - STREET NIGHT
Mickey walks Luffi down the street and waits while he does
his business. Afterwards he buys an edition of the Crueler
Chronical (Newspaper), takes the cover off and throws the
rest away.
He takes a moment to look at the cover, the headline reads:
MAYOR THOMAS IS RE-ELECTED, and the photo shows the mayor at
a podium in front of a dozen microphones.
Mickey bends down and puts the mayors face in the dog shit
and uses the paper to pick it up and throw it out.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEOS APARTMENT ROOF
Heinrich stands at the edge of the roof watching Mickey and
Luffi as they head back into Leos apartment. We look across
the street and see:
HEINRICHS POV
Heinrich on the rooftop across staring back, shaking his
head. We pan right to see another Heinrich shaking his head
on the adjacent rooftop.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Mickey feeds Luffi and gives him water before taking a seat
on the sofa chair.
He looks at his men; Helios, Tarec, Heinrich and Aengus who
are standing about looking around.
He takes a breath and gets ready to speak when Luffi brings
a rope over and drops it on Mickeys lap.
Mickey looks down and sees Luffis bright-blue, pleading
eyes. Luffi rests his head in Mickeys lap next to the
rope and keeps staring at Mickey until he smiles and grabs
the robe.
Luffi quickly grabs hold of the other end and they start
playing tug of war.
Heinrich finds a laptop and looks through it for clues.
Helios watches Mickey and Luffi with a wide grin on his
face. Aengus stares blankly and Tarec leans against a wall
staring out the window. We see a cold, dark expression on
his face reflecting off the glass. Outside we see
TARECS POV
A homeless man sitting against the building across the
street.
CUT TO:
EXT ALLEY - NIGHT
An old, homeless man walks down the dark alleyway past two
hooded men in all black.
We track in and see Sagittarius and Leo's grim faces under
the hoods as they pass the other homeless individuals
sleeping on the streets.
They keep walking and pass a few prostitutes and a pimp.
Their expressions turn angry and bitter as they come across
a series of junkies and a drug dealer.
As they watch as an exchange goes down between the dealer
and a pregnant woman, Sagittarius stops to stare. He takes
a step in their direction and before he can take another Leo
firmly grabs hold of his arm.
Sagittarius' expression is fierce but Leo shakes his head
dismally.
LEO (V.O.)
I know, but we can't.
Sagittarius looks back at the woman as she walks away and
then to the drug dealer. The Rottweiler by the thug's side
stares back and starts growling.
CUT TO:
INT LEO'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Luffi growls as he jerks his head violently and pulls the
rope out of Mickey's hand. He the starts to prance around
with the rope in his mouth and Mickey chuckles.
TAREC
You sure he's coming?
HEINRICH
He'll be here, he loves his dog.
MICKEY
How could anyone not love this dog?
Luffi brings the rope back to Mickey and he scratches the
dog behind its ears.
MICKEY
(to luffi)
Nooo, you're too strong.
HEINRICH
Do you want us to take him on his
way up?
MICKEY
No, I think I'll have a little chat
with him first.
Heinrich nods and we pan back over to Tarec staring out the
window.
CUT TO:
INT. SAGITTARIUS' APARTMENT
Leo stares out the window keeping watch while Sagittarius
grabs a can of cat food out of a cupboard.
LEO
Do you remember what it was like
when we first came here?
Sagittarius pauses and gives him a significant look.
SAGITTARIUS
Seems like a lifetime ago.
Leo looks back out the window. Sagittarius opens a drawer
and pulls out a can opener.
LEO
What do you miss most? Besides
your fam and our friends.
Sagittarius ponders for a moment.
SAGITTARIUS
The seasons, I miss watching the
leaves change and having snow
during the winter.
LEO
I knew you'd say that.
Sagittarius opens the cat food, puts it in its bowl, and
throws out the empty can.
SAGITTARIUS
What can I say? I love it. How
bout you, what do you miss?
Leo looks over smiling and nodding.
LEO & SAGITTARIUS
The food!
They laugh while Sagittarius gets his cat water.
LEO
Especially the pizza and wings...
Ugh Buffalo just has the best food!
Sagittarius sighs heavily.
SAGITTARIUS
God damnit! Now all I can think ab
is zaaaa!!
Leo laughs and walks toward so the door.
LEO
Me too, let's grab some burritos on
the way to mine. Luffi will
happily wait an extra ten minutes
in exchange for some delicious
steak and queso.
SAGITTARIUS
You know that's right.
(To his cat)
Bye Marley, I'll see you later.
We follow them as they walk out until they shut the door.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS APARTMENT KITCHEN
We see a refrigerator door open from the inside, Mickey
examines the contents until pulling out a pitcher of iced
tea.
He searches the cabinets until he finds a glass, then he
pours himself a drink and walks back into the living room.
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS APARTMENT LIVING ROOM
Mickey sits back down on the sofa chair and looks around at
the others.
MICKEY
No booze but theres some iced tea
in there if anyones thirsty.
HELIOS
How is it?
MICKEY
Quite delicious, an orgasm in my
mouth.
HELIOS
Youre seductive description has
swayed me.
The front door opens as Helios goes into the kitchen and
Heinrich comes in.
HEINRICH
Mr. Campanella and Mr. Fink will
arrive momentarily, theyre a
couple blocks away.
Mickey smiles and sets his drink down.
MICKEY
Thank you, Heinrich. Do me a
favor, take Aengus with you and
bring the dog into the bedroom.
Heinrich nods at Mickey, whistles, and shows Luffi a treat.
Aengus gets up and follows them. After they go into the
Leos bedroom, Mickey turns his attention towards Tarec.
MICKEY
Tarec, would you please hit the
lights and stay out of sight until
I say so.
Tarec hits the lights and disappears into the shadows.
Helios walks in from the kitchen with his iced tea to find
the room dark and nearly empty.
HELIOS
I take it theyve arrived.
MICKEY
Cant pull one past you. Hang back
and enjoy your tea. Im sure an
astute man like you will be able to
ascertain when his services are
required.
Helios returns to the kitchen and turns the light off. The
living room becomes nearly pitch black. We track into the
digital clock which reads 4:20 am.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEOS STREET
An iPhone screen lights up and reads 4:20 am. We see
Sagittarius and Leo walking down a street eating burritos.
Sagittarius puts his phone away.
SAGITTARIUS
4:20
LEO
Shit, we needa hurry if we wanna
get outta here before the sun comes
up.
SAGITTARIUS
Hey, you were the one that wanted
to stop for burritos.
LEO
Woah. Skipping burritos was not an
option, bro.
Sagittarius grins and shakes his head.
SAGITTARIUS
Soorrryyy, you never informed me
that this was Operation Controlling
Hunger.
LEO
Come ooonnn, bro. I sent you the
memo, check your fucking e-mail
every once in a while.
SAGITTARIUS
Whats an e-mail?
Leo rolls his eyes and smiles.
LEO
Youre shot.
They finish their burritos and throw out the garbage. Leo
still carries one for Luffi.
They reach Leos building and Sagittarius stops as soon as
Leo opens the door. He turns around to see Sagittariuss
suddenly worried expression.
LEO (CONTD)
What?
SAGITTARIUS
I dont know I just got a bad
feeling.
LEO
Come on, Id know he were watching
us.
Sagittarius follows reluctantly but without protest. He
follows
Leo through the lobby towards the stairs. Sagittarius looks
towards the elevator and opens his mouth to say something.
LEO (CONTD)
Elevators broken.
They enter the dim, dismal stairwell and start making their
way up.
SAGITTARIUS
I still have a bad feeling about
this.
LEO
Ive been feeling that way since we
left but I dont have a choice.
Lets just get Luffi and get outta
here.
Sagittarius pulls his throwing stars out and Leo draws his
daggers.
They continue climbing in silence until the reach the third
floor. As they walk down the hallway we hear nothing other
than their footsteps and the creaking floorboards.
They stop in front of room 319 and Leo sets down Luffis
burrito. They take a deep breath, look at each other and
nod.
Sagittarius gulps and then squints at the door knob. It
jiggles softly for a brief moment. They look at each other
again and
Sagittarius shakes his head.
Leo holds both daggers in one hand while taking the keys out
of his pocket. He tosses them in the air and Sagittarius
squints at them, catching them with his mind.
Sagittarius throwing stars orbit him while he uses forces
the key into the keyhole. Before turning it, he looks at
Leo.
LEO (V.O.)
Ill go left, you go right.
Sagittarius nods and squints at the key. In the blink of an
eye it turns, the handle turns and the door bursts open.
They storm into the pitch black room with weapons ready.
LEO (V.O.) (CONTD)
Get the ligh-
The small lamp next to the sofa chair turns on and we see
Mickey sitting on the chair sipping his iced tea.
They turn towards him, ready to attack. He sets his drink
down and smirks at them.
MICKEY
Hey guys, thought we could kick it.
SAGITTARIUS
You piece of shit!
Leo looks at Sagittarius and darts towards Mickey. He gets
there just in time to deflect a throwing star that wouldve
been a head shot and Mickey chuckles.
MICKEY
Thanks bud that was a close one.
Leo violently pulls Mickey out of the chair and presses a
dagger to his neck.
LEO
Give me my dog!!
Mickeys smile widens.
MICKEY
Thats no way to treat someone who
has just fed, walked, and played
with you dog.
Leo and Sagittarius exchange a look.
LEO (V.O.)
Were not alone.
Sagittarius turns and surveys the room.
LEO
What do you want?
Mickeys eyes light up and he sits back in his seat. He
brings his hands to his lap, interlocks his fingers and taps
his thumb while smirking at Leo. He gestures for them to
sit and chuckles when they ignore it.
MICKEY
Im glad you asked, I was beginning
to think that your mothers didnt
teach either of you any manners.
Leo clenches his jaw and shakes his head.
SAGITTARIUS
Get on with it!
Mickey gives him a dirty look and brings his right foot up
and rests it on his knee. He pulls out a pack of cigarettes
and a lighter.
He offers one to Leo and Sagittarius. Leo shakes his head
and Sagittarius turns his back to Mickey and surveys the dim
apartment.
Mickey lights the cigarette and inhales. He tilts his head
to the side and looks up as he exhales before turning his
attention back on Leo with his usual cheerful expression.
MICKEY
Anywho, its quite simple. First,
youre going to apologize for the
ruckus youve been causing. Then
youll tell me where I can find my
associate from Marva Manor.
Mickey smiles wickedly into Leos stoic eyes.
MICKEY (CONTD)
After that youll tell me where
your little band of misfits are
hiding.
Leo looks at him with a confused expression.
LEO
Im afraid I havent got the
faintest as to what youre
referring. In fact, Im quite
certain that it is you who must
apologize.
Mickeys grin grows mad with excitement, his eyes oozing
with enjoyment.
MICKEY
You always were the bright,
courageous lion directing your
little pack with lovely language
and iambic pentameter.
Sagittarius looks over his shoulder at them skeptically.
Leos face is a mask, his cool blue eyes lazily looking
around the apartment.
LEO
If not for you, Id still be
directing its funny how things
work out that way isnt it.
Mickeys head tilts as he nods in agreement.
MICKEY
I believe thats why they say what
goes around comes around.
Leo turns his indifferent expression back on Mickey who
stares back with a cruel smirk.
LEO
I dont know what happened to your
friend, I didnt see anyone after
blowing up your mansion.
Sagittarius looks over his shoulder again, skeptically, and
Mickey gulps. He squints at Leo for a long moment with a
calculating look on his face.
MICKEY
Flawless performance but a
performance nonetheless, as is your
area of expertise.
Mickey looks from Leo to Sagittarius and back to Leo with
pity.
MICKEY
Listen, I cringe at the thought of
having to take this conversation
back to my quarters.
SAGITTARIUS
Like you could.
Mickey chuckles, lifts his hand, and swipes the air, making
a dismissing gesture.
MICKEY
I wouldnt even have to open my
mouth.
Leo and Sagittarius exchange a significant look as if
suddenly realizing the situation theyre in.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Now, as I said Im looking for
someone.
Leo turns his apathetic eyes back on Mickey lackadaisically
and shrugs.
LEO
Dont know what to tell ya, chief.
MICKEY
Oh come now, dont be like that. I
know weve had our differences in
the past but I think this could
bring us together.
Sagittarius gapes at him and Leo just shakes his head.
SAGITTARIUS (V.O.)
Lets just get Lucca and get out of
here.
Leo doesnt take his eyes off Mickey.
LEO (V.O.)
Three, two, one.
Leos bedroom door swings open and slams against the wall.
Heinrich screams from within the room and Luffi races out as
a throwing star crashes into the lamp and breaks the light
making the room nearly pitch black with the only light
coming through the window from the moon and stars above, and
the dim lampposts below.
Sagittarius, Leo, and Luffi race towards the window and
break through it.
CUT TO:
Alexanders bedroom window shatters and he wakes up in a
cold sweat, sitting up abruptly, eyes wide in fear, darting
to the window.
A pile of shattered glass and thin wooden panels lie on the
ground
The wind howls and blows through the opening where the
window had been, lifting the curtains. Tarecs glowing red
eyes and shadowy figure lurch in the shadows in the far
corner of the room.
Alexander sees the eyes and quickly moves to the far corner
of the bed and curls up in a ball against the wall with his
blanket wrapped around him. We hear his heart racing and
his heavy, rapid breathing.
The eyes and shadowy figure disappear into the darkness.
The wind dies down and the curtains fall back against the
wall.
The window is no longer broken and theres no glass on the
ground. We hear Alexanders heartbeat and breathing slowly
starting to slow.
He gulps, throws the covers off, and races through the room
and out the door.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS MANSION TORTURE CHAMBER NIGHT (PRESENT)
We look up on the room from a low angle. The side walls are
large mirrors, creating infinite reflections.
The floors are black granite tile and only furniture in the
entire room is an unoccupied black fold-out chair positioned
just outside the light coming off of the two flood lights
that are attached to the ceiling.
The light shine brightly on Leo and Sagittarius who lay,
bruised, bloody, unconscious, and handcuffed to the floor.
Past the light and in the darkness, Mickey stands,
completely still, at the far wall. Hes positioned between
Leo and Sagittarius, staring out the wall comprised of
windows, the starry night sky behind him.
We slowly track left, pan right, and zoom in to see Mickeys
face, a hint of regret in his eyes.
We zoom out and track forward to see Pisces appear in the
mirrors, her body half in the light, half in the dark,
positioned between Mickey and the Zodiacs and angled toward
the wall of windows.
Shes dressed in black jeans, a black hoodie, and a mask
with two fish on it, one black (in the dark) and one white
(in the light).
She stands straight and still, her chest puffed out,
shoulders back, and head held high. Beneath her mask lie
fierce, vengeful, dark brown eyes. She clears her throat
sharply.
In the window, we see Mickeys expression grow firm and
unconcerned. He slowly glances slightly to his right and
sees her reflection off the window.
PISCES
Evening, sir.
MICKEY
I shouldve known youd be involved
in this.
He shrugs, nonchalantly, and looks straight ahead again.
PISCES
If you were that smart, you
wouldnt need to torture them.
She nods towards Sagittarius and Leo. Mickey shows no
indication of even hearing her, his eyes distant and cold.
MICKEY
My wife never made it home last
night.
PISCES
Of course she didnt.
Mickey slowly turns and faces her with a studious
expression. She tilts her head to the side.
MICKEY
Well, what have you done with her?
Pisces giggles and rolls her eyes.
PISCES
Like I could do anything with her,
shed eat me raw like sushi.
Mickey turns back to the window and lets his eyes grow
distant again.
PISCES
Id let them go if I were you.
Mickey ignores her again and she sits cross-legged on the
ground.
PISCES
Fine, have it your way.
Mickeys POV:
Pisces translucent, scowling face in between the frames of
the window.
CUT TO:
INT. US MILITARY BASE MEDICAL TENT IRAN DAY (PAST)
We see a door with a small the window.
Desi, a short, young, doe-eyed woman with long, wavy, dark
brown hair, tan skin, and thick lips walks up to a door and
her face appears in the window as she opens the door.
She wears a doctors white coat and a somber expression.
We pan across the small, packed, room with beige walls as
she makes her way through and see wounded soldiers lying in
beds while nurses and doctor make their rounds.
CUT TO:
INT. MILITARY BASE FOOD TENT (PAST)
The flap to the tent opens and the doe-eyed woman, DESI,
enters followed by a young Gemini (18) in her military garb.
They make their way through the tent to Lieut. Casey (25), a
tall, well-built man with a handsome face sitting alone with
a distraught expression.
He stares at his uneaten meal not noticing their arrival
until Gemini clears her throat. His eyes glance over Gemini
and rest on Desi.
LIEUT. CASEY
Desi.
DESI
Im gunna do everything I can,
Lieut. Casey, I promise.
Lieut. Casey smiles at her, thanking her with his eyes.
GEMINI
Please do, Mics been sick about
it. Youd think its all his
fault.
Desis lips form a half smile but her eyes remain full of
pity.
DESI
Hes a good man.
She nods at Gemini, then returns her attention to the Lieut.
with a look of confidence. She speaks with conviction
DESI (CONTD)
You mustnt worry, Ill patch
things up Between you and Malcolm
in no time.
Casey forces another smile.
LIEUT. CASEY
Your generosity is most
appreciated. Whatever happens,
Ill forever be in your debt.
Desi smiles and Gemini rolls her eyes.
DESI
You and Malcolm have been friends
forever. It was just politics,
nothing personal.
The smile fades from his face as he looks down and away,
turning his body away from them. Desi frowns and steps
forward slowly until shes able to put her hand on his back.
Gemini sighs, takes a seat and starts looking around.
LIEUT. CASEY
Politics have a way of making
people Forget about love and
loyalty.
DESI
(shouting)
No!
Her shout startles them, causing them to turn and face her
with wide eyes.
DESI (CONTD)
I refuse to let that happen! Ill
hound Him day and night, begging
and pleading Until you get your
position back.
She holds her hand out to him and he looks up at her,
smiling and finally hopeful for a moment before taking her
hand and standing.
GEMINI
Speak of the devil.
Casey and Desi look over in the direction where Gemini is
staring. We see a young Mickey (22), with short hair and
clean shaven dressed in standard military attire, and Taurus
(29)(Malcolm), in a black officers jacket, approaching.
Casey lets go of her hand and his smile fades.
LIEUT. CASEY
Thanks, Desi. Ill leave you to
it.
DESI
Dont be silly, stay and hear what
he has to say.
He shakes his head and starts backing away.
LIEUT. CASEY
No, not now Im a mess.
As he takes off in the opposite direction of Mickey and
Taurus, the girls turn towards them and await their
arrival.
Mickeys face turns sour as he watches Lieut. Casey
leaving.
MICKEY
I dont like the look of that.
Taurus looks at him with a curious and slightly worried
expression.
TAURUS
The look of what?
MICKEY
Oh, never mind. Its probably
nothing sir.
TAURUS
Wasnt that Lieut. Casey leaving
Desi?
Mickey looks in her direction, around the tent and back at
Taurus.
MICKEY
Lieut. Casey? No it couldnt be,
He wouldnt sneak off seeing you
coming.
Taurus demeanor grows bitter.
TAURUS
I dont know, I really think it
was him.
They reach the table where Desi and Gemini await.
DESI
Hey, boo. I was just talking to
someone About you.
She strolls up to him and kisses him passionately.
TAURUS
Oh? And just who might that
someone be?
She rubs his arms, keeping him in her embrace.
DESI
Lieut. Casey
Taurus looks away and grimaces.
DESI (CONTD)
Oh, Malcolm, if I have any
influence over you Whatsoever,
youll forgive him. He loves you,
And all he did was make an
innocent mistake.
Taurus looks in the direction that Casey took off in.
TAURUS
Was that him just now?
DESI
Mhm he feels awful,
So much so that he left his grief
with me.
She lets her hands fall from him and looks down frowning.
Taurus stares at her and sighs. After a brief moment he
lifts her chin lightly, using his thumb and forefinger, and
looks into her eyes compassionately.
TAURUS
Nows not the time, dear, but Ill
speak with him soon.
Desis eyes dart up at him.
DESI
When?
Taurus lets out a short chuckle and smiles.
TAURUS
For you? The very first
chance I get.
DESI
Tonight?
TAURUS
No, not tonight.
DESI
Tomorrow then?
TAURUS
Ill be with the captains at the
citadel.
Desi takes a step back, anger surfacing on her face.
DESI
Fine. Tomorrow night, or Tuesday
morning, Or afternoon, or night.
Cant you just give me A time?
His punishment was absurd and
were Sick to our stomachs about
it!
Taurus lets out a long, heavy sigh. He begins to raise his
arm and takes a step closer to her but just as he does so,
she raises her hand a takes a step back.
DESI (CONTD)
I know you have to make examples
out of Even the best soldiers in
times of war, Im Not a fucking
idiot! Just tell me when he can
come.
She begins pacing frantically.
DESI (CONTD)
I cant imagine refusing you
anything. I Destroyed my
relationship with my father for
you! Dont you remember it was he
that helped you Win me over in the
first place?
As the resolve in his face begins to crack we see sly smirks
surface on Mickey and Geminis faces.
Desi stops pacing and starts back towards Taurus.
DESI (CONTD)
Whenever I criticized you for
anything, he Was there to defend
you.
She drops to her knees, places her hands together as if in
prayer and looks up at him pleading with her eyes.
DESI (CONTD)
Now I have to get on my knees and
beg you To bring him back! I
swear-
Taurus shakes his head and grabs her hands.
TAURUS
Please, Desi, no more. Tell him
to come Whenever he wants, I cant
refuse you anything.
He helps her up and she kisses him happily on the cheek.
DESI
Oh dont act like youre the one
doing me A favor, we both know
this is for your own good.
CUT TO:
INT. TAURUS TENT (PAST)
The tent is spacious and plainly furnished. We pan over a
book shelf and see The Count of Monte Cristo, Caesar, The
Screwtape Letters and the bible.
Taurus sits on the bed and Mickey sits across from him in a
chair, both with glasses in hand. They drink and stare off
in space for a short while until a large smile comes to
Tauruss face and Mickeys starts to show concern.
MICKEY
Sir
TAURUS
Whats up, Mic?
Mickey gulps and clears his throat. He looks down and away
as his hands fidget in his lap.
MICKEY
I was just wondering
When you wooed Desi, did Casey
know?
Taurus smile quickly fades.
TAURUS
Yeah, why do you ask?
MICKEY
Just curious.
Taurus eyes Mickey suspiciously.
TAURUS
Whats on your mind?
Mickey looks up, his concern no longer visible.
MICKEY
Its nothing, I just didnt
realize That they knew each other.
TAURUS
Oh yeah, hes the one who helped
me get her.
Mickeys eyes squint at this, his head inches back a couple
of inches, and tilts slightly sideways.
MICKEY
Really?
Taurus chuckles and nods with a wide grin.
TAURUS
Yeah, theres nothing wrong
with that.
Hes a good guy, and honest.
Mickey doesnt hide his skepticism and Taurus rolls his
eyes.
TAURUS (CONTD)
What?! Would you fucking spit it
out already?
Mickey looks around and takes a deep breath. When his gaze
finally returns to Taurus, his expression is serious, his
demeanor cautious.
MICKEY
You know Im your friend, right
sir?
TAURUS
I think so.
I know your intentions are pure
and you choose your words
carefully So stop getting Me all
worked up with your caution and
tell me What youre thinking.
Mickey gets up and starts pacing, keeping his back to
Taurus, and we see his sly smirk resurfacing. After a dozen
steps or so he stops and turns to face Taurus with a serious
expression.
MICKEY
I think that Caseys an honest
man.
Taurus gives him a puzzled look.
TAURUS
As do I?
MICKEY
Still, guys should always be as
they seem.
Taurus jaw clenches in frustration.
TAURUS
Yeah, yeah whats your point?
Mickeys expression becomes torn.
MICKEY
Nothing, really. Just in that case
I think Lieut. Caseys an honest
man.
Taurus starts shaking his head in aggravation, gets up and
walks towards Mickey.
TAURUS
No, no, no. Theres more to this
than that. Just tell me what
youre thinking, I dont Care if
its your worst suspicions.
Mickey gulps and tries to turn away but Taurus grabs him
fiercely by the shoulders.
TAURUS (CONTD)
Mic!
Mickey shakes his head, his eyes full of fear.
MICKEY
Please dont make me, sir.
Even slaves Have the privacy of
their own thoughts.
TAURUS
Youre not being a good friend if
you dont Say anything when you
think Ive been wronged.
Mickey averts Taurus eyes, looking down at the ground or
around the tent.
MICKEY
But what if Im wrong? Youd be
better Ignoring my doubts, my
thoughts would only Destroy your
peace of mind.
Taurus grunts and throws his hands up in disbelief as he
turns and paces away slowly.
TAURUS
What in the fuck are you talking
about?!
MICKEY
Reputation, something far too
precious To be put at risk.
Taurus turns and stares at Mickey with a cold, disgruntled
look.
TAURUS
Im gunna find out what youre
thinking.
MICKEY
Im sorry, sir, but I wont let
you. But Beware of jealousy, the
man who knows About his wifes
infidelities Is happy because, at
the very least, She isnt cheating
with a friend of his.
Taurus expression becomes entirely baffled, he squints and
shakes his head, struggling to follow.
MICKEY (CONTD)
But imagine how unhappy a man Who
worships his wife, yet doubts her
faithfulness, Would be. On one
hand, he suspects her, But on the
other, he still loves her.
Taurus rushes at him.
TAURUS
What the fuck?!
He shoves Mickey up against the wall and starts trying to
choke him. Mickey fights him off as best he can but then
Taurus towers over him.
MICKEY
Infinite wealth is worthless to
someone In constant fear of
poverty.
Taurus gets his hands around Mickeys throat. Mickey grabs
Taurus wrists and keeps tries to stop him.
MICKEY (CONTD)
(choking)
God, I beg you. Defend us from
jealousy.
Mickey starts to weaken and his hands fall from Taurus
wrists as his face starts to turn light blue.
The rage on Taurus face suddenly fades and he lets go.
Mickey falls to the floor and gasps for air while Taurus
stares blankly off in space.
After a while Mickey sits up and
stares at Taurus, shocked.
TAURUS
Why are you telling me this? Do
you Honestly think Id live in
torment And jealousy? She chose
me and I dont Doubt her for a
second.
He looks down at Mickey, his eyes less confident than his
voice.
TAURUS (CONTD)
If there were any evidence, Id
look For proof before throwing
away my love And letting jealousy
consume me.
Mickey forces a smile and nods his head.
MICKEY
You dont know how relieved I am
to hear that. I know you dont
want to, but just watch her. See
how she is with him, objectively.
Taurus jaw tightens slightly and we see Mickey smirk again
as Taurus looks away to considering this.
MICKEY
I just dont want you to be taken
Advantage of, youre too trusting.
TAURUS
I dont know, it doesnt seem
right to me.
MICKEY
She lied to her father to marry
you, Didnt she? And when she
pretended To be afraid of you, she
loved you the most.
Taurus eyes become distant and he nods slowly with his
mouth slightly open. As he looks back at Mickey, his face
grows flush with doubts. He sits back down and takes a deep
breath.
TAURUS
So she did.
Mickey walks back over and sits on the bed, directly next to
him. He puts his arm around Taurus and grasps his shoulder.
MICKEY
Well there you go. She was able
to deceive Her father so much when
she was young that He blamed
witchcraft.
Taurus frowns and Mickeys eyes grow sorrowful.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Im sorry, sir, I shouldnt have.
I Humbly beg for your forgiveness,
if it wasnt For our friendship,
Id never have said anything.
Taurus shakes his head and stares with distant eyes.
TAURUS
Theres no need, I ordered
you to speak your mind.
We hear a piano beginning to play softly. As it grows
louder we hear Justin Timberlakes voice singing Youd take
the clothes off my back and Id let you, youd steal the
food right out my mouth and Id watch you eat it and we
track in on Mickeys face to watch him smirk one last time
the moment Taurus looks away. As we hear have my laundry
in the streets dirty or clean, give it up for fame but I
still dont know why, why I love you so much Mickeys face
remains superimposed on the screen and we -
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS MANSION NIGHT (PAST)
We see Mickey (31) wearing a masquerade mask and smirking in
the reflection coming off of a window. In the adjacent
panel, we see him as a young man sitting on a bunk in a tent
with Taurus.
We hear the music still playing And baby, its amazing Im
in this maze with you, I just cant crack your code as we
slowly track slightly back to see, reflecting off the
window, Two-Face in her mask, standing next to him wearing
the same expression.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANSION NIGHT (PAST)
The music continues to play as we slowly track back from an
enormous replica of the Archibald Fountain to see the bronze
Apollo surrounded by mythical figures and animals.
We cut to an establishing shot, looking up at the enormous
mansion to see valet boys running around, parking vehicles
for the mass of richly dressed guests in masks and a long
line of luxury vehicles and limousines in the crescent
shaped, granite driveway.
We see Heinrich, in his mask, standing at the front door and
we cut to
HEINRICHS POV
A limousine pulls up in front of the fountain. The door
opens and Leo steps out, also wearing a mask, to take the
place of Apollo, now directly behind him. The music
crescendos as the chorus nears its end, building to the
first verse, and as we hear Youre so unfair sipping from
the cup till it runneth over, we
CUT TO:
INT. MANSION LIVING ROOM (PAST)
We hear holy grail as we see the massive room is full of
people drinking, dancing in front of a small stage where
Justin Timberlake and Jay Z are performing next to Hans
Holbein the Youngers famous painting, The Ambassadors.
We see Justin Timberlake look up as Jay Z begins his verse
and cut to
JUSTINS POV
Across the long, lavish living room with tall vaulted
ceilings, Mickey and Gemini walk out of a room and stand at
the top of the stairs by the railing to look over their
guests with wide eyes and big smiles.
JAY-Z (V.O.)
God damnit I like it, the bright
lights is enticing but look what it
did to Tyson.
We watch as they make their way slowly down the stairs to
mingle and see Heinrich, smiling and laughing with the mayor
as he escorts him in their direction.
Behind them, standing by the railing on the second floor we
see another Heinrich observing everyone with a pensive face.
He stops and stairs for a long moment and we see
HEINRICHS POV
Helios drinking heaving, laughing, and clearly flirting with
EVE HARREN, a tall woman in a stunning black dress with a
thin face, long, wavy, bright red hair, a bold smile and
confident eyes
JAY-Z (V.O.)
And were all just entertainers
And were stupid and contagious
Know we all just entertainers.
The music fades and everyone applauds. Heinrich then turns
his attention back to Mickey whos shaking the mayors hand
mouthing the words one moment, please while raising his
pointer finger.
We continue to watch from Heinrichs POV as he makes his way
through the crowd to the stage and see Gemini fill in next
to the mayor.
GEMINIS POV
Mickey makes his way across the stage with a huge grin on
his face. He hugs Jay-Z and then Justin Timberlake before
gesturing for Justins microphone.
MICKEY
Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z
everyone!
The crowd starts cheering again and Mickey smiles patiently,
nodding until they quiet down so he can continue.
MICKEY (CONTD)
If you bear with me for just a
moment, I promise to let them get
back to it. Id like to take this
opportunity To make a toast
He flashes his smile to the crowd.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Everyone, raise your glass.
As they do say, Mickey turns to see that Jay-Z and Justin
dont have drinks.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Fuck, would someone please get my
boys a drink?
Everyone laughs and Gemini makes her way to the stage with
drinks for both of them. She then remains on the stage
between Mickey and Justin.
She briefly looks back at just smiling and he grins back.
Mickey sees this and forces a smile as he looks back to his
guests. He raises his glass.
MICKEY (CONTD)
To Edward, my brother and our
leader For bringing justice and
stability To each and every one of
us In a time when we need it the
most.
He looks over at the bar, smiles, and nods towards Edward
standing with his wife, Helios, and Eve Harren. Edward
returns the gestures, smiling happily.
MICKEY (CONTD)
Yesterdays entertainment was
violence, Today we feast on the
fruits of our labor. Instead of
gunshots, sirens and whispers Of
war, we hear laughter and live
music.
He gestures towards Jay-Z and Justin and people cheer
briefly as he looks at Gemini and smiles genuinely for a
second before turning back to the crowd, holding his
expression.
MICKEY (CONTD)
We have a real reason to smile
again, So grab a gal and hit the
dance floor. Cheers!
CROWD
CHEERS!
The music picks back up as everyone raises their classes and
takes a sip except Mickey who drains his, tosses the
microphone back to Justin and heads straight for the bar.
Gemini notices Leo watching her and she makes her way
towards him, smirking, while Mickey hugs Edward as he
reaches the bar.
EDWARD
Great speech, what movies it from?
They separate enough to see each others grinning face,
still in each others embrace. Mickey chuckles.
MICKEY
Its my own modernization of the
Famous Richard the third speech in
one, one Now is the winter of
our discontent, Mmade glorious
summer by this
(grabbing Edwards face with both
hands and shaking it)
son of a bitch!
Edward rolls his eyes and laughs. He shakes his head as
they let go and turns towards the bar. Mickey grabs the
drink thats already waiting for him and begins to down it.
EDWARD
You always were a nerd, guess its
finally starting to pay off.
Mickey sets the empty glass down on the bar and stares at
the bartender, who stops in the middle of pouring some
womans drink to refill his glass. He grabs it and smiles
at Edward.
MICKEY
Glad I could help, bro.
Edward smiles and nods as he puts his hand on Mickeys arm.
Mickey nods back before turning back towards the party and
immediately dropping his smile as he makes his way through
the crowd towards the stairs.
We cut back to Heinrichs POV
Mickeys face fills with disgust as he sees Two Face dancing
with Justin.
Mickey passes her and we see her glance towards him with sad
eyes. Her eyes lock on someone behind Mickey.
Leo leans against the far wall wearing a masquerade mask, a
black suit, white shirt, and black tie, staring back at her
with a similar expression.
Their eyes remain locked as Mickey slowly climbs the stairs,
maintaining his composed posture and hiding his anger as
best as he can.
He reaches Heinrich and joins him in leaning on the railing,
looking down at the party below.
After a long moment of silence, Mickey turns towards
Heinrich and nods. A clone of Heinrich comes out of him and
begins to walk away.
Mickey stares at Edward at the bar and we track in until
hes the only one in the frame with a suit of armor, holding
a spear, behind him in the background.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS MANSION TORTURE CHAMBER - NIGHT (PRESENT)
The door to the torture chamber opens. Gemini enters,
followed by Mickey (Aquarius using his power). The real
Mickey still stands at the window, still as stone.
Gemini approaches him slowly while the other Mickey walks up
to Leo and Sagittarius, still unconscious, and stands over
them shaking his head with a look of disappointment.
As Gemini reaches him, she sees Pisces image in the window,
superimposed over Mickeys reflection. Both Mickey and
Pisces are nonresponsive, their eyes distant.
She reaches inches his pocket, takes out a key, tosses it to
the other Mickey (Aquarius), and kisses the real Mickey on
the cheek while the other takes off Leo and Sagittarius
handcuffs.
Gemini strolls over to them, standing between them and the
real Mickey as the imposter, with a wicked smile, starts
smacking Leo in the face to wake him up.
Leo becomes conscious and pushes his attackers hand aside.
He glares at the fake Mickey, standing over him with cocky
smirk on his face.
Leo squints, his lips tighten in a straight line, and his
head tilts sideways. He glances to his left, down at
Sagittarius still lying unconscious.
He looks in the mirror and sees Gemini standing behind him,
looking down at him with indifference.
Leo spits out bloody saliva onto the floor, wipes off the
blood on his lower lip and chin with his hand, and stands
up.
Aquarius stands up tall, head held high, with a firm
expression, holding Leos eyes. Leo bends down and shakes
Sagittarius awake.
He comes around and immediately pushes away from Mickey with
hatred pouring from his eyes, holding his left wrist in his
right hand.
He looks over at Gemini and his jaw drops slightly, his
expression growing confused, betrayed, and hostile.
He closes his eyes and the glass mirrors shatter. Shards of
glass raise into the air, surrounding the fake Mickey and
Gemini.
They start flying towards them at rapid velocity.
LEO (V.O.)
Wait!
The shards stop right before cutting into Gemini and Mickey.
LEO
We need to get out of here.
Sagittarius opens his eyes and stares at Leo, his expression
fierce.
SAGITTARIUS
What are you fucking talking about?
Leo nods towards Mickey, still wearing a sly smirk.
LEO
That smirk, and the way hes
standing.
Sagittarius shakes his head, confused, expecting more. Leo
sighs and Gemini giggles.
LEO
Theyre here for our rescue.
Mickey turns into Aquarius and Sagittarius lets the glass
fall to the floor. He looks around and sees Mickey standing
at the far end of the room, staring out the window.
GEMINI
We really should be going now,
hell be back any moment now.
Sagittarius sighs and starts walking towards the door and
the others follow.
Gemini and Aquarius stop on the other side of the threshold.
GEMINI
Not that way, my loves.
They both stop and turns back to her, Sagittarius with an
annoyed expression. Leo stares at her suspiciously, and
Aquarius grins his mad grin.
Gemini reaches into her pocket and pulls out Two-Faces
mask. Leos eyes grow wide as he sees it.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS MANSION PAST
Leo leans against the wall staring at Gemini dancing with
Justin Timberlake with a melancholic demeanor.
She holds his gaze, reciprocating his interest and tone.
The song ends and she turns her attention to Justin,
thanking him.
Leo turns and walks through the mansion towards the large
French doors at the back of the living room, leading towards
the patio.
Two-Faces eyes follow him as he leaves. She turns to look
up at Mickey and Heinrich on the balcony above and sees
their attention is elsewhere.
She pushes through the room and slips out the back doors
after Leo. Her violet eyes search for him.
CUT TO:
INT. MICKEYS MANSION TORTURING CHAMBER NIGHT (PRESENT)
Gemini puts on her mask and her eyes turn violet. She turns
towards Leo with apologetic eyes.
Aquarius grin widens and he claps excitedly. Sagittarius
grows even more confused. Leos distant expression fades.
He shakes his head, his jaw clenches, and he stares back at
Gemini/Two Face.
She reaches her hands out to Sagittarius and Leo.
GEMINI
Come on, we dont have time for
this.
Still confused, Sagittarius takes her hand. Aquarius
circles around and places his hand on her lower back. She
looks at him and arches her eyebrow.
He smirks, rolls his eyes, and raises it to the small of her
back. Leo still stands shaking his head.
GEMINI
Im not leaving here without you.
Reluctantly Leo takes her hand. She lets go of them both to
turn around, and gestures for them to do so. They turn to
face the doorway and she grabs their hands again.
Gemini closes her eyes for a brief moment before opening
them on the threshold, which begins to blur into a swirl of
colors.
It slowly starts to appear to be a post-impressionistic
representation of Capricorns cabin on top of the tall
cliff, next to a waterfall. They step through.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAPRICORNS CABIN - NIGHT
Two Face, holding hands with Leo and Sagittarius step onto
the porch, between two railing posts/support beams, Aquarius
a step behind her with his hand on the small of her back.
Leo lets go of Two Faces hand and storms through the front
door and into the cabin.
Sagittarius lets go and gives her an angry and questioning
look. Her eyes are full of guilt and she looks away.
Sagittarius shakes his head in disappointment and follows
after Leo.
Aquarius step up beside Two Face as she takes her mask off,
his hand now around her shoulder. She looks at it and then
at him.
He grins back at her. She lifts her hand to his, sighs,
pushes it off, and walks away from him.
FADE TO BLACK (END OF ACT TWO)
EXT. MARTIN KUNZ ROOFTOP BAR LA - NIGHT
________ by _________ plays as we see a rectangular pool
with a bright green light - surrounded with tables and
chairs occupied by wealthy men and women in suits and gowns.
Beyond the crowd, lies a long mahogany bar stained a deep
amber, cast in the flickering light coming from the tiki
torches along its inside.
Above, neon black lights shaped like a moon and stars hang
from the rafters leading to an open awning, doubling the
number of stars, and moons, in the sky.
The pool light flashes yellow and we see Helios strolling
through the party between the pool and tables, away from the
bar, with slow, graceful steps and head held his high, long
wavy, dark-brown hair blowing softly in the gentle breeze.
We crane up and tilt down as the pool light turns red and we
see Tarec, a dark figure hidden in the distant shadows, his
glowing red eyes watching observantly.
The pool light turns purple as Helios nears Pisces, dressed
in a strapless, white dress, tight in the bodice and waist,
then flowing more loosely down to just above her knees,
standing at a table with her boss.
Eve Harrington, a confident redhead in a black dress with a
necklace, bracelet, hoop earrings, and rings on her fingers
all made of gold converses with an Capricorn.
Helios slowly shifts his gaze an acute degree, in the
direction of Pisces, and they exchange a brief innocent
glance as he passes by.
The pool light turns blue and we see Gemini, leaning back
against the roofs railing between two tiki torches, taking
note of their exchange with a look of indifference.
She wears a sleeveless, blue dress with matching heels and
neckless as she watches Helios while he approaches, sipping
on her apple martini. Her ears are full of several
earrings, as always.
She lets her gaze wander, glancing over party guests
drinking, laughing, and conversing, until she sees Leo,
leaning back against the railing to her right, running
perpendicular to the one she is leaning on.
He stands alone with a somber expression, staring up past
the black lights at the stars above.
The light flashes green and we see Mickey standing on at the
balcony of an upper tier, overlooking the entire party. His
gaze moves from Helios to Gemini, following her eyes to Leo,
and back to Gemini.
He turns and makes his way down the steps and across the
rooftop, heading in their direction while smiling and
nodding at his fellow guests as moves through the crowd.
The light turns yellow. Helios arrives before him and
Gemini turns towards him with a warm smile and stands up
straight.
She listens for a moment, nods, and briefly glances back in
Leos direction as Helios turns around. He smiles and nods
at us.
Mickey returns the gesture as they pass each other and
Gemini turns to meet his gaze with loving eyes and a radiant
smile. The light turns red.
MICKEY
Have I mentioned how breathtaking
you look tonight?
Geminis lips curl downward, her eyes sharpen, and her head
tilts slightly to the side. He leans in toward her and she
stops him with a finger to his chest.
GEMINI
Am I not breathtaking always?
The light turns purple as Mickey rolls his eyes, though his
smile widens.
MICKEY
No.
Geminis lips part and her head inches back.
MICKEY
Sometimes youre unparalleled.
The light turns blue and her smile returns as he grabs her
lightly by the waist and gently pulls her towards him.
They stare into each others eyes for a moment as he raises
his hand to her forehead and slowly runs his fingers through
her hair and down the side of her face. He softly places his
palm on her cheek.
She raises her hand, from his chest to on top of his on her
cheek with a loving smile, and they kiss briefly, but
passionately.
The light turns green. He takes her hand in his as their
heads inch backwards, interlocking fingers and staring
longingly into each others eyes.
He leans against the railing, puts his arm around her
shoulders, and she leans against him.
They turn their attention toward the party, swaying gently
to the music.
MICKEY
Are we enjoying the evening, bella
mia?
The light turns yellow.
GEMINI
Tabii akm, its been rather
colorful.
She looks from him to the pool, to the crowd, and back with
a sly smirk. He chuckles softly and casually grins back at
her.
He leans his head against hers and gently caresses her arm.
She smiles affectionately and closes her eyes.
The light goes turns purple and we see Pisces exchange
another glance with Helios as he passes by her again.
This time her gaze follows him as he continues to stroll
across the rooftop to the stairs leading downward.
The music stops abruptly and the pool light goes out,
causing the rooftop to grow eerily dark with the only light
coming from scattered tiki torches.
Guests look around in confusion as Pisces grows alert, a
hint of fear in her eyes.
She watches as Mickey and Gemini pass by her in rush,
heading towards the bar.
Tarecs red eyes survey the crowd from the distant shadows.
A woman screams and heads turn in her direction. Gemini and
Mickey stop in their tracks.
They turn to their right and head in the direction where the
sound came from, the same direction in which Leo had been
leaning against the railing.
A crowd of people stand in a half circle facing the railing
and whispering to one another. Mickey clears his throat as
he nears the group and the sea of suits and gowns parts to
let the couple through.
As they near the front of the crowd, the torches around them
go out one by one leaving only a single torch.
They reach the front of the group to find 20 bricks of
heroine, stacked two by two, five high.
In front of the drugs, burned into the floor of the roof is
VENGEANCE 7/4 and in front lies a large bowl full of
dozens of thumbs and a single white envelope with Mickey
written on the front in big, dark letters.
He approaches alone, bends down, and grabs the card out of
the bowl, below we see that each of the thumbs has a large
tattooed Z on it.
The crowd watches on with mixed expressions, some are
frightened, some intrigued, and some a bit of both. Gemini
watches on with a strange indifference, walking up to Mickey
as he opens the envelope.
A manuscript, written in neat and elegant cursive letters:
Michael Angelo Magnoli,
In these most precarious of times and circumstances, it seems almost
as if weve been mysteriously pitted against each other by some
strange, invisible force.
Like caged beasts whose only source of freedom culminates from being
propelled into ruthless warfare where the likelihood of anything
resembling a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution squanders
with each and every instance of retaliation.
Since the possibility of trusting one another is beyond farfetched and
perhaps downright impossible, I have taken measures to ensure an
amicable experience for everyone.
Vengeance or alliance, the choice may very well be yours.
See you soon,
The Zodiac Guild
P.S. Im truly pleased that you and all of your respectable guests could
witness this.
Mickeys jaw clenches and his eyes search around him.
Gemini leans back from reading over Mickeys shoulder and
looks around with calmly with a subtle interest.
The bricks of heroine levitate and hover a few feet above
the ground. The crowd points and gasps in awe, whispering
to each other, unsure about what theyre witnessing.
Over their heads, a five-gallon jug of water floats toward
Mickey and Gemini.
The bricks suddenly burst open and a big, thick cloud of
white powder fills the air and starts falling to the ground
as the water jug turns upside-down, washing away the drugs.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY L.A. NIGHT
Helios, dressed in sweatpants and a black hoodie with the
hood up, walks down the ally, his body tense, and his head
bent down, looking up with alert eyes barely visible beneath
the shadows of the hood.
He passes by a drug dealer, selling to a junkie, drunks
stumbling through the alley, spilling their mugs of beer, a
young prostitute blowing a fat, dirty, old guy in the nook
of a doorway, a young, homeless boy, and an overdosed
junkie.
He looks away in disgust and turns down another, less
occupied, alleyway. He continues walking, at a brisk pace,
distancing himself from the debauchery.
Finally, he comes to a secluded area where he reaches into
his pocket and pulls out a pouch. He opens it and takes out
a handful of large gems, glowing with a strange, swirling
light.
In a long, deep breath, Helios breaths in the light
streaming from the gems in his hand into his mouth and
making his skin glow faintly.
His eyes suddenly turn a bright, glowing yellow, widening
and coming alive as the storm burns inside of him.
He smiles wide and a small bit of light seeps out of his
open mouth, like smoke.
He closes his mouth and takes off at a sprint, racing
through the alleyways with unnatural speed, light trailing
off him slightly.
A translucent ribbon of white and light blue light flies
through the wind above him.
Still sprinting, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
He opens them with a look of fierce determination and leaps
into the air.
While in the air, he begins to turn his body so that its
parallel with the ground as he falls towards the wall to his
left.
His left foot lands, off balance, and hes unable to get his
right up in time, causing him to trip and roll in a tumble
along the wall of the building.
He stands up, on the wall and sees
HELIOS POV:
His feet, standing on the wall of the building. The dirty,
trash covered ground to the right and the alleyway
stretching into the distance straight ahead.
AS VOICE
Maybe you should try without
running first.
We tilt up (towards the wall of the building opposite us)
and see a small, translucent woman, made of white and blue
light and the size of a head, wearing a flowing light blue
dress.
She walks down an imaginary flight of stairs and stands in
front of Helios face with an innocent smile.
HELIOS
Its not that Its just-
Timha cocks her little head sideways and arches her eyebrow.
Helios sighs heavily and looks down.
TIMHA
What is it, Hel?
HELIOS
Letting myself believe that the
wall is actually down -
He looks up at her and pushes aside his long brown hair
falling over his eyes to reveal a distraught expression. He
shakes his head, wipes the blood off his lip and chin.
HELIOS
Forcing myself to swing my legs
sideways
He runs his hand through his hair and scratches the back of
his head.
TIMHA
Its that hard?
HELIOS
My every instinct screams in fear
that Ill fall flat on my face.
He gulps and Timha frowns.
HELIOS
If I can escape their clutches,
Ill be able to master this.
Timha circles around his face, shaking her head in
disapproval.
TIMHA
Youre still thinking about him,
arent you?
She stops in six inches in front of his face, hands on her
hips, leaning forward with intense eyes.
TIMHA
Thats why you wont take it slow,
isnt it?
Helios stares back with a serious expression.
HELIOS
Thats part of it but theres more
to it than that.
She cocks her head and arches her eyebrow expectantly again.
When he doesnt respond she raises her hands to her sides
questioningly, palms facing upward.
Helios rolls his eyes and takes off at a sprint again.
Timha turns into a ribbon and trails after him.
They streak into the darkness, a wisp of light traveling
down a wall, trailed by a blue and white ribbon of flowing
light.
CUT TO:
INT. ANOUSHKAS BEDROOM DAY
The colors begin to blur as we slowly track back and see a
sketchpad with a drawing of a wisp of light travels down a
dark alley, along a wall, trailed by a ribbon of blue and
white light same angle as before.
A pack of oil pastels lies next to the sketchpad, on a
brown, wool blanket on a small bed.
The room is tiny, though quite decorative. A Birth of
Vishnu statue rests on top of a long dresser, in front of a
mirror.
In the reflection, we see Anoushka worshiping her god by
offering it water, fruit, and flowers.
Incense burns on either side of the statue. She wears a
pink and white sari, her expression a mix of melancholy and
fear, as she mouths the word Vishnu.
Next to the dresser lies a bookshelf. On it, we see The
Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Upanishads, and The Rigveda
along with Art: A World History, Show Time: The 50 Most
Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art, and Witness:
Art and Civil Rights in the Sixties.
EXT. ABALONE COVE SHORLINE PARK SUNSET

We hear the feint sound of a flute, though one lower in
pitch than typical, playing softly in the distance mixing
with the quiet howl of the whirling wind.
Sea caves, blank sand, and exotic plants lie before a
somber, setting, scarlet sun, slowly starting to sneak
beneath the horizon.
A misty fog hovers above the waters surface. Large, jagged
rocks protruding sporadically like a little archipelago.
The flute grows slightly louder.
Helios walks, barefoot, along the black sand, the tide
coming in and washing over his feet before withdrawing
again, his long, wavy brown hair blowing in the gentle
breeze.
The flute continues to grow slightly louder.
His expression is wistful and his pace slow. He draws a
line in the sand with a walking stick as he walks, looking
out towards the setting sun and its reflection on the misty
water.
He turns his attention straight ahead and sees
HELIOS POV
A sea cave with a small opening in the distance, nearly
hidden in shadow and only visible on account of the feint,
flickering light of a small fire, escaping from within the
flute growing louder still.
Helios stops, his head tilts sideways, and his eyes squint
pensively.
CUT TO:
INT. SEA CAVE ABALONE COVE SHORLINE PARK SUNSET
We hear the flute clearly and see only a sliver of the
scarlet sun remains visible through the small mouth of the
cave as it continues to fall beneath the horizon.
Dark, stone walls stretch back dozens of feet from the
opening, firelight flickering along them making it just
possible to see the horrific drawings scratched into them
from floor to ceiling.
Stick figures some red, others black, silver, and brown
with shields and spears fight one other the reds against
the blacks, silvers, and browns, the blacks against the
reds, the silvers, and the browns, the silvers
Helios appears in the mouth of the cave, glowing slightly
with a feint yellow light seeping through his skin and
flowing off of him like smoke for a brief second before
releasing the light and the glow with it.
He enters the cave, calmly and confidently. He approaches
the tiny fire and sees ANTHONY sitting cross-legged on a
boulder on the other side, wearing a black leather jacket
and slim, dark jeans. His medium length, brown hair gelled
to the side.
His eyes are hazel and seem to glow unnaturally. The odd
melody of the flute echoes in through the cave creating the
sense that hes playing a duet by himself.
Helios stops a short distance away and starts to turn back.
The music cuts off. Helios pauses.
ANTHONY
(softly)
I always fear Ill lose my touch
with her.
Anthony looks at the flute, carved from a dark wood, with
concern.
ANTHONY
I admit its silly but I rarely
give her the time she deserves.
Helios slowly turns towards the stranger, holding his flute
reverently.
HELIOS
What are you doing here?
ANTHONY
Sitting. At times, playing.
Helios rolls his eyes.
HELIOS
What I meant was, why are you here?
ANTHONY
Why am I here?
Anthony lowers his flute, leans back against the wall of the
cave, and relaxes.
ANTHONY
Why are any of us here? Rather
deep question for a first meeting.
Anthony gives him a sly smirk. Helios sighs and looks away,
at the cave drawings.
ANTHONY
I prefer introductions prior to
theology, lunch too, and a nap.
Helios turns his gaze back on the strange man.
ANTHONY
Practically anything really but
especially introductions.
Helios waits to see if hes finished. The tension builds as
the silence stretches.
HELIOS
Fine and you are?
ANTHONY
Sitting. Occasionally toying with
the minds of CEOs.
Helios reddens, his face growing flushed as he turns to
leave again.
ANTHONY
Off you go then. Good thing too as
Im rather found of my light.
Helios freezes. He spins around to face the strange man
once again.
HELIOS
Excuse me?
Anthony holds up a handful of gems infused with a swirling
yellow light.
ANTHONY
My gems Everyone knows you
corporate types are thieves.
Anthony flashes a wicked smile as if hes telling a joke.
Helios eyes him suspiciously.
ANTHONY
Oh stop, it was a compliment.
Helios scowls and Anthony chuckles softly to himself.
HELIOS
Howd that?
ANTHONY
I too am a thief and I respect your
efforts.
Helios continues to frown at him skeptically.
HELIOS
And what do you steal?
Anthony leans forward, his eyes dancing with pleasure.
ANTHONY
That which we value most.
Helios jaw clenches.
HELIOS
Whats that? Our life savings?
ANTHONY
Please, nothing so simple as that.
Helios stares at him expectantly. Anthony smiles and
snickers.
ANTHONY
Oh alright, alright Lets call it
free will.
Helios takes a step back, his expression growing fearful.
ANTHONY
Dont be nervous, my friend. Id
never make you do anything you
wouldnt want to do.
Helios stops. He looks to his right at the cave opening and
back at Anthony who hops off the boulder and circles the
fire, walking up to him.
ANTHONY
Whats your name, young man?
Anthony holds out his hand. Helios hesitantly raises his
own and shakes it.
HELIOS
Helios and yours?
ANTHONY
Ah, I have many.
He smirks madly and wraps his arm around Helios shoulder.
ANTHONY
I was born a thought, a concept,
letters on a thin strip of a tree.
Anthony leads him over to a boulder and gestures for him to
sit. He does so and Anthony heads to the adjacent boulder
and takes a seat.
ANTHONY
You see, I stole myself.
Helios looks at him like hes crazy.
HELIOS
Well, what do men call you now?
ANTHONY
Many a thing, few of which polite.
Unfortunately, near all contain
truth. You, however, may call me
Anthony.
Helios nods as Anthony and stands up.
HELIOS
It was pleasant to meet you, Ill
be on my way-
ANTHONY
(shaking his head and finger)
Ah, ah, ah, not before I give you
something.
He picks his flute back up off the boulder. Helios sighs
and sits back down bringing a wide smile to Anthonys face.
ANTHONY
(inspecting the flute)
This is a Trailmans flute, meant
for a storyteller to play while
telling a story.
Helios looks at him skeptically.
HELIOS
You mean to accompany a
storyteller, played by someone else
while he speaks.
Anthony smiles, raises an eyebrow and shakes his head before
bringing the flute to his lips, holding it out to the side
rather than down in front of him.
He blows across its top, testing a few notes, the same
melancholic tone as earlier.
ANTHONY
This story is about Derethil and
the Wandersail.
He begins to play, quicker and sharper notes than before,
tumbling over one another beautiful, crisp, rising and
falling scales intricately woven together.
Anthony stops abruptly but the notes continue to echo
through the cave, coming back as he speaks.
ANTHONY
Derethil was once renown though
Ive heard him spoken of less here
in the west.
Helios stares, transfixed by the sounds and story.
ANTHONY
Hes an ancient king from the time
before memory.
The flames dance and thick, dark smoke begins to rise off
it.
ANTHONY
A powerful man. Commander of
thousands, leader of tens of
thousands. Tall, regal, fair. He
was a man to envy.
Just as the echoes begin to fade away, Anthony begins to
play again, picking up the rhythm, continuing right where
the fading notes left off.
Helios watches, captivated, as Anthony closes his eyes and
leans towards the fire fingers darting from note to note
with astonishing speed.
The air blowing over the flute stirs the thick smoke.
The music softens, smoke swirls, and the feint face of a
man, with a pointed chin and lofty cheekbones, appears in
the patters of smoke.
Helios squints and pushes his head back. He looks up at
Anthony, still playing with closed eyes.
He looks around, then back at the smoke.
ANTHONY
Derethil fought barbarians during
times of war.
Anthonys eyes remain closed, the flute held a few inches
from his lips.
ANTHONY
Once peace was finally achieved, he
found that he was not content.
The eyes in the smoke look up, growing gloomy.
ANTHONY
His eyes always turned toward the
great open sea.
A sea of smoke forms in the smoke.
ANTHONY
He commissioned the finest ship, a
majestic vessel intended to sail
into the unknown.
The echoes taper off and Anthony resumes playing, as if
alternating with an invisible partner.
Smoke churns, rising and twisting away from the flute.
Helios squints and leans in closer still.
An enormous ship in a shipyard forms in smoke, with a sail
as large as a building.
The melody grows quick and clipped, imitating the sounds of
pounding mallets and cutting saws.
ANTHONY
His goal was to discover a new
world. Many called him a fool, yet
he could not resist.
The vessel of smoke sails through the sea. Helios stares,
as if hypnotized.
ANTHONY
He named the vessel the
Wandersail, gathered the bravest
sailors, and cast off.
The flute reaches Anthonys lips in a second as he kicks a
lock, stirring the flames and smoke.
Sparks of flame rise in the air, smoke puffs and swirls
about as Anthony dips his head and points the flutes hole
towards the smoke.
The song becomes violent, tempestuous, notes falling
unexpectedly and trilling with quick undulations.
Scales ripple into high notes, where they screeched airily.
Helios watches the massive ship grow suddenly miniscule
before the power of a storm.
The sounds bounce off the echoing walls. Helios finds
himself sinking down into the shadows, staring at the
swirling smoke and dancing flames.
The tiny ship is captured and held within the fury of the
storm.
Eventually, the music slows and the violent echoes fade,
leaving a more gentle song, like lapping waves.
ANTHONY
She was nearly destroyed but
Derethil and most of his crew
survived.
Helios looks at Anthony, his eyes still closed, lost in the
story. He turns back to the smoke.
ANTHONY
They found themselves on a ring of
small islands surrounding a
whirlpool, where its said the
ocean drains.
Helios expression grows pensive, distant as a whirlpool
appears in the sea of smoke surround by small islands.
ANTHONY
They were greeted by a strange
people with long, limber bodies in
robes of a single color and exotic
shells in their hair.
The smoke continues to tell the story, Helios hypnotized by
the images.
ANTHONY
While they nursed the survivors
back to health, Derethil studied
these people who called themselves
the Uvara, the people of the great
abyss.
The echoing notes soften and Anthonys voice matches their
tone.
ANTHONY
They lived curious lives, never
questioning anything or anyone as
they went about their duty.
Anthony raises his flute and picks is toon back up as the
last notes fade, once again letting the smoke rise
unhindered.
An industrious people, all working, appear in the smoke. A
building rises among them with a figure at the window,
Derethil, watching.
The music is calm, curious.
ANTHONY
One day, a young serving girl trips
on an uneven stone, dropping
goblets to the floor causing them
to shatter.
Helios gulps, still staring at the smoke.
ANTHONY
In a flash, the Uvara descended on
the poor child and had her
Helios eyes widen in horror.
ANTHONY
By the time Derethil had regained
his wits, the deed had been done.
He furiously demanded an
explanation.
The music grows so soft and feint that its barely audible.
ANTHONY
A native explained, casually, our
emperor will not suffer failure.
The music begins again, sorrowful, and Helios shivers as a
girl in the smoke gets bludgeoned to death with rocks. The
proud Derethil bowing over her body.
Helios eyes swell with sorrow.
ANTHONY
As he began to pay closer
attention, he witnessed similar
murders. These people of the great
abyss were prone to astonishing
cruelty.
The music accompanies him softly.
ANTHONY
Each time their reasoning was the
same Our emperor will not suffer
failure.
The echoes fade and Anthony lifts the flute just as it grows
too soft to hear.
The melody is solemn yet edged with mystery, occasional
quick bursts hinting at secrets.
Helios frowns watching the smoke spin into a tower, tall and
thin with an open structure at the top.
ANTHONY
The emperor resided in the tower on
the eastern coast of the largest
island.
Helios shivers.
ANTHONY
Derethil determined that he needed
to confront the emperor, so he
gathered a heroic group of sailors.
Derethil and his armed sailors form in the mist before the
tower.
ANTHONY
The Uvara didnt try to stop them,
though they watched with fright as
the strangers stormed the emperors
tower.
Anthony falls silent, and doesnt turn back to his flute.
Instead, he lets the music echo through the cave.
It seems to linger this time. Long, sinister notes.
ANTHONY
A short time later, they returned
with a desiccated corpse in fine
robes and jewelry.
The smoke stirs, telling the tale.
ANTHONY
The Uvara wept and wailed the
entire island cast into chaos.
Uvara people burn homes, riot, and fall to their knees in
torment.
ANTHONY
Amazed and confused, Derethil made
for the Wandersail, and set sail
bringing his frightened Uvara
caretaking, Nafti, with him.
In the smoke, a large ship sails away from a group of
islands, the men watch the flames and smoke rising up into
the sky from the once peaceful islands.
ANTHONY
Derethil asked Nafti the reason for
the terrible riots.
Anthony falls silent, letting his words rise with strange
smoke, lost to the shadows of the cave.
HELIOS
Well? What was her response?
ANTHONY
Holding a blanket around herself,
staring with haunted eyes, she
replied Do you not see, Traveling
One?
Helios stares at him expectantly, Anthony smiles and
continues.
ANTHONY
If the emperor has been dead all
these years, then the murders we
committed are not his
responsibility, they are our own.
Helios sits back and his face grows pensive.
HELIOS
Clever Telling a story like that,
with such care Truly astonishing.
Anthony raises an eyebrow, looking up from his flute.
ANTHONY
Be wary of what you say, if all you
need is cleverness to tell a good
story, Ill be out of a job.
They sit in silence for a moment, the flames dancing before
them, the thick smoke that told the story gone.
HELIOS
Is the story true?
ANTHONY
Perhaps.
HELIOS
How can we know? Did they return?
ANTHONY
Some stories say they did.
Helios looks at him skeptically.
HELIOS
What did you put in the fire? To
make that special smoke?
Anthony looks at him with a confused expression.
ANTHONY
Nothing, it was just an ordinary
fire.
HELIOS
But, I saw-
ANTHONY
What you saw belongs to you. A
story doesnt live until it is
imagined in someones mind.
Helios nods and relaxes. His face grows pensive again.
HELIOS
What does the story mean, then?
ANTHONY
Why, whatever you want it to mean.
Helios looks at him skeptically again.
ANTHONY
The purpose of the story teller is
not to tell you how to think, but
to give you questions to think on.
Too often, we forget that.
Helios frowns. He looks back towards the mouth of the cave
and sees that it has gotten quite dark outside.
HELIOS
It means taking responsibility.
ANTHONY
A fine interpretation. And what is
it you dont wish to take
responsibility for?
Helios head pushes back a few inches and he looks over at
Anthony confused.
HELIOS
What?
ANTHONY
People see in stories what theyre
looking for, my friend.
He reaches behind his boulder and pulls out a pack, slinging
it to his shoulder.
ANTHONY
I have no answers for you. Most
days, I feel I never have had any
answers.
HELIOS
You said about me and
responsibility.
Anthony smiles as he stands and walks over to Helios.
ANTHONY
Just an idle comment, nothing more.
He lays his hand on Helios shoulder.
ANTHONY
Would that I could make my words
carry stones. Here, Ive carried
her for far longer than youd
believe. Take her.
He raises the flute, offering for Helios to take it. Helios
looks up at him.
HELIOS
I dont know how to play.
Anthonys smirk widens, he grabs Helios hand and places the
flute in it.
Helios stares at it as Anthony lets go and makes his way
deeper into the cave.
We track in on him as he descends into the darkness and
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. ROSE BOWL NIGHT JULY 4th, 2015
Fireworks shoot up into the sky and explode in a swirls of
color, followed by the thunderous sound.
Green light trails downward, taking on the impression of
weeping willow trees.
Red and white lights alternate, shooting out horizontally
next to a large, blue light bursting outward in all
directions, filled with small white flashes, briefly taking
on the impression of the American flag.
The finale comes in a grand display of pyro-mechanics and
spectacle.
We tilt down and see The Rose Bowl Stadium. The parking lot
is full of vehicles and tailgaters.
The inside of the stadium is packed with families wearing
red, white, and blue.
They fill the stands, sit in fold out chairs, and on
blankets laid out on the field, staring up at the finale in
awe.
A circular stage is set up at midfield, ten feet off the
ground, with a microphone, stand, and large speakers facing
the four corners of the field.
An eagle flies through the stadium. It sails over the field
and disappears at it reaches the stage.
The show ends, the crowd claps, and begins to gather their
things.
AQUARIUS VOICE
(Through the speakers)
Happy Independence Day Los Angeles!
Aquarius stands on the stage, microphone in hand, amused
grin on his face, staring out at the crowd.
They recognize the star actor. Teenage girls point and
whisper to each other.
Parents look on with mixed expressions surprise, contempt,
confusion, and interest.
AQUARIUS
Did everyone enjoy the fireworks?!
Scattered cheers, mostly from teenagers and young adults.
AQUARIUS
If youd be so kind as to bear with
me for a few minutes, I promise to
give you a very special finale
Aquarius flashes his wicked grin.
AQUARIUS
The likes of which you couldnt
imagine in your wildest dreams.
The majority of the crowd sits back down and watches on,
while a smaller portion gather their things and leave.
AQUARIUS
For those of you who dont know,
Im Michael Salvador, Academy Award
winning actor and Los Angeles
native.
He takes the microphone off of the stand, and starts
circling the stage to address the entire crowd.
AQUARIUS
I, like each and every one of you,
enjoy the comfort of a good
celebration every now and then
Some little kids watch, bored and confused, some nag their
parents, some play with their friends and siblings.
Teenagers nod in approval, parents start to grow skeptical,
and the elderly either confused or contemptuous.
AQUARIUS VOICE
The warmth and tranquility that
comes after a few drinks with loved
ones.
Expression begins to soften a bit, though some remain firm
in suspicion and disapproval.
AQUARIUS
In fact, TMZ argues quiet loudly
that I enjoy these things a bit too
much.
Teenagers laugh, the older of which raise their alcoholic
beverages in salute, take long swigs, and puff on joints.
AQUARIUS VOICE
But in the spirit of commemoration
on this most patriotic day
American flags are posted along the walls of the stadium
floor, in the stands, and around the top of the stadium.
AQUARIUS
I thought we could mark this July
the fourth, a day that is sadly no
longer remembered, by taking a few
minutes out of our busy lives to
get together for a little chat.
The crowd continues to soften, cocking their heads slightly
sideways and squinting, intrigued by whats taking place.
Mickey watches on with Gemini, Angel, and Heinrich from a
box suit, his jaw clenched.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Its safe to assume that those in
charge are scrambling, searching
frantically for a way to solicit my
conformity and coerce me into
submission for they fear what I
might say.
He gives Heinrich a significant look. Heinrich nods.
Helios and another Heinrich pushes through the crowd and
approache the stage.
Gemini looks at her daughter, then to Mickey, concerned. He
places his hand on hers and gives her a reassuring smile.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Why, you ask? The answer is quite
simple. When fame, rhetoric and
discourse are utilized in sync,
anything is possible.
The silent crowd continues to gain interest, leaning
forward, their expressions growing more accepting.
AQUARIUS
You see, words will never lose
their power for they offer the
means to meaning, allowing
opportunity for unity.
Leo watches the crowds reaction with a pleased expression,
mouthing the words as Aquarius speaks.
AQUARIUS VOICE
These people would do anything to
keep the truth from you because if
you were aware of just how fucked
up the system really is
Helios and Heinrich reach the front of the stage but are
confronted by Scorpio, Aries, and Taurus.
Mickey scowls down at Aquarius, Gemini watches him
observantly.
Aquarius exhales sharply with a wide grin.
AQUARIUS
Youd be plotting a fucking
revolution rather than celebrating
your so called independence.
Capricorn and Alexander watch on from the middle of the
crowd with wide eyes and big smiles.
The tone of the crowd turns somber and hesitant. They look
towards their children and back up at Aquarius.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Pardon my French, I know there are
young children here but thats
exactly what Im talking about.
Teenagers continue to cheer, drink, and smoke.
Leo mouths the words. Families of all creeds and colors
watch on, their attention captured.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Its not alright to disregard truth
simply because your religion,
culture, or ideology finds my
language distasteful.
Children stop nagging their parents and playing to listen.
Children should to be treated like
young adults.
AQUARIUS
They need to be informed and aware
of whats going on in their
country, and in their world so that
they can make the right decisions
when the time comes.
Parents look at their children in a new light, considering
the argument.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Listen, the truth is theres
something terribly wrong with this
country, isnt there?
The elderly finally begin to lose their disdain.
Another Heinrich approaches the stage from the opposite side
with Aengus, pushing through the crowd.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Laziness and greed Obesity and
starvation Pollution, bullying,
wastefulness, destruction,
violence, self-centeredness, and
arrogance.
The crowd starts to grow ashamed. Some look down and away,
others admit the truth and nod in agreement.
Aquarius stops circling the stage, looking down and shaking
his head. He lets out a heavy sigh.
AQUARIUS
Are these the things we want to be
known for?
The crowd shakes their heads. The Zodiacs all smile wide,
pleased with the reactions they are receiving.
On duty police officers gulp and stare, unable to look away.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We used to symbolize freedom and
equality. For fighting for the
little guy, for justice, and
acceptance.
A man in a military uniform tightens his posture, his lips
pressed tight in a straight line.
His wife turns and looks at him with sad eyes.
Leo notices Heinrich and Aengus heading towards the stage.
He moves to cut off their approach.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We stood up to giants, established
order, became an industrial
powerhouse, space cowboys, and
ushered in a renaissance, breeding
the brightest minds and most
memorable artists in the world.
Mickeys expression surprising begins to soften, his face
grows pensive, and his eyes distant.
AQUARIUS
How did all of this happen? Whos
to blame for taking such a
wonderful country and turning it
into the most evil supervillain the
world has ever know?
Everyone stares at him expectantly, waiting for an answer.
Leo and Sagittarius cut Heinrich and Aengus off at the edge
of the stage.
The mayor and governor watch on in another box suite with
nervous expressions, surround ben men in three-piece suits
and women in gowns, drinking champagne.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Well, thats not an easy question
to answer. There are certainly
those who played major roles in
this tragic digression, and you may
rest assured knowing that theyll
soon be held accountable for their
misdeeds.
The crowd nods in agreement, teenagers cheer, and parents
hold their children.
Politicians clench their jaws and scowl furiously. Cops
hide their faces in shame.
AQUARIUS VOICE
But the painful reality of this
unparalleled predicament is that we
all need to take a long, hard look
in the mirror and ask ourselves
what we see because were all
guilty to some degree.
The crowd grows even more ashamed. They look down and away,
embarrassed by the truth. They become agitated, fidgety,
unable to sit still.
Aquarius stares out at the crowd, letting the tension build.
AQUARIUS
I understand though, truly, I do.
We are all products of our
histories, cultures, societies, our
parents.
Families of all ethnicities and cultures nod in agreement, a
newfound sense of purpose in their eyes.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We are all victims of this
ruthlessly corrupt system, but we
are also all culpable for letting
matters escalate to such a perilous
and detrimental state.
Mickey wraps his arms around Gemini and forces a smile.
Angel gets up and sits on his thigh. They watch on with
intrigued expressions.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Youve been programmed to feel the
way you feel and to think the way
you think.
People grow pensive, considering the significance of these
revelations.
AQUARIUS
You are living in the Matrix and
Im out here doing everything I can
to wake you up.
Smiles come from a majority of the crowd, understanding and
appreciating the comparison.
AQUARIUS
Im out hear begging, pleading, and
screaming. But the choice will
always be yours, I cant make you
see the truth, its something you
must see for yourself.
The Zodiacs and Mickeys men are at a standoff. Another
Heinrich approaches from yet another side, accompanied by
Tarec, a hooded figure in all black, his face covered in
shadows.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Cant you see? They operate with
total surveillance. They read our
e-mails, fb messages, texts. They
can tap our phones, our offices,
our homes.
The crowd grows nervous at the implication of where all this
is heading, though many mostly those under thirty stand
up straighter, nod more, and show an overall greater
acceptance of the speech.
AQUARIUS
There's no hiding from them, so
we've decided to do this in plain
sight for the world to see.
Leo mouths the worlds, staring at Heinrich with a sly smirk.
AQUARIUS VOICE
The truth is, they don't want you
to really see. Or hear. Or even
think.
Mickeys lips slowly begin to curl upward and his head
begins to nod. Gemini notices and starts to smirk, pleased
by his reaction.
Aquarius waves his arms and inflects his voice with immense
emotion, using his entire body to emphasize his words.
AQUARIUS
That's why they bombard you with a
constant and inescapable flow of
media and advertisements.
Advertisements line the inner walls of the stadium and the
walls in between levels.
Heinrich and Tarec reach the stage and climb the steps.
Heinrich reaches the top step and stops dead in his tracks,
Tarec waits behind him.
AQUARIUS VOICE
All they want is for you to worry.
To worry about fixing the screen on
your cracked iPhone or pad or
fucking MacBook.
The crowd continues to watch on melancholically. Rich and
poor, black and white, Islamic and Christian, all captured
by the stars performance.
AQUARIUS VOICE
About buying a new pair of jeans bc
you only own two pairs and one of
em has massive holes in both
pockets.
Young teens in ill fitting, hand-me-down clothes nod
knowingly.
Leo stands smiling, looking down at his skinny black jeans.
The wealthy roll their eyes, wearing Rolex watches, diamond
rings, and earrings.
Politicians sneer. Gemini nods, dressed in a simple blouse,
ears full of inexpensive earrings.
Mickey stares at Heinrich and Tarec, still standing at the
top of the steps at the edge of the stage, with a curious
expression.
AQUARIUS VOICE
They want you to worry about buying
v neck sweaters, slacks, boat
shoes, button up shirts, and ties
to replace the t-shirts, hoodies,
and high tops.
Parents watch their teenagers, dressed in such attire,
utterly hypnotized by Aquarius words, nodding in agreement.
Leo looks over his shoulder at the Heinrich on the stage and
back to the Heinrich in front of him with a cocky smirk.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Because you work so god damn hard
that you don't feel like a kid at
all anymore and you're sick to
fucking death of your elders
looking down on you for the way you
dress.
Aquarius stares at Heinrich at the edge of the stage and
walks up to him, stopping five feet away.
His lips form a wickedly amused grin and his eyes taunt the
General in his blue jacket.
AQUARIUS
They want you to worry about
fitting in.
He turns to the crowd and stares them down, walking in a
circle.
AQUARIUS
But most of all they want you to
worry about how youre going to
deal with all of this fucking
bullshit.
The elderly and religious stare with hard faces, angry at
the language but more so at the truth.
Late teens and young adults grow serious. The cheering
stops and they nod firmly, implicating they understand the
significance of the speech.
AQUARIUS VOICE
So day after day, week after week,
month after month, and year after
year, we spend money dulling the
pain with drugs
Sagittarius stops smoking his cigarette. An obese woman
stops eating popcorn. Gemini puts down her coffee.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Cigarettes, caffeine, sweets, fast
food, entertainment television,
bars, booze, coke, weed, Adderall,
acid, shrooms, meth, crack, PCP,
and heroine
Aquarius stops circling the stage and stares down at the
floor.
AQUARIUS
We lie to ourselves about how bad
things really are
Families, politicians, the Zodiacs, Mickey, Gemini, Angel,
Mickeys guys, teens, and young adults watch on, waiting for
him to continue.
The tension builds.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We tell ourselves that if we do our
part - in time, after we make
tenure, or senior partner, or
congress, senate, the Supreme
Court, when we become president of
the United States but that's the
route of the issue, isn't it?
Nods and smiles, glares and scowls stem from the crowd from
the various range of the guilty.
Aquarius strolls to the edge of the stage and sits down,
letting his legs dangle over the edge, leaning forward with
his head down.
The crowd stirs, whispers, shouts, murmurs.
Heinrich and Mickeys men look around noticing the rising
tension crashing through the stadium.
Mickey snorts softly. Gemini looks over at him and smiles.
Aquarius looks up and stares at the sky. He brings the
microphone to his mouth.
AQUARIUS
We're all sitting, waiting till
it's convenient for us to do
anything about it.
Leo turns his back to Heinrich and nods at Aquarius as he
looks down, sitting a dozen feet away, lit by the spotlight.
AQUARIUS
We lack for a leader willing to
grab the country by its fucking
balls, to wake it up.
Mickey sighs and rubs Geminis back while shaking his head
with an impressed though angry grin.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Capitalism. Greed. Ignorance.
Deceit. Materiality. These
cancers are eating away at our
nation, and I think it's past time
we fought back.
The elderly and religious watch on, growing more and more
accepting.
Parents are as hypnotized as their teenage children, staring
and nodding with every word.
AQUARIUS VOICE
You know, everyone wants to condemn
our generation. They want to call
it the worst, period, generation,
period, ever, period.
Aquarius stares at the crowd with confidence, pride, and
poise.
AQUARIUS
But is that because kids all of the
sudden have been worse than ever
before?
He raises his left hand, palm facing up.
AQUARIUS
Or is it because we live in a
country where parents neglect their
responsibilities.
He raises his right hand, carrying the microphone, palm
facing up.
Families look at each other sullenly, parents showing
remorse.
Mickey pulls Angel close and holds her tight. She smiles at
him and hugs him tight.
AQUARIUS VOICE
There's no guidance, no
responsibility, no unity.
Civilization has been so called
progressing for thousands of years
and yet the lines between right and
wrong appear more obscure than
ever.
Aquarius shakes his head. He looks down and sighs.
AQUARIUS
Everyone knows the worlds fucked up
but no one's willing to do anything
about it.
The crowd looks down, knowing it to be true.
Politicians scream into their cell phones.
AQUARIUS VOICE
People nowadays don't believe in
anything bigger than themselves and
the few others that they truly care
about.
Aquarius gets up and walks to the center of the stage.
AQUARIUS
There's no sense of cooperation,
nothing that we can all take pride
in being a part of.
Tailgaters face the stadium in the parking lot, staring at
the Rose Bowl sign with the red rose.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Nationalism? Please... How can I
love a nation built on greed and
big business?
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK
Naira stands at the railing atop the observation deck
staring out at the city of lights with a wide smile on her
face.
AQUARIUS VOICE
A country known for bullying the
little guy to get what it wants?
A system so corrupt that the bottom
80% of the population is forced to
share a meager 7% of the wealth.
A mansion. Skyscrapers. A wallmart.
Naira standing atop City Hall, nodding.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROSE BOWL
Mickey watches the crowd growing more and more engaged in
the performance and gulps.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Where 400 of the wealthiest
Americans have more than the
poorest 150 million, nearly half
the population.
Alexander and Capricorn stand up tall, smiling
enthusiastically and nodding in agreement. Capricorn
watches the crowd with pride. Naira stands by their side,
watching them.
CUT TO:
INT. HOMELESS SHELTER
Libra walks through the shabby homeless shelter carrying a
backpack. Naira follows her with eyes full of admiration.
AQUARIUS VOICE
It'd be one thing if they used that
money for good, gave back to their
community, helped stabilize the
economy, fed the poor -
She approaches a woman passing out soup, hands her the
backpack and leaves while the woman looks inside to find it
full of money.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY SCHOOL
Libra walks up to the small, run-down school carrying a
backpack. Naira follows behind her.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Finance public works programs,
increase wages and benefits of the
countless people beneath them,
build schools, hospitals, and
parks...
CUT TO:
EXT. ROSE BOWL
On the jumbo screen, Aquarius looks at the crowd, eyes full
of sorrow.
AQUARIUS
But the sad reality is that even
the ones that do help, hardly lift
a finger.
Heinrich notices as sweat pours down Sagittarius face.
Sagittarius muscles are tense, his expression focused, and
his hands clenched into fists.
Leo sees the realization in Heinrichs eyes and reaches
behind his back, grabbing this hilt of the dagger attached
to his back.
Heinrich looks from Sagittarius, to Leo, to Aengus, and back
to Leo. He takes a step forward.
Leo steps with him and places a hand on his chest.
Aengus takes a step forward and Leo takes a half step,
drawing his dagger, and pressing it lightly to Heinrichs
thigh.
Heinrich grabs Aengus arm, he stops and turns to see the
lions head pommel on the dagger.
AQUARIUS VOICE
This nation was established under
the pretense that its government
would be its greatest strength,
somewhere along the line it turned
into our most hindering weakness.
Mickey nods thoughtfully, still holding Gemini and Angel.
Gemini rests her head on Mickeys shoulder and runs her hand
through his hair.
Angel turns to look at them with a sad smile.
AQUARIUS VOICE
From the very beginning George
Washington warned against a system
comprised of major, competing
parties.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK
Naira leans on the balcony looking down.
Beneath her lies the city of Los Angeles, painting one
half blue, the other red.
Billboards advertising for Calvin Klein, BMW, and a dozen
other brands arise throughout.
Campaign Buses for Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton lie in
their respected color zones.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We all know that our presidential
elections are nothing more than
popularity contest on the most epic
of scales. That's a lie. They're
spectacles.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROSE BOWL
Anthony sits cross-legged on the roof of the stadium, above
Mickeys box suite, smiling proudly.
Around him sits a crab, a scorpion, a bull, a lion, a fish
tank with two fish swimming in it, a centaur, a goat, a
scale, and a young girl (16) in a white dress.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Allusions of freedom, choice,
fairness, and justice. It doesnt
matter who wins because Corporate
America always wins.
Aquarius looks up at the suites, at Mickey and the
politicians.
He notices Anthony sitting on top of them surrounded by the
animals, scale, and young woman.
His expression grows confused for a split second. He
regains his composure.
AQUARIUS
Worse still is the fact that they
spend an entire year campaigning,
neglecting the difficult decisions
that need to be made.
The Zodiacs stand tall, watching the crowd succumb to the
implications of the speech.
AQUARIUS VOICE
What happened to integrity? What
happened to leaders, idols, and
heroes? Why in the fuck is Kim
Kardashian the most famous person
on the planet?!
We see Virgo, Taurus, Demere, Capricorn, Leo, Sagittarius,
Scorpio, Aries, Amir, and Alexander as he goes through the
names, all standing tall and proud.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We used to idolize people like
Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr.,
Malcolm X, Nelson Mandella,
Shakespeare, FDR, JFK, Queen
Elizabeth the first, Muhammad, and
Alexander the Great.
Aquarius shakes his head in disgust.
AQUARIUS
Now Elvis and Marilyn Monroe look
like martyrs next to Ye, Jay, and
Kim K.
The crowd watches on, stunned into silence and shame.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We all know how fucked up the world
is, but no ones willing to do
anything about it.
Aquarius looks towards Leo, he doesnt turn but we see him
smile and mouth the words as Aquarius speaks behind him, up
on the stage.
AQUARIUS
Instead we watch shows about heroes
facing their fears to fight evil
and corruption to make us feel
better about how shitty reality
really is.
Aquarius looks down and laughs softly into the microphone.
On the jumbo screen we see his eyes full of pain.
AQUARIUS
We identify with them and tell
ourselves that were heroes too,
just like them. But we arent not
even a little bit.
Mickey and Gemini watch on, captivated and still as stone.
The politicians glare and scowl. The Zodiacs nod along, and
Anthony smirks wickedly.
AQUARIUS VOICE
We idolize actors, musicians, and
athletes who feel the need to
flaunt their wealth by blowing the
millions on materialistic bullshit
instead of putting their fame,
wealth, resources, and power to use
and help all of those who helped
them get there.
Aquarius holds out a hand, palm facing out to the crowd.
AQUARIUS
Clearly, Im not talking about
everyone Leo, Mel Gibson, and
George Lucas donate millions and
use their influence to address key
social and environmental issues.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Mel Gibson, and George Lucas watch on
reverently.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Still, its nowhere near enough.
Maybe if Leo, Mel, George, and I
made a movie about us trying to
bring others to our cause, you all
would listen.
Young men watch on with serious expressions, nodding in
agreement.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Half the young men in this country
have spent countless hours playing
at war.
Aquarius looks up at the crowd with pleading eyes.
AQUARIUS
But what I want to know is do they
have the courage, the strength, and
the will to answer this Call of
Duty.
He looks up at the sky and lets the tension build.
AQUARIUS
(softly)
Haloes await us all one day, take
control of your life or enslave
yourself - remain an ignorant
victim of a cutthroat system.
The crowd looks around at each other, gaging each others
reactions, unsure what to do as Aquarius lets the silence
stretch on.
AQUARIUS VOICE
I am not one, but many, and we are
like you.
Aquarius looks out at the Zodiacs and grins.
AQUARIUS
I belong to an organization devoted
to redefining equality and freedom,
to redistributing the wealth,
fighting for environmental
concerns, overthrowing the system,
and changing the world.
The crowd perks up, excited by what they hear. Many smile,
nod, and even cheer.
AQUARIUS VOICE
If you wish to stand with us, all
you need do is get your hands on
one of our masks and whisper these
words
Aquarius looks around and whispers into his microphone.
AQUARIUS
No longer, will I be controlled by
fear.
The crowd begins to murmur to each other, Aquarius letting
the anticipation build.
AQUARIUS VOICE
All we ask in return is that you
have the courage to stand with us,
outside City Hall, a year from
today to show the world what
Independence truly means.
Mickey grins down at him, shaking his head in aggravation,
jaw clenched tight.
Whispers arise throughout the crowd. Aquarius, chest out
and head held high, glances at Leo.
Leo holds his gaze for a moment, slowly turns to regard the
crowd, and brings his attention back to Aquarius with a nod.
Aquarius draws his wicked grin and turns to stare directly
at Mickey.
AQUARIUS
Ipsa Scientia potestas est.
Mickey holds Aquarius gaze, revealing no emotion, while
Angel tilts her head in confusion and Geminis eyes narrow.
AQUARIUS VOICE
Knowledge itself is power and its
far past time we took this old
proverb to heart.
Gemini takes note as Mickey smiles and shakes his head, a
subtle calmness washing over her.
Aquarius continues his speech, gesturing with his entire
body to add emotion, and speaking in iambic pentameter.
AQUARIUS
We must endeavor to accumulate
knowledge and seize power back from
those who stole it out from under
our very noses.
Again, Aquarius pauses and allows a murmur to arise
throughout the crowd.
As he continues his speech, standing tall and proud, we see
the Zodiacs watch on with mixed emotions: Leo, hopeful;
Sagittarius, skeptical
AQUARIUS VOICE
Once all of the spectacle and
glamour fades, forcing the grand
allusion to finally reveals itself,
Scorpio, tense; Taurus, militant; Virgo, observant; and
Aries, determined.
AQUARIUS VOICE
When every angle of the facetious
faade is exposed to all,
Mickeys side watches on as well, adding more expressions to
the mix: the numerous Heinrich clones, pensive; Angus, angry
and eager
AQUARIUS VOICE
Once each and every one of us
becomes so sick and tired, so
utterly appalled with the current
conditions that we can't take it
anymore,
Tarec, cool and unaffected; Angel, ashamed; Gemini, torn
between worried for her daughter and excited about the
future
AQUARIUS VOICE
Then, and only then, will we be
able to stand together,
Mickey stares down with focused eyes, seemingly unconcerned,
his lips revealing a slight hint of amusement.
AQUARIUS VOICE
And, in doing so, accept the
sacrifices that need to be made in
order to make a true difference.
Aquarius turns into an massive dragon with jet black scales,
crimson wings, bright red spikes and golden eyes.
He raises his head to the sky and lets out a deafening roar.
Everyone other than the Zodiacs and Mickeys inner circle
stare in utter disbelief jaws drop, eyes open wide and
refuse to blink, some, like Alexander and Angel, stand up in
awe, others, like Aries parents, sit down and/or back in
shock.
The monstrous creature spits an enormous blast of fire
straight up into the air.
Kids, adults, and elderly folk alike instinctively step
and/or lean back.
The dragon crouches low, flaps its wings up and down in
attempts to prepare for takeoff. His wings pick up momentum
as he pushes off the stage with tremendous force, leaving a
massive hole below while ascending into the air above the
crowd.
Everyone stares as it flies around the stadium, just over
the heads of the astonished crowd, pointing and whispering
to each other in awe.
Aquarius flies in front of Mickeys box suite and hovers
there momentarily, then darts up into the starry night sky
and out of sight.
FADE TO BLACK
INT. LEOS BEDROOM DAY (PAST)
A black screen.
SAGITTARIUS VOICE
Play it all by ear, you just cant
force it
LEOS VOICE
(speaking over him)
Thats what I dooo, obviously!
Thats what Ive been saying dude!
We track back from the 42 LG HDTV to see Leo sitting up on
his bed, against the wall looking at Sagittarius with an
intense expression.
Sagittarius sits on the couch grinding up weed. Leo looks
out the window.
LEO
I dont even start like any initial
interactions.
EXT. LEOS WINDOW
We see Leo through the open, horizontal shutters, face
framed by the panels of the window, his expression
melancholic.
LEO
Its always just like - she seems
interested I may as well see
where this goes.
He looks over at Sagittarius, separated by the window panel.
LEO
Its never like oh that girl
seems cute, Ima go talk to her.
Sagittarius gives him a significant look.
SAGITTARIUS
How do you tell the difference
between her being interested in you
like that or her being interested
in you as a friend.
Leo shrugs nonchalantly, his eyes grow distant with memory.
LEO
The look in their eye, and they
bring up their boyfriend in a
subtle way like Elif did
SAGITTARIUS
Hold on, one sec.
Sag answers his phone.
SAGITTARIUS
Hello Hi Yeah, Im over at
Carmens Yeah, I tried calling
you but your phone was off
CUT TO:
INT. LEOS BEDROOM
Leo looks at his phone, LEOS POV
The screensaver is of his dog and the time is 10:13am. The
time changes to 10:16am.
He looks over at Sagittarius out of the corner of his eyes.
SAGITTARIUS
Oh Okay, well Ill call you back
in a little bit Okaayyy Love
you, too. Bye.
He hangs up, scrolls through his phone, and grunts while
stretching.
SAGITTARIUS
Ooohh my god.
Sag lets out a heavy sigh, Leo takes a deep breath, looks up
and stares out the window.
EXT. LEOS BEDROOM
We see him through the window, camera is angled so that the
frame appears on either side of him with the partly open
blinds running horizontally across his body and face.
LEO
I dont know, it used to be
different
He turns slightly, looks down, and gulps.
INT. LEOS BEDROOM
He looks up and into the mirror on the dresser across from
him.
LEOS POV
He looks sick to his stomach.
In the corner of the mirror are photographs: his father as a
teenager, his grandparents, his grandfather and his brother
when they were in their early twenties.
His expression grows firm but still disgusted.
LEO
Before I decided to become a
filmmaker I was able to get girls,
but I wasnt someone that I admire
now.
He shakes his head, looks back down, and turns away
slightly.
EXT. LEOS BEDROOM
Leo looks back out the window, through the frame and the
thin bars of the partly open blinds at us.
LEO
And Im not willing to be like that
to get girls. Im happy with who I
am now and wont change that just
to get laid.
SAGITTARIUSS VOICE
But the girls you wanna sleep with
just wanna be your friend
A long pause.
INT. LEOS BEDROOM
Sagittarius looks over with apologetic eyes.
SAGITTARIUS
I think thats what the issue is
I feel like
Leo looks up at him out of the corner of his eyes.
SAGITTARIUS
I mean, Ive been telling you from
the start that I think its the
girls youre going for -
Leo rolls his eyes and tilts his head back so that it hits
the wall with a thud.
Sagittarius frowns, gulps, and continues.
SAGITTARIUS
Theyre just not interested in the
nice guy, they just dont want that
-
LEO
Yeah, I know thats the issue
SAGITTARIUS
Exactly
LEO
But I dont think its the type of
girl Im going for, its any type
of girl that Im attracted to
period, and that cant be helped.
Sagittarius sighs softly.
SAGITTARIUS
(quietly)
I dont think you know what type of
girl youre attracted to, because
youve been in a drought for so
long -
Leo sighs heavily, drowning Sag out.
EXT. LEOS BEDROOM
We watch Leo grow increasingly aggravated from the same
angle as before, through the window frame and shades, as
Sagittariuss voice overshadows the noise of the city
traffic down below.
SAGITTARIUS
(loudly)
In my opinion, if you want my
honest opinion. Im sorry, its
just
LEO
Basically, the truth is that Im
not attracted to any of those girls
anymore
A long silence.
SAGITTARIUS
(jokingly)
What are you into black girls now?
Leo closes his eyes, annoyed.
LEO
Im attracted to the type of girl
that only exists in my mind.
Sagittarius sighs again, louder this time making a
shhhhoooooo sound.
SAGITTARIUS
I see.
A longer silence.
LEO
Everyone has their own ideology of
love - I cant just alter mine to
coincide with yours or anyone
elses, and neither can you.
Another long silence.
LEO
And thats why most relationships
dont last, their initial ideals
and values match up well enough but
prove incompatible in the long run.
SAGITTARIUS
You have to be willing to change
for someone they love.
LEO
I am, but only if I believe its
for the better.
Some people arent very opinionated
and are willing to alter their
ideology to take away their
loneliness but
SAGITTARIUS
All I know is Im about to grow in
my closet and Libbys gunna be
pissseeeedddd!!
Leo tilts his head, closes his eyes, and clenches his jaw
while Sag laughs.
SAGITTARIUS
Dude, its stuff like that. Im at
that point now
And Im not gunna tell her why, but
Im really gunna do it so I can
travel in November when my lease is
up cuz Im so ready to travel the
country.
LEO
I dont know why you think growing
a few plants will pay for all that.
LEO
Do you have any idea how fucking
expensive it is to travel the
country?
LEO
Youd be lucky if you made enough
to take a two week long vacation.
SAGITTARIUS
Fuck it, Im just gunna go and come
back when I run out of money.
LEO
(quietly, almost whispering to
himself)
I just dont have time to waste. I
have to make use of every single
second of every single day if Im
ever going to get out of here
because I cant take it anymore, I
need to leave for good and never
have to come back.
SAGITTARIUS
I know, you will.
A long silence that draws out for fifteen seconds.
LEO
I dont think Id be nearly as
aggravated and miserable if society
didnt place so much fucking
importance on love, sex, and
relationships.
LEO
Every person I know is in, or at
least has been in, a relationship.
SAGITTARIUS
(chuckling)
Love wins, dude, love wins.
He laughs louder while Leo sighs and rolls his eyes again.
LEO
Seriously Ive never seen any
person, or character, in this
situation
LEO
(whispering)
And its really fucking difficult.
SAGITTARIUS
Im in love with ___________.
Spinning in Circles
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
GEMINIS POV
We follow a young man, ADAM (22), and a young woman,
DANIELLE (20), from a distance as they walk slowly through
the dense, dark forest in silence.
We hear the sound of twigs cracking and leaves crumbling
under their feet, accompanied by the sound of crickets
chirping, the wind blowing, and their heavy breathing.
We track right as we pass by a large tree trunk, taking up
the entire screen and
GEMINIS POV
We continue tracking right around the tree and peek around
it to see Adam and Danielle walking towards us, closer than
theyd been before.
As they make their way through the woods, they reach an open
area where full moon peaks through the trees above, lighting
up their worried faces.
We track left, back behind the tree and as it covers the
screen we
We peak around the tree and see the backs of Adam and
Danielle, closer still, as we hear the sound of a large
stick breaking.
They stop and start to turn around as we track right behind
the tree again and
We peak around a tree and watch Adam and DANIELLA from their
right, only a dozen feet away and another stick breaks,
louder than the first.
We track right, behind the tree and
We peak out from a tree to their left, less than ten feet
away. Another crack, louder still.
We track back behind the tree and
We peak around a tree as they turn in opposite directions
and stand back to back in the moonlight with horrified
expressions.
They start breathing heavier and a cloud slowly covers the
moon, drowning them in shadows, as we hear the thunderous
CCREEAAAAKKK of a thick branch splintering from the
direction theyd been traveling.
We look past them into the dark forest as they blur slightly
out of focus while looking over their shoulders at each
other.
They come back into focus as they turn to face each other.
She gulps and he grabs hold of her hand.
She looks down at it and back up with a half-smile, though
her eyes remain terrified.
Another thunderous CREEAAAAKKK, another, and another.
He lets go of her hand, cups her face, and stares into her
eyes with a sudden confidence.
Her eyes start to wonder from his as more sticks and
branches break and the wind howls.
ADAM
Danielle!
She looks at him and her worried expression fades as his
confidence rubs off on her.
ADAM (CONTD)
We have to make a run for it.
She gulps again, her expression wavering.
We hear a short, loud, screeching scream followed by a
females voice yelling.
VICTORIA (V.O.)
HEEEELLLPPPP!!! HEEELLLLLPPPP!!
SOMEONE PLEAASSSEEEE HEELLLPPPP
MEE!!!
Their heads turn towards the sound, coming from the
direction theyd initially been coming from.
DANIELLE
(whispering)
Vicky.
Adam closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He opens them
with a fierce expression, stands up straight, and sticks his
chest out slightly.
ADAM
(authoritatively)
Run, Ill find her.
She shakes her head and her eyes fill with a
mix anger and fear.
DANIELLE
Love and War
(V.O.)
What do we know about the world in
which we live?
Most people would claim to know a
lot but what constitutes
knowledge, information, fact, and
most importantly truth in a time
when social media has replaced the
news?
In a place where obesity is as

large of a concern as starvation?
In a nation that has spends

hundreds of billions of its tax
payers dollars every year on
defense which we all know means
war?
There are those that would tell you

that ever since the Renaissance
society has been progressing.
But its a lie. Time is a cycle

and the distribution of wealth is
worse than its ever been.
They try to feed us with

propaganda, with alluring gimmicks
like the American Dream, and the
land of opportunity.
But in reality its the terrible

nightmare, the land of greed and
complacency.
The one percenters ensure that the

standard of living is at a point
where its just bearable.
They entertain you with sports,
film, music, social media, and all
kinds of new technology
They make you want to be them.
You end up spending money you dont

have on nice clothes that you dont
need just to make yourself feel
better and maybe, just maybe, give
yourself the little extra bit of
hope and courage that you need to
go talk to that girl thats been
looking at you since you walked in.
Americas time will come - just as

it came for Persian, Roman,
Mongolian, and British Empires.
Dont ever let anyone tell you that

you cant change the world.
Shes looking at you again, you

should go talk to her.
Why do I always have to be the one

to go talk to her? Im so fucking
sick of gender roles.
Shes clearly interested in me, she

should take the lead
Ive been through too much, I just
cant
She wouldnt even like me, Id only

be wasting her time.
I refuse to be the cocky jerk that

I used to be just to get girls to
sleep with me.
Ive only ever really wanted two

things; to fall in love with
someone and to change the world.
Youd assume the former seems more

achievable than the latter but at
this point I fear Ill never even
catch the faintest glimpse of love.
Ive never been a quitter but how

many times can you fail at
something before it becomes
unbearable?
Normally, Id say an infinite

amount of times
But a heart can only break so many

times.
God damnit, this would be so much

fucking easier if I were a woman.
I feel like there isnt anyone in

the entire world who can even
understand what Im going through.
I dont even know how to explain
it Its like I feel like both the
smartest and the stupidest person
in the entire world. Both the most
and least attractive, and by far,
the loneliness.
Have you ever been so happy with

who you are that you wonder why
everyone in the world isnt exactly
like you?
So much attention has been paid

toward feminism, and I have nothing
against that because I too
understand what its like to feel
like an object being gazed at.
Everyday countless women check me

out and each time it hurts more
because I know none of them will
love me if I just be the person I
want to be.
Im not masculine enough, not cocky

enough, I dont take control, Im
too passive, mellow, and serious.
Or Im too childish, outgoing, and

controlling I dont fucking know,
all I know is Ive tried, seriously
tried, ten, twenty, fifty times.
And since Ive become this person,

it has always ended the same way.
With me getting my heart broken
before even getting intimate.
Its all societys fault. Shed

approach me if she didnt think her
friends would say it was slutty.
So I have to initiate the

conversation, I have to banter,
flirt, and touch her playfully so
that she feels comfortable around
me, like shes known me for a long
while so that when I ask her out,
that little voice in her head will
be saying yes, Id love to.
Its such fucking bullshit!
Yes, I think youre very

attractive.
Yes, I know exactly what youd like

me to do.
Yes, Id very much like to get to

know you and not cry myself to
sleep tonight because Ive reached
an all new level of loneliness.
But no, I wont because itll only

hurt that much more when she
realizes that our ideologies
regarding love dont coincide.
I just need someone to see my pain

and want to help me for a change,
but for some reason girls these
days either dont care or dont
notice.
If you are perfectly happy with who

you are, if you acknowledge your
flaws and consistently try to
improve, theres no reason to let
anyone tell you how to live or
think.
No matter how hard and lonely it

gets.
SIMILAR TO WHAT CANCERS OFFICE LOOKS LIKE BUT WITH BIGGER

AND WITH BIGGER WINDOW PANELS
INT. ZAPROWSKI HOME BRIANS ROOM AMHERST - DAY
We hear So High by Wiz Khalifa playing.
We slowly open as the lyrics begin, first thing, uh huh,
wake up out a dream uh huh and Brian wakes up to see the
sunrise out his window.
To the left of the window lies a Wiz Khalifa poster and on
the right a Brian Moorman jersey.
He grabs a lighter off his desk as the lyrics play grab a
light uh huh something I can steam uh huh and takes a rip
from a bong as we hear bong rips uh huh make sure its
clean uh huh.
He looks at the bong water, sees that its dirty, clenches
his teeth, lips apart, as if seeing yikes.
EXT. BRIANS CAR

We hear in my car uh huh, cruising down the street uh huh
as Brian drives through town, his eyes red, and eyelids
drooping.
He sees a Tim Hortons and pulls in as we hear so stoned uh
huh gon need something to eat uh huh.
INT. BRIANS CAR

Ash falls from his cigarette onto his seat, still
accompanying the lyrics.
He pushes down on the accelerator and we see that hes
wearing Chuck Taylors.
He bites into a bagel with a smile and looks up to see:
A partly cloudy sky, with large puffy clouds glowing in
sunlight.
He takes a puff from a micro G-pen, holding it on till he
chokes, as the music says to do.
The hook comes and Brian turns it up in his car, grinning,
bobbing his head, and singing along to the music.
EXT. BUFFALO
Birds fly through the morning sky, across the Buffalo
skyline and a beautiful sunrise.
INT. MARIOS BASEMENT

Mario and Sam sit on a big brown couch watching a rerun of
The Walking Dead. Posters of Michael Jackson and Biggie
Smalls lie next to the TV.
Mario uses a small torch to heat up a rig (similar to a
bong) while Sam uses a dabber, a small metal instrument that
resembles a scalpel but has rounded edges, to scoop up a
dark green, wax like substance.
Mario passes her the rig, she puts the wax in the heated
quartz nail and inhales smoke.
EXT. SCHOOL
Brian pulls up to a school, still singing to the music.
INT. SCHOOL OFFICE

Brian smiles at the lady in the office, grabs an envelope,
opens it, and sees his paycheck for $387.56.
SPIRITUAL REALM:
EXT. THE INFERNO NIGHT
A tall and slender Ming, dressed in an elegant, white
cheongsam with intricately designed orange and yellow lotus
flowers, stands on a thin, straight path made of white
stone, cast in a light so bright that she has to cover her
eyes.
Behind her, the path leads to nothing but darkness. Up
ahead, a blinding and blazing inferno dances madly in the
distance.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. MINGS APARTMENT BEDROOM CONTD
Azazel takes slow steps towards Mings completely still
figure, raising his arm and reaching toward her as he nears.
CUT TO:
SPIRITUAL REALM:
EXT. THE INFERNO CONTD
The darkness begins to approach and surround Ming. She
steps forward to stay out of its reach but it keeps coming.
She picks up her pace and begins to sweat as she grows
closer to the heat coming off the inferno.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. MINGS APARTMENT CONTD
All of the lights in the room turn on and the flames on the
candles flare as Ming suddenly darts up and racing through
her room and out the door.
CUT TO:
SHADOW REALM:
INT. MINGS APARTMENT CONTD
Azazels form descends back into the shadows.
CUT TO:
EXT. MINGS APARTMENT CONTD
AZAZELS POV:
Mings figure, comprised of flames, sprints out the back
door of her apartment building, down below, and into the
alley.
CUT TO:
PHYSICAL REALM:
INT. HADASSAH MEDICAL CENTER: ICU FEBRUARY 2002
AZAZELS POV:
Doctors charge an AED and try to restart the boys heart.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY BEHING MINGS APARTMENT 2004
Ming races through the alley and rounds a corner to find
Azazels shadowy form dropping down in front of her to block
her way.
She turns and starts back the way she came. The shadows
swirl around her, cutting her off again.
Her eyes swell with fear and she raises her hands, which
begin to glow faintly.
CUT TO:
SPIRITUAL REALM:
EXT. THE INFERNO CONTD
Ming continues to race towards the inferno, only slowing
down when the flames begin to grown too hot.
MING, a young (12), plump girl, dressed in yellow, cotton

pajamas with yellow-tan to pale-brown skin, a round face
with chubby cheeks, small, brown eyes, and thin pink lips
lies on her bed looking out her window with a melancholic
expression on her face
LOFTY DREAMS
By Carmen Cibella
FADE IN:
EXT. MOVIE THEATER NIGHT
A line of people stretches down the entire side of the
enormous theater.
TITLE OVER:
JULY 17th, 2008
BROKEN
Many are wearing Batman apparel and some are even dressed up
as Batman or the Joker.
INT. MOVIE THEATER

Carmen, 15, short and slightly stocky with long wavy blonde
hair that makes him look like hes 12, bright blue eyes and
big lips, is waiting in full line of people that stretches
throughout the entire lobby.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Thats me, rocking the same hair cut since
7th grade that made me look like I was 12.
Hes standing next to a stylish, short black kid, Jimmie but
they arent talking.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Thats Jimmie, weve been friends since
Kindergarten. Youd think some of his style
wouldve rubbed off on me by now but I was an idiot.
Carmen is staring at Rachel, a short and skinny girl with
dark red hair that looked almost black and a comely face.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I sought out to seek love at a young
age. It took quite some time and when
I finally found it, it came in a very
unexpected and perhaps unusual form.
Theres no sound but her body language indicates that shes
flirting with the guy standing next to her in the Batman
shirt and fitted hat.
FADE OUT:
INT. CIBELLA HOUSE CARMENS ROOM
The room is very dark and its difficult to see anything
other than Carmen cast in the moonlight coming in from the
window. Hes trying to sleep when he rolls over, grabs his
phones and starts typing something into the notepad.
TITLE OVER:
MARCH, 2014
We pan around to see his face lit up by his phone, his eyes
are hardly open and he looks exhausted. His hair is short
and he has a fair amount of hair on the underside of his
chin and some peach fuzz on his cheeks face.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Do people ever change? I mean really
change, not just on the surface but deep
down to their core? Can someone turn their
life around before its too late? Or are they
doomed to make the same choices, and the same
mistakes?
A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (1997-2008)

Carmen, 6, smiles as he poses in his hockey equipment;
Carmen, 9, stands in his baseball uniform, a bat over his
shoulder.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Growing up, I was an athlete by heart and I
wanted nothing more than to be the next Wayne
Gretzky. When I stepped out on the ice, it was
like the world stopped turning and nothing
else mattered.
Carmen, 13, holds a trophy while he stands next to two other
kids under a banner that says Math Is Everywhere
Competition.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I was also a math wiz thanks
to my dad who taught me multiplication when
I was in kindergarten because my sister was
learning it in third grade.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
I matured late and by the time I got to high
school and started thinking about girls well
lets just say I was out of my element.
EXT. BUFFALO
The opening credits play over a series of shots of the city
showing the local food places including Bocce Pizza, Mighty
Taco, and Teds as well as Niagara Falls, Ralph Wilson
Stadium, and the First Niagara Center.
We see a panoramic view of the Amherst suburbs.
INT. CIBELLA HOUSE - DAY

Carmens room is dirty, there are clothes and empty water
bottles all over the floor.
TITLE OVER:
FEBUARY 17th, 2009
We pan across several dirty glasses, bowls and utensils on
the night stand. On the bed theres a brand new snowboard
lying next to never worn boots, a backpack and a laptop
playing hip-hop music.
EXT: FINK HOUSE

Jarrod Fink sets his backpack next to his boots and board in
the garage and runs inside. Jarrod is 16 years old, 510
with a toned frame, short brown hair and glasses.
INT. FINK HOUSE LAUNDRY ROOM

The door to the garage opens to reveal Jarrods face,
flushed with excitement. He heads into the kitchen, takes
his phone out of his pocket and begins to dial when his mom
comes around the corner.
MRS. FINK
Where are you going?
Jarrods eyes remain glued to his phone.
JARROD
Snowboarding.
MRS. FINK
Where?
JARROD
Holiday Valley.
MRS. FINK
How are you getting there?
Jarrod sighs and rolls his eyes.
JARROD
Carmen, Im calling him now.
Jarrod puts his phone to his ear and walks into the basement
to get away from his mother.

The door opens to reveal Carmen Cibella, a skinny 57 16
year old, his face full of excitement. He takes a pair of
snow pants out of a plastic bag, rips off the tag and stuffs
them in his backpack. His phone rings.
CARMEN
Yooo Im loading my stuff now,
Ill be there in ten Yeah, Ill text
you when Im pulling up.
EXT. INTERSTATE 90W

A cherry red Pontiac Grand Prix GT speeds past several cars
before cutting over to take the exit towards the 219 South.
We see Carmen and Jarrod singing along to the cd thats
playing in the car.
CARMEN
So is it just like ripstick-ing?
JARROD
Yeah, basically. Just make sure when you
carve that you dont catch an edge.
CARMEN
What do you mean?
JARROD
If youre going too fast, put your weight
on your back heal and your front toes to turn
and dig the side of your board into the snow.
CARMEN
Okay, I think I get it.
Carmen gulps, his face serious. Jarrod looks at him and can
tell hes nervous.
JARROD
Dont be worried, youll be fine. Well
go slow.
Carmen looks over, he looks slightly less afraid yet still a
bit wiry and anxious. Jarrod changes the subject.
JARROD (CONTD)
So whats up with you and Rachel?
CARMEN
What do you mean?
JARROD
You guys have been hanging out a lot, I
assume you like her.
Carmens face gets bright red, he looks at Jarrod and
without saying anything Jarrod knows he does. Jarrod looks
back out the window, deciding how to proceed.
JARROD (CONTD)
Do you know how she feels about you?
Carmen shrugs, the redness fades from his face. Jarrod
realizes that this might not have been the best subject that
he couldve switched to.
CARMEN
Shes still hung up on Sean.
Carmens clearly frustrated, Jarrod doesnt know what to
say.
CARMEN (CONTD)
What the fuck does she see in him?
JARROD
No fucking clue man, hes a tool.
They drive in silence for a bit, before Jarrod clears his
throat.
JARROD (CONTD)
Does she know how you feel?
CARMEN
She has to, we hang out all the time.
JARROD
But you havent told her?
Carmen looks at him and his eyes answer Jarrods question.
CARMEN
Last time I tried that, it blew up in my face.
Jarrod rubs his forehead searching for the right advice.
JARROD
You never know man. Besides, what other
choice do you really have?
EXT. HOLIDAY VALLEY PARKING LOT DAY

Carmen and Jarrod put on their snow pants, coat, boots, hat
and gloves in silence. They then grab their boards and head
towards the lift.
JARROD
Were going to take this lift and go down
Mardi Gras to the main lodge so we can
buy passes.
CARMEN
Is Mardi Gras hard?
JARROD
Naw, youll be good. Just remember what I said.
CARMEN
Take it slow and if Im going too fast stop
the way you told me to.
JARROD
Woorrd, lets do it!
CARMEN
Then after this, we can go to the
Bunny Hill?
JARROD
Yeah, if you think you still need to. But
Im telling you, youll pick it up quickly.
Jarrod swiftly straps his front foot in and waits on Carmen
who having some difficulty. Carmen finally gets it and
stands up. Jarrod leads as he easily makes his way to the
line for the lift while Carmen follows slowly.
EXT. HOLIDAY VALLEY TOP OF MARDI GRAS

Jarrod and Carmen get off the lift, Jarrod smoothly and
Carmen awkwardly. They find an open spot and sit done to
strap in.
CARMEN
I didnt fall!
JARROD
I told ya, youll be good.
Jarrod and Carmen finish strapping in and prepare themselves
for their first run.
JARROD (CONTD)
Try to stay in the middle, Ill be behind
you the whole time.
Carmen nods his head, struggles to his feet and takes off,
making it less than ten feet before falling. After another
handful of tries he begins to get the hang of it and starts
picking up speed before forcing himself to a stop.
Jarrod pulls up next to him and takes a seat. Carmen looks
at him, turns his gaze back up the hill, then down towards
the bottom, back at Jarrod and lets out a heavy sigh.
CARMEN
This sure isnt easy.
Jarrod lets out a little laugh.
JARROD
It looked like you were starting to get it.
Carmen takes a deep breath.
CARMEN
Yeah, slowly but surely.
Carmen forces himself back to his feet before immediately
falling back down.
CARMEN (contd)
Maybe not.
JARROD
You got it, just focus on your balance.
Carmen nods, gets up again and takes off down the hill, this
time focused and intent on staying up. Jarrod stays sitting
and watches him to make sure that hes going to make it more
than 30 feet.
Carmen is showing serious signs of improvement as he begins
to actually make his way down the mountain. Jarrod takes
off in order to keep up.
Jarrod picks up speed and watches as Carmen cuts across the
hill in attempts to slow down. Running out of room, he
tries to carve his way back towards the middle of the hill
when he catches an edge and tumbles forward hard. Jarrod
races over to him. Carmen is lying on his back, breathing
deeply and clearly in pain.
JARROD
You alright?
CARMEN
I dont know, that one reealllyy hurt.
JARROD
What hurts?
CARMEN
My shoulder went straight into the ground
and I heard a crack.
JARROD
Could be your collarbone, I broke mine
snowboarding last year. Can you move your arm?
Carmen tries to move his arm and screams in pain.
CARMEN
That would be a no.
JARROD
Jeezz, do you want me to go and find someone?
CARMEN
Just give me a sec. I might be able to at least
make it down the hill.
After a brief moment, Carmen tries to sit up but cant do
it. A ski patrol officer stops his skis right next to them.
SKI PATROL
Are you alright?
CARMEN
I dont think so.
SKI PATROL
What happened?
CARMEN
I caught an edge and my shoulder slammed
into the ground. I cant move my arm.
JARROD
I think he mightve broken his collarbone.
SKI PATROL
Alright, Ill get someone to take him down
and get it looked at.
EXT. HOLIDAY VALLEY BOTTOM OF MARDI GRAS

Carmen is riding on the back of a snowmobile as they pull up
to the Medical Center.
INT. HOLIDAY VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Tears are beginning to stroll down Carmens face as the take
off his coat. They try to take off his shirt but its too
painful so they are forced to cut it off. The doctor
examines Carmens injury.
CARMEN
Is it broken?
DOCTOR
Youll need an x-ray, but yes your
clavicle certainly appears to be broken.
Carmen takes in the doctors assessment, hes speechless.
DOCTOR (CONTD)
Howd you get here?
Carmen doesnt even seem to hear the question. He stares
straight ahead.
DOCTOR (CONTD)
Carmen
Carmen hears him and half snaps back to reality, though his
eyes stay fixed on the doctors chest.
CARMEN
I drove.
DOCTOR
I assume you came with a friend or two.
CARMEN
Year, he said hed meet me here.
DOCTOR
Well is he able to take you to the hospital?
Finally Carmen closes his eyes, shakes his head and looks up
and the doctor.
CARMEN
He doesnt have his license.
The doctor lowers his head and sighs before looking back up
at Carmen.
DOCTOR
Youre going to have to call someone to come
get you guys then.
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM NIGHT

Carmen sits and continues to wait to receive medical
attention. His mother and his step-father are to his right
and sitting to his left is Rachel.
Hes doing his best to fight off the tears but the pain is
proving to be too much. Rachel sees that Carmen is
struggling and puts her hand on his back. He looks up at
her.
RACHEL
Its almost over.
She forces herself to form a half-smile, making her words
more reassuring.
RACHEL (CONTD)
Before you know it, youll have a hydros
and well be heading home.
Carmen tries to smile but ends up wincing in pain, he looks
away as a tear streams down his left cheek.
Rachels half-smile turns to a frown. She places her left
hand on his right cheek and encourages him to look at her.
Carmen complies as Rachel brings her right hand up to cup
his face and uses her right thumb to wipe the tear away
before kissing him where the tear had been.
RACHEL
Its gonna be alright.
A smile finds its way to his flushed face as he stares at
her, amazed by her ability to lift his spirits. She smiles
back and takes his hand in hers. A nurse comes up to them.
NURSE
Carmen?
EXT. INTERSTATE 90 NIGHT

A cherry red Pontiac Grand Prix cruises in the right lane.
We pan down to see Rachel driving with Carmen in the
passenger seat.
They are listening to music and neither of them are
speaking. Carmen looks over at Rachel and stares. Rachel
notices after looking over a few times.
RACHEL
What?
CARMEN
Nothing Im just really glad you came.
I dont know how I wouldve gotten through
it without you.
Rachel blushes a little and turns her gaze back on the road.
RACHEL
Im just glad I could help.
Carmen breaks his stare and looks out the window. He looks
back towards her before breaking away immediately.
He appears to be on the fence about something and Rachel
notices.
RACHEL
What is it?
Carmen looks at her, his face full of fear and he shakes his
head before turning back to the window.
CARMEN
Its nothing.
Rachel realizes that somethings really troubling him and
she places her hand on his forearm. Their eyes meet.
RACHEL
Tell me please.
Carmen sighs and looks away. After another tense silence he
grows courageous, sitting upright with his chest out and his
head held high. His eyes are on her with a newfound
certainty.
CARMEN
Remember at Jimmies party last week when we
were sitting in the dark in the living room?
Rachel looks away from the road, her eyes searching for and
finding his.
RACHEL
Yeah, of course. What about it?
Suddenly, his courage shatters. He sags back into his seat
and hides his face in his right hand.
CARMEN
Never mind.
Rachels face is full of concern.
RACHEL
Carm This is clearly important, you cant
just bring it up and then not say anything else.
Carmen doesnt move, his face still hidden from her view.
He forces himself to look up and waits for her eyes to meet
his.
CARMEN
I almost kissed you.
Rachel looks away.
RACHEL
Oh.
Carmen stares at her, expecting her to say more. Silence.
His eyes widen, he shakes his head and his lips part to form
an o.
CARMEN
Oh? Thats all you have to say.
RACHEL
What am I supposed to say?
Carmen grunts in pain as he shifts his body so that his back
is nearly facing her.
CARMEN
I dont know. That you wish I wouldve,
that youre glad I didnt Anything wouldve
been better than oh.
Rachel looks over and stares, she looks like shes about to
burst into tears.
RACHEL
I guess Im happy you didnt.
CARMEN
Greeaaatt.
RACHEL
Carm-
CARMEN
What?! I tell you I like you and you clearly
dont like me, theres nothing else to say.
RACHEL
I just dont feel that way about you, Im sorry.
We pan around to see Carmens face in the reflection of the
window to see tears falling uncontrollably.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE DAY

The door opens and Carmen walks out, his coat only half on
because his arm is in a sling.
He makes his way to the corner of his cul-de-sac and waits
in the cold, shivering, for the bus to come. He paces back
and forth in attempts to stay warm until the bus arrives.
Carmen gets on and walks towards the back of the bus, sees
Jimmie, and takes the seat directly across from him.
CARMEN
Hey.
Jimmies eyes dont leave his Nintendo DS.
JIMMIE
Hey.
CARMEN
I really dont want to go back right now.
Jimmie continues to play his game for a moment.
JIMMIE
Yeah, same Damnit!
Jimmie looks away from his game and up to see Carmens arm
in a sling. He doesnt seem to think much of it as he looks
back down at his game.
JIMMIE
What happened?
CARMEN
Broke my collarbone snowboarding last week.
JIMMIE
Damn, that sucks.
CARMEN
Yeah youre telling me.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Carmen has difficulty getting his lunch and paying. He
starts walking towards his usual table, looking down the
whole so that he wouldnt have to see everything looking at
him.
He reaches the table, sits and eats in silence while his
friends carry on their conversation. The short, skinny
blonde girl sitting next to him, looks over.
BLONDE GIRL
Hey.
Carmens eyes remain glued to his food.
CARMEN
Hey Jen.
JENNY
You okay?
Carmen continues to sit there, completely still, staring at
his food.
FADE OUT:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM

Carmen takes his usual seat in the back of the classroom and
looks at the clock on the wall, its 1:10. He looks at the
empty chair next to him and pulls out his phone.
We pan down to see the screen as he texts Jarrod asking if
he can come over after school just as the teacher begins his
chemistry lesson.
INT. CIBELLA HOUSE

Carmen is lying in bed watching the first season of
Spartacus on Netflix off of his desktop when his phone
vibrates. He sends a text and we hear the front door open,
then shut, and someone coming up the stairs.
The bedroom door opens and Jarrod strolls in, taking a seat
in the computer chair.
CARMEN
Can you pause that?
Jarrod does a 360 spin in the chair, hitting the space bar
in the process to pause the show. Carmen is looking down.
JARROD
What?
CARMEN
I told her.
Jarrod stops playing in the chair, sits up, rolls closer to
the bed and leans forward.
JARROD
And
CARMEN
And it blew up in my fucking face Again.
Carmen doesnt even look mad, just really upset. Jarrod
collapses back in the chair and puts his face in his hands.
He looks up and sighs.
JARROD
Im sorry man When did this happen?
Carmen shakes his head and as tears begin to form in the
corner of his eyes, he wipes them on his sleeves.
CARMEN
She came with my ma and Dennis to pick me
up and drove me and my car home from the
hospital in Springville.
JARROD
Oh god.
Jarrod stands up and starts pacing around the room.
CARMEN
I dont think I wouldve done it but we were
just talking about it, and I wasnt thinking
straight, and
Jarrod stops pacing and turns to face him.
JARROD
And?!
Carmen breaks the staring contest he was having with
Spartacus on the computer and looks at Jarrod.
CARMEN
She fucking kissed me on the cheek at the hospital!
Jarrod rolls his eyes, his shoulders drop and he shakes his
head.
JARROD
What the fuck man! Why do girls do that
shit? Like she didnt already know that
you had feelings for her and that kissing
you would give you the wrong impression!
Carmen starts a new staring contest with his bed.
JARROD
What are you gunna do?
Carmen remains still as stone as he replies without
hesitation.
CARMEN
Im gunna forget about her and focus on
my grades so I can get into Geneseo.
JARROD
Thats a good idea You think youll still
be able to get in after we dicked around last
semester?
CARMEN
I dont know. I did really well on the math part
of the SATs, hopefully thatll help. Andy got in
and his grades werent that much better than mine.
JARROD
Word, it should be easier now that we
dont have every class together.
Carmen lets out a little laugh and his face tightens in
pain.
CARMEN
Yeah, I dont talk to anyone anymore. I
wish you didnt leave.
Jarrod falls back into the seat.
JARROD
I know, AIM sucks but at least Ill
graduate early.
CARMEN
True Im probably going to miss varsity tryouts.
JARROD
Really? For baseball?
CARMEN
Yeah Its not like theyre going to Disney
or anything.
JARROD
Thats so shitty. But hey, it could be worse.
Carmen looks up, shocked to hear his friend say this.
JARROD (CONTD)
Last year, when I broke my collarbone, I
got mono. It was fucking awful.
Carmen looks out the window.
CARMEN
Id rather have mono than a broken heart.
FADE OUT

TITLE OVER:
MAY, 2013
Carmen lays in bed tossing and turning. He rolls on his
back and searches for his phone. He finds it and we see
that its 2:07 a.m. He starts a new note.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The say whatever doesnt kill you makes
you stronger. I guess sometimes you just
have to fail before you can succeed.
EXT. HOLIDAY VALLEY MARTIGRAS DAY (FEB 09) FLASHBACK

Carmens snowboarding and falls hard and we hear a crack.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE NIGHT FLASHBACK

A 99 red Pontiac Grand Prix pulls into the drive way,
Carmen gets out and walks inside without saying a word. The
drivers door open and Rachel gets out.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I think a lot of people have trouble accepting
this and they bottle up their anger until theyre
ready to explode.
She looks up at Carmens window, a light goes on and a tear
forms in the corner of her eye. She wipes it away and walks
towards her car thats parked in the street.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But those who force themselves to harnesses
their anger and sublimate it into
something beneficial are the ones that
overcome their pain and depression.
A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (2009)

Carmens report card for the first half of the year with an
81 overall average. Carmens SAT scores ranking in the 95th
percentile in math, 87th% in writing and 60th% in reading.
Carmens final report card, with an 86 overall average for
the year and an average of a 91 for the second semester.
CARMEN (V.O.)
In doing so they experience tremendous growth
and present an answer to the question of whether
or not people can truly change.
INT. CIBELLA HOUSE CARMENS ROOM NIGHT (MAY 14)
Carmen puts his phone down and stares out the window at all
of the stars in the sky.
FADE OUT
EXT. FINK HOUSE BACKYARD NIGHT

Carmens arm is no longer in a sling, hes crumbling up
newspaper and places it in a bonfire pit.
TITLE OVER:
JUNE 12th, 2009
NURISHMENT
Jarrod walks up with a handful of sticks which he places on
top of the newspaper.
CARMEN
You got a light?
Jarrod digs into his pocket and pulls out a Flick My Bic.
JARROD
Check it out, I just got it today.
Jarrod hands Carmen the lighter who takes out his phone and
uses the light from the screen to get a better look at it.
Its a burnt orange color and has a heart shaped lock with a
key and a banner surrounding it which says True Love.
CARMEN
Word, thats pretty cool. I really like the lock.
Carmen starts to light the newspaper in several spots.
JARROD
Me too, and the colors.
Carmen blows gently into the pit to help the fire spread.
JARROD (CONTD)
Soo do you like Jenny?
Carmen immediately lets out a little laugh.
CARMEN
Not really I mean, shes cool and shes
pretty hot but I wouldnt go as far as to
say that.
Jarrod reaches for the lighter.
JARROD
Let me get that.
Carmen hands it to him and he starts lighting the paper on
his side of the pit.
JARROD (CONTD)
Good.
Carmen looks up at him with one eyebrow raised.
JARROD (CONTD)
Just wanted to make sure you werent falling
for her like you did Rachel.
Carmen looks back down at the fire thats starting to grow.
He takes a few small logs and places them around it so they
form a pyramid, while Jarrod watches and waits for a
response.
CARMEN
I think Ive learned that lesson, I wont
be making that mistake ever again.
Jarrods attention moves from the fire to Carmen, his face
full of concern. He looks down trying to think of something
to say when his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out of
his pocket and looks up at Carmen.
JARROD
Speak of the devil.
Jarrod turns his screen so Carmen can see whos calling
(Jenny) before swiping the screen to answer the call.
JARROD
Hey, are you here Alright, just
come around back.
Jarrod hangs up the phone and looks up at Carmen whos
staring back at him expectantly. We hear two car doors
being closed off in the distance.
Still unsure what to say Jarrod shrugs, his elbows bent and
palms facing upwards. Carmen shakes his head and rolls his
eyes.
The silence continues as they both stare into the fire until
they start to hear Jennys voice faintly which attracts
their gaze.
JENNY
You better not say anything.
A thick girl with straight dirty-blonde hair and an oval
face looks over at Jenny, her expression serious although
slightly annoyed.
JENNYS FRIEND
I said I wouldnt.
Jennys eyes move from her friend to the fire to find Jarrod
and Carmen looking at them. Her eyes meet Carmens and she
smiles happily.
He returns a genuine smile of his own and raises his right
hand slightly, making a waving gesture with his hand held
sideways at his hip.
Jenny tilts her head sideways along with her body and mimics
his sideways wave before running up to him excitedly.
Just before reaching him, Carmen spreads his arms out wide
and she leaps into him wrapping her arms around his neck and
her legs around his waist, her tiny body easily handled by
the skinny boy.
As she does so, Carmen spins and wraps his arms around her
before coming to a stop after doing a 360.
CARMEN
Hey Jen.
Jenny continues to hang onto him her legs still wrapped
around his waist, she leans back so that her face is but a
few inches from his.
JENNY
Hi! Hows it going?
Carmen makes a shy smile.
CARMEN
Better now, I think.
Jenny smiles back at him, their pupils wide.
JENNYS FRIEND
Hey Jarrod, hey Carm.
Carmens eyes dont stray from Jennys.
JARROD
Hey Mary Jo.
Jarrods standing right next to Carmen and nudges him in the
side with his elbow. Carmen looks over at him and he
gestures towards Mary Jo with his head.
Carmens eyes follow the direction in which Jarrod gestured
and sees Mary Jo staring back at him.
CARMEN
Hey MJ, whats new?
MARY JO
Nothing really, how about you.
Carmens eyes return to Jenny as she sets her feet back on
the ground. Shes almost a whole head shorter than him and
skinny as a twig with a thin face and long straight dirty
blonde hair.
CARMEN
Oh not much, would you guys like a drink?
Jenny nods yes, still smiling.
MARY JO
Yeah! What do you guys have?
JARROD
Just a bottle of Captain and some Coke.
Mary Jo finds a seat and slouches into it.
MARY JO
Okay, I guess thatll do.
CARMEN
Two Captain and Cokes coming right up.
Make yourselves comfortable.
Carmen gestures to one of the seats and Jenny complies with
a smirk on her face.
JENNY
What great service. I could get used
to this sort of treatment.
Carmens grin widens further and his eyes are full of joy.
He turns his gaze towards Jarrod.
CARMEN
Ready?
JARROD
Yup, I need a drink myself.
Carmen looks back to Jenny and finds her staring back
expectantly.
CARMEN
Be right back.
Mary Jo and Jenny watch as Carmen and Jarrod begin to make
their way around the house to the garage.
INT. FINK HOUSE KITCHEN

Jarrod grabs four red solo cups out of the pantry while
Carmen grabs the 2 liter of Coke out of the refrigerator.
JARROD
Well, that went well.
Carmen opens the Coke and the bottle of Captain Morgan
before looking up at Jarrod, his face a parade of pleasant
emotions.
CARMEN
No complaints here.
They both let out a little laugh. Jarrod starts filling up
the cups with ice and hands them to Carmen who starts mixing
the drinks. After filling the last cup with ice Jarrod
turns to face Carmen and smiles.
JARROD
Shes all about you dude.
Carmen looks up, enthused by Jarrods comment, as the fizz
from the Coke begins to overflow onto the counter. Jarrods
eyes dart to the spill and his smile fades causing Carmen to
realize that hes making a mess.
He stops pouring and they both laugh as Jarrod grabs a
handful of paper towels and begins to clean up the spill.
Jarrod throws out the soaked paper towels as Carmen grabs
more and finishes the job. Carmen looks up at Jarrod and
they stop moving for a second.
CARMEN
I hope so man, I really do.
JARROD
She does dude, trust me.
They grab the drinks and make their way back to the bon
fire.
EXT. DRIVE IN NIGHT

Anthony, Carmens older brother by a year, and his
girlfriend, Kristin, are sitting in lawn chairs watching
Star Trek next to a red Pontiac Grand Prix.
We pan around to see Carmen lying across the back seat on
top of Jenny. They are kissing passionately, grinding their
bodies together and breathing heavily.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE BACKYARD DAY

Carmen and Jarrod are sitting in lawn chairs in the shade.
Jarrods expression is relaxed and Carmens melancholy.
Carmen looks at Jarrod.
CARMEN
My dad said the pizzeria will be open
next week.
Jarrod continues to stare at the clouds in the sky.
JARROD
Thats cool, you excited to work there?
Carmens gaze returns to the sky.
Yeah, I guess. I just want to make good
money for once, Im tired of being broke.
JARROD
True Whats everyone up to today?
Carmen shrugs and shakes his head. Jarrod finally looks
over at Carmen and sees that hes upset about something.
JARROD (CONTD)
I havent seen Jenny in a while,
You guys still talking?
This hits a nerve. Carmen looks over at him and shakes his
head.
JARROD (CONTD)
Im sorry man, what happened?
Carmen looks away and sighs so heavily that Jarrod can feel
the pain inside him, forcing him to look back up at the
clouds. After a long moment Carmen looks back over.
CARMEN
I dont know I guess I wasnt
good enough, if you catch my drift.
Jarrod turns his attention back to Carmen with an incredibly
sympathetic expression.
JARROD
So you guys fucked?
CARMEN
Yeah, a few times.
Dont worry man, thats just how
girls are. Its inscribed in their DNA.
Carmen lets out a little laugh, and his stern expression
breaks way for a brief smile.
CARMEN
At least Im not a virgin anymore.
FADE OUT:
EXT. MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL DUGOUTS NIGHT
Jimmie and Carmen are sitting on the bench with two other
young men the same age, one Asian of average height and
build with short black hark and the other Caucasian, tall
and skinny with long dark hair.
TITLE OVER:
JULY 11th, 2010
Carmens hair is now short making him look slightly less
young. Hes also taller, skinnier and his arms are more
toned.
He has a tattoo of Italy on his forearm. He and Christian,
a tall and skinny kid with long black hair are grinding up
weed while Keiffer, an Asian kid, pulls a bunch of Coronas
out of a backpack and Jimmie plays on his phone which is
quietly playing music.
They finish grinding up the weed as Keiffer opens the
Coronas using the chain fence as a bottle opener and gives
one to both Carmen and Christian. Carmen looks up at
Christian.
CARMEN
Yo teach me how to roll.
Christians eyes meet Carmens with a straight face.
CHRISTIAN
You really wanna learn?
Carmen smiles in eager anticipation.
CARMEN
Yeah, we have enough for two so you can
show me what to do.
Christian looks down at the bud on the notebook as he pulls
two Dutch Master cigars out of his pocket. He looks back
up, his face stern.
CHRISTIAN
I dont know We only have two blunts, what if
you fuck it up?
Carmen tilts his head down and to the left slightly, looks
up at Christian and smirks. After a few moments Christian
breaks the charade and laughs.
He holds one of the cigars up for Carmen to take and as he
reaches for it he pulls it back with a taunting grin.
CHRISTIAN
You better not fuck it up.
Carmen snatches the blunt out of his hand.
CARMEN
If I do, Ill just blame you for being
a bad teacher.
CHRISTIAN
First you have to take the leaf off and
crack it.
Christian takes his own cigar to show him how and begins to
divide the weed in half while Carmen mimics the process with
the cigar in his hand. Keiffer offers Jimmie a beer and he
declines.
CHRISTIAN
Alright, now take your half of the tree
and put it in the wrap.
Carmen complies and looks up as soon as he finishes.
CHRISTIAN (CONTD)
This parts tricky to explain so just watch.
You got your phone? Ima need a light.
Carmen pulls out his phone, turns on the light for the video
camera and shines it on Christians blunt. He finishes the
process and takes the phone from Carmen so that he can do
the same.
Carmen does his best to keep all of the weed in the blunt
but by the time its rolled a quarter of it was still on the
notebook.
CARMEN
Its really loose on the ends.
CHRISTIAN
Yeah it takes practice, use the bud on
the notebook and stuff it in there till its tight.
Carmen does so, using his keys to pack it down.
CHRISTIAN
Jun, Im feeling a freestyle coming.
Jimmie looks up, his face carrying its usual blank
expression.
JIMMIE
Yeah, you better. Youre not gunna get
any better if you dont take advantage
of these precious oportunities.
CARMEN
Alright, this is as good as its gunna get.
He hands the blunt over to Christian for inspection who
pinches an end and waves it back and forth, packing the bud
down further. He then rips off the end and hands it back to
Carmen.
CHRISTIAN
Light her up, lets juj.
CARMEN
Lighter?
Christian throws it at him and he catches it. He sparks and
lights the blunt, puffing on it like a cigar to get it
going. Carmen stops, looks at it and blows gently on it.
He then takes a long puff and holds it in for 7 seconds
before exhaling in a coughing fit. He takes a brief moment
to get his breathing under control and takes another hit
before passing it to Christian.
CARMEN
Well?
Carmen takes his first sip of the Corona while Christian
exhales, his eyes on the blunt.
CHRISTIAN
Not bad I must be a good teacher.
Carmen laughs and rolls his eyes, his expression quite
pleased. Christian slowly looks over and gives him a sly
smile before taking his second hit and passing it to Jimmie.
CARMEN
WOORRDD! Thanks CF.
EXT. MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL DIAMOND DUGOUT NIGHT
Carmen and Keiffer are standing watching Christian whos
sitting looking at Jimmie as he goes through his phone.
JIMMIE
Here we go, something slow.
Jimmie sets his phone down on the bench as the instrumentals
to The Resistance by Drake begin to play. Christians
expression conveys both his approval and his excitement.
He begins to freestyle and after a minute of some witty
lines and consistent rhythm with only a couple hiccups
Jimmie takes off sprinting so quickly and quietly that
Carmen and Keiffer dont even notice.
Christian follows immediately and Carmen instinctively
follows, Keiffer trailing behind him. They run through the
field, away from the road towards the woods, one after
another.
Carmens eyes are glued to Christians back and hes doing
his best to keep up but the distance between them is growing
when Christians back is lit up brightly.
COP
Dont run from the cops!
All motion stops as time freezes and the camera pans from
Carmens point of view to show his face. Its very dark as
the only light is coming from behind him but his eyes are as
wide as can be.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When the fuck did I start running from the cops?!
Time starts moving again and Carmen starts running
noticeably faster. He can no longer see Jimmie but hes
able to keep the distance between him and Christian from
growing.
Just then Christian takes a 90 degree turn directly into the
woods, Carmen races to the point he saw Christian disappear
and follows. Once in the forest, he slows down as he tries
to maneuver through without taking branches to his face.
Hes only 10 feet in when flashlights start lighting up
everything around him, he sees Christian hide behind a tree
and he does the same.
COP
Stop where you are!
We hear the sound of someone getting tackled.
COP
I got one.
Carmens breathing heavily and tries to calm it so that he
isnt heard.
COP
How many of you are there?
Silence.
COP
Hey! If you cooperate you wont get in
as much trouble.
Keiffer
Four.
COP
There are three more.
COP 2
Ive got a red Pontiac Grand Prix parked on
Wagon Wheel.
Carmens expression is struck with fear.
CARMEN (V.O.)
FUCK!
Unsure of what to do Carmen looks around frantically. He
sees Christian but his back is facing him.
COP 2
We have your car, if you come out you
wont get in as much trouble.
Carmen bites his lip and shakes his head. He then lowers
his head and pinches the bridge of his nose.
CHRISTIAN
Im here.
Carmen looks over to where Christian had been to find him
gone.
COP
Come over here. We got another one!
Carmen shakes his head and makes his way out of the forest.
FADE OUT
INT. PITTS HOUSE JIMMIES ROOM NIGHT

Its nearly pitch black as the lights are off and the
curtains block the light coming from the moon and
streetlights. The only source of light comes from the
hallway as it seeps through the crack below the door.
Its silent other than the sound of a fan. We hear the
front door open and close followed by someone coming up the
stairs. The footsteps grow louder and light comes pouring
in as the door swings open.
Carmen flicks the light on and Jimmie rolls over in his bed,
shirtless. Carmen takes a seat on the edge of the bed and
waits as Jimmie slowly starts to sit up.
CARMEN
Your mom pissed?
Jimmies lips tighten and he shakes his head, his eyes fixed
on some random video game on the ground.
JIMMIE
My dads the one thats really pissed.
CARMEN
Yeah, mine wouldve killed me if he found out.
Jimmie gets off his bed and finds a shirt on the ground,
picks it up and smells it before using it to wipe the sweat
off his bare chest, back and underarms.
Carmen moves back on the bed so hes leaning back against
the wall, still in a sitting position.
CARMEN
CF or Keiffer tell you what happened?
JIMMIE
Yeah kinda, Keiffer said he got tackled
and CF got charged with possession.
Carmens expression turns sour with disgust.
CARMEN
Fucking APD! They have nothing better
to do than chase some kids for smoking bud.
Jimmie finds a clean shirt and puts it on before laying back
on the bed and mumbles something to himself. Carmen ignores
this.
JIMMIE
Howd they get you and CF?
Carmen looks over at him.
CARMEN
We were only a few feet into the woods
when we lost sight of you.
Carmen looks up and away trying to think of how to continue.
CARMEN
The cops were right there and if
we moved they wouldve heard us.
Thats when they tackled Keiffer. Then
they started talking about my car and I
heard CF give himself up, so I decided Id
come out and call my mom instead of
letting them run my plates and call my dad.
Jimmie lies still for the whole explanation, his face blank.
Silence.
CARMEN (CONTD)
She wasnt very happy. She spent the whole day
on a plane and it was her birthday
They both laugh.
CARMEN (CONTD)
She made me walk the 3 miles to get my
car the next day and I had to run to
make it to work on time. My dad wouldve taken
my car and phone away. Who knows
he mightve disowned me.
More laughter.
JIMMIE
Yeah, probably a good call. Im
basically on house arrest for the rest
of the summer.
Carmens expression grows serious, and he looks down into
his lap.
CARMEN
Damn. When the cop asked whos phone, I
was about to say mine when Keiffer told
him it was yours and he called your mom.
Jimmie finally breaks his statuesque stillness and blank
stare. Anger and frustration wash over his face and he sits
up and slaps the mattress.
JIMMIE
Fuck! Really?
Carmen looks up at him sympathetically.
CARMEN
Yeah, I was ready to lie and give him
a fake name. I woulda said the juj was yours too
and CF wouldnt have to go to fucking drug court.
Jimmie shakes his head, his nose wrinkles slightly and his
lips press tight together.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Even though it never seems like it at
the time, getting into a little trouble every
once in a while can be good for your health.
EXT. MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD NIGHT FLASHBACK

Jimmie races through the field towards the woods with
Christian close behind, Carmen and Keiffer trailing them.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It reminds us that were not invincible,
that we live in a harsh world where our
every action is under surveillance.
The boys run into the woods with the cops closing in.
Carmen hiding behind a tree. We hear Keiffer getting
tackled.
CARMEN (V.O.)
We may get away from things frequently,
but in the long run all of our mistakes
will catch up with us and we will
be punished.
Carmen, Christian and Keiffer standing with their heads hung
low and their eyes on their feet in front of two officers,
one is holding a phone, the other a blunt and a beer.
CARMEN (V.O.)
If anything, it gets us back on the right
path. We seldom even notice this as it
happens subconsciously, but nonetheless it is
ultimately for the better.
FADE OUT:
INT. JUST PIZZA DAY

Carmen, dressed in black and blue high top sneakers, skinny
black jeans and a blue hoodie, is making pizzas on a messy
counter full of half made pizzas surrounded by an array of
toppings when the phone rings.
TITLE OVER:
SEPTEMBER 14th, 2010
LIVING THE DREAM

He takes off his gloves and throws them into the garbage can
before picking up the phone.
CARMEN
Just Pizza, how may I help you?
Carmens face shows hes already annoyed by this customer.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Okay before I take your order I need to know
if its going to be for pick up or delivery
Okay, I need a name and number You said you
wanted a large pizza
Carmen tilts his back and rolls his eyes.
CARMEN (CONTD)
(with a hint of annoyance in his voice)
What would you like on it Anything else
Carmen sighs.
CARMEN (CONTD)
(still annoyed)
And howd you want them Okay itll be ready
in a half hour.
Carmen hangs up the phone, tears off the slip from the pad
and puts the top copy in its proper place above the pizza
counter and hands the other copy to a kid by the fryers.
CARMEN (CONTD)
(to the kid by the fryers)
Youd think theyd be able to tell
you what they want on their pizza
and how they want the wings without
me having to ask.
JUST PIZZA EMPLOYEE
(sarcastically)
Of course not, thatd be way too difficult.
Carmen looks up at the digital clock on the wall by the
ovens which reads 6:17 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Carmen
lowers his head and pinches the bridge of his nose as he
makes his way back to the pizza station.
FADE OUT
INT. JUST PIZZA NIGHT

Carmen is standing in front of the register doing all of the
paper work when the kid who was working the fryers, Gino,
comes over. Hes big boned with tan skin and short dark
hair spiked upward and hes wearing gym shorts and a Just
Pizza shirt.
GINO
Everythings done back there, am I all set?
Carmen turns and looks through the opening to see the
kitchen.
CARMEN
Yeah me and Joel will be good.
GINO
Word. He tell you about Julie Starr?
Carmen looks at him, clearly intrigued.
CARMEN
Naw, whos that?
An excited smile makes its way to Ginos face.
GINO
Some girl hes hiring to do the counter
and make pizzas, said shes mad hot.
Carmen smiles wide, his distant eyes look up..
FADE OUT
EXT. PITTS HOUSE BACKYARD DAY

Jimmie and Carmen are sitting in patio chairs smoking a
blunt and listening to Drake. The song is a story about
making it big and it spurs the conversation.
Carmen takes a deep rip, holds it for 7 seconds and lets a
small cloud of smoke slowly trickle out of the small opening
made between his lips before inhaling it through his nose.
He pauses before exhaling in a long smooth stream of smoke
and passes the blunt to Jimmie.
CARMEN
I need to get rich!
Jimmie takes a long hit, exhales through his nose and coughs
a few times. He takes the time to get his breath back and
looks up at Carmen.
JIMMIE
I know what you mean. Im not tryna work
my ass off and just get by.
CARMEN
Ive been thinking, there should be a
site that takes the best parts from Facebook,
Twitter, and Skype.
Jimmie passes the blunt and takes a second to think about
this idea and imagine what it would be like. Carmen takes a
hit and watches until Jimmie starts nodding.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Facebooks good but it doesnt
take advantage of the fact that everyone has
smartphones with video cameras. Everyones
about the face to face interaction so thered
be video chat and everyone could post
videos of what theyre up to.
Carmen takes another hit and passes it back to Jimmie whose
expression indicates uncertainty. He rips the blunt and
thinks about it some more before exhaling.
JIMMIE
True, but you can still kinda do that
stuff on Facebook.
Carmen sits up and leans towards Jimmie who takes another
hit and passes the L. Carmen breaths the smoke in thinking
about how to better explain.
CARMEN
Yeah but its not designed for that. I
wanted to call it Livestream and
the feed would just be a live stream
of photos, videos and regular posts.
Carmen takes another hit and passes it. Jimmie sits up too,
takes a hit and he starts nodding again.
JIMMIE
I see what youre saying. Its basically forces
people to share videos of what theyre doing.
Carmen starts to get excited now that Jimmies agreeing with
him. Jimmie holds up the roach for Carmen, he shakes his
head and Jimmie takes another rip.
CARMEN
Exactly, and its like Twitter because instead
of having friends you just follow who you want.
You could follow Drake who could be taking
a video of him in the studio recording with Wayne.
Jimmie take one last rip and puts the roach out on the
ground. He sets it on the table without showing any
indication that hes still following along.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Or I could follow Larry Fitzgerald and he can
share a video of him in the locker room before a
game.
Jimmies head tilts slightly up and to the right and his
eyebrows rise.
JIMMIE
Okay, okay thats cool. I like it.
Carmen sits up and his expression is satisfied.
CARMEN
Word, now we just need a programmer and
well be billionaires.
Jimmie smiles dreamily.
JIMMIE
Wouldnt that be nice?
FADE OUT:
INT. JUST PIZZA DAY

A slightly tall girl with natural blonde hair, hazel eyes
and a thick hour-glass figure is standing behind the counter
wearing black leggings and a Just Pizza shirt thats tight
enough to show her curves.
She cashes someone out and looks up to see Carmen walking
towards the side door dressed in coal-gray jeans and a
stylish green v neck t-shirt with black, white and green
high top sneakers.
Her eyes meet his as he opens the door, his expression both
radiant and cheeky. He holds her gaze and smiles brightly.
CARMEN
You must be Julie Starr.
Julie returns his telling smile with one of her own.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Im Carmen, its nice to meet you.
JULIE
Its nice to meet you too.
Carmen turns his back on her and steps around the corner
before returning immediately with a time card. He grabs a
pen off the counter and writes down 4:00.
CARMEN
So you used to work at the other one on the
Boulevard
Julie leers at him as he returns his time card.
JULIE
Yeah, I didnt get along with the people
there. My hair dresser is your dads
girlfriends sister, she helped me get the job.
Carmens expression is deadpan, he pulls out headphones and
starts to untangle them.
CARMEN
My dads girlfriend is an evil cunt.
He calls his smile back to his face as she lets out a
chuckle.
CARMEN (CONTD)
But Im glad she could be good for something.
He gives her a significant look making her blush and look
away.
JULIE
I love that word! Im sorry shes a cunt
and Im happy to be here too.
Carmen plugs in his headphones, slides his phone underneath
his shirt and picks a playlist.
CARMEN
Youll like it here.
He turns and leaves her at the counter to make his way to
the kitchen and peaks over his shoulder to smirk back at
her.
FADE OUT:
INT. JULIES APARTMENT NIGHT

The small apartment is packed full of guys dressed in shirts
and ties hovering over the young ladies dressed in dresses
or skirts and blouses.
Lil Wayne is playing loudly through the speakers and theres
a table in one corner where people are playing beer pong.
The couches are full and we pan around to see the small
kitchen is stuffed with people taking shots.
EXT. MILITARY ROAD NIGHT

A red Pontiac Grand Prix cruises down the road. We pan
around to see inside the car. Carmens driving with
Christian in the passenger seat as they smoke and listen to
Kush and OJ.
Carmens wearing black jeans with a white button up shirt, a
black tie, and a slick black jacket with his hood up.
Christian is wearing black dress pants with a black button
up shirt and a white tie.
CHRISTIAN
What did they call the party?
Carmen smiles.
CARMEN
CEOs and corporate hoes.
Christian bursts out laughing and Carmen joins him.
CHRISTIAN
Corporate hoes. I like the sound of that.
CARMEN
Is tommy coming?
CHRISTIAN
Yeah, he said he was.
CARMEN
Word, hopefully youll have to get a ride
back with him.
Carmen looks over at Christian slyly and Christian takes his
meaning.
CHRISTIAN
Hopefully well leave together in the morning.
INT. JULIES APARTMENT
Julie makes her way down the stairs wearing a short and
tight black skirt revealing her long, tan, bare legs, and a
white blouse open in the middle that reveals the enticing
curves of her breasts.
Shes smiling happily and drinking a fruity looking
concoction from a tall glass when her phone rings. She
pulls it out of her bra and her face lights up.
JULIE
Hello Good! Come in!
She makes her way down the rest of the stares and opens the
door to reveal Carmen and Christian making their way towards
her.
Carmens carrying a bottle, and Christian a 30 pack of
keystone. Carmen reaches her and hugs her tight before
backing up and gesturing the bottle in her direction.
CARMEN
For you, my lady. A bottle of Bacardi
Dragonberry.
Julies face lights up again and shes blown away.
JULIE
You didnt have to-
CARMEN
I know, but I wanted to.
Her eyes moved from his to the bottle, back to his and then
to Christians.
JULIE
Hey Christian, thanks for coming.
Christian watches as three girls walk past the doorway
behind Julie in skimpy outfits.
CHRISTIAN
No. Thank you!
They all laugh and with that Julie grabs Carmens forearm
and pulls him to come inside.
JULIE
Come on, lets take a shot.
They make their way through the crowded living room and into
the even more heavily packed kitchen.
JULIE
(to a girl sitting on the counter)
Nat, look what Carmen brought us!
She holds up the bottle for inspection. Natalies eyes
light up.
NATALIE
That stuffs so good! Shots, shots, shots!
Julie takes four plastic shot glasses and pours. Carmen
passes one to Natalie, then Christian before taking one for
himself.
CHRISTIAN
CHEERS!
They echo his call and they drink. Carmen digs into his
pocket and pulls out a cigar tube and a knowing smirk.
CARMEN
Smoke with me?
Julie pretends as if shes considering it.
JULIE
Hmm I dont know-
Carmen grabs her hand and leads her through the sea of drunk
people to the back door with Christian following close
behind.
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Party music plays softly as it comes from inside while
Carmen opening the tube and letting the already rolled blunt
slide out before lighting it.
Carmen and Julie standing close, smiling and playfully
hitting each other while they smoke.
Music plays loudly as they play beer pong together. His
hand resting on her side as he half hugs her after she makes
a shot. Him hitting the last cup and them hugging, her
hands around his neck and his on her lower back holding her
tightly against him.
Them sitting as close as possible on the couch, drinking
hard.
Them in the kitchen taking more shots.
INT. JULIES BEDROOM

The music has stopped and its completely silent. The door
opens and Julie steps in with Carmen behind her.
He closes the door behind him as she walks over to her
dresser and starts to pick up the beer cans and cups from
the party. Carmen follows her, grabs her by the waste and
turns her around.
He takes her hands in his and urges her to let go of the
garbage in her hand. She complies.
Smiling as he stares into her eyes, he lets go of her hands
and places his hands back on her waist pushing her into the
dresser firmly before kissing her.
EXT. CARMEN & JIMMIES APARTEMENT DAY

Carmen grabs a big box from his back seat, walks up the
driveway and opens the front door.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I was supposed to start at Geneseo that spring,
but my best friend who went there left.
So Jimmie and I got an apartment together.
He enters the hallway and opens the door to his left.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I was living the dream. I had
my own place, money in my pocket, I wasnt
going to school and I had a girl.
He walks upstairs to a tiny hallway with three doorways.
The one to his right reveals a bathroom and he goes into the
one on the left, the master bedroom. He sets down the box
next to the others and falls onto the bed.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Sure she had a boyfriend, but I could care less.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
As youve probably guessed, the dream
didnt last.
INT. JUST PIZZA NIGHT

Carmen runs around making, baking and cutting pizzas. He
looks up to see the clock on the wall which tells us its
7:47.
TITLE OVER:
DECEMBER 24th, 2010
THE STRUGGLE
CARMEN
Alright guys, no more orders.
INT. CARMENS GRANDMAS HOUSE NIGHT
The small house is packed. Carmens sister, aunts and
grandmother sit around the dining room table talking. His
father, uncles and cousins fill the couch in the connected
family room.
We hear the front door open and a pair of footsteps coming
quickly down the stairs. Anthony and Carmen enter the
dining room with boxes of pizza and wings.
They greet their family, grab a plate of appetizers and find
a place to sit while the others dig into the food they
brought.
CARMENS DAD
Was it busy?
CARMEN
Yeah, we did $2,500.
CARMENS DAD
Good.
Carmen pushes his barely touched plate of food aside and
slouches in his seat exhausted.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Working for my dad was like being fatherless.
We pan around to see the clock telling us its 9:52.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It seemed like the only times he talked
to my brother and I were in regards to
the pizzeria that he was never at.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
And every lesson that he gave us was
given in a fit of rage. Needless to say
it was driving us apart.
EXT. UB NORTH CAMPUS DAY
A SERIES OF SHOTS
A bus full of kids unloads in an explosion of diversity.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I started at UB that fall so my dad
and grandma wouldnt kill me.
A lake with a bunch of kids sitting by it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I decided to majoy in Aerospace Engineering.
Carmen gets out of an old tan pick-up truck wearing dark
blue jeans and a white v neck t-shirt. He grabs his back
pack and walks through the parking lot towards the
buildings.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Id gotten in an accident that winter
and I had to sell my car to pay for the repairs,
so my dad gave me this piece of shit.
Carmen walks into a class room and spies an open desk next
to a cute girl and takes it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I didnt learn much that year as my
attention was elsewhere. But can you
blame me? I was finally at a new school
with thousands of girls that had no idea
that the stylish, cocky kid before them was
a loser in high school.
INT. CARMEN & ANTHONYS APARATMENT FAMILY ROOM DAY

The room is filthy. One couch is torn apart, theres bits
of garbage scattered across a table and the floor.
TITLE OVER:
JANUARY 8th, 2012
Anthony is sitting on a couch watching TV with his jaw
clenched tight, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pressed
together.
The door opens and Carmen enters. A pit-bull and huskie mix
comes raising down the stairs to greet him, jumping up and
pushing him back into the door.
CARMEN
Calm down monster.
Carmen calms the wild dog down by bending over, petting him
and speaking to him in a calm tone.
CARMEN
Thats it, good boy.
He stands up and walks over to the couch to take a seat by
his brother whos still grimacing at the TV.
Carmen notices Anthonys expression. His eyebrows raise, he
frowns and his eyes fill up with concern.
CARMEN
He told you to come in didnt he?
Anthony sits still as stone.
ANTHONY
Yeah.
Carmen lets out a heavy sigh as he looks down and away.
CARMEN
Fuck Im sorry.
Suddenly fury flashes across Anthonys face.
ANTHONY
Hes such a fucking asshole! Rabbit quits
on Friday and he doesnt do anything.
I cook on Saturday by myself and then he
tells me to come in 3 hours early on Sunday
when I already work 40 hours and go to school.
Now Carmens eyebrows furrow and his lips tighten. He
shakes his head in frustration.
CARMEN
Hes ridiculous, he shouldve hired
another cook as soon as Rabbit quit!
Silence. Neither of them move for a long moment.
CARMEN
I see you told him you werent coming in.
ANTHONY
Yeah. He said be there at one or I take
away your phone and your car, I close the
place down and I dont talk to you anymore.
Carmens eyes grow wide in astonishment. His anger subsides
as his face grows pale in horror.
CARMEN
Are you fucking kidding me?
Anthony shakes his head.
CARMEN
How can he be such a fucking dick?!
More silence.
CARMEN
Im sorry you had to go through that.
I know you did it for the both of us.
Anthony puts his head in his hands, his elbows pressing hard
into his thighs. He brings his hands together and pinches
the bridge of his nose with his pointer fingers.
FADE OUT:
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen driving a maroon Explorer. He drops Anthony off at
NCCC, the clock in the car says 7:03. The Red Hot Chili
Peppers are playing on the radio.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have and will
always be my favorite band of all time.
Carmen pulling into UB still listening to the Chili Peppers,
the clock says 7:35.
CARMEN (V.O.)
One of my favorite lines is from the song
Californication.
Carmen pulling back into NCCC, the clock says 2:12. Anthony
gets in.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Destruction leads to a very rough road
but also breads creation.
Carmen and Anthony pulling into their driveway, the clock
says 2:34.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My dad may have been the biggest asshole
in the world, but he had his reasons.
Carmen and Anthony smoking a bowl.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Its called tough fucking love.
Carmen dropping Anthony off at work, an office complex. The
clock says 2:58.
CARMEN (V.O.)
You see he was hustler, raised on the west
side in the city of Buffalo by immigrant
parents that barely spoke any English.
Carmen pulling into work at a different Just Pizza. Its
4:03.
CARMEN (V.O.)
He flipped his first house at 16 and by 19
hed flipped an office building and had
$100,000 to his name. And this was in 1980!
Carmen picking Anthony up from work at 9:07.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Growing up in one of the safest neighborhoods
in the world, we were sheltered. Wed never
experienced real hardship.
Carmen pulling into a gas station. Anthony pulls out a ten
dollar bill and gives it to his brother.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But we would learn, my father saw to that.
Carmen at the cash register, pulling out the last three
twenties in his wallet.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The struggle was real. For the first time in my
life I was nearly starving. Six months of accumulating
debt and not having enough money to feed myself.
Carmen pulling in his driveway. Carmen opening the
refrigerator to find it near empty with nothing that could
satisfy his hunger or thirst.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It fucking sucked. But now, as I look back
on it, I can see how much stronger it made me.
FADE OUT:
INT. FINANCIAL AID OFFICE AT UB DAY

Carmen walks up to the glass door with FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
written in bold letters on it.
TITLE OVER:
SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2012
CARMEN (V.O.)
We didnt talk to my dad until he invited
us to go to Florida with him and my half-brother
for Easter.
Carmen walks up to the lady at the desk.
CARMEN
Hello, Im here to meet with Brandon.
LADY
Write your name and person number here, then
have a seat until he calls you.
She gestured to a clipboard and Carmen complied.
CARMEN (V.O.)
We went with him in hopes of bridging the
gap despite the fact that Id
miss a week of classes.
Carmen takes a seat and pulls out his phone to scroll
through twitter.
CARMEN (V.O.)
We ended up staying longer than we planned
and on top of it all I forgot my laptop in
the car right before we left.
BRANDON
Carmen?
Carmen looks up, smiles and walks over to the man who called
his name.
Hes about the same height as Carmen but is well built. He
has short blonde hair styled to the side and hes wearing
black suit pants with a royal blue button up and a black
tie.
CARMEN
Hello, howre you doing sir?
Brandon smiles warmly.
BRANDON
Good, how are you Carmen.
Carmens smile fades.
CARMEN
Not very good.
BRANDON
Come on in, lets see if I can help.
He gestures towards his office and they make their way to
it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I got a 1.22 GPA that semester. I took a class
online and couldnt find the teachers name
or any assignments and assumed that the class
didnt have enough people and it was canceled. So
I didnt do anything about it and I failed.
Carmen and Brandon take their seats, Carmen slouching with
his head low staring at the bottom of Brandons desk.
BRANDON
So, you lost some of your financial aid?
CARMEN
Yeah, are there any other loans I can take out
to pay for this semester?
Brandon turned his attention to his computer.
BRANDON
Lets take a look. You need $1,858
CARMEN (V.O.)
When I got back from Florida I had several papers
to write and a bunch of final exams to study for.
And as if that wasnt enough, I was flat broke
and behind a month on rent.
Brandon turned back to Carmen.
BRANDON
I put in a request for the Stafford Loan. You
should qualify, it would give you $1,000. Could
you come up with the $858?
Carmen doesnt look relieved.
CARMEN
Ill ask my dad if I can barrow it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I hated asking my dad for money.
Carmen stands up and shakes Brandons hand.
BRANDON
Okay, if not come back and well see if we
can find another loan.
Carmen leaves the office.
CARMEN (V.O.)
(sarcastically)
As if the fact that I spent the whole summer
paying off my $2,000 debt at $9 an hour wasnt enough.
Carmen gets into his car and sits still staring straight
ahead for a long moment.
His expression grows dark and he slams his hand into the
steering wheel and his head against the back of his seat.
CARMEN (V.O.)
That $2,000 I lost in financial aid was
a real wake-up call.
FADE OUT:
INT. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO - SMALL CLASSROOM

Carmen opens a door and slowly enters the small classroom
surveying the students.
TITLE OVER:
VICIOUS
A gorgeous Latina girl with a lovely face and voluptuous
curves catches his eye as he takes his seat.
Her skin is quite tan but not very dark, her hair long,
thick black waves. Her eyes chestnut and full of life.
Carmen pulls out a notebook and a pen and looks at her
again. Shes wearing blue jeans with rips in the thighs and
knees, a loose blouse with thick yellow and white stripes
and a necklace thats neither silver nor gold but something
plain and original.
WOMAN PROFESSOR
Hola clase, cmo estn?
FADE OUT:
INT. UB - HALLWAY DAY

Carmen walks briskly through the halls looking at the room
numbers next to the doors.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Like Jenny, my inexperience became too much
for J Starr after a few occasions.
Hes wearing dark gray jeans, a black and red button up
Jordan hoodie, black and red high tops and a black Angels
fitted hat with a red A on it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It wasnt until a year later that I found
someone new.
Hes spinning a pen around his fingers and sings to the
songs Mezmorized as it plays in his headphones and on
screen.
He turns a corner and notices a short, thick Italian girl
with tan skin, long and straight brown hair, nice curves and
a hard yet pretty face sitting outside the room he was
looking for.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I couldnt tell you how or why I was so
confident, but it worked to an extent.
As if feeling his gaze she looks up and makes eye contact,
her big emerald eyes magnified slightly by her stylish
prescription glasses.
He smirks and holds her gaze for a long moment until she
turns away, the small smile on her lips barely visible.
INT. UB STUDENT UNION DAY

Carmen walks slowly through the Student Union when he
notices the latina girl from his Spanish class sitting on a
sofa chair ahead to his left.
Carmen looks away and walks in her direction. He takes a
seat on the sofa chair next to her and pulls out his Spanish
textbook and a notebook.
He pulls out his right headphone and his eyes wonder towards
her.
CARMEN
Hey youre in my Spanish class right?
The girl looks him over briefly.
LATINA GIRL
Umm Im not sure. I have it tomorrow at 1.
Carmens face is calm and otherwise expressionless.
CARMEN
Yeah, me too. Do you know what the homework
is? I dont have my Spanish notebook on me.
LATINA GIRL
Yeah, I think so.
She reaches in her bag and pulls out an agenda and flips to
the right page.
LATINA GIRL
Its page 134 activities A and B.
CARMEN
Thanks.
He smiles and waits for her to smile back. She does, a
feint and brief indication of attraction comes to light
before she suppresses it.
Carmen turns his Spanish textbook to page 134 and then looks
back to her.
CARMEN
Whats your name?
She stops working on her assignment and meets his eyes.
LATINA GIRL
Andrea, whats yours?
CARMEN
Carmen, its nice to meet you.
ANDREA
They smile and continue to hold each others gaze.
CARMEN
I cant believe she tried talking in only
Spanish for the entire class.
ANDREA
I know! This class is gunna be a bitch, but
you seemed smart.
Carmens eyes and grin widen to their max.
CARMEN
A second ago you didnt know I was in you class,
now youre saying I seemed smart?
Carmens lips slide into a sly smirk.
Andrea blushes and she turns away for a moment as if to hide
it. When her attention returns, the feint glimmer of
attraction returns to her eyes.
ANDREA
I wasnt sure!
FADE OUT:
INT. UB SPANISH CLASS DAY

Carmens leaning back in his seat, wearing a white hoodie
with the words Kickin Incredibly Dope Shit on it in red,
green, yellow and blue. His eyes on are Andrea sitting
across from him wearing a pretty white blouse.
WOMAN PROFESSOR
La tarea es la pgina ciento cuarenta y dos,
las actividades C y D.
Students get up and start making their way for the door as
Carmen finishes writing down the homework. He takes his
time putting his books away.
Andrea looks over as she starts to pass him and he looks up
to meet her gaze.
CARMEN
Hola Andrea.
ANDREA
Hola Carmen, I like your hoodie.
A slow smile reaches his lips and eyes.
CARMEN
Thanks. I was just gunna say I like your shirt.
Andrea looks down at her shirt and back up. She smiles and
rolls her eyes.
ANDREA
(sarcastically)
Sure you were.
CARMEN
Hasta lluego chica.
FADE OUT:
INT. UB - SMALL CLASSROOM DAY
Carmen slouches into the seat next to the door wearing
skinny black jeans and a green v neck shirt with black,
white and green high top sneakers.
The teacher is a grad student, a young guy with a beard and
tattoos. Hes talking about Mesopotamia but Carmens
attention is on the short Italian girl he saw last week.
TEACHER
All right guys, Ill see you in lecture tomorrow.
Carmen digs into his pocket and pulls out his headphones as
some of his classmates begin to storm past him out the door.
He works at untangling them.
SHORT GIRL
I like your shoes.
Carmen looks up and meets her gaze to find a sly smirk on
her face, her eyes invoking lust.
A huge smile burst onto Carmens face, his eyes wild with
excitement.
CARMEN
(enthusiastically)
Thank you.
She passes him out the door and Carmen bites his lip. He
continues to sit there dumbstruck for a long moment smiling.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Heres a little piece of advice. If shes
the aggressor, proceed with caution.
INT. UB LECTURE HALL DAY

Carmen walks into the enormous lecture hall and surveys the
room until he spots the girl whod complemented him halfway
down on the right.
Carmen takes a deep breath and slowly makes his way over to
her.
CARMEN
Is this seat taken?
With a straight face he gestures to the seat next to her as
the right side of her lips curves upward slightly.
GIRL
Nope.
Carmen takes a seat and pulls out his laptop as she scrolls
through Twitter on her own laptop.
CARMEN
Im Carmen by the way.
She looks over plain faced and he smiles.
GIRL
Im Helena.
CARMEN
Its nice to meet you.
Her lips make a sly smirk.
HELENA
Carmens laptop turns on and he clicks the icon with his
name on it. His wallpaper is a picture of Wiz Khalifa
smoking a bong with a smoke ring around his eye.
HELENA
Oh my god, I love your background.
Carmens smile grows wider and his eyes light up.
CARMEN
I hope that means what I think it means.
Helenas head tilts slightly downward and to the right, her
eyes narrow and her smile becomes more natural.
HELENA
And what might that be?
Carmen continues to hold her gaze as if their eyes are
locked. He leans back in his seat and lets the anticipation
build for a moment.
CARMEN
That you smoke.
HELENA
Oh, yeah obviously.
CARMEN
Great. What are you doing later?
She bites her lip.
FADE OUT:
INT. CARMENS APARTMENT NIGHT

Carmen is sitting on the couch wearing the same blue hoodie
and grey jeans as he was in class when he talked to Helena.
Hes rolling a blunt while Jimmie and Christian watch
Vampire Diaries.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When I was six my dad cheated on my mom
and had a kid with another woman.
Carmen finishes rolling the blunt, checks his phone and
smiles before responding to a text.
CARMEN
I met this girl today, shes coming to
smoke with us.
Jimmie remains still and Christian looks over excited.
CHRISTIAN
Oh yeah, she tryna get it?
Carmen and Christian laugh.
CARMEN
Probably, I saw her last week and held
eye contact. Then yesterday she told me
she liked my shoes so I sat next to her today.
Christian smiles and nods his head.
CHRISTIAN
Yeaahhhh, she waannttss it.
Carmen smiles uncontrollably.
CARMEN
I hope so.
Carmen starts rolling another blunt.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When my mom found out, my dad moved out and
they eventually got divorced.
Carmens phone vibrates. He reads the text without setting
the blunt down and smiles.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It ruined our family and as a result I rarely
spent time with my dad through the rest of
my childhood and into my early teens.
Carmen licks the cigarillo and twists it tightly.
CARMEN (V.O.)
A young man needs his father during that age.
Words cant describe the subtle yet serious
effect that this had on me.
FADE OUT:

Carmens phone vibrates and he looks at it. He shoots up
and heads towards the door, opens it and walks out.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It wasnt a conscious effect at first but
eventually I realized that I cant even flirt
with a girl without being sincere in my attempts
to get to know her.
EXT. CARMENS APARTMENT NIGHT

Carmen walks quickly down the driveway to the white car that
just pulled over across the street. He wipes his palms on
his side and takes a deep breath before composing his face
into a smile.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Ive never gone for a one night stand,
nor could I even think about cheating on
a girl.
Helena steps out of the car wearing the same tight, dark
blue jeans and white v neck graphic shirt from earlier with
a brown leather jacket over it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When I like a girl, I try to make her want
a relationship with me even if she has a boyfriend.
She crosses the street and meets Carmen at the end of the
driveway.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Dont ask me why, its like it was encoded
in my DNA or something. I cant help it.
He gives her a warm smile.
CARMEN
Hey, Im glad you could make it.
Helena returns his smile.
HELENA
Me too.
Carmen gestures towards the house.
CARMEN
Come on. Youre not afraid of big dogs
are you?
HELENA
Nope, I love dogs.

The door opens and Carmen walks in with Helena behind him.
His dog races over and tries to push past Carmen as he
sniffs at Helena, his long tail raised and wagging wildly.
Carmen grabs him as he tries to jump up on her and her eyes
light up.
HELENA
Hes so cute! Whats his name?
Carmen continues attempting to calm his dog down.
CARMEN
(In a soft tone)
Okay, okay. Settle down.
The puppy begins to mellow out a bit and Carmen turns to
look at Helena.
CARMEN
Lucca.
HELENA
Hi Lucca!
Helena bends down and pets Luccas face until he jumps up a
lightly licks her face.
Carmen grabs Lucca by the collar and pulls him away.
CARMEN
Helena, this is Christian and Jimmie.
They say their hellos as Carmen leads her back to the couch
hed been sitting at and picks up the blunt and lighter.
Carmen lights the blunt slowly and takes two hits, letting
the silence build as Helena takes her coat off and folds it
over the couch behind her.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My mind basically forces me to be loyal
to every girl I meet.
Lucca sits on the couch next to Helena as she pets him and
tries to keep him from licking her face excessively.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Whether this is just a rational fear of hurting
them, or an irrational overcompensation for my
fathers actions is hard to say.
The TV is on the Netflix home screen as he passes the blunt
to Helena, her fingers brushing up against his as she takes
it from him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Most likely its both, but I think the latter
is pulling the weight of it.
They make eye contact and smile.
CARMEN
So who else do you listen to besides Wiz?
Helena takes her hits and passes it to Christian.
HELENA
Drake, Wayne, Kid Cudi, Wale, ASAP Rocky-
CARMEN
Everyones talking about him but I havent
listened to him yet.
Jimmie, still stone faced, plays a game on his iPad.
JIMMIE
Hes good, youd like him.
HELENA
Yeah, hes awesome. His mixtape is called
Live Love ASAP, listen to it.
Carmen pulls out his phone and after a moment he plays an
ASAP Rocky song. Helena smiles and moves slightly to the
beat.
INT. TIM HORTANS NIGHT CONTINUOUS
Carmen and Helena sit across from each other, each of them
with a donut in front of them. They both take a couple
bites.
CARMEN
So, where are you from?
HELENA
Lockport, how bout you?
Their postures are relaxed and theyre leaning forward
slightly.
CARMEN
Im from here, Amherst.
He reaches out and touches her ring finger gently as he
tilts it to look at the silver ring with a blue stone.
CARMEN
I like your ring, whered you get it?
Helenas smile is radiant, her eyes full of pleasure.
FADE OUT:
INT. CARMENS APARTMENT LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS

Carmen and Helena are sitting alone, close together on the
couch barely watching something on TV when Carmen gets up
and looks at her.
CARMEN
Be right back.
He runs upstairs and returns a moment later with a blanket.
He sits back down next to Helena, even closer than before,
and spreads the blanket over them both before looking back
at her and smiling. She returns his smile and he puts his
arm around her, resting his hand on her shoulder.
HELENA
Youre cute.
Carmen is thrilled by her praise.
CARMEN
So are you.
They turn their eyes back to the TV still smiling.
EXT. CARMENS APARTMENT

Carmen holds the door open for Helena and closes it behind
her as she walks down the steps.
He catches up to her and grabs her hand, interlocking their
fingers. She looks at him grinning happily as they walk
down driveway.
CARMEN
Thanks for coming over.
HELENA
Thanks for having me.
CARMEN
Well have to do it again soon.
She looks away.
HELENA
Hmm possibly.
She looks back with a teasing smirk and he lets go of her
hand and hits her playfully on the arm. They reach her car.
She turns to face him and makes eye contact, moving slowly
from his right eye to the left and down to his lips briefly
before repeating the cycle.
Carmen takes a half step towards her so their faces are less
than a foot apart. He reaches up and takes her chin gently
in his hand, tilting it upward.
Slowly he moves closer. She closes her eyes and her lips
prepare for a kiss.
Carmen pauses an inch away from her, closes his eyes and
smiles before kissing her delicately. Once, twice, thrice.
A pause. And a fourth time.
He backs up but just enough to look into her eyes, burning
with passion.
CARMEN
Goodnight Helena.
She stares at him awestruck for a moment.
HELENA
Goodnight.
She smiles for a long moment and turns to get into her car.
Carmen turns and heads back to his apartment, his shoulders
and head held high with the biggest grin on his face.
CARMEN (V.O.)
There are a couple of issues with this approach.
One, girls are vicious. And two, it hasnt worked yet.
He walks slowly and smoothly shaking his head back and forth
slightly in disbelief.
FADE OUT:

Carmen and Anthony are sitting in the living room watching
TV when Carmens phone vibrates. He picks it up and makes a
quick response before getting up and heading out the door.
After a short moment, Carmen returns with Helena behind him.
Lucca races over to her and Carmen keeps him from jumping on
her.
CARMEN
Helena, this is my brother Anthony.
HELENA
Hello.
ANTHONY
Hey.
They find seats on the couch and Carmen picks up a bong,
pulls a bag out of his pocket and starts packing it.
CARMEN
Were studying for our World Civ test but
were gunna smoke first if you want to join us.
ANTHONY
Sure.
Anthony passes Carmen a bag and he uses it to finish packing
the bong. He takes a rip and passes it to Helena who does
the same before passing it to Anthony.
After Anthony takes his hit he grabs his phone and wallet
and stands.
ANTHONY
Alright, Ima head up. Come on baba ghanoush.
Anthony grabs Lucca by the collar and they make their way
upstairs.
Carmen turns to Helena with a smirk on his face.
CARMEN
So, you said you had three tattoos?
Helena sits up straight excitedly and smiles.
HELENA
Yeah, the one on my thigh is my favorite.
Without saying another world she stands up, turns so her
side is facing Carmen, unbuttons her jeans and pulls them
down to her knees.
On her thigh is a black and gray feather with pieces
breaking off into birds.
Carmens hand slowly moves towards it and he gently runs his
fingers over it.
CARMEN
(Enthusiastically)
Wow! Its beautiful.
HELENA
Thanks! I like yours too.
Helena pulls her pants back up and sits back on the couch
next to Carmen, both of them grinning.
Sitting to his left, she grabs his left arm and moves it
behind her.
Delicately, she rubs the tattoo of his grandfathers name
written largely on the inside of his small bicep.
Carmens eyes follow her hands. She stops and he looks up
into her eyes. Silence.
They sit still for a moment until Carmen leans forward
slowly, stopping just before his lips reach hers.
Their eyes close and start making out.
After twenty seconds she pushes him back so that hes lying
on the couch and climbs on top of him.
She bends down to kiss him and stops just before reaching
his lips. He tries to lift his head to kiss her but she
retreats just out of reach with a wicked smirk.
He lays his head back down and she slowly brings her lips to
his and kisses him lightly before pulling away again.
After another minute of this Carmen forces himself up and
pushes her onto her back. He takes control and toys with
her just as she did with him.
A minute later, she spins out from under him and takes
control once again. This time her hand makes her way to his
throat and she chokes him seductively, controlling the
duration and pressure of their kisses.
He seems to really enjoy it and after another long series of
kisses he manages to get back on top of her as they switch
roles again.
After another minute Carmen pulls back, his head six inches
above hers. He grabs her hand and pulls as he sits back up.
CARMEN
Come on.
Carmen stands up, pulls her to her feet and starts walking
towards the stairs.
HELENA
Wait! We have to study.
Carmen doesnt listen, he lets go of her hand and starts
towards the stairs.
Helena grabs her bag, and looks at Carmen standing at the
bottom of the stairs staring at her with a sly smirk on his
face. She returns his sly smile and follows him up the
stairs.
INT. CARMENS APARTMENT

Carmens lying on the bed with Helena sitting on top of him
holding a packet, both of them down to their underwear.
Carmens laptop is next to him on the bed currently playing
the last verse of Lotus Flower Bomb by Wale. He looks
through his iTunes library for a song while Helena skims
through the study guide in her hand.
HELENA
What was Louis XVIs response to the American
Revolution?
Carmen plays Like a Movie by Wiz Khalifa and looks up at her
nervously.
CARMEN
Fuck.
Helena looks down on him and laughs, her eyes full of
amusement as she knows hes about to lose his boxers.
HELENA
Did he; A: remain neutral, B: support them
covertly to weaken Britain, or C: oppose them
because he saw them as a threat to his Empire?
Carmen rolls his eyes, shakes his head and smiles.
CARMEN
Supported them?
Helena bites her lips and smacks his bare stomach.
HELENA
You just guessed!
Carmen laughs. He stops and his lips press close together
as he lets out an exhale of relief.
CARMEN
Pleeaassee, I knew that one.
He smirks as he makes a swiping motion with his hand. His
eyes look down to her large, luscious breasts nearly bulging
out of her bra and pauses there for a moment before making
their way back up to her eyes.
CARMEN
My turn.
Carmen grabs the packet lying to his left and flips through
it, scanning the pages quickly.
CARMEN
Which nation wasnt involved in the Scramble
for Africa:
He pauses and looks up to gauge her reaction. She seems
slightly nervous.
CARMEN
Spain, Belgium or the Netherlands?
He glances up at her. She looks down and to her right where
her packet lies.
CARMEN
Dont even think about it.
Her eyes shoot back to his and she smiles. She closes her
eyes and shakes her head.
HELENA
Belgium?
Carmens eyes are full of lust and he bites his lip. He
shakes his head.
CARMEN
Nope, Netherlands.
HELENA
Damnit!
She smacks his chest again playfully, this time harder than
the last. She tilts her head to the left and purses her
lips. Carmen puckers his own mockingly as she reaches
behind her back and slowly unhooks her bra.
She teases him by taking her time to let it fall from her
shoulders.
Carmen tries to reach up to hurry it off of her but she
smacks his hand away and bites her lip again.
Finally the bra drops to reveal her breasts and Carmen tries
to sit up, grab them and press his face to them all at once
but Helena places a hand on his throat and pushes him firmly
back down.
She inches back, leans over and lets them brush past his
crotch and stomach as she kisses his chest twice before
reaching his mouth, stopping with her lips just above his
own.
His hands have made their way from her thighs to her side
and back as she leans over him, slowly making their way to
her breasts.
She tightens her grip on his throat cutting off his air and
they share a smile before she brings her lips back to his.
She only lets them linger for a second before sitting back
up and reaching for her packet.
HELENA
My turn.
She skims through the packet as Carmen slowly plays with her
breasts, running his fingers over them delicately at first
then grabbing them firmly.
She flips a page, scans it and then turns another page.
Carmen starts to lick and then suck on her nipples. Her
face is a canvass of pleasure.
HELENA
Rene Descartes work is considered influential on
science because of its-
Carmen bites her nipple just hard enough to get a reaction.
She grabs his throat and slams his head down to the bed
again with a wild grin on her face.
HELENA
Mechanistic worldview emphasizing the separation
of the physical realm from human perception,
She glances down to gage his reaction but he doesnt seem to
be paying any attention to her words. His fingers running
lightly from her thighs to her side.
HELENA
Rejection of the heliocentric view of the universe
championed by Galileo, or attempt to synthesize
Aristotelian thought with traditional-
Carmen grabs her wrist and pulls it from his throat. He
pulls her down, grabs her waist and spins on top of her.
He grabs her arms and pins them above her head. He lowers
his head to her ear.
CARMEN
(whispering)
I have no fucking clue.
He raised his head inches above her own and gazes into her
eyes, grinning all the while. At a snails pace he closes
his eyes and leans in for a kiss.
He teases her for a moment before pecking her lightly on the
lips and leaning back again to gaze into her eyes for a
second.
He inches downward kissing and biting her neck before making
his way to her chest and breasts.
Inch by inch, he slowly makes his way downward letting go of
her wrists when reaching her stomach.
Her eyes are closed but her smile is full of delight. He
pauses when he reaches her waist before licking just
underneath the line of her panties.
He pauses again, looks up at her and waits for her eyes to
open. His face flushed, he smirks when she looks down to
meet his gaze.
Carmens eyes move down and back up. His lips pucker and he
returns to kissing her stomach, his fingers caressing her
thighs, then her side.
He reaches underneath her and rubs her back where it meets
her side as she shifts her weight to allow his hand to reach
more of her back.
This time when he reaches her panties he moves to her thigh,
kissing and biting it gently as he inches upward.
Finally he kisses her firmly over her panties as she squirms
in delight. He pauses and looks up again.
When she looks down grinning dreamily at him he slowly
starts to pull her panties off, holding her gaze the whole
time.
Silence. Tension. From over her shoulder we see Carmen
bring his right hand up and we see him press his thumb to
her, moving it in a circular motion as he buries his face
between her thighs.
She gasps in pleasure as he explores her for a minute. Her
breathing becomes more rapid and louder until he pauses and
looks up with a smirk waiting for her eyes to open.
Just as she does he repeats the process.
A minute later he slowly makes his way back upwards, kissing
her inch by inch as he does.
His lips reach hers and he kisses her firmly before backing
up and inch and pausing, eyes still closed.
CARMEN
(whispering)
Your turn.
They smile and kiss again. Carmen rises so that his face is
a few inches above hers and opens his eyes, full of lust.
Her eyes open, overflowing with passion.
HELENA
Okay, but only for a little bit. Then I
have to go.
Carmen lets out a chuckle.
CARMEN
Yeah right.
Helena shoves him off of her and quickly climbs on top of
him. She smiles and looks into his eyes before kissing him.
Her lips move from his mouth to his neck and chest.
She kisses him all over, her hands caressing his arms and
chest as she presses her lips to his stomach.
She pauses and looks up as she reaches his boxers. She
kisses his manhood over his boxers and it presses upwards in
response.
Slowly she returns to kissing his stomach as she pulls his
boxers down. Her head inches downward and after a moment
she stops abruptly and sits up.
Her smile has faded and her eyes bounce back and forth
between confusion and anger.
HELENA
Youre not even hard!
Carmens already flushed face gets red as a tomato and his
eyes swell up with fear. His hand reaches towards his
crotch and his arm moves up and down.
CARMEN
No! I am, it just needs-
Helena stands up and turns her back to him. She finds her
panties on the ground, picks them up and puts them on. She
continues to stand there not facing him.
Carmen gets up and stands behind her wrapping his arms
around her and pressing tight up against her.
She pushes away from him and searches the bed for her bra.
She finds it and starts to put it on.
HELENA
Are you gay?!
Carmen pulls his boxers up and his head drops.
CARMEN
No!
HELENA
Then why arent you hard? Are you not
attracted to me?
Their backs still to each other, Carmen turns around to face
her.
CARMEN
No, I am! Its just-
He cant seem to find the words. Helena finds her pants and
puts them on. She finishes getting dressed and grabs her
packet and her backpack in silence, still refusing to look
at him.
HELENA
I have to go.
Carmen looks like hes on the verge of tears.
CARMEN
Helena-
HELENA
What?!
She turns to face him and sees how embarrassed he is.
CARMEN
Let me walk you out.
Carmen slides into a pair of pants and a hoodie. They leave
the room in silence, down the stairs and out the door into
the night.
EXT. CARMENS APARTMENT CONTINUOUS

They reach her car and she opens the door. Carmen grabs her
arm and she turns to face him.
CARMEN
Helena, Im sorry.
HELENA
Its fine.
CARMEN
Just listen to me for a second. I havent been with
many girls and its been a while, Im sorry if you
were offended.
Helenas expression softens and she shows sympathy.
HELENA
Its alright. Ill see you tomorrow.
She turns and gets into her car.
CARMEN
Goodnight.
Helena looks up at him.
HELENA
Goodnight.
She closes her door and starts her car. Carmen turns and
slowly walks back to his apartment, staring down at his
feet.
CARMEN (V.O.)
For some reason, theres the impression that
guys are the aggressors and shallow ones,
Carmen stops before his porch and turns around to see Helena
finishing her three point turn and driving away.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But in my personal experiences, thats
a bunch fucking horseshit.
Carmen turns back and heads inside, the door closes behind
him. The Camera pans up towards the night sky. The stars
slowly fade away to darkness.
CARMEN (V.O.)
(quietly)
If anything its been the exact opposite.
EXT. INTERSTATE 219S DAY

A dark blue jeep cruises in the right lane. We pan down to
see Jarrod driving and Carmen in the passenger seat. EDM
plays through the speakers.
Jarrod moves to the music, making a gesture at the drop.
Carmen sparks a blunt and they start smoking. The song ends
and fades away.
CARMEN
So Helena.
JARROD
Oh yeah, howd that go?
Carmen takes a long sip from a 16oz Blue light.
CARMEN
She came over the other night to study
and we hooked up.
Hearing the pain in his voice, Jarrod glances over to see
embarrassment clear as day on Carmens face before looking
back at the road.
Silence. Jarrod takes a long drink from the same beer and
finishes it.
He hands it to Carmen who puts it in a bag by his feet next
to two others before grabbing a new one out of the backpack
lying next to it. He cracks it and drinks.
JARROD
Im guessing it didnt go well.
Carmen looks down and to the right. He pinches the bridge
of his nose.
CARMEN
It was going great.
Silence.
JARROD
What happened?
Carmen lifts his head, looks straight forward and stiffens.
He takes a moment to choose his words.
CARMEN
I went down on her and when she went to
return the favor, I wasnt very hard.
He stops and his cheeks start to get red. Jarrod takes a
few big gulps of beer.
CARMEN
Im guessing it was because its been so
long and I wasnt thinking about it.
JARROD
Yeah dude, definitely.
Carmen seems slightly reassured as his demeanor crawls from
embarrassment to regret.
CARMEN
Anyway she didnt take it well.
Jarrod glances over frowning sympathetically.
JARROD
Im sorry man.
Carmen starts to drink heavily and finishes the beer.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It didnt take long for Helena to get back
with her ex whom shed been seeing while
allowing me to think I still had a chance.
Carmen puts the empty away and grabs another.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I ended up saying some mean things that I
wish I could take back and she called me
arrogant and said I was pushy when it
came to sex.
Jarrod glances back over to see Carmen hurting.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
I wanted to learn from my mistakes but her
words took hold of me with an unbreakable force.
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen and Andrea in line at a movie theater conversing
happily.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I ended up being too cautious with Andrea.
Carmen and Andrea sitting on a blanket looking at the stars.
Carmen looks into her eyes, her gaze meets his and they
smile.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I didnt make a move for a while and even
though we were friends for a year we only
hooked up a few times, and nothing past 2nd base.
Them watching a movie together in her apartment in the dark.
She lies next to him as the movie ends.
CARMEN (V.O.)
She too had a boyfriend and said that
what we were doing wasnt cheating because
we werent having sex.
Her on top of him as they make out on the couch.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The truth is, I lacked the confidence necessary
to move things along appropriately thus ruining
my chances of anything real.
Her stopping his hand as it slides slowly up the inside of
her thigh.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Maya Angelou said that courage is the most
important of all virtues,
Carmen walks through UB noticing all of the couples, his
eyes sad and his mouth a straight line.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Because without courage you cant practice
any other virtue consistently.
Carmen enters a large lecture hall and sits by himself
watching beautiful girls chat with the guys sitting next to
them.
CARMEN (V.O.)
You can practice any virtue erratically,
but nothing consistently without courage.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
It took me a long while to learn that lesson,
but now that I have I refuse to forget it.
INT. UB ACEDEMIC ADVISEMENT OFFICE DAY

Carmen enters the small room wearing gray jeans, a white
hoodie with the hood up and a black leather jacket.
TITLE OVER:
NOVEMBER 18th, 2012
BUTTERFLIES
He lowers his hood, walks quickly to the window and smiles
at the cute Asian girl sitting at a desk at the other side.
ASIAN GIRL
Hi, how can I help you?
CARMEN
I have an appointment to meet with an advisor.
She gestures to Carmens left.
ASIAN GIRL
Sign in at the computer over there and have
a seat.
Carmen doesnt look for the computer. Instead he holds eye
contact, his expression sincere.
CARMEN
Thank you, have a nice day.
She smiles back.
ASIAN GIRL
You too.
Carmen makes his way to the computer and starts signing in.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Its strange how much of an impact certain
moments have on our lives. Im not talking about when
something crazy happens like a brush with death
or anything like that.
Carmen finishes at the computer, slouches into a chair and
pulls out his phone.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Those are obvious and understandable. Im
talking about simple, casual moments where
you dont even realize their significance
until years have passed and you find yourself
reminiscing.
A young woman, no more than 30, with blonde hair, a thin,
plain face and kind eyes enters the room.
BLONDE WOMAN
Carmen?
Carmen looks up and pulls out his headphones. He smiles as
he stands and makes his way towards her.
CARMEN
Hi.
She gives him a warm smile.
WOMAN
Hey, Im Emily. My office is around the corner.
They walk out into the hallway, past a door and into a tight
hallway on their left and into the second small office on
the left.
They sit across from each other at her desk, his back
straight with his hands resting, right over left, in his lap
making eye contact.
EMILY
So, how can I help you?
CARMEN
Im not sure, I need to choose a new major.
EMILY
Okay, did you have anything in particular
in mind?
Carmen shakes his head, his face melancholy.
CARMEN
Not really. I did engineering my freshman
year and Im taking a pharmacy class now,
but theyre not for me.
She turns, searches in a drawer and pulls out a small
packet.
EMILY
This is our list of programs. Take a look
and tell me what stands out.
Carmen looks the list over slowly, his lips mouthing the
words as he reads. After making it through he returns his
attention to Emily with a curious look.
CARMEN
Media Study sounds interesting, what exactly
does that consist of?
She turns to her computer, starts click and typing.
EMILY
Students in this department learn to make
everything from films-
Carmens face lights up, his eyes widen and he leans
forward.
EMILY
Videos and documentaries to-
CARMEN
Thats it!
Emily looks away from her computer and smiles at Carmen.
INT. CARMENS ROOM NIGHT
Carmen and Jarrod are smoking and listening to music.
Carmens dressed in tight white jeans, a blue v neck sweater
and high black socks.
CARMEN
Dude, this class is awesome!
JARROD
Which one? The film interpretation one?
Carmen shakes his head up and down excitedly, grinning like
a fool.
CARMEN
Yeah, were watching Cool Hand Luke,
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Pulp Fiction,
Shawshank Redemption, Good Fellas and I dont
even remember what else!
Jarrod nods in recognition.
JARROD
Thats dope. So youre going to major in this?
CARMEN
Well, this kid in my class was saying how
the community college he went to in Syracuse
had a better program.
Jarrods head pushes back a couple of inches in surprise.
JARROD
Really? So what are you gonna do?
CARMEN
I was thinking that I could major in English
and try to go to film school in Cali after.
Carmens face his full of joy and excitement. Jarrod
assesses Carmens plan and nods approvingly.
JARROD
Woorrd! Thatd be unbelievable.
CARMEN
I know! I figure the most important part of
films are the story, so if I major in English
I can go to UCLA for screenwriting!
JARROD
True. Arent you a little nervous though?
You didnt do very well in English in high school?
Carmen laughs and Jarrod smiles.
CARMEN
Yeah, but I realize now that it all comes down
to how badly you want to do well. The more
you want it, the harder you work, the better
your grade.
Jarrods face is stern and skeptical.
JARROD
I guess.
CARMEN
Well thats how it works for me and I couldnt
want it more.
INT. CARMENS ROOM DAY

Carmen lies in his bead reading. He closes the book, pulls
out his phone and after a moment puts it to his ear.
CARMEN
Hiii my nonna
CARMEN (V.O.)
Talking to my grandmother on the phone is the best.
CARMEN
Watcha doin Oh good, Im gunna come over for lunch.
Carmen starts smiling and rolling his eyes.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When trying to say good bye its like itll be the
last time we talk even though Im on my way to see her.
CARMEN
Yup, Im leaving now Alright, love ya-
Carmen gets up and starts putting his shoes on.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I usually have to say bye and tell her I love her
four or five times, and she always has something to add;
Carmen starts playing on his computer.
CARMEN
Mhm, I know. I got my grades back, all As!
CARMEN (V.O.)
A saying her father would tell her: you catch more
flies with honey than vinegar, or that there isnt
anything in this world that I cant do if I want
it bad enough,
Carmen smiles wide and he wipes his eyes as tears start to
form in the corners.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Or how proud she is of me and that Im making
her cry because shes so happy.
CARMEN
Thanks nonna, Im coming now though. Ill
be there in fifteen minutes Okay, bye nonna.
I love you.
Carmen walks out of his room, through the hall and down the
stairs still on the phone. He goes outside and gets into
his car.
CARMEN (V.O.)
She truly is an amazing women. If all parents
and grandparents had that mentality and those
characteristics, the world would be a much
better place.
Carmen finally puts the phone down and backs out of the
driveway.
FADE OUT:
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen reading A Dance With Dragons in his room, his lips
closed.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Ever since then, Ive looked at the world
in a completely different light.
Carmen in a theater room at UB watching Pulp Fiction.
CARMEN (V.O.)
If I wanted to be a writer, Id have to
Start thinking like one.
Carmen in a small classroom sitting up straight with a pen
in his hand. His shoulders back and his head nodding
attentively, To the Lighthouse and an open note book full of
notes on his desk.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I saw this poster once when I was working
and it really affected me.
A large poster on the wall of gym in an elementary school
that says Watch your thoughts they become your words, watch
your words they become your actions, watch your actions they
become your habits, watch your habits they become your
character.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Since that day I constantly question my
every thought, word, action, and habit.
I question every aspect of my character.
Carmen walking at a snails pace through the halls smiling
as his head moves to the music in his headphones. His eyes
straight ahead, he notices a breathtaking young woman
approaching.
As she comes within few paces his bright blue eyes, full of
kindness and warmth, slowly and smoothly move to meet hers,
his smile growing friendly and sincere.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Im talking about from the way I walked,
to the way I looked at girls, to my
thoughts about my dream and how
I go about chasing it.
Carmen in the library writing a paper.
CARMEN (V.O.)
No longer was I a lost and lonely boy, I
had somehow grown into a bright and brave
young man full of passion, ambition and purpose.
FADE OUT:
EXT. INTERSTATE 90W DAY

A dark red Mustang races through traffic. We pan down to
see Carmen driving, the clock says 7:52. He sees a sign
that marks the exit to the 33W and looks in his right mirror
and blind spot.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The next week I was rushing to court. I got
four tickets in the fall and never took care of them.
We pan up to see the Mustang force its way quickly from the
left lane, to the middle, and into the right lane. The
traffic up ahead slows suddenly and everybody breaks.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My license got suspended and I had to pay
$70 per ticket to get it back. On top
of that, they cost me another 350!
We pan down to see Carmen looking back up at the road and
slamming on his breaks as he smashes the left side of his
front bumper into the rear bumper of the car in front of
him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
And as if that wasnt enough, I had to
get in an accident.
We pan up to see the Mustang swerving as cars race past
missing him by mere inches.
CARMEN (V.O.)
While it could have been worse, I ended
up having to pay $1,800 to get it fixed.
After bringing his car to a hault, Carmen moves onto the
shoulder and gets out to look at the damage. A hole the
size of a basketball lies wear his headlight and bumper
should be.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Normally, insurance wouldve covered it. But
I was lucky enough to not get that opportunity.
Ill spare the details because the fact remained
that I was $2,000 in debt. Again.
FADE OUT:
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen working in a pizzeria.
CARMEN (V.O.)
That semester I got all As except for
in an art class that I took in hopes of
getting into tattooing.
Carmen painting the outside of a house, his face and shirt
drenched in sweat as the sun beats down on him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I worked three jobs that summer, taking as
many shifts as I could from each.
Carmen and Jarrod rolling an enormous inflatable with a
massive inflatable slide and bounce house in the background.
The short sleeves of his work short are rolled up revealing
the inside of his arms covered in tattoos; his grandfathers
name with RIP and a swallow on the inside of his left bicep,
his grandmothers name, Rosalia, and a red rose on the
inside of his right bicep
CARMEN (V.O.)
I probably averaged 60 hours a week and there
were times when I worked 40 hours in a weekend.
Carmen pulling up at a repair shop in his Mustang which has
been fixed. He walks inside and up to the guy at the desk.
He counts out hundred dollar bills.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Not only did I pay off my debt but I managed
to pay off a couple other tickets and save over
a grand. All while making at most $10 an hour!
Carmen walking into his room in the dark and falling onto
the bed.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
I feel like I matured more that summer than
in the rest of my life combined. Every day I
told myself that I was getting the work ethic
I needed to make my dreams come true.
EXT. SUBURBS NIGHT

Carmen walks down a street with a girl under his arm. Shes
average height and build, her skin light but not quite pale
and her hair is long, dark brown and wavy.
Shes crying and Carmen looks on the verge of tears.
CARMEN
(whispering)
Its gunna be alright.
She stops crying and looks up forcing herself to smile
briefly.
Carmen stops walking.
CARMEN
(whispering)
Come here.
Carmen gestures and she leans into him. He hugs her tight
as she wraps her arms around him.
After a long moment he leans his head back and stares into
her eyes momentarily before kissing her on the forehead and
hugging her again.
CARMEN
(whispering)
Im here.
FADE OUT:
INT. MOTEL ROOM NIGHT

Carmens eyes open and he sits up in the dark room. He rubs
his eyes and squints.
CARMEN (V.O.)
A dream. It was just a dream.
Carmens face grows sad.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Then, why did it feel so real?
Carmen lies back down and stares at the ceiling.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Never in my life have I had a dream that
felt a tenth as real or significant. While
I only remember bits and pieces of it, the tone
of it and my mood both during and after remain
vivid in my mind.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
For some reason I felt like I realized everything
that I was doing wrong when it came to girls and
for the first time, I thought that I knew what
I should be doing. No longer would I let lust guide
me. From that night on, I was compelled to desire
something real.
INT. CARMENS HOUSE CARMENS ROOM DAY
Carmen sits on his bed with his friend Mike. Mike is 20,he
has short black hair and a short, moderately dense beard.
His brown eyes hint at a flicker of wisdom.
TITLE OVER:
STARVING
Hes rolling a blunt while Carmen types into his iPad.
Suddenly Carmen jumps up from the bed staring at the iPad
with wide eyes full of pride.
CARMEN
YES!
Mike looks up from the blunt at Carmen and smiles.
MIKE
You get that last A?
Carmen tosses the iPad on the bed and draws his smile.
CARMEN
Yup! Ima go tell my dad and get a drink,
want anything?
Mike
Sure, just grab me whatever.
Carmen walks over to the door, moves a towel out from
underneath and opens it. He walks down the hall, down the
stairs, through the dining room and into the kitchen.
He grabs two bottles of water out of the fridge and turns to
see his dad on the lying on the couch in the living room
watching TV.
CARMEN
My last two grades are up!
His dad perks up a bit and his gaze darts from the TV to
Carmen.
CARMENS DAD
Oh yeah, did you get the 4.0?
CARMEN
Yup! Five As. So I signed up for six
classes in the spring.
Carmens dad nods, his mouth a straight line while his eyes
gleam with approval as they narrow on his sons face.
CARMENS DAD
Good, you dont want to put too much
on your plate though.
Carmen, now standing with his back straight and head held
high in between the kitchen and living room, nods in
agreement.
CARMEN
I know. This semester wasnt tooo difficult
so I wanna challenge myself and find my limit.
A rare smile reaches his fathers lips and Carmens grin
widens at the sight.
CARMENS DAD
Good, but dont forget getting the 4.0 isnt
everything. You still have save your money,
start paying your phone bill and car insurance,
and take care of your things.
Carmens smile fades and he nods in agreement before running
upstairs and into his room where Mike awaits with the blunt
rolled.
Carmen puts the towel back in front of the crack below the
door and sits next to Mike on the bed and draws his smile
again.
CARMEN
He was so proud!
MIKE
Yeah buddy! He better be.
Mike sparks the blunt as Carmen turns to face him.
MIKE (CONTD)
I cant believe Im leaving in a month!
CARMEN
Dude, I know!! Weve been talking about this for
so long, I cant believe its so close.
Mike sits up in excitement, his face bright in anticipation.
MIKE
Im gunna network so hard, audition for
anything and everything and just perfect
my craft man.
Carmens face brightens at the thought of it all.
CARMEN
Thats exactly what Im tryna do! I try to learn
everything little thing I can in every single
class, book and paper. I dont just wanna make
it, I wanna make the best fucking movies ever.
Mike nods in approval, his eyes full of respect. He passes
Carmen the blunt.
MIKE
Thats what Im saying man, were gunna be
HUGE! Theres not a doubt in my mind.
Carmen looks up and to the left as he smokes and imagines
what their lives will be like in 5/10 years before passing
the blunt.
CARMEN
Right?! I mean I dont give a fuck about the
money, and I dont really wanna be famous, I just
want respect. My dads, USCs, and everyone in the
business that inspired me. Tarantino and Scorsese
and everyone.
Mikes eyes are bright with the thoughts of potential
success.
MIKE
Exactly! And thats why were gunna get it!
I dont know how you have the patience to take the
long route, I couldnt do school.
Carmen exhales sharply out his nose and smiles as he lets
out a little chuckle.
CARMEN
I dont know how you and Jarrod are tryna make
it without school! I mean I wouldnt go to a
university for acting or mixing but I just
would be too afraid to do anything without school.
Mike looks over at Carmen, their expressions serious and
thoughtful.
MIKE
Its hard, Im not gunna lie. But I just wasnt
doing well and I decided to put all my time into
acting and working so I can save up and move to Cali.
Carmen looks away and stares out the window.
CARMEN
Hey, its working for ya. Im just the type that
needs guidance and structure, and the fact that Im
burying myself in debt forces me to commit.
Mike stares absently at the blunt in his hands, hits it and
passes it.
MIKE
Thats good though, if you keep getting 4.0s
youre set! .
They look at each other and grin as they both absorb the
warmth pouring from their conversation.
CARMEN
Oh, thats not even a question. My goal is to
never get anything other than an A ever again.
MIKE
You better not, or Ill come back from Cali and
beat some sense into ya.
Carmen rolls his eyes, nods and laughs.
CARMEN
Bro, you have nothing to worry about. Im
STARVING for respect and success. Its the first
thing I think about every morning and the last thing
I think about every night. I think about it through
every lecture, test and assignment, when Im working,
when Im with my friends and when Im eating-
Mike burst out laughing.
MIKE
Okay, okay I believe you. Im the same way,
so I know how bad you want it.
CARMEN
Thank god youre the only one.
Mikes eyes open wide in realization, he nods and smirks.
MIKE
Really though, this is why I love chilling with
you. We just smoke and talk about what were
doing and I just get soo fucking excited every time!
Carmens eyes are distant and exploding with determination.
After a long moment he grabs his iPad and puts on Ambition
by Wale.
MIKE
Ambition is priceless, its something in
your veins.
CARMEN
And I put that on my name.
FADE OUT:
EXT. INTERSTATE 90E CLEVELAND, OHIO DAY

A large white van with Endeavor Entertainment written on the
side cruises in the middle lane keeping up with the traffic
around it.
TITLE OVER:
MAY 6th, 2014
PASSION, PATIENCE AND

PERSISTENCE
We pan around to see Carmen driving with his mother in the
passenger seat reading. His mom is in her late forties,
slim build and wavy blonde hair down to her shoulders.
Carmens phone rings and he answers it.
CARMEN
Hello Im driving back from Michigan for work.
Carmen sighs and rolls his eyes.
CARMEN
I was so broke that I had to skip two days of
classes and get 30 hours working an event in Michigan.
Carmens mom looks up from her book.
CARMEN
Alright, Ill be back in a few hours.
EXT. INTERSTATE 90E ERIE NIGHT
Carmen is still driving and looks exhausted.
CARMENS MOM
Do you want me to drive?
Carmen shakes his head, glances over and smiles.
CARMEN
No, Im good still. Thanks though.
CARMENS MOM
Yup, just let me know.
Carmen unplugs his headphones and takes them out.
CARMEN
I think I just need some conversation.
Carmens mom puts her book away and sits up.
CARMENS MOM
Thatll help, how are your classes going?
Carmen glances over, a hint of pride in his eyes.
CARMEN
Good. I havent been sleeping much but
Im still on pace to get the four-oh.
Carmens mom smiles and stares at her son.
CARMENS MOM
I cant believe how smart you guys are.
Now its Carmens turn to smile. He glances over and when
he looks back to the road his smile fades and his expression
grows melancholy.
CARMEN
I dont get it. I can get a four point oh,
but I cant get a girl.
Carmens mom frowns and her eyes grow sympathetic.
CARMENS MOM
You will, youve just been so busy focusing
on school.
Carmen shakes his head in aggravation.
CARMEN
I thought so too but Ive talked to plenty
of girls and even gotten some to like me
but they had boyfriends and integrity.
Carmens mom looks away and thinks of how she can help.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Ive only kissed one girl in the past year
and a half. And it was only because some guy
wouldnt leave her alone at the bar.
Carmens mom looks back over, her face full of his pain.
CARMENS MOM
Just be patient, you have so much to offer.
CARMEN
I know Its just so frustrating.
Carmen stares at the road ahead of him, his frustration
screaming out of his tense body language.
CARMENS MOM
I know. Youll find someone, I still think
youll have kids before Anthony and Toni.
Some of the tension fades as Carmens shoulders and head sag
back into the seat.
CARMEN
I just want someone that will make me a better
person but all of these girls just wanna party.
Her face is full of sympathy and she starts shaking her head
slowly.
CARMENS MOM
You dont need someone to make you a better person,
youre already incredible. Just find a girl that
can help you relax. Youre stressing yourself
out taking so many classes and working so much.
Carmen nods in agreement and his eyes light up as they
accept her perspective.
FADE OUT:
INT. CARMENS HOUSE- CARMENS ROOM NIGHT

Carmen sits on his bed with his school work in front of him
smoking a blunt with Olivia, a slightly tall, very skinny
hippy with long, straight light brown hair.
Shes sitting next to him with a textbook in her lap, a pen
in her hand and an notebook in front of her.
CARMEN (V.O.)
When youre truly passionate about something, you
get up early excited about the work ahead.
Carmen grabs the blunt from Olivia, his eyes still glued to
his notes.
CARMEN (V.O.)
You devote your life to your dream and surround
yourself with your work.
OLIVIA
What time is it?
Carmen turns on the screen to his iPad.
CARMEN
Eleven.
OLIVIA
Okay, I have to go after this.
Carmen sits back and sighs.
CARMEN
Thats cool, I have to get to bed anyway.
Olivia closes her textbook and sits back against the bed
frame as well.
OLIVIA
You getting up early again?
Carmen looks over and frowns, his kind blue eyes meeting
hers and staying there.
CARMEN
Yup, I actually have to be up at two.
Olivias jaw drops and her eyes open wide to reveal her
disbelief.
OLIVIA
Are you serious?! Dont you usually
try to get at least three hours?
His eyes drop, he closes them tightly and wipes his face.
CARMEN
Yeah, but its the last week of classes.
I have to be able to recognize fifty works of
art and memorize their titles, authors, the year
and city they were created, the movement they
were a part of and be able to write a paragraph
about how thats evident in the work by 8.
Olivia shakes her head. Carmen returns his gaze to her and
sees the pity in her eyes.
OLIVIA
Damn, I still cant believe you do that shit.
Carmen draws a nonchalant smile as if it doesnt bother him.
CARMEN
What can I say? I have to get into USC.
OLIVIA
But still! Youre gunna get sick, I cant
believe you havent already.
Carmens face grows serious.
CARMEN
Please dont say that, Im so close.
Olivias eyes are still on him, her face concerned.
OLIVIA
Im sorry, I hope you dont. You cant keep
this up though, you know that right?
Carmens face reveals his agreement before he gains control.
CARMEN
Im almost through it, Ill have the whole
summer to recover.
Olivia rolls her eyes.
OLIVIA
(mockingly)
Thats if you make it that long.
She smirks. Now its his turn to roll his eyes.
CARMEN
Ill make it. If I die itll be next semester.
Her grin disappears as she draws her concerned face out, her
eyes narrowed and sad.
OLIVIA
Oh god, why?
CARMEN
This time Im taking twenty credits. Instead
of nineteen hours of class a week, Ill have
twenty-three. And on top of that Ill be
writing film reviews for the UB newspaper.
Olivias jaw drops again and she shakes her head in
disapproval.
OLIVIA
Are you crazy?! Youre barely making it
though this semester.
Carmens expression is calm and confident.
CARMEN
Im making it
Olivia raises her eyes brows.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Sort of.
They chuckle and the tension eases a bit.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Im hoping I can save some money this summer
so I wont have to work twenty-five hours
a week like I am now.
Olivia doesnt even seem to hear his argument, her
expression grim.
Olivia
Still youre insane.
Carmen laughs and smiles.
CARMEN
Believe me, I know.
A brief smile reaches her lips and she rolls her eyes again.
OLIVIA
Whatever, I gotta go.
CARMEN
Okay, Ill walk you out.
She tosses her textbook and notebook in her bag as Carmen
gets up and moves the towel out from under the door. She
gets up and walks to the door.
Carmen opens the door and walks out into the hallway.
Before getting out of the little enclosure surrounding his
door he turns around to watch as Olivia closes the door
behind her.
When he turns back around he sees his dad walk right past
him and down the hall towards the stairs.
CARMEN
Hey dad.
CARMENS DAD
Hey bud.
Carmen looks back over his shoulder at Liv, his eyes wide as
can be and his lips spread open to reveal his clenching
teath.
Olivias eyes are wide and she smiles. She chokes down a
laugh as they follow his dad down the hall.
Carmens dad reaches the bottom of the stairs and turns the
corner to head towards the family room. Carmen opens the
door for Olivia and smirks.
CARMEN
(whispering)
That was a close one.
Olivia smiles and exhales sharply out her nose in a little
laugh. She shakes her head as she walks past him out the
door.
OLIVIA
Yeah it was, night Carm.
Carmen stands in the doorway, his left hand on the door as
he watches her go.
CARMEN
Later Liv.
She turns her head to smile back at him. Carmen returns the
smile before turning to make his way back to his room.
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen brushes his teeth and washes his face.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Olivia. The first girl to deny my advances and
manage to still be one of my best friends after.
Carmen turns off the lights, undresses and gets into bed.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Her boyfriend went to school in Albany and we
had three classes together in the fall. I also
got her a job and we smoked together every day.
Carmen lies in bed staring out the window at the melancholy
moon and the somber stars.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I try to learn as much as I can from every
experience and from her I feel like I learned how
to finally be genuinely friendly and
more mature when it came to women.
Carmen closes his eyes and rolls onto his side.
CARMEN (V.O.)
In the past, when I got reject Id resent
the girl for leading me on and Id feel like
I wasnt good enough.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
But for once, that wasnt the case.
INT. CARMENS ROOM NIGHT CONTINUOUS

Carmen sits on his bed staring at his iPad. We pan around
to see that hes calling Mike on Facetime. He answers and
we see Mike on the screen, sitting outside smoking a bong.
CARMEN
Yoooo!
Mike exhales, sets the bong down and smiles.
MIKE
Whats good bro?!
Carmen returns the smile, his eyelids half closed and his
eyebrows raised as if trying to keep his eyes open.
CARMEN
Shit, just grinding harder than ever. You?
Mikes face expresses his approval and he sits up.
MIKE
Thats what I like to hear! Things are crazy
here, I have so much to tell ya.
Carmens eyes perk open a bit in response to Mikes energy.
CARMEN
Wooordd. Unfortunately I cant talk long, been
goin since five and I have to get up in a few hours.
Mikes eyes widen and he chuckles to himself.
MIKE
Its cool, Ill be home soon anyway. How
are your classes going?
Carmen sits up and wipes his face to wake himself up a bit.
CARMEN
Pretty good, not a big fan of some of my professors
though.
Mike takes another rip from the bong, sets it down and leans
back in the lawn chair hes sitting in.
CARMEN
And I might get an A- in my one class but
only because my professor is a really tough grader
and he wont help me with the final essay. He says
I have to be my own instructor.
Mike nods and makes a thoughtful face.
MIKE
Thats alright, as long as youre getting mostly
As youll be good. Why dont you like some
of your professors?
Carmen sighs and considers the question.
CARMEN
My creative writing professor doesnt put in enough
effort or push us enough. My screenwriting professor
doesnt give very good feedback and we didnt even
look at a screenplay till a couple of weeks ago.
Mike listens, his expression attentive and understanding.
CARMEN (CONTD)
And my Spanish teacher is a mess, shes so
Unorganized and were behind because she takes
forever to grade our stuff.
Mike looks up and away as he thinks about what hes just
heard.
MIKE
It sucks that your screenwriting and creative
writing professors arent good but thats why
youre gunna go to USC!
Carmens lips turn into a slight smile and his eyebrows
raise as he nods in agreement.
MIKE (CONTD)
How much longer do you have?
CARMEN
I could probably apply this winter and start next
fall but Id rather take my time and wait till
spring admissions. So another year and a half.
Mike weighs his words and his face displays satisfaction.
MIKE
Thats not bad, by then Ill have all the
connections we need.
Carmens partial smile grows complete, his eyes similarly
promoting his pleasure.
CARMEN
Aayyy! Just another eighteen months of
torturing myself.
They both laugh. The laughter fades and Carmen sits up.
CARMEN
Aight, bro. I gotta get ready for bed, got a
long day ahead of me.
Mike sits up as well, smiles and nods.
MIKE
Alright. Keep grinding man, itll all be worth it.
CARMEN
I will, you dont have to tell me.
Carmen ends the Facetime, tosses his iPad on the bed lays
down.
FADE OUT:
INT. CARMENS ROOM NIGHT

The room is near pitch black as the only light comes from
the moon and stars as it trickles through the windows.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Three hours of sleep was my bread and butter.
I usually pulled one of those once or twice
a week and get up to grind for 18 hours.
Carmens phone lights up and starts ringing, it says alarm
and the time is 2:00a.m. Carmen rolls overs and swipes the
phone to turn off the alarm.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But that was nothing compared to the last
couple weeks.
He rolls onto his back and rubs the sleep from his eyes.
After a moment he gets up, heads into the bathroom and
closes the door. We hear a shower turn on.
EXT. UB PARKING LOT NIGHT

A Mustang pulls into the empty lot and parks in the spot
closest to the buildings.
CARMEN (V.O.)
You might be wondering, how in the fuck
do you get up after two hours of sleep
knowing you have to bust ass all day?
We pan down to see Carmen opening an iPhone case, inside is
a pipe, a small container with some weed, a lighter and a
pill.
CARMEN (V.O.)
The truth is, it takes a bunch of things.
First and foremost is passion, because with
it comes the drive.
He takes the pill and puts it in his mouth, grabs a water
bottle out of his back pack and takes a sip.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Next comes this little guy, Adderall, though
I prefer to call it I-do-it-all.
He then grabs the pipe and weed and packs a little bowl.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Dont worry, my high school guidance councilor
told me that she and my teachers thought I had
ADHD and that I should get tested so its okay.
He puts the weed back in the iPhone case, grabs the lighter
and starts smoking.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My parents didnt believe in that shit though
so I decided to take matters into my own hands,
not that Im sold on it either. It just helps.
He packs the bowl, takes a few hits and puts it back, grabs
his backpack and gets out of the car.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Last but not least is my favorite, Mary Jane.
A few hits wake me the fuck up and help
fuel my ambition.
He locks his doors and heads towards the buildings.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Its great too cuz when the high fades, the
Adderall keeps you going so you dont even
feel the comedown. They go together like
cookies and milk.
INT. UB LIBRARY NIGHT

Carmen walks into the library and finds a spot as far away
from the few Asians and Indians who are also there.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Everyone seems shocked that I can get a
4.0 while being high the whole semester,
but for me it feels like the only way.
Music plays quietly in his headphones and on the screen.
The song is Feels Good by Wiz Khalifa and he turns it up as
the chorus comes on.
He smiles and sings as Wiz says I know I aint living
right, but it feels good. The songs fades away and Carmen
digs into his backpack to pull out a notebook and a folder.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Over the past year and a half, my dad spent more
time out of the country than in it and while
most kids would be pumped about this, I was
growing bitter about it.
Carmen flips to the appropriate page of the notebook and
pulls out a few sheets from the folder. He begins studying
them.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I didnt want to have any parties, I just
wanted to be able to smoke in my room and
apparently he was cool with that even though
he hates weed.
A cute Asian girl walks by and Carmen catches her gaze. He
draws an innocent smile and she looks away shyly.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I just wanted food in the house. I was
literally starving all semester as I chose to
spend the little money left over after paying
for gas and my phone bill on weed.
Carmen returns to studying.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
I figured the Adderall would curb my appetite
anyway and the weed would at least take some
of the nausea away and keep me interested in
whatever I was working on.
INT. UB LARGE LECTURE HALL CONTINUOUS

Carmen walks slowly into the large lecture hall dressed in
tight tan jeans, a red v neck sweater, red and brown high
socks and dark brown boat shoes.
He makes his way down the eyes and sits next to a pretty
girl, Sarah, with long dark brown hair, a soft, round face
with eyes full of exhaustion and a sad frown.
CARMEN
Hey missy.
Carmen produces a genuinely happy smile and she responds
with a brief, tired grin.
SARAH
Hey. You ready?
CARMEN
I better be, Ive been up since two.
Her eyes open wide in shock.
SARAH
Are you serious?!
Carmen chuckles and recalls his smile.
CARMEN
What? Its only an hour earlier than usual.
She shakes her head in disbelief.
CARMEN (CONTD)
Are you ready?
Exhaustion sweeps back over her like a wave and all at once
she collapses in her seat, her hands raise towards her face
and her head drops right into them.
SARAH
No.
Carmen reaches over and rubs her back gently in slow
circles.
CARMEN
Youll be fine, weve gotten all As so far.
He stops and she lifts her head. She smiles at him
appreciatively for the encouragement but shes still
nervous.
SARAH
Thanks to you.
Carmens cheeks start to develop a rosy hue and his grin
widens.
CARMEN
Im just glad I could help.
Sarah sits up and spins in her seat so that shes facing
him.
SARAH
Well, when finals are over Im taking you
to lunch or dinner.
Carmens eyes open wide in astonishment and delight. His
smile radiates joy.
CARMEN
Id love that.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
You might think that this would surely lead
to something, but youd be just as wrong as I was.
INT. CARMENS ROOM CONTINUOUS

The room is clean and the bed is made. The door opens and
Carmen walks in slowly wearing the same clothes as before.
He walks over to his bed a falls on it exhausted.
He pulls out his phone and we pan around to see that its
1:30. He sets an alarm for 3:30 and closes his eyes.
EXT. UB PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

A dark red Mustang sits in a crowded lot. Its a gloomy
day, the sky dark and the rain relentless. We pan down to
see inside the car, hazy with smoke. Carmen is smoking a
bowl with Brian, a fellow English major. Brian, 19, a
slender young Asian man with flawless long, black hair like
John Stamos.
CARMEN
Were so close I can taste it.
Brian nods his head and looks over with a look of serious
excitement, his left eye closing slightly more than his
right and the left side of his mouth curling upwards.
BRIAN
Aayyyy! I have to say, youve really inspired
me man. Taking so many classes and so determined
to get a four oh.
Carmen smiles and holds his head up high, his face full of
pride.
CARMEN
Yes! Thats what I like to hear, Brian! Liv and
Kendall have basically told me the same thing.
Brian nods again and grins. He looks down and picks up
Carmens phone as it plays music through the car speakers
and scans through it looking for a song.
BRIAN
Thats because youre going so much harder
than everyone, so ambitious.
Carmen closes his eyes and lies his head back against the
head rest, still grinning like a fool.
CARMEN
What can I say? Im viciously ambitious see
thats just the way my parents raised me.
Brian chuckles and glances up approvingly, before returning
to the phone in his hands.
BRIAN
If only more parents were like that.
Carmen looks down at this in admiration.
CARMEN
The world would be a much better place.
Brians eyebrows raise as his gaze meets Carmens.
BRIAN
Thats for sure.
Carmen rests his head back against the head rest and Brian
goes back to looking for a song. After a moment he finds
the one hes looking for and it begins playing softly.
CARMEN
I know youre really into music, what would
you wanna do with it?
Brians eyes become distant and a different sort of smile
comes to his face, one with a hint of reminiscence.
BRIAN
For a while, my dream job was to pick the
music for movies.
Carmen immediately lifts and turns his head as his eyes dart
to Brian.
CARMEN
Dude, thatd be awesome! Ill write, direct
and produce. My buddy just moved to L.A. to
get his acting career going and hes living with
his friend, a cinematographer.
Brian looks up as Carmens voice grows in excitement.
CARMEN (CONTD)
My other friend, Jarrod, mixes and could do
sound effects, and you can pick the music.
Were gunna put Buffalo on the map!
Brian turns up the volume, sits back and looks over bobbing
his head to the beat and smiling wide. By this point,
Carmen is moving to the music too.
BRIAN
AAYYYYY! We have the whole fucking enterouge.
Man Im all hyped up to write these papers now.
Carmen laughs and nods in agreement.
CARMEN
After this song, of course.
BRIAN
Of course.
A female voice fades and Big Seans voice comes on singing
All I ever wanted was a hundred million dollars and a bad
bitch, plus that paper chasing it done turn me into a
savage
FADE OUT:

Carmen and Brian are sitting on Carmens bed with their
school work around them. At the other end of the bed are
Olivia and Kendall. Kendall is a tall, mellow black man
with broad shoulders, a thick chest and a big afro. They
too are working on school work.
CARMEN
Yo, Kendall, hows your paper coming?
Kendall looks up at Carmen, his face full of exhaustion.
KENDALL
Im struggling man. I just want everything
to be perfect but this shits hard.
Carmens face indicates his agreement.
CARMEN
Youre telling me, Ive been working on this for
seven hours and all I have is an into and an outline.
Olivia sets her books down and sighs. Brian notices
everyones stopped and he sets his work down as well.
OLIVIA
Yeah, I need a break.
CARMEN
Me too, lets smoke.
Everyone digs for their weed. Carmen picks up a cigarillo
and cracks it, dumping the guts and wrapper into a large
plastic bag already near full of them blunt wrappers and
guts.
Olivia puts a nug in her grinder and places it in the middle
of the bed.
OLIVIA
Use my grinder, I want the keef.
They comply and she smiles happily. Carmen notices and
smiles too.
BRIAN
Yo let me see that.
His eyes dart from Carmen to his iPad playing music next to
him.
Carmen hands him the iPad and Olivia the blunt wrap. She
grinds up the weed and pours it into the blunt.
KENDALL
Yo I gotta go after this.
OLIVIA
Yeah me, I need to get something to eat.
Brian searches through the iPad and Carmen looks relieved.
CARMEN
Word, you can take them back with you that
way I dont have to.
Brian changes the song and HiiiPower by Kendrick comes on.
They all move to the music. Liv finishes rolling the blunt
and sparks it. Brian looks at his phone.
BRIAN
Damn, its already eleven!.
Kendall looks over at him.
KENDALL
Yeah, weve been working for five hours.
CARMEN
The sky is falling, the wind is calling,
stand for something or die in the morning.
Section 80, hiiipower.
FADE OUT:

The room is pitch black as Carmens phone lights up and the
alarm goes off. The phone tells us its 2a.m.
CARMEN (V.O.)
After another two hour nap I had to
get back at it.
Carmen quickly turns it off and sits up. He rests his head
in his hand and takes a long moment to shake the sleep out
of him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
This is what I call discipline. I didnt
have anyone looking over my shoulder to
keep me honest. If I wanted to get into USC,
I had to be strong.
Carmen gets out of bed and turns on a light to help wake him
up.
He walks into the bathroom and washes his face before
returning to his room, dropping to the floor and doing push-
ups.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Six classes became overwhelming half way
though the semester and I hadnt gotten to
the gym since.
Carmen gets up, goes into the bathroom and brushes his teeth
before returning to do another set.
CARMEN (V.O.)
So I decided to do push-ups
every morning and night to make up for it.
His chest, while small, is toned and in perfect proportion
to his waist. His arms are also well defined and tight.
We see a Red Hot Chili Peppers logo tattooed on his chest as
well as the word Family written in a nice script with a
ribbon weaving in and out of the letters and wrapping around
a lock.
Carmen goes into the bathroom, turns on the shower and
closes the door.
FADE OUT:
INT. UB LIBRARY NIGHT CONTINUOUS

Carmen sits at a computer and pulls out his stuff.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I didnt have class till nine so I had
six hours to write and perfect my paper.
Carmen signs into the computer and starts to read through
his notes.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I was spending a hundred hours every
week between classes, work and schoolwork.
Carmen opens up Microsoft Word and starts typing.
CARMEN (V.O.)
And through it all I told myself, itll
all be worth it when I get into USC.
FADE OUT:
INT. UB SMALL CLASSROOM

Carmen strolls casually into the near empty room and takes a
seat towards the front.
A middle-aged Asian man walks in and sets his briefcase
down, takes out a manila folder, opens it and sets it on the
table at the front of the room.
More students enter as Carmen takes out his stuff, gets up
and puts his final essay in the manila folder.
CARMEN (V.O.)
William Arthur Ward said that the mediocre
teacher tells, the superior teacher explains
and the great teacher inspires.
Kendall walks in, sets his stuff down next to Carmen and
hands in his paper.
CARMEN
Whats up man?
Kendall shakes his head and looks exhausted.
KENDALL
That paper took me all night.
Carmen nods looking equally exhausted.
CARMEN
Me too, Ive slept six hours in the past two
nights combined. Thank god were almost done.
Kendalls eyes grow wide in surprise and he looks like hes
about to say something when Professor Ma closes the door and
addresses the class.
PROFESSOR MA
(enthusiastically)
Okay. As I said at the beginning of the semester,
every English major in the country has to take
this class.
Carmen fixes his posture and hides his exhaustion.
PROFESSOR MA (CONTD)
So when you are applying for jobs or grad school,
youll be competing against them.
Carmen and Kendall nod along in agreement.
PROFESSOR MA (CONTD)
That is Ive made this class more demanding than
those taught by others. Now tell me, what have you
learned? What is criticism.
Carmen immediately raises his hand but Ma points to another
student.
PROFESSOR MA
Yes?
CARMEN (V.O.)
Professor Ma is by far the best, most demanding
and most insightful teacher Ive ever had. After
getting an A on my second paper, with his help,
he refused to help me on the remaining papers
saying that his goal was for me to become
my own instructor.
Professor Ma nods his head as the girl gives her definition.
PROFESSOR MA
Okay, good good. What does criticism mean to you?
Carmen raises his hand again and Ma calls on him.
CARMEN
Its a way of analyzing and judging a literary
or artistic work through various systems of ideas,
or ways of seeing the world. By referring to such
theories we can reveal what the work may mean.
Ma nods his head and the corners of his lips arch upward
ever slightly as he listens to Carmens response.
PROFESSOR MA
Yes, very good. Analyzing works through
a body of ideas and methods to reveal meaning.
Carmen smiles at seeing Mas approval.
PROFESSOR MA
Okay, what else?
He looks out at the room of students, no one with their hand
up.
PROFESSOR MA
Oh, come on. This is the most important part
of the course. Why should every English major
have to study this? Put it in your own words.
Kendall and a few others raise their hand and Ma perks up in
excitement. He turns and looks right at Kendall
PROFESSOR MA
Darnell
Kendalls face grows taut and a bunch of students laugh.
KENDALL
Its Kendall.
All at once, Ma closes his eyes, waves both hands out in
front of him and shakes his head.
PROFESSOR MA
Sorry, sorry. Kendall, please go ahead.
CARMEN
You havent called him Darnell in weeks.
This time Kendall laughs with the other and even Ma smiles.
PROFESSOR MA
I know, I dont know why I just did it again.
Kendall, why do we take criticism? What does
it mean to you?
Kendall sits up and takes a breath as he gathers his
thoughts.
FADE OUT:
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Carmen in the library looking terrible. His face is pale,
his expression miserable and beyond exhaustion as he stares
at the computer. On the screen, Microsoft word is open and
the page is black other than a heading and a title,
Ambiguous Insanity.
CARMEN (V.O.)
I ended up getting sick as fuck from
severe lack of sleep. Just a pounding
headache, an awful fever, and a sore throat.
Carmen, in his bed, looking healthy as he checks his grades
and brightens in astonishment and joy when he sees that he
got all As again.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But somehow I managed to fight through it
and still get the four point oh.
Carmen at the library at UB, on the screen is Microsoft Word
with the words Lofty Dreams written in the center of the
page in large script, with written by Carmen Cibella just
below.
CARMEN (V.O.)
After regaining my health, I was determined
not to get complacent after a year of straight As.
Carmen reading The Wise Mans Fear in his bed during the day
with his dog lying next to him on his back with his legs up
in the air.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Id finally taken a Screenwriting class,
that meant that I could start writing.
Carmen emptying garbages in a large room full of cubicles,
on the walls are a bunch of hats and posters and the New Era
sign.
Hes wearing headphones and we hear a man with a story
tellers voice reading A Game of Thrones.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But that wouldnt be enough. I knew that I
needed to read more so I spent 95% of my free time
either reading or writing, and when I was at work
I listened to audiobooks.
Carmen reading Gardens of the Moon in his room at night.
CARMEN (V.O.)
By mid-July, I had finished three books
totaling 2,500 pages and written the
first draft of my first screenplay.
Carmen typing a note into his iPad.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My friends would hit me up to see if I
wanted to get food or grab a drink, they
expected to see me more now that school
was over.
Carmen drinking, smoking and watching fireworks with his
friends.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It made me feel guilty disappointing them so
Id join them every now and then.
Carmens eyes are distant. He pulls out his phone, turns to
a note page and starts typing.
CARMEN (V.O.)
But whenever I did, all I could think about
was whatever book I was reading or something
to include in my screenplay.
FADE OUT:
INT. CIBELLA HOUSE FOYER DAY

Carmen walks down the stairs while scrolling through his
phone, his expression full of dread. He puts the phone to
his ear.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE IN THE DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

Carmens dad lies in a lounge chair tanning by the pool.
His phone rings and he answers it.
CARMENS DAD
Hello.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE FRONT YARD

The door opens revealing Carmen coming out slowly.
CARMEN
Hey dad.
CARMENS DAD
Yeah, whats going on?
Carmen paces around in the front yard. His head lifts up to
the sky and he closes his eyes.
CARMEN
I got another flat tire and I need to
get all new tires. I have $800 saved up in
change but I really dont want to have to use it
since Ive been saving for almost a year and its
all the money I have saved up.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In the span of a heartbeat Carmens dad sits up, shakes his
head and grimaces. His tone grows harsh and cruel.
CARMENS DAD
I couldve fucking told you that was going to
happen, I could see the tread coming through
them when Id walk by.
CARMEN
I didnt know they were that bad, I was just
trying to get through the semester and save
up the money to get them done.
Now its Carmens dads turn to get up and start pacing.
The anger in his voice somehow seems to grow.
CARMENS DAD
You didnt know?! Look at the fucking tires!
He sighs heavily.
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE BUFFALO

Carmen shakes his head and rolls his eyes in frustration.
He waits for his father to continue.
CARMENS DAD
You shouldve called me and asked to barrow
the money a month ago.
Carmen sheds his frustration and replaces it with an
expression that signifies his understanding and agreement.
CARMEN
Youre right, Im sorry. I put too much on
my plate this semester and I was so
overwhelmed with everything that I wasnt thinking
straight.

Carmens dad relaxes a bit as his son acknowledges his
mistake, though his tone remains sharp.
CARMENS DAD
You have to pay attention to the little things.
You and your brother, neither of you take care
of your stuff-

Carmen sighs. His eyebrows squeeze together to form a
crease, and eyelids are tight and straight. At the same
time his head lowers slightly as his eyes look through a
lowered brow.
TITLE OVER:
10 MINUTES LATER
Carmen is now sitting on the steps leading up to the front
door, his body tense and strained as he wears the same angry
expression.
His fathers voice on the other line transitions from
scolding to lecturing.
CARMENS DAD
Getting the four-oh is the hard part, the
rest is simple in comparison.
Carmen sits up a bit and allows the tension to fade from his
body and mind.
CARMEN
Mhm.
CARMENS DAD
Youre the smartest kid I know,
Carmens face lights up, his eyes grow wide and his mouth
parts to form a small o.
CARMENS DAD
But you have to be more responsible.
The surprise falls away, Carmen rolls his eyes and chuckles
under his breath.
CARMEN
I know, Ill do my best.

Carmens dad, pacing around the pool, acknowledges his sons
compliant tone with a curt nod.
CARMENS DAD
Just be smart about it. Benjamin Franklin
said if you take care of the pennies, the
dollars take care of themselves.
Carmen, now standing and pacing slowly, nods his head in
agreement as his face softens and expresses his respect.
CARMEN
Mhm, just pay attention to the details and
everything else will be fine.
TITLE OVER:
10 MINUTES LATER
EXT. CIBELLA HOUSE DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

Carmens dad is back lying down in the chair by the pool,
still on the phone. His eyes are closed and his expression
hard.
CARMENS DAD
Call Mr. Lucca and have him tow it to Fox Tire.
Have him call you when its there and then call me.

Carmen, sitting on the steps again, stands up and nods his
head. His expression finally reaches satisfaction.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Having a hard ass as a father may have made things
difficult and aggravating, yet I cant help but be
grateful for it has prepared me for this harsh world.
FADE OUT:
INT. CARMENS ROOM DAY

Carmen is lying on his bed reading The Dragons Path when
the door opens and Jarrod walks in and sits next to him on
the bed.
TITLE OVER:
JULY 28th, 2014
JARROD
Happy birthday man.
CARMEN
Thanks bro.
JARROD
Hows it been?
CARMEN
Good, I got up at seven to write and now
Im just reading till I go to work at 4.
Jarrod rolls his eyes and smiles.
JARROD
Only youd get up at 7 on your birthday
and grind all day.
Carmens eyes fill up with pride and a grin surfaces on his
face.
CARMEN
Its more pleasure than work, I love
reading and writing more than anything.
JARROD
I feel you. Thats how I feel about mixing.
CARMEN
Trees?
Carmen scrolls through his iPad while Jarrod pulls out his
weed and gives him a nug. He puts it in the grinder and
plays Even You Brutus by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and we
hear god is good and fate is great, when it feels this good
its hard to wait
Carmen starts to grind the weed and roll the blunt while
Jarrod reads something on his phone.
CARMEN (V.O.)
After being broke, starving and lonely for
the past four years Ive realized that,
when it comes down to it the love and
passion I have for film are all Ill ever need.
EXT. L.A. CALIFORNIA DAY

We pan around to see the city, the beaches and the Hollywood
sign.
EXT. USC CAMPUS DAY
We see a sign that says The University of Southern
California. We pan around to view the campus.
A cab pulls up. Carmen pays the driver and gets out. He
looks at the campus, entirely awestruck.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Since I was little, I always remember dreaming
about changing the world about making it
a better place.
Carmen starts walking through the campus, admiring its
beauty.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Christopher Wallace said you cant change
the world until you change yourself.
Carmen walks into a tall building and looks around in
amazement.
CARMEN (V.O.)
So Ive been pushing myself to the very
limits and even though Ive become an entirely
different person, I know its still not enough.
Carmen walks up to an elevator, presses the up button and
gets in when it opens. The doors close behind him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
As I grew, I found new sources of inspiration
and wisdom everywhere I looked.
An elevator door opens revealing Carmen grinning
uncontrollably. Quickly, he exits the elevator, walks
through the hallway and into an empty room.
CARMEN (V.O.)
From Martin Scorsese, who advocates that movies
touch our hearts, and awaken our vision, and change
the way we see things.
Carmen walks up to the windows and looks out. We pan around
to see Carmen staring down at the campus below.
CARMEN (V.O.)
To Nelson Mandela, who believed
that education is the most powerful weapon
you can use to change the world.
We pan backwards to see Carmen, a silhouette in front of the
setting sun and the city of LA, staring out at the world in
front of him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
My dreams may be lofty, but my resolve is
realer than rain and stronger then steel.
We pan around to see Carmens face reflecting off the
window. His boyish grin fades, his lips become a straight
line, his eyes narrow and his expression grows hard, the
determination plain as day on his face.
FADE OUT:
CARMEN (V.O.)
I will touch hearts, awaken vision and change
the way we see things. And I will help make this cold,
harsh world a better place even if it takes the
rest of my life.
INT. UB LIBRARY DAY

Carmen sits typing at a computer.
CARMEN (V.O.)
There are some things about life that
transcend every boundary imaginable;
A SERIES OF SHOTS
Rachel on the verge of tears looking at Carmen as he cries
facing the car window.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Gender, race, religion, culture, class
Jenny underneath Carmen in the backseat of his car at the
drive in.
CARMEN (V.O.)
As we grow up we are constantly forced
with a relentless struggle of unparalleled
importance in determining who we want to be.
Julie Starr hooking up with some other guy at her party in
front of Carmen.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Theres no guide to life, nothing that can solve
all of our problems or tell us what to do.
Helena, half naked and upset with her back to Carmen pushing
him away.
CARMEN (V.O.)
What is it that defines us? Is it
our actions? Our words? Both?
Andrea and Carmen sitting on a couch. She gets a phone call
from Kevin, hides her phone and looks at Carmen. She lifts
her pointer finger and mouths one second as she answer it.
CARMEN (V.O.)
We must be cautious and considerate of not just
our words and our actions, but our every thought
for they are the true foundation of our character.
Alanna, a small girl with light skin, dark brown hair and an
aura of innocence, and Carmen behind Just Pizza. Carmen
makes a move and she stops him.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Weve been facing this, as a species,
for thousands of years with immense difficulty
and well continue to do so forever.
Olivia and Carmen in his bed, he kisses her on the cheek and
she gets upset.
CARMEN (V.O.)
Each and every one of us are bound by an
inescapable force to make countless mistakes.
Carmen walking with Sarah, she smiles and smacks his arm
playfully.
CARMEN (V.O.)
It seems like all we can do is have the
courage to continue down our path with
the hope that all will be well in time,
and the wisdom to learn from our every misstep.
Carmen walks through a field alone staring up at the stars,
his expression melancholy.
CARMEN (V.O.)
This is my story. I wrote about it in hopes
that you learn from it as I did. If youve yet
to find yourself, I pray this inspires you enough
to get you going in the right direction.

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INT.

ANOUSHKAS BEDROOM ALLAHABAD, INDIA DAY (2007)

Gemini walks quickly down the street to the caf, Cancers

Capricorn gulps, turns to Virgo, and nods.

Episodes 2-12 each focus on the following Zodiac sign,

Leo removes his hood looking pointedly at his wrist, still

EXT. LOS ANGELES DAY

One For the Money

INT. DAVES DINER NIGHT

INT. MICKEYS HOME BEDROOM NIGHT (PAST)

INT. CAPRICORNS CABIN

EXT. JOSHUA NATIONAL PARK

EXT. CAPRICORNS CABIN NIGHT

EXT. ABALONE COVE SHORLINE PARK SUNSET

Love and War

In a place where obesity is as

In a nation that has spends

There are those that would tell you

But its a lie. Time is a cycle

They try to feed us with

But in reality its the terrible

The one percenters ensure that the

They make you want to be them.

You end up spending money you dont

Americas time will come - just as

Dont ever let anyone tell you that

Shes looking at you again, you

Why do I always have to be the one

Shes clearly interested in me, she

She wouldnt even like me, Id only

I refuse to be the cocky jerk that

Ive only ever really wanted two

Youd assume the former seems more

Ive never been a quitter but how

Normally, Id say an infinite

But a heart can only break so many

God damnit, this would be so much

I feel like there isnt anyone in

Have you ever been so happy with

So much attention has been paid

Everyday countless women check me

Im not masculine enough, not cocky

Or Im too childish, outgoing, and

And since Ive become this person,

Its all societys fault. Shed

So I have to initiate the

Its such fucking bullshit!

Yes, I think youre very

Yes, I know exactly what youd like

Yes, Id very much like to get to

But no, I wont because itll only

I just need someone to see my pain

If you are perfectly happy with who

No matter how hard and lonely it

SIMILAR TO WHAT CANCERS OFFICE LOOKS LIKE BUT WITH BIGGER

EXT. BRIANS CAR

INT. BRIANS CAR

INT. MARIOS BASEMENT

INT. SCHOOL OFFICE

MING, a young (12), plump girl, dressed in yellow, cotton

INT. MOVIE THEATER

A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (1997-2008)

INT. CIBELLA HOUSE - DAY