The protesters are getting closer and louder.

PROTESTORS

Hell no, witches GO! Hell no, witches GO!

Their signs bobbed like angry confetti in the air. Adam Kirage, still perched inside his mech suit like a theologian in a tank, raises his microphone.

ADAM

And it's only right we purge the land in the name of SCIENCE... uh... I mean, THE HOLY GOD! Just look at these four! Sodom and Gomorrah, that's all I'm saying! And this is what all your children will look like if you let this ABOMINATION of magic school get built. They will all be broke-looking and stupid!

Chris snorts, and Seth rubs his eyes, exhausted.

SETH

God, just shut up, please, Adam!

Two girls suddenly run out onto the field dressed in the female version of Absolution Academy's uniform. They stand in front of the boys, their arms outstretched protectively, as if to block the males from harm.

The first girl has brown skin and facial features like Eddie's, but her hair is a thick cascade of brown and gold curls. This is PORTIA BON MOON.

PORTIA

You guys had better back up! I'm not going to let you hurt my future husband or my brother!

The other girl has neon pink hair and a few scene girl star stickers on her face. This is CIRCE BYNUM,

CIRCE

YEAH! I'm not going to let you hurt my husband, who is also my brother!

Seth twists his face.

SETH

EW! What?!

Circe turns to him.

CIRCE

Not you, idiot! I mean, our foster brother.

She blows a kiss to Richard.

RICHARD

(Grimaces)

That's still, EW!

EDDIE

And who the hell is your future husband, Portia? You better not be talking about this guy (points at Chris) who thinks the Chinese made the sun!

Portia looks over her shoulder at Chris.

PORTIA

Darling, I told you not to tell anyone about your quirky little sun theory!

Chris folds his arms and doubles down.

CHRIS

I am a man! And I say what I want to say!

ADAM (V.O.)

(Booming from the mecha)

See? Now they have cute little girls fighting for them. Women always have to fight liberals battles!

SETH

You guys are making things worse! Go join Professor Diaz, where it's safe.

CIRCE

But we want to help!

CHRIS

This is a man's job! You two skirts need to beat it!

ADAM

Yeah! Back in the kitchen, both of you!

The girls hesitate as if ignoring all the boys. Then a turkey burger hits Portia in the face.

PORTIA

HEY!

Circe gets smacked with a fully cooked hot dog.

CIRCE

They're throwing food at us?!

CHRIS

AWWW YEAH!!!

He spins the scepter with martial arts skill as he approaches the protestors.

CHRIS

BACK IT UP! BACK IT UP!

More food gets flung around, nearly hitting the boys.

CHRIS

Seth, hurry up and do something! The Sweet blood of Jesus got 'em ready to jack us up!

SETH

Right!

SETH

(Turns to the others)

You two girls, beat it! Michael Jackson style!

He does a spin and a Michael Jackson move for emphasis. Portia rolls her eyes, unimpressed, and Circe picks up the hot dog off the floor and starts eating it, as if using it to help her cope. They both finally walk away, heading to join Professor Diaz.

SETH

You three should go talk to the media and keep them busy. I am the strongest wizard here out of the four of us, and I can handle some angry protestors alone.

CHRIS

Are you crazy? If I'm not here, these people are going to crucify you!

RICHARD

(Groans)

WHAT? Not the media! Please?

EDDIE

Jigoku Kesshite!

(Subtitles: Hell-to-the-NO!)

SETH

Don't Jiggy-jew kiss-whatever me, Eddie! You, Chris, and Richard are charming; you can sell us to the media. And let's be honest, none of you are good at magic.

CHRIS

Hey! I can do this stupid magic shit as well as you can!

He pulls out another cigarette and places it between his lips. Raising his index finger, he rubs it repeatedly against the skin of his thumb until a small flame flickers to life at its tip. He leans in, using it to light his cigarette.

CHRIS

(all proud of himself)

Viola!

SETH

(Ponders him)

EDDIE

Seth, there's no way you should send me to talk to the media. Did you not notice I'm black? If you put my face in the media to represent Absolution Academy, they'll say the school got roaches and that we barbecue at lunch every day!

Chris laughs around his cigarette. Seth twists his lips, surprised by the comment.

EDDIE

If I'm the face of the school, no one rich will send their children here.

RICHARD

That's not true, Eddie! Most people are not that racist! And what's wrong with barbecue at school every day?

Whispers to himself, mystified by the concept.

RICHARD

That shit sounds turnt!

Seth gets slammed in the face with some flying spare ribs.

SETH

OW!

EDDIE

I need to be part of this attack! I know a way to get the Christians good without hurting anyone, I swear! My parents were Christians. I understand these guys.

Richard fumbles, searching for a reason to stay, but the only thing he can think of is, "The media is going to ask me questions I don’t want to answer."

Seth wipes some BBQ sauce off his face and licks his fingers.

SETH

Fine! Chris and Eddie stay. Rich, you're the actor; you can handle some reporters.

SETH

Come on, let's do this quick! I'm getting hungry.

He bends down, picks up the barbecue rib off the floor, and starts eating as he runs off towards the crowd.

Eddie and Chris shoot him a look of disgust before trailing after him, curious about what kind of home he and Circe were raised in.

Adam, still inside the mech, was ranting.

ADAM

And I want you to remember who helped lead the resistance against this hellspawn magic school! Somnix Corps, your friendly leaders in paranormal technology!

Chris raises the scepter. A long, intense stream of pink lightning shoots out from the pearl bulb atop it.

Seth hits a powerful chord on his guitar, making the lightning stream all the more intense. The lightning crackles loudly and strikes the mech's leg.

BOOM!!!

The machine tilts as fire grows from the wound. It lets loose a mechanical groan, then collapses.

The protestors scatter. Adam screams as an airbag inflates inside the crashing cockpit, saving him from serious injury.

Chris and Eddie fist-bumped. Seth chuckles.

EDDIE

Nice work, Chris!

They smile at each other.

EDDIE

If you touch my sister, I will end your life...

Chris gulps, looking as if he takes that threat seriously.

Meanwhile, Adam curses and raves from inside the wreckage.

Richard, left alone, sighs sadly. The guys always seem to be having fun together...without him. Now, he had to speak to the media all by himself. What a nightmare.

He looks over at the crowd of people apprehensively. Then gets lost for a moment in a memory that he can't quite remember...

SETH

RICH!

Richard snaps out of it and looks at Seth, who twerks his head towards the news people.

SETH

Go get 'em!

Richard rolls his eyes and groans again. But without another word, he starts sloshing over to the news people.

Food continues to fly all over the place as the camera pans to where Richard is heading. The Absolution Academy schoolhouse.

CUT TO:

INT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY – Day

Richard looks up at the high ceilings, amazed by the beauty inside the school.

A REPORTER LADY scurries behind him.

REPORTER LADY

You're Richard Beltran, aren't you? The star of that TV SHOW "Teen Jesus?"

Richard ignores her and runs around the inside of the school, admiring everything.

REPORTER LADY

No one has heard of you since you GOT FIRED from that show!

Richard pushes out a fake smile to her and then runs into the next room.

The Reporter Lady frowns and makes a "Hur-rumpf" sound. Then she motions to her cameraman like he's a henchman to get Richard.

The cameraman obediently takes the cord of his camera and uses it to trip the teen. Richard goes crashing to the floor.

RICHARD

OW!

REPORTER LADY

The people want to know–

RICHARD

Look, we're not talking about this, OK? I've put the whole issue behind me. I'm putting Hollywood as a whole behind me.

He sighs and looks up at the dome-shaped ceiling. There's a beautiful mural painted there of all kinds of ancient gods, glittering stars, and zodiac symbols made of gold.

RICHARD

I just want to live as a normal kid. And go to school with other normal kids, have normal friends, and duck my adult responsibilities with as much vigor and skill as I've ducked pedophiles in Hollywood.

As the Reporter Lady stops and considers that last line. Richard spins around, admiring the fantastic interior of the school.

RICHARD

Besides, look at this place!

He opens his arms wide, presenting the beautiful space before them.

RICHARD

It's gonna be so cool to go to school here!

REPORTER LADY

(Nods)

It is lovely.

REPORTER LADY

(Looks around)

But, all that you've said about being a normal kid in a normal school...Is this place supposed to be "Normal"?

She sighs and looks back down at him.

REPORTER LADY

All part of a new world order, I guess. Thanks to your uncle, Kaye.

She walks past Richard.

Richard stands there a bit stunned. His green eyes are wide as he remembers what he couldn't quite remember before... the water image of Kaye looking down at him as he and the other boys drown, and then the blast of light.

He snaps out of it.

RICHARD

I want to see what the guys are doing outside. There's probably windows we can look out of upstairs.

EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FLOOR WINDOWS – DAY

Richard pokes his head out of the window and sees that it's snowing.

RICHARD

WOW! Look at it!!

REPORTER LADY

(Pokes her head out)

Snow? It's August!

RICHARD

It's an illusion.

He sticks his hand out and feels snowflakes falling on his arms.

RICHARD

A very good illusion!

EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY – Day

Down below is a gorgeous Christmas scene. Seth is sitting on a grand piano being played by Professor Diaz. They both appear as if they stepped out of "A Christmas Carol," with coats, scarves, and coachmen's top hats on their heads.

Chris looks like a charming holiday butler. He serves apple cider and festive cakes to the spellbound protestors.

CHRIS

(Sings)

...And for YOU, and for you! Comment allez-vous? Tres bien, et tou?

Eddie pops up behind a snowman dressed as Santa Claus with a snowball in his hand.

EDDIE

You dare attack my dojo, protestors? 雪合戦 に 備えて!!

(Subtitles: Prepare for snowball war!!)

Enchanted by the charm of the Christmas scene, the protestors' anger fades. Laughter fills the air as some throw snowballs at Eddie, getting into the game.

Even Adam Kirage sits chibi on his collapsed Mecha, sucking a candy cane as the holiday cheer continues all around him.

Seth, all grins and holiday spirit, dressed as a festive vagabond, swings his legs as he strums his magical guitar. With a twinkle in his eye, he begins to serenade the protestors with a merry tune:

SETH

I know what Christians like...

Winter snow. Less yes, more no!

Chris spins across the scene in front of Seth with his golden tray of goodies.

CHRIS

Peppermint and Hot Cocoa!

SETH

Pine Trees. Tea and cream...

Holds his hands up, smiling as he lets the snow hit his face.

SETH

Brilliant sparkling Christmas scenes!

Santa Eddie, entrenched in a snowball showdown, ducks behind a towering crucifix with Jesus on it. With a cheeky grin, he gives the camera a thumbs-up.

EDDIE

Morbid death Idolatry!

SETH

(Laughs)

All of which, as a witch, I do agree!

All of which, as a witch, there's camaraderie!

Seth runs his fingers across his guitar strings.

EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FL WINDOW – SAME

The Reporter Lady has her head out the window and watches in open-mouthed amazement.

EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY FRONT YARD – SAME

Circe and Portia are with a band of Christmas carolers braving the soft snow, harmonizing hymns to the faithful from the "Rebels of Light" church.

EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FL WINDOW – SAME

Richard watches, his eyes landing on Portia and staying there for a moment. She suddenly seems more beautiful and angelic than the other singers in Richard's eyes.

REPORTER LADY

This is amazing!

RICHARD

Yep, and imagine all the great spells we'll learn once the school opens!

He notices something strange on the horizon. There was a school bus approaching.

RICHARD

More protestors?

REPORTER LADY

So what?

RICHARD

(Shakes his head)

Illusions like this are delicate. You need to build an illusion in people's minds to enchant them. The people on that school bus didn't get the buildup! They probably won't even see the illusion, and they'll wake up the people down below!

He starts waving his arms frantically out of the window, trying to get their attention.

RICHARD

SETH!! CHRIS!!...EDDIE!?

REPORTER LADY

No one can hear you from here.

He looks down, trying to figure out what to do. He pulls out that busted wand.

RICHARD

Discount magic wand will have to do.

He starts waving the wand around dramatically.

REPORTER LADY

Uh...what are you doing?

RICHARD

I'm gonna freeze that bus!

REPORTER LADY

(Squinches her face)

Are you sure that's a good idea?

RICHARD

You doubt my power, WOMAN? I'm Kaye Beltran's nephew!

He points the wand out the window.

RICHARD

Abracadabra! Chumbawamba!!

The school bus revs up and starts rushing towards the crowd below even faster.

RICHARD

DAMN IT!

CAMERA MAN

The bus is revving up!

1067

Richard tries yelling out the window again, but his voice is lost in the loud music and cheering below. The school bus is racing towards the crowd at full speed.

Richard pulls away and speeds down the hall.

REPORTER LADY

Mr. Beltran?!

Richard ignores her as he runs down the hall. He raises the thin wooden wand, tapping his head with it.

RICHARD

ABRAHCADABRA, SHALAMAR!

He zaps himself several feet forward. He looks back, sighs sadly, spins back around, and keeps running.

RICHARD

What? I need to get downstairs, NOW!

He swings the wand around again.

RICHARD

ABRAHCADABRAH, SHALLAMAR!!!!

He taps his head with the wand again, but this time, he unexpectedly finds himself embedded in the wall.

The Reporter lady unleashes a scream as she looks down the hall and sees Richard. The cameraman has the camera trained right on him.

The reporter carefully walks up to Richard, looking at him with a mix of terror and fascination.

REPORTER LADY

What-in-the-hell?

A hard crashing sound comes from outside. The crash sends a shock wave through the building, making it quiver.

Another scream from the reporter, and she falls backwards. She trembles as she makes it back to her feet, still looking at Richard, half-fused into the wall.

She stands and grabs the cameraman's arm.

REPORTER LADY

Let's get out of here!

RICHARD

WAIT!

The reporter and the cameraman stop in their tracks and look back at Richard.

RICHARD

(Cries)

Please...send someone to help me!

REPORTER LADY

(Yells)

What happened to you?

Richard hangs his head and starts to cry.

RICHARD

(Cries)

I botched the spell! I tried to get downstairs with a spell, but...

The cameraman grabs the reporter's shoulder.

CAMERA MAN

We gotta cover that school bus! The way it was racing towards the school, I know that's what made that crashing sound!

REPORTER LADY

(Nods and turns to Richard)

I'll send someb-

She turns back to Richard and sees he's hanging there, limp, passed out.

She and the cameraman hurry through the door that leads to the staircase.

They quickly dash downstairs.

EXT. FRONT YARD OF THE SCHOOL HOUSE – DAY

Richard lies on the grass, bound in rope, as if discarded, the soft glow of a nearby fire casting light over him. He stirs awake, and as the scene widens, Portia comes into view—also tied up, lying on the ground facing him, sobbing uncontrollably.

Richard watches her for a moment, bewildered, before sitting up in alarm. On his other side sits Eddie, also bound, his back to the group, the fire’s warmth illuminating his face and body.

As Richard regains his bearings, Chris’s voice reaches him—muffled at first—slowly growing clearer as he steadies himself.

CHRIS

--you idiot!

SETH

You're blaming me for this?

CHRIS

It's Eddie's fault too!

CHRIS

(Cries)

I told you we should have crucified the little "Teen Jesus" dip shit! I told you! The Christians woulda loved it!

EDDIE

Shut up, Chris!

Circe, bound in rope, still manages to kick her foot out to hit Chris's knee.

CIRCE

You are such a dork! I swear!

RICHARD

(Breathing hard, eyes opened)

The people...on the school bus?

CHRIS

They're fine! No thanks to you!

EDDIE

(Mutters)

It's ok, no one got hurt in the accident, thank God. But a huge chunk of the school got destroyed.

Richard struggles in his binds to turn around and face the school. Smoke billowed from the beautiful school building. A school bus jutted out from the lower right side, while flames erupted from inside.

Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances surrounded the scene. A big crowd stands by, watching the chaos. There were other news reporters and news vans now.

Richard looks down at Portia. Although she'd quieted down, she was looking past him to the schoolhouse with tears in her eyes.

It was like she refused to make eye contact with him. Richard often got shy around her and rarely could say much to her, but she never seemed to have a problem meeting his eyes before.

Was she disappointed in him? Was everyone disappointed in him?

RICHARD

What's going on? Why are we tied up?

He looks at Seth and Chris crying.

RICHARD

Where's Professor Diaz?

Eddie doesn't answer the last question. Instead, he raises his chin to the bonfire. His serious look remains as he watches what's burning.

Richard follows Eddie's eyes and let's loose a scream as he finds Professor Diaz tied to a stake, being burned alive.

Seth lets loose a trembling wail as tears slide down his face.

Chris's face was red and shiny with shame, turning away from his professor, who was about to be executed.

Circe's eyes were wet with tears, but somehow, she still managed to be chewing on something even though she was bound in rope.

EDDIE

...They tied us up because they didn't want us to try to save our teacher.

Richard gawks up at Diaz in disbelief.

PROFESSOR DIAZ

(Terrified but fighting it)

D-don't cry, children. Everything will continue to go a-as scheduled. As your teacher, I will g-g-grade you boys on your performances today!

In spite of the horror and drama, everyone looks up at Diaz, confused.

CHRIS

What?

EDDIE

You're about to die, though.

PROFESSOR DIAZ

Duty calls, and I will perform my duties till the very end!

His glasses are falling down his nose. He tries to wiggle them in place. He's sweating profusely. The glasses fall off, and he realizes he has bigger worries.

PROFESSOR DIAZ

Eddie, the idea for the illusion was beautiful and brilliant! For thoughtfulness, you get an "A." Seth, you're amazing. I have never seen so much power coming from a s-sound mage, you also get an "A". And Chris, ahhh, my Christopher Robyn!

PROFESSOR DIAZ

(Cries)

You didn't kill anyone or make things worse. So, A+ for you!

Chris turns to Seth and whispers.

CHRIS

You heard that? The teacher is on my BALLS and said I'm better than you! Haha!

\

PROFESSOR DIAZ

And Richard...

Richard looks up at his professor with his face wet with tears, still trying to get out of the rope.

Professor Diaz's face strains as he looks at this beautiful, precious young man, trying to find something uplifting to say to him.

But he finally gives up.

PROFESSOR DIAZ

F@#! YOU, VEGAS!!

Then he screams out and flails his head back and forth frantically as the fire starts burning his feet. His screams sound like mad laughter.

Richard gawks up at him, heartbroken and confused.

The other children look away, unable to take the horrible screams of their master. Well, except Circe, who seemed to have dissociated and was blowing bubbles with her bubble gum.

As the camera continues to pan out, some older Christians dance in celebration as a hippie-looking guy plays a guitar.

Adam unzips his tracksuit jacket and uses it as a blanket as he lies down on his mech, getting ready to take a nap on it, warmed by the bonfire's heat and Diaz's witch roasting, mocking the magic school students.

And the scene closes with a shot of the magic school kids, still bound and defeated.

Music and merry carry all around them, as Circe, still completely lost in a daydream or something, blows a big pink bubble that pops, and the scene fades to black again.