Homecoming (American Dragon: Jake Long)

TEASER INT. JAKE’S SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY PAN DOWN from a banner that reads “HOMECOMING” to find TRIXIE and SPUD making their way past rows of tables labeled “DANCE COMMITTEE,” “FLOAT COMMITTEE,” etc. toward JAKE. 1 SPUD 1 I’m telling you, Trix. It’s foolproof! 2 JAKE 2 Hey, guys. What’s foolproof? Trixie turns to Jake, gesturing first to Spud, then to a STACEY who stands near the “FLOAT COMMITTEE” table. 3 TRIXIE 3 Lovermouth here just signed himself up for the Homecoming Float Committee so he can plant a big smoochacho on Stacey. Spud nods excitedly. 4 SPUD 4 It’s all planned out. Observe. Spud pulls out a LARGE FLIP PAD filled with a SERIES OF COMICALLY CRUDE DRAWINGS to illustrate his plan. 1.) Spud and Stacey stick-figures stand at the sign-up booth. 2.) Spud and Stacey stick-figures walk into a door marked “Kissy-Kissy Closet”. 3.) Spud and Stacy stick-figures kiss with hearts exploding around them. 5 SPUD (CONT'D) 5 Step One: Stacey and I sign up for Float Committee. (flips page) Step Two: Float Committee has access to the prop storage locker -- or as it’s known around school -- “the Kissy-Kissy Closet.” (flips page) Step Three: Stacey and I end up alone in said closet, and proceed with said kissy-kissies. 2. Now it’s Jake’s turn to look skeptical. 6 JAKE 6 Uh, question: Why would Stacey “kissy-kissy” you if she hates you? Spud shrugs it off. 7 SPUD 7 Stacey won’t know it’s me on account of... (deep voice/bad accent) ...it’ll be dark and I’ll be talking like this. 8 TRIXIE 8 Like my great aunt LaToya? * Spud flips to a CRUDE DRAWING OF A HANDSOME SARAPE-CLAD ARGENTINIAN BOY ON A LLAMA. 9 SPUD 9 (deep voice/bad accent) Like Reynaldo, the strapping Argentinian exchange student. Trixie rolls her eyes. 10 TRIXIE 10 I’m just saying, you’d never catch me jumping through hoops just to get up in some guy’s-- Trixie pauses, spotting KYLE WILKINS signing up for “Float Committee.” Trixie barrels past Spud towards Kyle. 11 TRIXIE (CONT’D) 11 One side, Spudinski. Trixie’s mandar has locked on! ON KYLE - Trixie coyly sidles up beside him, taking the SIGNUP CLIPBOARD from him. 12 TRIXIE (CONT'D) 12 Hey there, Kyle! You’re signing up for the float committee, too? What a coinky-dinkie, dontcha thinkie? 3. BACK ON JAKE - as he turns around and SMACKS into ROSE, causing her to drop some SCHOOLBOOKS. 13 JAKE 13 Sorry, I-- Oh. Hey, Rose. They both bend down to gather the books. 14 ROSE 14 Hey, yourself. Happy Homecoming. 15 JAKE 15 You too. So, how’s it going? I haven’t seen you in awhile. 16 ROSE 16 We saw each other last week when we stopped the Huntsman from-- Jake locks eyes with her. 17 JAKE 17 That was Huntsgirl. I haven’t seen you. Rose collects her books and stands. This isn’t easy for her. 18 ROSE 18 Jake, we agreed to keep things strictly professional between us, remember? 19 JAKE 19 I don’t remember being part of that agreement. 20 ROSE 20 I’m sorry. Really. But this is the way it has to be. I’ll, uh, see you around, okay? 21 SUN (O.S.) 21 You bet your auras you will! REVEAL - SUN standing beside them. 22 SUN (CONT'D) 22 The ballots have been tallied and you two have been nominated for homecoming king and queen! 23 ROSE/JAKE 23 Excuse me?!/Say what now? 4. 24 SUN 24 The winner will be announced at the homecoming ball on Friday. Isn’t that groovy? Sun exits, leaving a stunned Jake and Rose in her wake. Jake likes this development; Rose isn’t so sure. 25 ROSE 25 Homecoming ball? 26 JAKE 26 King and queen? 27 JAKE/ROSE 27 Groovy. Off of his excited and her uncertain looks, we-- SMASH TO: OPENING TITLES 5. ACT ONE INT. JAKE’S SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY RE-ESTABLISH - Jake and Rose reeling from Sun’s news. She’s uncertain; he’s excited. 28 ROSE 28 Wow. You and me. Up for king and queen. That’s... unexpected, huh? 29 JAKE 29 Royally. But the people have spoken and who are we to argue with the people? Am I right? Just then, a CHIME rings from Rose’s Huntsclan communication device. She reads the screen, her face filling with urgency. 30 ROSE 30 It’s gonna have to wait. (re: device) It’s the Huntsclan. They’ve found the last missing Aztec skull. Off of Jake’s reaction, we-- SUBWAY MAP TRANSITION TO: INT. CENTRAL PARK ZOO - NIGHT ANGLE ON A LARGE STONE AZTEC STATUE - built into the wall of a building featuring South American animals. The Huntsman flips onto the figure’s head. With one swipe of his staff, he slices open the statue’s stone head. A CRYSTAL AZTEC SKULL falls out and drops into the hands of-- THE HUNTSGIRL - who catches it. 31 HUNTSGIRL 31 Got it, Master. 32 HUNTSMAN 32 Excellent. Once all thirteen skulls are united, I’ll finally have the power to wipe magical creatures from the face of the earth. AT A MONKEY CAGE - #89 peels a banana, dropping the peel and holding the fruit up to the bars for a CHATTERING monkey. 6. 33 #89 33 Oh, whatsa matta monkey man? You want some banana-wana? Psyche! He tosses it to #88, who catches it, laughing. 34 #88 34 That’s bananas! Get it, bananas!? They high five while the monkeys CHATTER in anger. The Huntsman leaps down, snatching the skull. 35 HUNTSMAN 35 Silence! Keep your mouths shut and your eyes open. Lately, it seems the American Dragon has known our every move. Huntsgirl darts her eyes guiltily as-- 36 #89 36 I bet he doesn’t know this move! 37 #88 37 Or this one. 38 JAKE (O.S.) 38 Hi-yaaaaa! Dragon Jake WHOOSHES in, using his tail to sweep the Huntsman’s legs out from under him. The skull goes skidding across the floor. 39 HUNTSMAN 39 Argghh! 40 #89 40 Dra--dra-dra--- 41 #88/#89 41 DRAGON! Whoahhhhhhhh! Ooof!/ with him. #89 rolls his eyes, picking up the peel. 7. 42 #89 42 Okay, please tell me you did not just slip on a banana peel. 43 #88 43 Huh. I thought that only happened in cartoons. THE HUNTSMAN - recovers. He BLASTS his staff at-- JAKE - who is knocked out of the way by DRAGON GRANDPA, who swoops onto the scene. 44 GRANDPA/JAKE 44 / The ENERGY BEAM SIZZLES through-- THE LOCK ON THE MONKEY CAGE DOOR - The door swings open and the monkeys pour out, CHATTERING. THE SKULL - rolls to a stop next to #88 and #89. #88 is reaching for it when a monkey grabs it. The monkey holds it out, offering it to them, then at the last second, tosses it over their heads to another monkey. They CHATTER with glee. 45 #88/#89 45 Wait! Give it!/Hey! Come back with that! The monkeys toss the skull back and forth, playing keep away, as #88 and #89 chase them down the hall. 46 HUNTSMAN 46 Get that skull! I will deal with the dragon! The Huntsman is leveling his staff at Jake when Huntsgirl flips in front of him, blocking his shot. 47 HUNTSGIRL 47 This one is mine, Master! Hi-ya! Huntsgirl fly kicks into Jake. 48 JAKE 48 She and Jake crash through a wooden door and into-- * 8. A CONTROL ROOM --video surveillance monitors show scenes from around the zoo. Huntsgirl leaps up, making sure that the coast is clear. She peels off her mask, pointing to-- A MONITOR - that shows #88 and #89. #89 trips, accidentally firing his staff as he falls. A monkey dodges the blast, tossing the skull into the air and into the arms of #88. The duo scrambles around a corner. 49 ROSE 49 Jake, 88 and 89 are getting away with the skull. Jake joins her at the monitor. 50 JAKE 50 They won’t get far. Fu Dog’s guarding the rear exit. (scours the monitors) Did you see which room they went into? INT. DARK ROOM - CONTINUOUS room. 51 #89 51 Hey, did you notice how those monkeys took off as soon as we walked in here? 52 #88 52 They probably knew I was about to open a can of Huntssmack all over their sorry-- WIDE ON THE ROOM - as #89 FLICKS on the lights to reveal they’re standing on the backs of a row of GIANT SNARLING CROCODILES in a water tank. The Crocs spring on them, jaws SNAPPING. They juggle the skull back and forth. 53 #88/#89 53 !/Get ‘em off! Get ‘em off! 9. INT. MAIN EXHIBIT - CONTINUOUS THE HUNTSMAN - blasts at DRAGON GRANDPA with his staff. Grandpa gets behind him. The Huntsman reaches back and flips Grandpa over his head, SLAMMING into the bars of a cage. 54 HUNTSMAN 54 You’re growing slower, old dragon. 55 GRANDPA 55 And wiser... Grandpa’s tail flicks open the door of the cage and a BLACK JAGUAR comes ROARING out, leaping onto the Huntsman. 56 HUNTSMAN 56 Argghhhhh! INT. CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS ON A MONITOR - where the Huntsman struggles with the jaguar. Rose turns to Jake. 57 HUNTSGIRL 57 I’d better get out there. The Huntsman’s been getting suspicious. Before she goes, Jake places a dragon hand on her shoulder. 58 JAKE 58 Rose? Just think about homecoming. The two of us as king and queen-- It wouldn’t be so bad. She considers this. 59 HUNTSGIRL 59 We’ll talk tomorrow, ok? With a sympathetic look, Rose pulls down her mask and flips away. EXT. CENTRAL PARK ZOO - NIGHT AN EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR - #88 and #89 come falling out of the door, beaten and bruised. Their underwear is visible through their completely shredded clothes. #88 holds up the skull. 10. 60 #88 60 Check it, 89! We got the skull! 61 #88 61 We’re so cool and superfly! 62 #89 62 Dragons got no alibi! 63 #88/#89 63 They ugly! That’s right! They U-GL-Y, ug--AAAAAAAH! WIDEN - as #88 & #89 turn to come face to face with Dragon Grandpa and Dragon Jake (who holds FU DOG). Frightened, the skull pops out of their hands, landing right in the arms of Fu Dog. 64 FU DOG 64 Uh, speaking of ugly, you might wanna take a look behind you. the door, SNAPPING on the seat of their uniforms and yanking them back in the door. We hear more SNAPPING and THRASHING. 65 #88/#89 (O.S.) 65 No! Leggo! Leggo!/ Ow! Aw man, that was my favorite underwear! As Jake, Grandpa, and Fu sail into the sky with the skull, we- SUBWAY MAP TRANSITION TO: INT. GRANDPA’S SHOP - NIGHT Jake examines the newly acquired skull while removing the other two from the shop safe. Grandpa and Fu are nearby. 66 JAKE 66 So how exactly do these skull thingies work again? 67 GRANDPA 67 Whoever possesses all thirteen is granted one irreversible wish. 11. 68 FU DOG 68 And if the Huntsman gets his mitts on ‘em, ten bucks says he ain’t wishin’ for a collection of 70s soft-rock hits. Jake stares down at the three skulls, confused. 69 JAKE 69 So why don’t we just destroy the three we have and be done with it? 70 FU DOG 70 The skulls only work when all thirteen are together, and they can only be destroyed when all thirteen are together. 71 GRANDPA 71 When it is safe, Rose will snatch the Huntsman’s skulls and bring them to us. 72 FU DOG 72 Then we’ll destroy ‘em, and bingo, bango, bazingo, Huntsy’s master plan is flushed down the master can. Jake chimes in, liking where this is going. 73 JAKE 73 And I’ll have time to pursue other things... (to himself) like Rose. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY VARIOUS STUDENTS (Trixie included) work on B.G. FLOATS WITH SPARTAN WARRIOR THEMES. Spud sits nearby, scribbling a note. 74 SPUD 74 (to himself, as he writes) Hey, you. Meet me in the kissykissy closet in five minutes for some kissy-kissies? Signed, youknow-who. Spud folds the note into a little square. As Stacey walks past, he deftly slips it into a notebook she’s carrying. 12. 75 SPUD (CONT'D) 75 Man, am I a sly dog or what? Spud walks O.S. ON TRIXIE - who’s fashioning a SPARTAN SHIELD FLOAT DECORATION out of pipe cleaners. As Stacey walks past her, Spud’s note falls out of her notebook, landing on-- --the table where Trixie is working. Not seeing where it came from, Trixie picks up the note, and reads it with growing excitement. 76 TRIXIE 76 (reading) Hey, you. Meet me in the kissykissy closet in five minutes for some kissy-kissies? Signed, youknow-who?! She looks up to see-- Kyle Wilkins working on the float a few feet away. Their eyes meet. He smiles and gives her a little wave. 77 TRIXIE (CONT'D) 77 (to herself) Kyle Wilkins, you sly dog! EXT. SCHOOL PROP LOCKER AREA - MOMENTS LATER Trixie walks up to the door marked “PROP LOCKER,” opens the door, and walks in. INT. “KISSY-KISSY” CLOSET - CONTINUOUS Complete darkness. 78 SPUD/TRIXIE (O.S.) 78 A brief moment of silence. 79 TRIXIE (O.S.) 79 Uh... K-kyle?? 80 SPUD (O.S.) 80 (deep voice/cheesy accent) S-tacey? 13. 81 TRIXIE (O.S.) 81 (oh please, God) Reynaldo, the Argentinian exchange student? 82 SPUD (O.S.) 82 (deep voice/cheesy accent) Stacey?? 83 DELETED 83 * Spud flicks the overhead light on, revealing Spud and Trixie face-to-face. Horror fills both of their faces. 84 TRIXIE (CONT'D) 84 Spud! 85 SPUD 85 Trixie! 86 TRIXIE 86  87 SPUD 87  A beat as they stare at each other, taking this in. Then-- EXT. KISSY-KISSY CLOSET - CONTINUOUS The door bursts open and Trixie and Spud run off in different directions, screaming. 88 SPUD/TRIXIE 88  CUT TO: EXT. SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - BLEACHERS - SAME TIME Jake catches up to Rose, who makes her way down the bleachers. 89 JAKE 89 Rose, hey. Have you had a chance to give Homecoming some thought? ‘Cause I-- 14. Just then, BRIGITTE CARLISLE, a gossipy student reporter, runs up with her STUDENT CAMERAMAN. She speaks rapid-fire to camera, talking into a HAND-HELD MICROPHONE. 90 BRIGITTE CARLISLE 90 Brigitte Carlisle here with “Brigey’s Bits”-the serious scoop * ‘n scuttlebutt on Fillmore’s most * fab. She turns to them. 91 BRIGITTE CARLISLE (CONT'D) 91 So how does it feel to be nominated for King and Queen? Jake and Rose share an awkward look. 92 ROSE 92 Well, Jake and I aren’t technically a couple. 93 JAKE 93 --of crazy kids. We’re responsible young adults who are confident we can make this thing work. Brigitte is overwhelmed with emotion. 94 BRIGITTE CARLISLE 94 Touching. Inspirational. Wonderful. (then) The homecoming ball’s being held on the rooftop of the Pantheon Building -- the best view in the city. Who are you wearing? Rose shoots a sorrowful glance at Jake. 95 ROSE 95 Well I was thinking it probably wouldn’t be a good idea for us to go-- 96 JAKE 96 --Go crazy with the details! You’ll just have to wait and be surprised like everybody else. Brigitte turns back to CAMERA. 14A. 97 BRIGITTE CARLISLE 97 You heard it here first! Brigitte Carlisle for “Brigey’s Bits” signing off. 15. As the camera turns off, Rose turns to Jake. 98 ROSE 98 I’m sorry, Jake but I-- 99 BRIGITTE CARLISLE 99 Yeah, dish later. We need all Homecoming princesses on the field for glamour shots, choppity-chop! Brigitte grabs Rose and escorts her away. 100 JAKE 100 Aw, man. DISSOLVE TO: INT. HUNTSCLAN LAIR - NIGHT graphs, etc. projected on a wall. #88 uses a pointer to point to a screen showing video footage of them getting thrashed by the crocodiles. The Huntsman watches. 101 #89 101 Now, this footage clearly shows us fighting a whole herd of crocodiles with our bare hands... 102 #88 102 Actually, it’s pack. Pack of crocodiles. Not herd. We fought a pack of crocodiles with our bare hands. 103 #89 103 Maybe it’s flock? 104 #88 104 Say what? 105 #89 105 Flock of crocodiles? School of crocodiles? Gaggle of croco-- 106 #88 106 Look, point is -- we did everything in our power to recover that skull. It isn’t our fault! THE HUNTSMAN - SLAMS his fist down on the control panel. He motions over to the rack holding the other ten Aztec Skulls. 16. 107 HUNTSMAN 107 These ten skulls are useless to me without the other three! I want results, not excuses! 108 #89 108 No worries, Big Man. We won’t rest ‘til we get those skulls. 109 #88 109 Right. Except we might grab a quick cat nap before we head out. As #88 continues, something on the video monitor catches the Huntsman’s eye. 110 #89 110 Just forty winks, you know, or maybe just twenty... 111 HUNTSMAN 111 Silence! Activate the audio on the control room footage. A MONITOR - shows footage of Dragon Jake talking with Rose. 112 JAKE (REPRINT) 112 Just think about homecoming. The two of us as king and queen-- It wouldn’t be so bad. 113 HUNTSGIRL (REPRINT) 113 We’ll talk tomorrow, ok? In a moment of rage, the Huntsman slams his fist down on the control panel. After a moment, he turns to #88 and #89, suppressing his rage. 114 HUNTSMAN (O.S.) (CONT'D) 114 88, 89, I have an assignment for you. It appears we have a traitor in our midst. CUT TO BLACK: END ACT ONE 17. ACT TWO EXT. SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - NEXT DAY PAN ACROSS - the field, now filled with various food booths and rides and a banner reading “HAPPY HOMECOMING!” (Re-use school carnival layout from 201?) CLOSER ON FOOD BOOTH - as Trixie and Spud round opposite corners and bump into each other. They recover, not sure how to act. 115 SPUD 115 Oh, uh... hey there, friend Trixie! I was just thinking, “Where’s my friend Trixie been keeping her friend self all day?!” 116 TRIXIE 116 Oh, you know. Been busy as a bee. Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz! Heh. A painfully awkward beat. Spud scratches his beanie. 117 TRIXIE (CONT'D) 117 Okay, this is bananas. It was just one freaky accidental kiss. Spud nods, over-enthusiastically. 118 SPUD 118 Yeah, you’re totally right! There’s no reason we can’t just move on and put the whole “kiss” thing out of our minds. Just then, Jake walks up to them. 119 JAKE 119 Hey, guys. How’d you make out? Trixie and Spud freak out. 120 TRIXIE 120 Make out?! Who’s making out?! We didn’t make out!! Jake shoots them an odd look. 121 JAKE 121 Uh... with the whole Float Committee thing? 18. 122 TRIXIE 122 Oh. N-nothing happened! 123 SPUD 123 Nope, not a thing! Jake shrugs, cluelessly. 124 JAKE 124 Okay, fine. I get it. Your lips are sealed. WIDEN - as a Male Student seems to talk to Trixie and Spud. * 125 MALE STUDENT 125 * So what’s the story? Did you get * to first base or what? * Trixie and Spud exchange a horrified look... then bolt in * different directions, screaming. * 126 SPUD/TRIXIE 126  * They run off, revealing a KID IN BASEBALL UNIFORM standing * just behind them. He slumps, shaking his head. * 127 BASEBALL KID 127 * Dude, I totally struck out. * He then turns to Jake, gesturing to the direction Trixie and * Spud just fled. * 128 BASEBALL KID (CONT’D) 128 * What’s up with them? * 129 DELETED 129 * Jake shrugs, confused. * NEW ANGLE - Jake spots a miserable Rose with some other HOMECOMING PRINCESSES WEARING SASHES posing for pictures. He walks up to the STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER. 19. 130 JAKE 130 Uh, sorry to interrupt, but Principal Rotwood would like to see Rose in the cafeteria immediately? Off of Rose’s thankful expression, weCUT TO: INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY THE CAF DOORS open to reveal Rose enter followed by Jake. 131 ROSE 131 Thanks for rescuing me. After two days of photo shoots, I’ve been dying for a little peace and-- She stops in her tracks, stunned to see-- ROSE’S POV - Pan across the darkened cafeteria. The tables have been cleared away, the windows blacked out, the disco ball lit. SLOW DANCE MUSIC plays. 132 ROSE (O.S.) 132 Jake, what is this? BACK ON JAKE & ROSE - as Jake turns to her. 133 JAKE 133 Since Homecoming doesn’t seem to be in the cards for us, I thought we’d have a ball of our own. Care to dance? Jake takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor. They begin to slow-dance in the middle of the caf. 134 ROSE 134 Jake, it’s not that I don’t want to go with you, it’s just-- 135 JAKE 135 --Too dangerous. I know. 136 ROSE 136 It’s more than that. I just... I want a normal life. A life where I don’t have to worry about giant snakes or magical beetles, or-- 20. (MORE) 137 JAKE 137 Rose, listen. After this skull business is over, I think it’s time for you to leave the Huntsclan. For good. 138 ROSE 138 But how? I mean, where would I go? Last time I checked, the online directories weren’t exactly filled * with listings for “Homes for Wayward Dragon Slayers.” 139 JAKE 139 Remember your dream? The Huntsclan stole you from your parents when you were a baby. I want to help you find your real family. Rose is beyond touched. 140 ROSE 140 Jake, thank you. I don’t know how I’d ever-- (a beat, then) Let’s go to the homecoming ball tonight. 141 JAKE 141 Wha--? Are you sure? ‘Cause I don’t wanna-- 142 ROSE 142 Yeah. I’m sure. Jake is beside himself. 143 JAKE 143 Awesome. Tonight’s gonna be perfect, Rose. I can feel it. As they continue to dance, we pan up to the skylight, where EXT. SCHOOL ROOFTOP - DAY - CONTINUOUS 144 #89 144 That’s what he thinks! Mua-ha-haha-ha-- Dang! 21. I choked on my own spit. I hate it when that happens. DISSOLVE TO: INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Trixie is at her locker. She shuts it and accidentally walks right into Spud who is at his locker next to her. 145 TRIXIE 145  146 SPUD 146  Trixie composes herself, but looks perplexed. 147 TRIXIE 147 Okay, if we both know the kiss didn’t mean anything, why can’t we get past it? Spud shrugs, then pauses, struck with an odd thought. 148 SPUD 148 Hmm. You don’t suppose that maybe, possibility, it mighta kinda sorta maybe did mean something, do you? A beat then-- 149 TRIXIE 149 (then) Oh, you’re serious. Spudinski, there is no way... I mean, I seriously doubt... I mean... you think? Spud shrugs. 150 SPUD 150 I dunno. But I’ve been told that once you’ve tried Gourmet Spud, everything else tastes like dog food wrapped in a T.P. tortilla. 151 TRIXIE 151 Well, there is one way we could find out... She points to a “HOMECOMING BALL -- TONIGHT!” banner hanging over their heads. 22. As Spud considers this, we-- CUT TO: INT. HUNTSCLAN LAIR - AFTERNOON THE HUNTSMAN - FLICKS off the computer on his control panel as Huntsgirl (sans mask) enters the room. #88 and #89 stand nearby. 152 HUNTSMAN 152 Huntsgirl. How nice of you take time out of your busy social life to see me. 153 HUNTSGIRL 153 What? He hits a button on the control panel. WIDE ON THE CONTROL ROOM - as all of the monitors switch to the footage of Huntsgirl talking to dragon Jake. 154 JAKE (REPRINT) 154 Just think about homecoming. The two of as king and queen-- It wouldn’t be so bad. 155 HUNTSGIRL (REPRINT) 155 We’ll talk tomorrow, ok? ON HUNTSGIRL - her eyes widen in panic. #89 leans in. 156 #89 156 (a la Tootie) Oooh, there’s gonna be trooouuble! FOUR HUNTSCLAN GUARDS - converge on-- HUNTSGIRL - who leaps forward, kicking Huntsman’s staff out of his hands. 157 HUNTSGIRL 157 Hi-ya! She catches it, spins around, and dispenses all four guards in a quick series of swipes and kicks. (#88 and #89, meanwhile, curl into the fetal position on the floor.) 158 HUNTSGIRL 158 23. She turns the staff on the Huntsman. 159 HUNTSGIRL 159 Perhaps you trained me too well. The Huntsman is unfazed. #88 and #89 get back on their feet. 160 HUNTSMAN 160 On the contrary. You shall use your training to betray your precious dragon and bring me the remaining three skulls in his possession. 161 HUNTSGIRL 161 I’d never betray him. 162 HUNTSMAN 162 Oh, but you will. You see, I know the exact location of your parents. 163 #88 163 With a live video feed to prove it. from the “POOKA-POOKA SHOW” (See “Haley Gone Wild”) 164 #88 164 Oopsie. Wrong button. SURVEILLANCE OF ROSE’S REAL PARENTS EATING DINNER. Huntsgirl studies the footage and lowers her staff, stunned. 165 HUNTSGIRL 165 It’s--it’s them. I recognize them from my dream. 166 HUNTSMAN 166 I assure you, they’re quite safe. And they’ll remain that way... as long as you do exactly as I say and bring me those skulls. Tonight. Off of Huntsgirl’s look of utter helplessness, we-- CUT TO BLACK: END ACT TWO 24. ACT THREE EXT. PANTHEON SKYSCRAPER - GOTHIC ROOFTOP - NIGHT ESTABLISHING - The Homecoming Ball is in full swing: KIDS IN FORMAL WEAR dancing, a stage with a DEEJAY BOOTH, lots of streamers and decorations. Twelve Gargoyle statues line the building’s perimeter. Beyond the building is the NYC skyline in all its glory. MID-TEMPO MUSIC plays. CLOSER - as Trixie and Spud (she’s dressed to the nines; he’s in a powder blue tux) slow-dance, looking incredibly awkward and uneasy. 167 TRIXIE 167 So here we are. At Homecoming. You feeling any sparks yet? 168 SPUD 168 Know what? I think I am. (then) Or it could be the cocktail wienies repeating on me. Trixie shoots him a look. 169 SPUD 169 Hey, I know. Maybe I should spin you like couples do in the movies! 170 TRIXIE 170 Uh, ok. That’d be romantic, I guess. Spud spins Trixie like a top. She careens out of control, and O.S. We hear a loud CRASH. 171 TRIXIE 171 WhohahahahahaahaaHHHHH! 172 SPUD 172 Uh...Whoops. Just then, A TUXEDO-CLAD JAKE walks up to Spud, worried. 173 JAKE 173 Hey, Spud. Have you seen Rose? Sun’s about to announce the king and queen. Spud shrugs and shakes his head. 25. 174 SPUD 174 Sorry, dude. If you’ll excuse me, I should probably go help Trixie get her tuchus out of the punch bowl. As Spud exits, Jake slumps, anxiously checking his watch. CUT TO: EXT. CHINATOWN - NIGHT - SAME TIME Fu Dog rounds the corner with a couple of females dogs, the CHOW CHOW TWINS. 175 FU DOG 175 Good news, ladies. The old man’s out with his mah jongg buddies, which means we got the shop all to our-- He stops in his tracks, his face filling with concern. REVEAL - Grandpa’s shop right in front of them, the door off its hinges. Windows smashed. The place is ransacked. 176 FU DOG 176 Yuh-oh. CUT TO: EXT. ABOVE NYC - NIGHT A HUNTSCLAN HOVER-CRAFT zips above the city. INT. HUNTCLAN COVERCRAFT COCKPIT - SAME TIME examines the TWO SKULLS as Huntsgirl (sans mask) confronts him. 177 HUNTSGIRL 177 I gave you your skulls, now tell me where my parents are. 178 HUNTSMAN 178 Not until my plan is complete. 179 HUNTSGIRL 179 What? But you promised! 26. 180 HUNTSMAN 180 And you promised your allegiance. 181 #88 181 The Pantheon Building’s in sight, Master. Huntsgirl reacts, confused. 182 HUNTSGIRL 182 The Pantheon Building? But that’s where-- I mean, what’s so special about the Pantheon Building? CUT TO: EXT. PANTHEON SKYSCRAPER - ROOFTOP - NIGHT Pan from a gargoyle statue to Sun standing on-stage. Mic in one hand, envelope in the other, she addresses the students through the PA system. 183 SUN (O.S., THROUGH P.A.) 183 And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for: The crowning of your Homecoming King and Queen! JAKE - looks around anxiously for Rose as his cell phone starts RINGING. He pulls it out, glances down at the caller I.D., and flips it open. (No telephone # display, please). * 184 JAKE 184 Yo, Fu. Not a good time. INTERCUT W/ FU IN GRANDPA’S SHOP The place is ransacked. Fu cradles the receiver, perched next to the shop’s safe, which is busted open and empty. 185 FU DOG 185 (into phone) You’re tellin’ me. The Huntsman busted into the shop and took the skulls! 186 JAKE 186 (into phone) Say what? Fu, he’s got the power to annihilate us! All of us! Fu dog consults a COMPUTER as he cradles the phone. 27. 187 FU DOG 187 (into phone) Well, not exactly. According to my research, the skulls only work if they’re inserted into something called the “Gargoyles of Pantheon.” Jake glances over to a nearby gargoyle statue. Then to the eleven others surrounding it. 188 JAKE 188 Uh, by “Gargoyles of Pantheon,” do you mean one of these? Jake aims the phone at the gargoyle, clicks a picture, and hits the send button. Back in the shop, the photo pops up on Fu’s computer screen. 189 FU DOG 189 Yeah, that’s-- Hey, how did you--? 190 JAKE (CONT’D) 190 Fu, you and Gramps need to get to the Pantheon Building. Now. SUN - tears opens her envelope, on stage. 191 SUN 191 ...The new King and Queen of Fillmore Middle School are... INT. GRANDPA’S SHOP - CONTINUOUS WIDEN TO INCLUDE - a SECURITY MONITOR beside Fu, which clearly depicts HUNTSGIRL slicing into the safe with her staff and handing the skulls to the huntsman. 192 FU DOG 192 (into phone) Uh, kid? There’s something else. EXT. PANTHEON SKYSCRAPER - GOTHIC ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS ON JAKE - as Fu’s voice comes through the cell. 193 FU DOG (FILTERED, O.S.) 193 Rose led the Huntsman to the shop. She gave him those skulls. ON SUN - who reads from the envelope on stage. 28. 194 SUN 194 (into mic) ...Jake and Rose! Applause, MUSIC, and confetti as-- Jake holds the phone, stunned. A glaring spotlight finds him with a  An ashen Jake looks around, shellshocked. Everyone’s looking at him, smiling, and clapping. 195 FU DOG (FILTERED, O.S.) 195 I’m sorry, kid. 196 JAKE 196 (dazed, into phone) I... I have to go. He absently hangs up the phone, his face completely glazed over. Everything around Jake turns BLURRY. The MUSIC and CROWD MURMURS turn echoey and distant. 197 TRIXIE (ECHOEY) 197 Jakey, you okay? 198 SPUD (ECHOEY) 198 Bro, did you find Rose? Just then-- UPSHOT on the skyline as the Huntsclan hovercraft descends from the sky. TWELVE IDENTICAL HUNTSCLAN SENTRIES repel down ropes, each holding a skull. Exhaust from the engines fills the area with smoke, obscuring visibility. 199 STUDENTS 199  SUN - gestures toward the exit. 200 SUN 200 Everyone! Get inside! As kids file inside-- The ship blasts off into the night. 29. WIDE ON ROOFTOP - The smoke clears, revealing Jake, (flanked by Trixie and Spud) in the center of the dance floor, face-toface with the Huntsman (flanked by Huntsgirl, #88, and #89 and 12 Huntsclan sentries, each holding a skull.) The Huntsman holds the 13th skull. Jake locks eyes with Huntsgirl. 201 JAKE 201 So it’s true. Huntsgirl takes off her mask, her face filled with anguish. 202 HUNTSGIRL 202 Jake. I’m sorry. The Huntsman steps forward, studying Jake. 203 HUNTSMAN 203 So this is the American Dragon’s true human form. Before I wish for the annihilation of you and your kind, any last words? Jake grits his teeth. 204 JAKE 204 Well, considering the occasion, I have just two: Jake DRAGONS UP. Over the rooftop behind him, DRAGON GRANDPA, DRAGON SUN, DRAGON HALEY (with Fu Dog) swoop up into view. All ready for battle. 205 JAKE (CONT’D) 205 Let’s dance. WIDE ON ROOFTOP - as Dragons, Trixie, Spud, and Fu square off against the Huntsclan in a spectacular battle royale. JAKE - dodges blasts from the Huntsman’s staff before finally grabbing hold of it himself. Jake and the Huntsman wrestle for the staff. 206 JAKE/HUNTSMAN 206 Jake manages to swing the staff over his shoulder, sending the Huntsman (and the skull) flying. 207 HUNTSMAN 207  30. The Huntsman lands on his back, hard, the force of the fall cracking his helmet down the middle. In a deft move, the Huntsman springs to his feet, angrily rips off his damaged helmet, and yells to his sentries. 208 HUNTSMAN 208 Sentries! Fan out! As the sentries flip towards the Gargoyles with their skulls-- Trixie jumps on #89’s back and pulls his mask over his eyes. 209 #88 209 Ahhhh! Help! I can’t see through my eyeholes! Mommmmyyyyy! Spud, meanwhile, tackles #89. They roll on the rooftop, coming to a stop with Spud on top of him. Spud grabs a plateful of Hors Dourves from the nearby refreshment table and shoves it in #89’s face. 210 SPUD 210 Taste fondue, Huntsfreak!! * 211 #89 211  JAKE - scrambles towards the Huntsman’s rolling crystal skull, which comes to a stop at-- Huntsgirl’s feet. She picks it up. JAKE & HUNTSGIRL - lock eyes. Meanwhile-- QUICK CUTS - as most of the sentries insert the skulls into the mouths of the gargoyles along the perimeter of the rooftop. Each one lights up with an eerie glow. However-- The final two sentries are confronted by 1.) Haley and Sun, and 2.) Grandpa and Fu Dog. 212 SUN 212 Haley, all your training has come down to this. Let’s get ‘em!  213 GRANDPA 213 As the four of them take on the sentries-- JAKE & ROSE circle each other in a face-off. 31. INCLUDE THE HUNTSMAN - looking on. 214 HUNTSMAN 214 Huntsgirl. Hand me the skull and finish him. Huntsgirl hesitates. 215 HUNTSMAN 215 If you ever want to see your parents, you’ll do as I say. After a conflicted beat, Huntsgirl tosses the Huntsman the skull. She lunges at Jake and begins to spar with him. 216 HUNTSGIRL 216 The Huntsman smiles, pleased, as-- As Jake tries his best to dodge and fight Huntsgirl off. 217 JAKE 217 Your parents. That’s how he’s making you do this. 218 HUNTSGIRL 218 All I wanted was a normal life. But the Huntsclan took that away from me. And now, there’s only one way this can end, Jake. I’m sorry. Huntsgirl slings a MANRIKI CHAIN at him. It wraps itself around him, sending Jake crashing to the ground. 219 JAKE 219  BACK ON GRANDPA, SUN, HALEY, AND FU - as the twelve Huntsclan sentries surround and seize them. 220 GRANDPA/SUN/FU DOG 220 Meanwhile- their faces close. 221 #89 221 Ha! Who’s eating fondue now? Huh, * funny boy? 32. Trixie turns to Spud. 222 SPUD 222 Trix, in case we don’t make it through this, there’s something you should know. About us. Trixie and Spud stare meaningfully into each other’s eyes for a long beat, then-- 223 TRIXIE 223 Friends and nothing more, right? 224 SPUD 224 Amen to that, sister. A tied-up Jake looks on helplessly as-- --two sentries insert the skulls into the last two gargoyles, which begin glowing eerily, like the others. WIDE ON ROOFTOP - The battle over, a magical band now shoots out of the gargoyles, creating a glowing perimeter around the building. Jake, tied, quietly pleads to Huntsgirl. 225 JAKE 225 Please, Rose. Don’t do this. Huntsgirl coldly turns away from him and walks with the Huntsman to the center of the rooftop. 226 HUNTSMAN 226 Well done, Huntsgirl. The Huntsman holds his skull in the air. It glows, and a mystical band of energy connects it to the others. 227 HUNTSMAN 227 (then, to the heavens) By the Pantheon of Aztec skulls, I hereby wish for the destruction of all-- A LASER BLAST takes the Huntsman out. As he collapses, we reveal HUNTSGIRl behind him, holding a smoking staff, pointed to where the Huntsman had been standing seconds before. She catches the skull and raises it to the heavens. 228 HUNTSGIRL 228 --the destruction of all Huntsclan! 33. (MORE) Everyone reacts in shock as-- A GIANT SWIRLING VORTEX opens up in the sky above them. THE NYC SKYLINE - the vortex swirls, as wide as the city. ON HUNTSCLAN SENTRIES - One by one, they’re sucked into up into the sky towards the vortex. POCKETBOOK with the Huntsclan logo on it. 229 #88 229 Uh, fyi, according to the Huntsclan bylaws, first year novices are allowed to resign. 230 #89 230 Not that this hasn’t been a rewarding job experience, but effective immediately-- 231 #88/#89 231 --We quit! They rip off their uniforms (their boxers and masks stay on.) 232 #89 232 See, Huntsclan-sucking vortex? No more Huntsclan for us! Nosiree! They trip over each other and disappear inside rooftop exit. Meanwhile-- Huntsgirl cuts a stunned Jake free. (Huntsclan sentries all around them are sucked up into the sky and into the vortex). Jake turns human. 233 JAKE 233 Rose, why did you--? 234 ROSE 234 I said there was only one way this could end, and this is it. With the destruction of the Huntsclan. 235 JAKE 235 But you’re one of them. That means-- 236 ROSE 236 I know what that means. But even if we destroy the skulls, they know your human identity, Jake. 34. ROSE(cont'd) They’d find your family like they did mine. This way they’ll be safe. They’ll all be safe. They watch as the unconscious Huntsman rises off the rooftop and is swallowed into the vortex. 237 JAKE 237 But-- Rose begins to levitate into the air. 238 ROSE 238 Thank you, Jake. For everything. I’ll never forget you. 239 JAKE 239 Rose, no! Jake grabs her hand. Rose calmly smiles, saying reassuringly: 240 ROSE 240 Jake, let go. I’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll be okay. ON THEIR HANDS - as Jake finally lets go. ROSE - rises into the air towards the vortex. JAKE - picks up the skull as Trixie, Spud, Fu, Haley, Sun, and Grandpa gather around. 241 JAKE 241 We have to do something. We have to use the skulls to save her! Grandpa puts a sympathetic arm on him. 242 FU DOG 242 Sorry, kid. But the skulls need to be destroyed. Their powers are just too dangerous. 243 GRANDPA 243 To use them for your own personal gain would-- 244 JAKE 244 It won’t be for my personal gain, it’ll be for hers. She deserves a normal life. With a family who cares about her. Jake holds up the skull. 35. 245 JAKE 245 (to the heavens) I wish Rose was never taken from her parents! WIDE AERIAL SHOT - of rooftop as a huge magical ripple extends out from the perimeter skulls and into the city. (The rooftop and everyone on it remains untouched by the ripple.) ON VORTEX - Just as Rose is about to enter it, the ripple wipes the night sky clear. Rose, and the vortex, are gone. CLOSER ON JAKE - who throws the crystal skull to the ground, SHATTERING it into a million pieces. WIDER - the magical beam is broken; the other skulls explode. JAKE - walks off, gritting his teeth. 246 JAKE 246 Consider them destroyed. SLOW DISSOLVE TO: EXT. JAKE’S SCHOOL - MONDAY AFTERNOON Jake joins Trixie and Spud as they walk down the steps. 247 SPUD 247 Hey, Bro. How ya holding up? 248 TRIXIE 248 We missed you during free period. 249 JAKE 249 I spent it patrolling the city. As a far as I can tell, Rose’s wish came true. No Huntsclan anywhere. 250 TRIXIE 250 But what about your wish? I mean, if the Rose that exists today was never taken by the Huntsclan, that means all the stuff between you and her never happened. She’s lived a whole other life. Jake shrugs. 251 JAKE 251 As long as she’s happy. 36. (MORE) Jake drops his skateboard and straps on his helmet. 252 JAKE (CONT’D) 252 Well, later guys. I’m off to Gramps’ shop for some drag-- Jake kicks off, skating backwards, and SMACKS right into Rose, who drops her books. 253 JAKE 253 Sorry, I-- Jake instinctively bends down to help her with her books, then pauses, stunned to see who it is. 254 JAKE 254 Oh. Hey... there. Rose smiles as she gathers her books. 255 ROSE 255 Hey, yourself. They exchange a smile. There’s chemistry. 256 ROSE 256 You look really familiar. Do I know you from somewhere? A beat, then-- 257 JAKE 257 No. Sorry. Rose looks past Jake. 258 ROSE 258 I better get going. My parents are here. Jake turns to see-- ROSE’S PARENTS - waving, standing beside a car. Rose turns back to Jake. 258A JAKE 258A * So I’ll see you around? * 259 ROSE 259 Actually, my dad got a job * overseas. We’re leaving for Paris first thing tomorrow. 36A. ROSE(cont'd) (then, as she leaves) But it was * nice meeting you. Jake smiles bittersweetly as he watches Rose hug her parents. 37. 260 JAKE 260 You too, Rose. Happy Homecoming. As they climb into the car and drive off-- Trixie and Spud meet up with Jake, feeling him out. 261 SPUD 261 Bro, you okay? A beat, then Jake turns to them. 262 JAKE 262 Actually, I am. They make their way down the street. 263 TRIXIE 263 Good to hear. But there’s one thing we still don’t get. Why’d you have to destroy the skulls before we could make our wishes? 264 SPUD 264 Yeah, I could’ve been a merman! 265 TRIXIE 265 And I could’ve been Trixie Wilkins! Trixie ‘fine-like-lemon-lime-in-thesummertime’ Wilkins! Jake puts his arms around them. 266 JAKE 266 Know what, guys? It’s nice to know some things never change. As the three friends shrink into the horizon, weFADE OUT. END SHOW
 * 1) 88 and #89 strike comical kung-fu poses.
 * 1) 88 and #89 are paralyzed with fear.
 * 1) 88 slips on the banana peel. He wipes out, taking #89 down
 * 1) 88 scratches his head, curiously.
 * 1) 88 and #89 feel their way through the nearly pitch black
 * 1) 88 and #89 launch into a highly choreographed man-cheer.
 * 1) 88 and #89 - turn back around as a crocodile reaches through
 * 1) 88 AND #89 - have a series of slides that show pie charts,
 * 1) 88 and #89 kneel before him.
 * 1) 88 and #89 stare down at them.
 * 1) 88 and #89 look up from the skylight and share an evil look.
 * 1) 89(cont'd)
 * 1) 88 presses a button on the console, bringing up a snippet
 * 1) 88 presses another button, bringing up a CANDID SECURITY
 * 1) 88 and #89 steer the ship. In adjacent seats, the Huntsman
 * 1) 88 & #89 tangle Trixie and Spud up in a homecoming banner,
 * 1) 88 & #89 - exchange a panicked look, then whip out a SMALL