michellemcgee.pandora's box p
TRANSCRIPT
PANDORA'S BOX
"PILOT"
byMichelle McGee
PROVOCATION ENTERTAINMENT THE STEIN AGENCY323.812.9128 818.594.8990
TEASER
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
A sleepy little town that could be anywhere from a more primitive time in history. A cluster of crudely-made homes with roofs of hay litter a clearing. It’s quiet, too quiet.
INT. BARN - CONTINUOUS
In the distance, swords clash, obliterating the silence. Sixteen-year-old peasant girl, APOLLONIA, fends off a biblical-sized cloven-hoofed BEAST.
Though Apollonia is agile, the Beast is strong and plunges his sword into her, causing a fatal wound. Apollonia falls backwards and slides down the barn wall.
The Beast unleashes a victory dance that rivals anything that might be seen in the end zone during Monday Night football.
With the last of her strength, Apollonia scrambles to her feet and stabs the Beast with his own sword. The Beast howls into the night.
A small, wooden BOX with her name and birthday carved into it appears in Apollonia’s bloodied hands, and she opens it without hesitation. The Beast is immediately rendered non-corporeal and sucked into the Box head-first, leaving his sword momentarily dangling mid-air.
Relieved, Apollonia collapses atop of the Box, releasing her last breathe.
EXT. VOLCANIC PEAK - DAYS LATER - MAGIC HOUR
Cloaked monks encircle the Box and chant. A NEWBIE MONK seems worried and reaches out to a more SEASONED MONK.
NEWBIE MONKFather, it’s just a box. Perhaps we should keep it and guard it?
SEASONED MONKThe Box can only be controlled by a Willer, and she gave her life to recapture the evil it contains.
NEWBIE MONKDo you think this will destroy it?
SEASONED MONKDestroy it? No, it can not be destroyed, but the volcano may be our only hope of containing it.
Seasoned Monk tosses the Box into the volcano and they watch the magma swallow the container whole.
SEASONED MONK (CONT’D)Let us pray that it never again finds itself in idle hands.
The Monks bow their heads and contemplated in silence.
A BEAT
SEASONED MONK (CONT’D)A new tavern opened up on the edge of town. Who’s up for a pint of ale?
The Seasoned Monk wiggles his eyebrows mischievously.
SEASONED MONK (CONT'D)They have topless wenches.
EXT. THE MIDWESTERN TOWN OF OLYMPIA FIELDS - DAY
TITLE: PRESENT
It’s a picturesque, historical town with a pristine white gazebo as its centerpiece. The once quaint locale is in transition. Huge trees and rolling hills are now joined by concrete parking structures and strip malls.
2.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS
A quiet, tree-lined street that’s also in mid-conversion. White clapboard houses with enclosed porches are now accompanied by extravagant mini-mansions.
INT. MINI-MANSION - FOYER - LATE AFTERNOON
The sixteen-year-old PANDORA bursts through the door. Much like any given day, she’s in pout mode. She gets a glimpse of herself in the foyer mirror and grimaces at the dweeb staring back at her.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Pandora throws her satchel on the floor and sits. EDEN, a self-assured slightly easy girl sits next to her. ANASTASIA, sweet simple Anastasia, squeezes in between them.
PANDORAWell, girls, Nerd Day is officially over. Proceed with the de-geeking.
The girls waste no time removing their black-rimmed glasses, pocket protectors and suspenders.
ANASTASIAI’m sick of dressing up. Spirit Week is the worst part of Homecoming.
PANDORAThe worst part is Luke still hasn’t ask me to the dance.
ANASTASIAI saw Luke talking to Chloe in P.E.
PANDORAGreat, it’s bad enough Little Miss Hipster’s trying to steal the Homecoming Queen title from me but now my nearly-boyfriend?
The cohorts don’t like what they hear.
3.
EDENYou mean, steal it from us? ‘Stasiaand I are nominated too, remember? Pandora, your self-centeredness never ceases to amaze me.
Pandora realizes her motives are transparent.
PANDORAOf course I meant us. But if they choose Chloe then life as we know is over.
ANASTASIADon’t you think you’re being a just a little bit over dramatic?
PANDORAI am not overdramatic, but the thought of her wearing that crown makes me want to rip off my own arm and beat her over the head with it.
ANASTASIA(innocently)
Why do you dislike Chloe? She’s nice, crazy cool and everyone loves her. Maybe you’re just jealous?
Eden gasps and gives Anastasia a corrective nudge. Pandora’s eerily quiet but if looks could kill, Anastasia would be toast. The doorbell rings. Pandora disappears into the foyer momentarily and returns with a large box from Amazon.
ANASTASIA (CONT’D)Is it your Homecoming dress?
PANDORADo you really think I’d buy my dress from the same place I buy ink cartridges? I bet it’s my new make-up kit. It’s suppose to cut application time by ten percent.
4.
Excited, Pandora tears away the packaging revealing it the wooden Box the Monks held earlier and Apollina before them. Only now, it’s Pandora’s name and birthday into it.
PANDORA (CONT’D)It’s just a stupid box.
EDENMaybe the brush is inside?
Eden grabs the Box and tries to open it but can’t.
ANASTASIAI wonder who sent it?
Pandora ponders the question until the alarm on her phone buzzes. She slips the Box into an end table drawer.
PANDORAThat’s my timer. Luke’s done with practice. Let’s go call him.
ANASTASIAWhat are you going to say?
PANDORADah! Nothing, I don’t want him to think I’m some crazy stalker. I’m just going to call and hang up a bunch of times.
One by one they follow Pandora out the room.
CLOSE UP: A GREEN GLOW emanates from the end table drawer.
SFX: Mangled voices whisper.
END OF TEASER
5.
ACT ONE
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NEXT DAY - DAWN
Pandora is sound asleep and completely unaware that ELLIOT, late 20’s and handsome, is watching her. Even though Elliot is a pretty boy, he possesses an element of danger. He reaches out toward Pandora, but before he can grab her, her eyes pop open and her fist instinctively finds his nose. He grabs his face and howls as she pulls herself out of bed.
PANDORAElliot, what the hell?!
ELLIOTYou slept through your alarm. I was waking you up.
Pandora tries to touch his nose but he pulls away.
PANDORAI’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.
ELLIOTMy bloody nose would hint to the contrary, little sis’.
He takes a rag from his pocket and wraps his bloodied nose.
PANDORAWell, you shouldn’t just sneak up on me like that.
ELLIOT(a funny voice)
Dewily, noted.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - GYM - A LITTLE LATER
Pandora wears sweats, and Elliot wears a band-aid on the bridge of his nose. He tosses a sword from one hand to another, while Pandora lazily holds her wooden sword cut out.
6.
PANDORAWhen you said you would help me get in shape for Cheerleading, I was thinking Hot Yoga or Zumba.
ELLIOTFencing helps with coordination,balance, and flexibility. You use to love it.
PANDORAYeah, when I was seven, and you were Hook and I was Tinker Bell.
Elliot takes a defensive stance.
PANDORA (CONT’D)Hey, why do you get to use that awesome kick ass sword and I get a piece of wood?
Elliot attacks and easily disarms her. Her weapon falls and the fake blade hits her toe. She grabs her foot in pain.
ELLIOTThat’s why? Lucky for you fencing also helps with focus.
PANDORAI’m focused. I am Ford Focus, big brother. Just not on swordplay, mythology or whatever else you want to torture me with.
ELLIOTWell, sometimes in life we have to do things we don’t want to do. It’s called being selfless.
PANDORAAnd, sometimes you have to take what you want and not let anything get in your way. That’s called (ala Charlie Sheen)Winning.
7.
ELLIOTYou’re talking about Homecoming nonsense, aren’t you?
PANDORAIt’s not nonsense. I’ve wanted to be Homecoming Queen as long as I can remember.
ELLIOTYou’re determined, resilient and smarter than you let on yet all you want in life is to win some popularity contest? You’re capable of so much more.
PANDORAI’m not perfect like you. I don’t need a higher calling. I worship the frivolous. I like fashion blogs, celebrity gossip and vampire anything. I like fun!
Pandora attempts to stab Elliot but her hearts not in it.
ELLIOTI have fun.
PANDORAYeah, but your idea of fun is studying dead language and scowling.
ELLIOTI’m only tough on you because I worry about you.
PANDORAHey, I worry about you too. You’re so serious all the time. It’s not healthy. You’re going to have a heart attack before you’re thirty.
8.
(MORE)
Okay, enough chit chat lets get back to work.
PANDORA (CONT’D)See what I mean about the anti-fun? I want to be Homecoming Queen but instead of plotting my game of thrones, I’m stuck, playing Nikita.
ELLIOTOkay, how about this? Knock me out of bounds and you can leave early.
PANDORAReally? That’s uncharacteristically generous of you.
ElliotIt’s not generosity. At this point, it’s more for my own sanity.
Elliot attacks, and Pandora can barely protect herself from his controlled blows. She trips over her own feet and hits the ground. Pandora squeezes her face until tears form.
Elliot (CONT’D)I’m not falling for that.
A tear runs down her cheek and the sobs start.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS - MALL - EVENING
The mall is a hub of activity. Clothing, jewelry, and food are being bought and sold from all crevices. Other gaggles of girls part, making room for Pandora and her crew to walk by.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS - MALL - TRENDY SHOP - MINUTES LATER
Pandora admires her outfit in a full length mirror. Eden watches on from a shoe shaped loveseat, laughing.
EDENI can’t believe you had to pretend to cry to get Elliot of your back.
9.
PANDORA (CONT'D)
Anastasia chimes in from a nearby dressing room.
Anastasia (O.C.)It’s a little creepy if you ask me.
Surprisingly, the comment puts Pandora on the defensive.
PANDORAMy brother isn’t creepy.
As she speaks, the screen splits.
On the left, Elliot at home frantically scrounging through drawers looking for anything that will fetch a price.
On the right, Pandora continues to sing his praises.
PANDORA (CONT’D)When our parents died he gave up everything to raise me.
On the left, Elliot, although visibly conflicted, pockets a pair of diamond ear rings he finds on Pandora’s vanity.
On the right, Pandora continues:
PANDORA (CONT’D)He’s a good guy.
On the left, Elliot counts his money as he exits a pawn shop.
The split screen ends, and we are back with Pandora.
PANDORA (CONT’D)He’s just a little... intense.
EDENI wouldn’t mind going a few rounds with him. He’s like ChanningTatum’s younger, hotter brother.
PANDORAFirst of all, yuck. Secondly, he’s ancient. He’s at least twenty-six?
10.
Pandora pulls out a tiny box of chocolates from her purse. Edens eyes instantly widen.
EDENThose smell divine.
PANDORAWant one?
EDENWith my acne? No way. Too much chocolate and my face lights up like Christmas tree.
PANDORAI don’t want to tempt you. I’ll put them away.
Pandora half-heartily puts the lid back on them.
EDENWait! I suppose one couldn’t hurt?
Pandora gives the candy to Eden, and she immediately gobbles it down. Anastasia exits the dressing room wearing a hideous dress that’s retro everything.
ANASTASIASo what do you think?
Eden searches for the right word to describe the monstrosity.
PANDORAIt’s ... unique. No one will have anything like it.
ANASTASIAGreat! I’ll get this one.
Satisfied, Anastasia returns to the dressing room.
EDENPandora, you’re wicked. She’s our friend.
11.
PANDORAShe’s also our competition.
EDENShould I worry about you trying to sabotage me?
PANDORAHow could I? You’re super smart. You’d see it coming.
Eden shoves another piece of candy in her mouth.
EDEN
(mouth-full)You got that right.
PANDORA’S POV
Through the front door, Pandora catches a glimpse of the beautiful but edgy CHLOE sweeping the Burger Hut floor.
PANDORABesides, I have bigger fish to fry.
Eden traces Pandora’s eye line to Chloe.
EDENIf your planning something, forget it. Not everyone’s as gullible as Anastasia.
Eden stuffs another piece of chocolate in her mouth.
INT. SLEAZY BAR - BACK ROOM - HOURS LATER
A collection of shady character’s look up from their cards. SHARK, a skinny man with jagged teeth, runs the show but folds his hand. Only Elliot and GOATEE, a clean shaven man, *are left in the game. Elliot lays down his hand, three jacks. There are a few gasps of surprise by the onlookers until Goatee reveals his flush.
GOATEEPay up, pretty boy.
12.
Elliot tosses cash on the table. Goatee counts quickly.
GOATEE (CONT’D)He’s light, Shark.
SHARKThat’s not what I like to hear, Elliot. Especially when you’re already five grand in the hole.
ELLIOTRelax, everyone will get their money. I just need to hit the ATM.
SHARKFrankie, go with him. If he doesn’t give you all of the money, cut off
his favorite limb. Don’t come back unless you have one or the other.
FRANKIE, a well-dressed buff man, nods and trails Elliot out of the room.
INT. SLEAZY BAR - STORE FRONT - CONTINUOUS
Elliot makes his way to the ATM, and Frankie stands uncomfortably close.
ELLIOTCan I get a little privacy?
When Frankie complies, Elliot bolts out of the door, toppling over a few patrons in his haste. Frankie takes off after him.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Pandora walks into the dark empty house and plops down on the couch and flips on the TV. Then she remembers the Box she received. She opens the end table drawer to retrieve it but it’s gone. Disappointed, she heads upstairs.
13.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Pandora kicks off her shoes and click on the lights and finds the Box resting on her bed.
EXT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - FOOTBALL FIELD - NEXT DAY
Pandora, Eden and Anastasia practice their cheers while the football team finishes their practice. Pandora watches LUKE, a confident teen Adonis, stretch.
PANDORAI can’t talk to him. My brain takes a vacay whenever he looks at me,
and I’m reduced to incoherent grunts.
Eden gives her a nudge onto the field. Pandora wanders through the sea of athletes but loses her nerves and tries to slither away, but instead comes face to face with a flying football. Without thinking, she picks it out of the air within inches from her face. Impressed, Luke trots over.
LUKEWhoa, Pandora, nice catch.
Realizing that Luke is talking to her, she lets the ball fall to the ground.
PANDORAThanks. I guess I got lucky.
LukeWell, I’m impressed. I like a girl who can handle herself. Hey, I know it’s short notice but you wanna’ go to the Homecoming dance with me?
PANDORAOkay. Sure.
Pandora’s so enthralled she doesn’t notice Chloe has joined them.
14.
CHLOEYou ready, Luke?
LUKEYeah, Chloe, just let me hit the showers.
All of sudden Pandora feels out of place.
LUKE (CONT’D)Do you two know each other?
PANDORANo.
CHLOEYes.
CHLOEWe actually had a class together last year.
This info doesn’t seem to ring a bell with Pandora.
CHLOE (CONT’D)We were lab partners. I dissected a frog while you dry heaved in the corner. Never mind. Luke, I’ll meet you by the car.
Chloe leaves.
LUKE(to Pandora)
So, I’ll see you Friday at the pep rally, right?
PANDORAI’ll be there.
Luke struts away and Pandora can’t help but watch. It’s not long before Anastasia and Eden are by her side.
EDENSo, did he ask you to Homecoming?
15.
PANDORAYep.
Anastasia is almost too afraid to ask but:
ANASTASIASo, more shopping?
PANDORATo the likes this town has never seen.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
In her night gown, Pandora completes her pre-bed ritual. Then:
SFX: Mangled voices whisper.
PANDORAHello?
Pandora grows concerned until she hears muffled voices coming from outside. Relieved, she closes her bedroom window, places the Box on her night stand and hops into bed.
DREAM
It’s dark and stormy, and this time it’s Pandora who fends off the BEAST we saw before. They titter back and forth on the edge of a steep cliff with their swords intertwined. Pandora loses her footing and tumbles over the side but manages to hold on to the edge. Her pearl and diamond encrusted sword tumbles into the dark abyss beneath her. She hoist herself up until a pair of hooves appear at eyes level.
Sensing victory is afoot, the BEAST begins to celebrate. He puts his right arm in and takes his right arm out and shakes it all about. She knows what’s coming next.
PANDORA (CONT’D)No!
He puts his right hoof in and shatters her hand. Pandora loses her grip and falls backwards into the darkness.
16.
She screams and a golden light pours from her out stretched hands and freezes everything. Including a falling Pandora, a dancing Beast and raindrops.
BACK TO SCENE
CLOSE UP: On Pandora sweat covered face.
Pandora sits up in bed and lets reality set in. She falls back into her pillow, relieved it was just a bad dream. She closes her eyes and lets herself slumber.
WIDEN TO REVEAL
Various objects including her bed float, frozen in time.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NEXT DAY - DAWN
Pandora awakes, poorly rested. She rubs her neck and eyes the Box innocently resting on her night stand.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - GYM - MINUTES LATER
Elliot paces the length of the room with fighting staff in hand when Pandora stumbles in.
ELLIOTYou’re late!
PANDORAI had a rough night. So please excuse me for not skipping in for my bi-weekly ass kicking.
Pandora eases into a nearby chair.
PANDORA (CONT’D)How about we postpone until I’m in a better mood?
ELLIOTNo more cutting corners. I’ve been too easy on you.
PANDORAWhen was that? Cause I missed it.
17.
ELLIOTWe have to get you ready.
PANDORAReady for what? The next time a shoe sale gets physical?
Elliot avoids eye contact and turns away.
ELLIOTPandora, no matter how much we plan, life doesn’t always turn out how we hoped. I know mine didn’t. P, I should have told you this a long time ago but...
Elliot turns around to find Pandora texting. Her fingers rest just long enough for her to laugh.
Elliot (CONT’D)...and you haven't heard a word I’ve said. Pandora! Let’s start.
Elliot smiles and takes his place on the mat and a defensive stance. Pandora mirrors his stance, weapon at ready.
Elliot (CONT’D)Same deal as yesterday. You knock me out of bounds and you can leave early. No tears.
Hoping to bring the session to an abrupt end, she goes on the offensive, swinging her staff at his head but he ducks.
Elliot (CONT’D)Someone’s been practicing.
Pandora looks down at her staff just as surprised as he is.
PANDORASure, if by practicing you mean avoiding all physical activity?
Elliot swings his staff high, then low. Pandora sways and jumps over it effortlessly.
18.
Pandora, swings and jabs at high speed. When Elliot’s staff goes up in defense, she drops to the ground and takes out his legs with a sweeping motion. Elliot hits the mat hard and out of bounds.
HIGH ANGLE: PANDORA standing at ready with her staff.
ElliotWhoa! Whoa! What the hell was that?
Pandora realizes what she’s done.
PANDORAI guess I just got carried away.
ElliotYa’ think?
Pandora reaches out her hand and helps him to his feet.
Elliot (CONT’D)Pandora, those were advanced moves. How did you...
Not concerned with the how, she drops her staff and leaves.
PANDORALater.
Elliot’s left to massage his tailbone and ego.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - FOYER - EVENING
INTERCUT: INT. TOP OF STAIRWAY & BOTTOM OF STAIRWAY
Elliot calls upstairs to Pandora who’s already in her pj’s.
ELLIOTPandora, I’m leaving!
Pandora leans over the railing to see him.
PANDORAIt’s your night to work at the shelter?
He can’t bring himself to look at her.
19.
ELLIOTYep. Don’t stay up too late and for goodness sakes, try not to burn the
house down.
PANDORA(to herself)
Gees, one little mishap and they never let you forget it. Who knew flammable and inflammable was the same thing?
Pandora goes back into her bedroom and shuts the door.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING
Pandora pulls shopping bags from her closet and under her bed. She empties them on her bed and admires her plunder.
SFX: Mangled voices whisper.
Pandora whips around, surveying the empty bedroom but this time the window is closed.
PANDORAHello? Is someone here?
She hears the whispering again and realizes its coming from the Box. Pandora picks up the Box and marvels as the voices become louder. Without thinking, Pandora flips the Box open.
A powerful eruption of energy bursts out of the Box, knocking Pandora into her vanity. The room is immediately engulfed by a blinding white light. The earth trembles as hundreds of pulsating orbs of light explode into the night. Pandora struggles to her feet but the blood gushing from the cut on her forehead causes her to fall.
PANDORA POV
Pandora’s lays on the floor. Her eyes fog but before they close, she sees a pair ladies feet walking towards her.
END OF ACT ONE
20.
ACT TWO
EXT. OFF TRACK BETTING - BAR - EVENING
Elliot sits at the bar, soaking up the final results of a horse race on the giant TV screen. He groans and lets the bet stubs fall to the floor with his other losing bets. A busty middle-aged, BARTENDER interrupts his pity party.
BARTENDERCan I get you a drink, hun?
Elliot chuckles at the idea.
ELLIOTNah, one vice at a time. Unless you have something that can make me like what I see when I look in the mirror.
The Bartender pours brown liquid into two shot glasses and places them in front of him.
BARTENDERDrink these. This first will make you not care what you see in the mirror and the second will make me look like a supermodel.
She gives him a playful wink and walks away.
CLOSE UP: On the shot glasses as they begin to vibrate.
Soon the rest of the building shakes, sending the glasses crashing to floor.
EXT. TOWN OF OLYMPIA FIELDS - SIMULTANEOUS
Wide shot of the town shows the candescent orbs hovering individually. Then they gather like a flock of birds and shoot across the sky.
21.
EXT. OFF TRACK BETTING - BAR - EVENING
People head for the door in droves and Elliot’s among them. Balls of light shoot toward the stunned crowd and like a compulsion, Elliot stands in their path. He’s blown over as they pass over head. A DRUNKEN PATRON is so dumbfounded by what he sees, he takes one look at his glass of whiskey and pours it out.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NEXT DAY - LATE AFTERNOON
Pandora wakes in her bed and tries to rise. A ghostly WOMAN whose face reveals nothing of her age, tends to her wound.
WOMANDon’t move. You took a nasty blow to the head. Rest.
She wrings out a rag in a bowl and reapplies it to the cut on Pandora’s temple. There is a knock on the door and Elliot enters but the Woman obstructs his view of Pandora.
ELLIOT(to the Woman)
Any change?
WOMANA small one.
The Woman slides over to reveals a groggy but conscious Pandora. Elliot rushes to her side.
ELLIOTThank God you’re alright.
Pandora tries to rise but her pounding head grounds her.
PANDORAThat’s debatable. I feel like I have a massive hangover.
She remembers she’s talking to her legal guardian.
22.
PANDORA (CONT’D)At least what I imagine a hangover would feel like, if I were old enough to drink, which I’m not.
ELLIOTWhat happened? What do you remember?
PANDORAI heard a voice. No it was voices...coming from... You’re going to think I’m nuts...I opened that Box and ...
Elliot face tenses but his voice becomes eerily calm.
ElliotWhere’s the box now?
She points to the spot on the floor where she last saw it.
PANDORAIt was right there.
The Woman and Elliot step away from Pandora.
WOMANSome short term memory loss is normal, and the cut is already almost completely heeled.
PANDORAWait, what’s going on? And you are?
WOMANHow rude of me not to introduce myself. Hello Pandora, I’m Hope.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - FOYER - LATER
Pandora drifts through the house as if she’s sleepwalking. The house looks like a war zone. Broken glass and debris is everywhere, and family photos are shattered on the floor.
23.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Elliot and Pandora sit quietly watching Hope inspect her surroundings. Hope picks up Elliot’s iPhone with her forefinger and thumb, shaking it.
HOPEAnd this allows you to speak with others from great distances?
Elliot nods.
HOPE (CONT’D)Like those on other planets?
Pandora raises an eyebrow at the question and gives Elliot a concerned look.
ELLIOTHope, please continue telling Pandora about Hephaestus.
HOPEOf course, but afterwards I would very much like to call the Nebular galaxy.
Hope gives the phone to Elliot.
Hope (CONT’D)Leaders of the Gods commissioned Hephaestus, the God of Fire, to make a woman from clay. Aphroditemade her beautiful and Hermestaught her charm. And to make a long story short.
PANDORAToo late.
Elliot nudges her.
HOPEEpimetheus, the Titan, married her and my grandfather gave the couple a wedding gift.
24.
(MORE)
A beautiful Box and all he asked in return is she never open it.
PANDORAYour grandfather?
HOPEZeus.
PANDORA(sarcastically)
Oh, of course. Please continue.
HOPE
The gift of curiosity she received from Hera made it impossible to resist the Box’s call. So she opened it ever so slightly. And...
ELLIOT...And as soon as she opened it, she realized her mistake but it was too late.
HOPEShe had released the Gods of old age, sickness, insanity, pestilence...there are far too many to name but one God remained.
ELLIOTHope.
Elliot and Hope exchange glances while Pandora inspects her fingernails for signs of damage.
HOPEYou see she was the first Willer of the Box. She released them and only she could recapture them.
Something strikes Hope as odd and her face falls.
HOPE (CONT’D)(to PANDORA)
Wait, how do you not know this?
25.
HOPE (CONT'D)
PANDORAI blame all of the teacher lay-offs. Um, Elliot can I talk to you alone for a sec.
Pandora pulls Elliot aside.
PANDORA (CONT’D)(whispering)
The first woman you’ve brought home to meet me, and she’s insane. I know I said you should loosen up but... wait, is she pregnant? Because the irony of all your abstinence lectures wouldn’t be lost on me.
Hope interrupts them.
HOPE(outraged)
I beg your pardon. I am not insane nor am I deaf.
PANDORAYou heard me?
HOPEI am a freakin’ Goddess. What do you think?
(to Elliot)She doesn’t know she’s the Willer? How is this possible? You’re her Sage. It is your sacred duty to prepare her.
PANDORAI am not a Willer and he isn’t my “Sage”. He’s my brother. Elliot, tell her.
Elliot lowers his head, unable to hold eye contact.
26.
ELLIOTShe’s telling the truth, Pandora. You are the Willer and last night when you opened that Box, you unleashed countless malicious deities in the world, dooming mankind.
Pandora covers her mouth and gasps.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)I know it’s a lot to process but...
PANDORAYou said I opened the Box last night, that means today’s Friday.
Elliot nods, not knowing where she’s going with this.
EXT. OLYMPIA FIELDS - MAIN STREET - CONTINUOUS
Elliot and Hope walk swiftly down the street after Pandora.
ELLIOTPandora, slow down. Where are going?
PANDORAI’m meeting Luke at the pep rally for a night of flirting and witty banter.
ELLIOTThat’s not possible.
PANDORAWhy not? I‘m a good flirter.
HOPEA date? How romantic.
27.
PANDORAWell, it’s not a date exactly. A lot of people will be there but if I don’t meet him tonight, it might seriously jeopardize my chances at that crown.
HOPEYou are to be crowned?
ROWDY MEN decked out in school colors block their path.
ROWDY MAN ONEThe Olympia Field’s Titans are going to crush those Lansing Lizards!
Confusion takes the Man’s face.
ROWDY MAN ONE (CONT’D)Or maybe they won’t?
The gang shifts directions and walk around them.
EXT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
The bon fire rages in the distance and the band plays the school’s fight song.
PANDORALook, I know you think I’m some kind of God catcher but, trust me, you got the wrong girl. Can’t we just put up some beware of Gods signs and leave it at that?
ELLIOTPandora, surely you can’t be this selfish?
PANDORAOnce again, you under estimate me.
Elliot blocks Pandora and looks her in the eyes.
28.
ELLIOTYou’re in denial.
PANDORADo you have any idea how crazy this all sounds? I can’t hunt down Gods. I can barely find our state on a map.
HOPEOh, you won’t have to hunt them down. We’re drawn to the Box. Just like the Box is drawn to you.
SFX: Pandora hears voices and looks around puzzled.
ELLIOTPandora, what’s wrong?
As they turn the corner of the school, they see a male figure standing in the distance.
HOPESee, there is one now...
SYN, wears his green scaly skin like a badge of honor and is dressed like Sid Vicious on a bad day. He pops a rudimentary cigarette in his mouth and lights it with his finger tip.
PANDORAWhat’s that?
HOPEIt’s Syn. The son of Nedolya.
ELLIOTThe God of Denial.
Elliot takes a moment to reconsider.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)Or maybe I’m wrong? Maybe he’s the reason for Pandora’s actions?
29.
HOPEGods intensify humans emotions but she’s the Willer. If anything, it was her denial that lured him here.
UNKNOWN POV
For a moment we watch the trio discuss with their back to us.
PANDORAIf he is a God, which I sincerely doubt, what am I suppose to do?
HOPE
You should be safe as long as he doesn’t know you are the Willer.
SYN(O.C.)I can’t believe I get to kill a Willer my first day out.
SWING AROUND to discover we’ve been in the POV of Syn.
They turn to find him standing behind them.
SYN(CONT’D)She’s kind of scrawny but flammable.
He’s fingers ignite like ten little blow torches.
Close up on the terrified group.
END OF ACT TWO
30.
ACT THREE
EXT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
The group is just as we left them. Frozen in fear.
HOPE Pandora, do something.
Hope and Elliot look back and see Pandora running toward the pep rally. Elliot rushes Syn but is tossed an impossible distance.
HOPE (CONT’D)I won’t let you harm her.
SYNHope, always defending the mortals. What are you going to do? Hope me to death?
She takes a swing at him but vanishes before contact is made.
EXT. WORLD WAR II BATTLE FIELD - TRENCHES - CONTINUOUS
Still traveling on the momentum of her punch, Hope falls into a trench filled with SOLDIERS and their SERGEANT. They are drawing some fire of their own.
HOPEDrats.
Hope focuses on a PRIVATE who caresses a picture of his wife and baby.
SERGEANT (O.C.)Are we ready men? Let’s go! Let’s go!
The Soldiers pour from the trenches but the PRIVATE lingers. Hope whispers in his ear.
HOPEDon’t give up. You will make it home to your family.
31.
He pockets the photo, lets out a battle cry and joins his unit. Hope charges after him.
EXT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - SIMULTANEOUS
Pandora hides behind a parade float but Syn’s closing in.
ELLIOT
Pulls himself off of the pole vaulting mat he landed on and returns just as Syn is about to barbecue Pandora.
ELLIOTPandora, run!
Syn turns and blasts fire at Elliot. Elliot ducks out of the way letting a concession stand absorb the blaze.
PANDORA
She takes advantage of the distraction and runs but Syn just appears in front of her. He grabs her by the neck and lifts her from the ground, choking her. Pandora claws his hands but can’t break his grip and seemingly accepts her fate.
PANDORA’S POV
In the distance Pandora can see Luke and Chloe laughing by the bon fire. Syn traces her eye line, seeing what she sees.
SYNCute couple?
Pandora looks down at Syn with disgust, as if she’s seeing him for the first time. He stepped over the line.
BACK TO SCENE
Pandora grabs an overhead tree branch and lifts herself out of Syn’s grasp. She swings and kicks him with all her might. She brings the branch down with her and uses it as a staff.
LUKE
The fight and concession fire catches Luke’s attention.
32.
LUKEHey, everybody. Some girl’s kicking the crap out of the Lansing School’s Lizard Mascot.
PANDORA
Like a high noon showdown, Syn kindles his fingers, and Pandora lifts her staff.
SynYou got nothing.
Syn lights her staff on fire, and she’s force to drop it. He
sends another blaze her way, and she dives for it, landing in mud. Syn splashes through the mud, saturating his hands and preventing them from igniting.
Pandora drop kicks him, sending him flying into the concession stand fire and he’s engulfed by flames. Hope reappears, assess the situation and:
HOPEPandora, open the Box!
PANDORAI don’t have the...
Pandora looks down, and the Box is in her hands. She opens it and waits.
PANDORA (CONT’D)Nothing’s happening!
HOPEConcentrate and try squinting! The other Willers always squinted.
Doubtful, Pandora squints her eyes. Sure enough the Box opens and dispenses a rooted multidimensional parallelogram and sucks Syn in, slamming closed behind him.
HIGH ANGLE : PANDORA
Mud drenched and shaken, she slowly turns to face Hope.
33.
HOPE(CONT’D)See, you are the Willer.
The weight of acceptance hits Pandora just as the pep rally participants gather. Eden and Anastasia are stunned by Pandora’s haggard appearance. Luke and Chloe push their way to the front of the crowd. Eden can’t help herself.
EDENPandora dear, you have a little dirt on your cheek.
Everyone laughs except Luke and Chloe. Devastated, Pandora runs away, and Elliot and Hope run after her.
ELLIOTPandora, where are you going? We have to go home and regroup.
Now a safe distance from the crowd, she turns to Elliot.
PANDORAWhy didn’t you tell me I was a power ranger? I trusted you!
ELLIOTI know you feel lied to.
PANDORAOh, could that be because you lied to me? He tried to kill me! To death! I don’t want this. I don't want any of it.
She runs off into the night leaving Elliot and Hope.
ELLIOT(to himself)
I didn’t want this for you either.
EXT. WOODS - MINUTES LATER
Exhausted from her fight with Syn and her full on sprint, she comes to rest in a clearing, and for the first time, she lets herself cry.
34.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - HOURS LATER
When Elliot checks in on Hope, he finds she’s glued to the TV, riveted by a lively episode of The Real Housewives.
ELLIOTHow’s it going?
HOPEI’m confused. You said not all reality TV is real but what’s fake?
ELLIOTUsually the breasts.
Elliot looks out the window.
HOPEDo you think she’s alright?
ELLIOTPandora can take care of herself. Or at least that’s the lie I’ll tell myself until she’s home.
HOPEShe must be terribly distraught; finding out she literally holds the fate of the world in her hands.
ELLIOTKnowing Pandora, she was probably more upset her friends saw her without her makeup.
HOPEWhy didn’t you tell her?
Elliot sighs and chooses his words carefully.
ELLIOTI suppose I was still hoping the measures I took diverted the Box’s path and spared her.
35.
HOPEShe believes her parents are dead and you are her brother?
Elliot takes a deep breath and nods.
HOPE (CONT’D)Will you ever tell her who you really are?
ELLIOTI think she’s already had enough surprises to last a lifetime.
Elliot grabs his jacket from the coat rack.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)I’m going to go look for her. Can you stay here in case she returns?
HOPEOf course, but before you go, will you show me how to use the remote control? I would very much like to watch this Honey Boo Boo person.
EXT. WOODS - DAWN
Pandora awakes laying in tall grass and in a good mood until thoughts of the previous night flood in. She stretches and surveys her surrounds. The sound of water splashing leads her to a secluded pond.
EXT. A SECLUDED POND - MINUTES LATER
Fully dressed, Pandora wades in water watching dark clouds form on the horizon. A storm is coming. A ragged doe appears from behind a bush and watches her while a hungry coyote watches him. Pandora screams when the coyote pounces and throws her hands up :
FX: The Coyote is propelled backwards through the air and lands on his feet with a thud. He growls at Pandora and shuffles away.
36.
PANDORAOkay, maybe this isn’t all bad.
EXT. MAIN STREET - STRIP MALL - HOURS LATER
Elliot walks out of another teen-centric clothing store disappointed.
EXT. ADJACENT ALLEY - CONTINUOUS
As he reaches for the door of his black Dodge Charger, Frankie steps out from behind a dumpster. Frankie punches Elliot, emptying the wind from his lungs. Elliot hits the
ground and coughs.
LARGE FRAMED MANWhich limb don’t you need?
ELLIOTActually, I’ve grown attached to all of them.
Frankie starts a mental game of Enny Minny Minnie Moe, pointing at Elliot's left, then right arm but a man’s voice, thick with a Somalian accent, interrupts.
UNKNOWN MAN’S VOICESorry, but your game will have to wait. He’s coming with us.
Frankie realizes fighting one WWE sized man would be hard but defeating the TWINS staring at him would be impossible.
FRANKIELook, I don’t want any trouble but I have my orders.
He takes a step toward the TWINS to show his resolve.
TWINSo do we. Elliot, come.
37.
ELLIOTNo thanks, I’d rather stay here and take my chances with Frankie.
The Twins chuckle. Frankie looks back at Elliot.
LARGE FRAMED MANGees, how many people you piss off?
ELLIOTThis week?
Frankie tries a more direct tactic and whips out his gun but
the bullets have no effect on the Twins charging him.
ANGLE ON THE BRICK WALL
From the shadows cast on the wall, we see the Twins tackle Frankie. Then their shadows grow larger and their heads morph into that of bulls. Frankie screams as they rip into him.
EXT. ANASTASIA’S HOUSE - A LITTLE LATER
Pandora shimmies up the side of a large Victorian house. She pulls herself onto the second floor balcony and knocks on the glass. Anastasia’s shocked when she sees Pandora.
PANDORAAnastasia. Open the door.
Anastasia looks conflicted but slowly drifts out of view. Then the curtains shifts to reveal a pimply-faced Eden.
EDEN(thru the door)
What are you doing?
PANDORASpear fishing. What does it look like I’m doing? Let me in.
EDENNo way, the whole school’s talking about your freak out last night.
38.
PANDORAWhat do you mean the whole school’s talking about it? It’s Saturday.
EDENSocial media is a blessing and a curse. Sorry ‘Dora, but if word gets out I’m harboring you, I can kiss Homecoming Queen goodbye. Enjoy your downward spiral.
Eden closes the curtains in her face.
INT. 50’S STYLE DINER - SIMULTANEOUS
Elliot takes a seat in a booth across from STERLING a severe older man, careful not to make eye contact with the Twins sitting at the next table over.
STERLINGElliot, I’m glad you came.
ELLIOTDid I have a choice?
STERLINGHow’s the gambling?
ELLIOTGreat, my lucks finally changing.
STERLINGWhy would anyone waste their time tormenting you, when you’re so good at tormenting yourself?
Determined not to take the bait, Elloit says nothing.
STERLING (CONT’D)Are the reports correct? Has the Box been opened?
Elliot nods.
39.
STERLING (CONT’D)Her abilities?
ELLIOTShe’s stronger. Faster. I’m not sure about the rest.
STERLINGWhere is the girl now?
ELLIOTShe’s home, studying. She loves to study.
STERLINGEffective immediately, she will be remanded into my care.
ELLIOTOn whose authority?!
Sterling slams his scarred hand on the table and the lights in the diner begin to flicker. A gust of wind whips through the diner knocking over cups and chairs. Sterling’s voice becomes layered, almost demonic.
STERLINGDo not test me!
Sterling notices they’re getting more attention than they want and calms himself. The wind subsides and the lights return to normal. Elliot jumps up and drops a few bucks on the table.
ELLIOTYou can save the pallor tricks for the tourists. You’re not taking her.
Sterling grabs Elliot’s wrist.
STERLINGYou can’t stop us, Prometheus.
Elliot snatches free and exits the diner.
40.
EXT. EDGE OF A CLIFF - DAY - FLASHBACK
The spectacular view from the mountain top has gone virtually unseen by human eyes, until a young man effortlessly pulls himself over its edge. The young man’s mass of curly dark hair and ambiguous features make his race undeterminable. But his dense muscles and game face tells us he ought not be messed with. He is...
APOLLONIA(O.S.)Hercules! A little help, please?
He reaches one hand over the cliff’s edge, brings up Apollonia and gently places her onto the landing. He takes in his surroundings, while she dusts herself off.
HERCULESSo here we are. All alone, hundreds of miles up...
Then it hits him like a drunken cyclops.
HERCULES (CONT’D)You’re breaking up with me?
(voice cracking)And you brought me here because you were afraid I’d make a scene.
Apollonia rolls her eyes and walks away.
APOLLONIAUgh, how can someone who’s half God be so insecure? I told you, Zeus’ Eagle has been landing here and I want to know...ewww!
Apollonia abruptly stops. Her eyes fix straight ahead.
Apollonia POV
An unfortunate man is chained to a boulder, and an Eagle’s beak is buried in his abdomen. Oddly, the man is fully conscious but doesn’t scream.
41.
Startled by their arrival, the bird takes to the sky revealing an almost completely nude Elliot AKA Prometheus.
Apollonia and Hercules watch as Prometheus’ scattered entrails slither back into his body and his flesh regenerates around them. Hercules frees him from his shackles. Apollonia helps him to his feet, and when their eyes meet, there’s an instant connection.
APOLLONIA (CONT’D)Herc, we’re breaking up.
INT. APOLLONIA’S HOME - EVENING - WEEKS LATER
When Prometheus enters with firewood, he finds Apollonia in front of the fireplace, lost in the flames.
PROMETHEUSThinking about the Beast?
APOLLONIAAlways, he’s the last one. I can feel him, and he’s already so strong. I can’t defeat him.
Prometheus joins her by the fire and wraps an arm around her.
PROMETHEUSMaybe not alone but when the time comes, I will fight by your side and together we will defeat him.
Apollonia smiles, a little relieved.
APOLLONIAYou know, I was also trying to figure out what you did to earn Zeus’ wrath. Did you tell him his robes were ugly or call Hera fat?
Prometheus groans at the familiar subject.
42.
PROMETHEUSI had a gambling problem, and I made a bet Zeus didn’t like.
APOLLONIABut what could you have possibly bet on that would be worth an eternity of torture?
Prometheus smiles with sense of satisfaction.
PROMETHEUSMankind.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT - DAYS LATER
Prometheus is already late and jogs through the village but is halted by a sizeable crowd. The rowdy assemblage is four rows deep but Prometheus can see two desperate STREET FIGHTERS throttling each other in its center. A SHADY MAN next to them circles, slyly taking bets on the fights outcome.
SHADY MAN (to Prometheus)
You care to make a wager?
PROMETHEUSNo, I have somewhere to be.
Prometheus backs away but the excitement is intoxicating.
PROMETHEUS (CONT’D)I suppose I have time for one bet.
INT. APOLLONIA’S HOME - SIMULTANEOUS
Satisfied that the table is perfectly set for dinner, Apollonia takes a moment to admire it. The moment is scattered by screams echoing from outside.
43.
EXT. APOLLONIA’S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Apollonia throws open her door and find the cobbled street littered with dead villagers. Everyone’s hair has turned white from literally been scared to death. Apollonia knows what it means before she even sees the fresh hoof prints.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT - SIMULTANEOUS
The Shady Man drops a bag of coinage into Prometheus hand.
PROMETHEUSWow, I can’t believe I won. My
luck’s finally changing.
The same screams that drew Apollonia from her home, sends Prometheus running toward it.
INT. BARN - CONTINUOUS
Prometheus bursts in, sword drawn but is too late. Apollonia lies on top of the box, dead. He collapses by her side. As he cradles her body, a pair of dainty arms encircles him.
HOPEStay strong Prometheus, Pandora will need you.
The Box pops open. Hope dissipates into a million flecks of bright light and is sucked into it. The Box slams shuts and the etching of Apollonia’s name and birthday fade away.
INT. CHLOE’S CAR - PRESENT
Chloe tries to concentrate on driving but Pandora’s segmented burst or rage makes it difficult.
PANDORAThanks again for giving me a ride.
CHLOE(dryly)
Well, you jumped on my hood and wouldn’t let go so...
44.
PANDORAThey were wearing Crocs and second hand Betsy Johnson when I found them. I can’t believe those ingrates shunned me.
CHLOEYeah, shocking, so where am I taking you? Home, the mall, to a therapist?
PANDORAI have nowhere to go. I have no friends and my brother, the only family I have, lied to me my whole life.
CHLOESo what? All families are screwed up. My parents separated five years ago but because of the economy, they still leave together.
PANDORAI guess that can be awkward but...
CHLOELast week during dinner, my Dad announced he’s marrying his nineteen year old girlfriend, Kim Me, at which point my Mother climbed in a bottle of Jack Daniels and stayed there.
PANDORAOkay, that sucks and blows simultaneously.
CHLOEExactly, so give your brother a chance to explain. If not for him, then for my gas tank.
Pandora laughs for the first time in what seems like forever.
SFX: Abruptly, whispers ring in her ears.
45.
Out the window they sees him. Pandora watches as the dark haired sex incarnate, leans against a lucky tree and gives her a mischievous wink.
CHLOE (CONT’D)Who is that? I mean, other than the father of my future children. Hey, I want ice cream. You want ice cream? Let’s get ice cream.
Suddenly, Chloe makes a wild U-turn barely missing oncoming traffic, and her eyes glaze over as if she’s in a trance. Pandora grabs the wheel but it’s too late. The car careens into a tree.
END OF ACT THREE
46.
ACT FOUR
INT. CHLOE'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Discombobulated, Pandora takes a moment to center herself. The two girls ease out the car, coughing out the corn starch from the air bags.
CHLOE (CONT’D)What happened?
PANDORAI don’t know. One minute, we were lusting after that guy, the next
you we went all Amanda Bynes.
CHLOEI had this impulse for ice cream. I really wanted it. I know it sounds strange, but I couldn’t stop myself.
They look around the usually quiet neighborhood to find it’s erupted into chaos. The neighbors have poured into the street, bringing their deepest desires with them.
PANDORASpeaking of strange.
IN FRONT OF THEM
A stressed MOTHER and her preteen SON hash it out.
SONI want an XBOX One, now! Now!
The Mother drops her purse, and her son scoops it up.
MOTHERScrew this, I’m taking a bath.
SONAnd I’m taking your credit card.
47.
The Mother goes back in the house, and the son runs off.
TO THEIR RIGHT
A DISGRUNTLED WIFE throws her belongings into the trunk of her car while her BALDING HUSBAND looks on.
DISGRUNTLED WIFEI’m leaving you for your brother. He has more hair than you, and I want a man with lots of hair.
She jumps in the car a peals out of the drive way.
BALDING HUSBANDYou can’t leave. I never learned how to work the cappuccino maker.
BEHIND THEM
Two ELDERLY MEN shove each other. It’s a comical sight until one pulls out a knife and motions to stab the other. Without thinking, Pandora raises her hands, sending the knife flying out of the hands of the Elderly Man and into a nearby tree. Chloe’s silent for a while, trying to process what she saw.
CHLOESo, did you just...
PANDORAYep.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - HOURS LATER
Hope and Elliot are in mid-conversation when Pandora and Chloe arrive. Elliot has her in a bear hug before a word is said.
PANDORAThis is an unusual form of punishment. Oh, I get it, you’re suffocating me.
Hope joins the hug, sandwiching Pandora.
48.
HOPEThis is nice. I love hugs.
PANDORAElliot, aren’t you going to say how disappointed you are in me?
Elliot tries to pull apart but Hope has them in a tight grip.
ELLIOTOh, you are so grounded, but I’m still glad you’re home.
PANDORA
Grounded?
ELLIOTTurning your back on your sacred duty is one thing but staying out all night without calling is quite another.
It’s not until they break apart do they notice Chloe standing in the doorway.
PANDORAGuys, this is Chloe. She saw me move a knife with my mind. So I kinda’ had to tell her everything.
ELLIOTYou told her?!
PANDORAWeird, I thought you would be more shocked with the me moving something with my mind part.
ChloeIt’s okay, I won’t tell anyone.
Elliot paces the length of the room, faster and faster and his face gets redder and redder.
49.
PANDORAStep back, he’s gonna’ blow.
ELLIOTWhy not just call the ten o’clock news and tell them you opened a Box and unleashes a butt-load of wrathful Gods on the world?
CHLOEWrathful Gods? Yikes. Sounds like that grounding is well-deserved.
Elliot finally settles down and looks quizzically at Pandora.
PANDORAI told her everything about how I can move things with my mind. Not the Box stuff.
CHLOEIs the Box thing the reason why everyone’s pulling a nutty?
ELLIOTNutty in what way?
PANDORAEveryone’s whining, throwing tantrums and acting super-impulsive.
ELLIOTIn other words, they’re acting like you?
PANDORAHa ha, I’m not that bad. Am I?
CHLOEYes.
ELLIOTDefinitely.
HOPE(happily)
Worse.
50.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - BASEMENT - MINUTES LATER
Pandora shovels left over Chinese food in her mouth while Elliot, Hope, and Chloe comb through stacks of books.
PANDORAI can’t believe how hungry I am.
CHLOEWell, I imagine endangering the world builds up an appetite.
Chloe takes a step back and knocks over a stack of books.
CHLOE (CONT’D)You seriously need to invest in a Kindle.
PANDORAIf I keep carbing up like this, I’ll never fit into my Homecoming gown tonight.
Elliot can’t believe his ears.
ELLIOTYou can’t really be considering going to a dance with everything that’s going on? Well, that’s not happening. No way.
HOPE(to Pandora)
Can you describe the man you saw?
PANDORAHe was gorgeous. Dark hair, eyes. Swarthy. Deadly sexy.
CHLOEYou are right about gorgeous part, but everything else is wrong. Light eyes. Total Stackhouse. Jason not Sookie.
51.
The girls start to bicker. Elliot walks between them and slides a book in front of him.
ELLIOTSounds like Narcissus, the God of Selfishness. He was literally in love with himself. He was so mesmerized by his own reflection he wasted away staring at it.
ANGLE ON THE BOOK
There is no picture.
PANDORAWhy no picture? How do we know which one of us is right?
HOPEYou both are right. He appears to everyone differently. In the form that they find most appealing.
On the next page they see a familiar beauty.
ANGLE ON THE BOOK
It’s a crude unflattering sketch of Hope.
HOPE (CONT’D)They always make me look so chunky.
Hope slams the book shut.
ELLIOTIn addition to altering his appearance, he enhances selfish feelings in mortals so he is particularly dangerous.
PANDORAIf my denial caused Syn to show up, does that mean this Narcoleptic guy is here because of me, too? I mean, I’m not selfish, am I?
52.
CHLOEI barely know you and I’m saying yes.
ELLIOTEver since you were a child.
HOPE(happily)
Without a doubt.
ELLIOTP, I love you, but the entire town is in danger and all you can think about is going to a dance.
Judging by the hurt look on her face, it’s clear she hadn’t made that connection.
HOPEI think it’s great we are exploring our feelings, but every moment Narcissus is free, he gets stronger.
PANDORAOkay, how do we find this guy? Because right now it seems like trying to find a God in a haystack full of Gods.
HOPEAll we have to do is find a place where there is a concentration of selfish emotions. A place where self-centered egomaniacs dwell.
PANDORA/ CHLOEHigh School.
Pandora smugly struts over to Elliot.
PANDORAWell, well, well, looks like I’m going to Homecoming after all.
END OF ACT FOUR
53.
ACT FIVE
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
The gym is lushly decorated in fall colors and a live band lends music to the festivities. The kids gyrate on the dance floor in their semi-formal attire. Elliot stands back in the corner, watching the teenaged angst in disgust.
ELLIOTSince when is foreplay considered dancing?
WIDEN TO REVEAL
A enthusiastic Hope standing next to Elliot, twerking and enjoying herself.
HOPE(still dancing)
This is so much fun. No wonder Pandora wanted to attend.
ELLIOTWhere is she? I knew I should’ve made her drive with...
Elliot’s rendered speechless when he sees Pandora. She looks every bit a Grecian goddess, in white and gold. Elliot walks to her to tell her so.
PANDORAWell, look at you, El. You clean up good.
ELLIOTI have my moments but you look absolutely beautiful.
PANDORAThis old thing? Oh, and on a completely unrelated topic, your Visa is completely maxed out.
ELLIOTSo, are you having a good time?
54.
Eden and Anastasia walk by and give her a frigid glare.
PANDORAAs good as can be expected considering I’m a laughing stock, my shoes are too tight, and, oh, I’m here with my brother.
ELLIOTSo not exactly how you imagined it?
PANDORANope. It’s funny, I’ve been waiting for this night my whole life and now it’s actually here, all I can think about is what I’ve done to these poor people. I wish I never found that stupid box.
ELLIOTPandora, you still don’t get it. You didn’t find the Box. The Box found you.
PANDORAI know I can be a selfish brat sometimes.
Elliot clears his throat.
PANDORA (CONT’D)Okay, most of the time, so thank you for not giving up on me.
Elliot’s touched and gives her a hug. Then Hope piles on, wrapping her arms around them both.
HOPEOh goodie, more hugs.
Pandora pries herself away.
PANDORAI’m going to make my rounds. I’ll yell if I need you.
55.
(MORE)
Oh, and Elliot, can you at least try to loosen up and have some fun? You look like you just found out your proctologist is Edward Scissorhands.
Pandora spots Chloe and taps her on the shoulder.
PANDORA (CONT’D)Hi. You look great.
Chloe looks down at her black and hot pink dress as if to refresh her memory.
CHLOEIt’s the best I could do on short notice. This is my “father’s marrying a nineteen-year-old” vengeance dress.
PANDORAShort notice? You’re nominated for Homecoming Queen.
CHLOEYeah, as a joke. No one here would really vote for the girl who smells like chili fries. Even if I did win, they’d probably just pull a Carrie on me.
PANDORAYou really don’t care about winning or what people think about you, do you? For some reason I convinced myself you were out to get me.
Pandora frowns at the revelation.
PANDORA (CONT’D)I’m sorry about all those nasty things I said about you.
56.
PANDORA (CONT'D)
CHLOEYou didn’t say nasty things.
PANDORANot to your face.
Pandora and Chloe are laughing when Luke shows up.
LUKESorry to interrupt, but I’ve been over there trying to work up the courage to ask you to dance.
Pandora tries to bow out gracefully.
PANDORAGo ahead you two, enjoy yourselves.
Chloe and Luke laugh.
LUKEI’m not dancing with my cousin. I meant I wanna’ dance with you, Pandora. If that’s alright?
Surprised, Pandora nods, and they make their way to the dance floor hand in hand. Along the way, they pass an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN using a hors d'oeuvres platter to apply her lipstick.
ANGLE ON THE PLATTER
Her reflection is that of Narcissus as Pandora saw him.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - CONTINUOUS
Luke leads as he and Pandora sway to the slow music.
LUKEI can’t believe you’re a girl.
PANDORAYep, all of my life.
57.
LUKEI mean, you’re not like all the other girls, obsessed with being pretty and perfect. You don’t care about frivolous stuff. I like that.
PANDORA(laughing awkwardly)
Could you imagine if I were like that? Yikes. What about the pep rally, with the mud and the concession stand?
LUKEI told you, I like a girl who can handle herself and the way you took down that mascot was hella sexy.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - HOURS LATER
It’s a little more subdued and things are winding down. Elliot makes sure he’s not being watched before shoving his vote in the Homecoming Ballot box. Hope sneaks up behind him, startling him.
HOPECasting your vote for Pandora? How many did you put in there?
ELLIOTOne or twenty five but don’t mention this to Pandora. I wouldn’t want to give her false hope.
HOPEFalse hope? Who is she?
Hope dematerializes before Elliot can explain.
INT. CAVE - THE STONE AGE - CONTINUOUS
It’s a dark cave. Hope struggles to walk on the rocks. She takes a seat next to three CAVEMEN huddling for warmth. One rubs two sticks together. Nothing. They give up.
58.
Another, picks up the sticks in one last ditch effort and presto. They have fire. Hope looks on proudly.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - LATER
Suddenly alone, Elliot catches a glimpse of the Attractive Woman we saw earlier aka Narcissus.
ELLIOT(to himself)
Loosen up and have some fun.
Elliot makes her way to her, aggressively pushing his way
through the crowd of admirers. She looks at Elliot then grins like the cat who ate the canary.
ON STAGE
The MC, a middle-aged string bean, officiates.
MCNow the announcement you’ve all been waiting for. This year’s Homecoming Court.
The crowd erupts. Pandora sighs, and looks around.
PANDORA(to Chloe)
Have you seen Elliot?
Chloe shakes her head no. Luke chats with a TEAMMATE but overhears Pandora’s question.
LUKEWe saw him ten minutes ago, heading to the auditorium with some skankylooking blonde.
TEAMMATEWhat are you talking about? She was a brunette with ginormous boobs.
The conflicting accounts rings a bell with Pandora and Chloe.
59.
PANDORA(flustered)
I have to find them. If things get out of control, get everyone out.
CHLOEGot it. And Pandora? Good luck.
Pandora runs toward the auditorium not sure if Chloe was referring to Homecoming Queen or the fight that lies ahead.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - AUDITORIUM - CONTINUOUS
Pandora storms into the auditorium to find Elliot and
Narcissus(in female form)in the throes of passion.
PANDORAHey! Get your hands off my brother, you narcissistic bitch!
ELLIOTPandora, what are you doing?
PANDORASaving you from the world’s worst walk of shame.
Elliot keeps his eyes fixed on Pandora as he walks to her.
ELLIOTPandora, there’s something you need to know. I love this woman, and I’m moving with her to Mount Olympus where we can be free. Also, I want a cat. A fluffy one.
Pandora shakes her head slightly amused.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)I’m sure this will come as shocked to you, but honestly, I really don’t care.
Elliot looks back at his new mate but finds the male version of Narcissus staring back at him.
60.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)You’re a man? Why does this keep happening to me?
Pandora looks at her brother sideways but decides it’s a conversation best left for another time.
NARCISSUSWiller.
ELLIOTPandora, the Box!
Pandora needs only think about the Box and it appears but Narcissus kicks the Box out of her hands. Pandora delivers a sequence of punches, knocking him down.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - CONTINUOUS
The high-strung MC talks over the splattering of applause.
MCNow the announcement of this year’s Homecoming Queen.
The crowd murmurs. Chloe looks around for Pandora.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - AUDITORIUM - CONTINUOUS
Pandora gives a valiant fight but is no match for Narcissus’ centuries of practice. Pandora is knocked into the wall and hits the ground with a thud.
ELLIOTThis stops now!
Narcissus stops, mostly out of amusement.
ELLIOT (CONT’D)I’m not who you think I am, and you will find I’m not so easily controlled.
Elliot looks over at Pandora and gives her a confident nod.
61.
NARCISSUSWhat do you want the most?
ELLIOTA nap. I’m exhausted.
Elliot quickly sits in one of the auditorium seats and closes his eyes. Pandora frowns with disappointment.
NARCISSUS(to Elliot)
I must say I’m impressed. I’ve never seen a Sage risk his own safety for his Willer. If it’s any consolation, I’ll kill you last.
ELLIOT(yawning)
It really isn’t.
Elliot snores and Narcissus refocuses on Pandora.
NARCISSUSYour Sage told me all about you. You really should be thanking me for putting you out of your misery. With no parents, no friends and soon, no Sage, what do you have left?
Pandora smiles up at him.
PANDORAHope.
Narcissus considers this.
NARCISSUSWell, I suppose metaphorically...
WIDEN TO REVEAL
Hope stands behind him with a folding chair lifted over her head. SMASH! Narcissus crashes to the ground. Hope steps over Narcissus and helps Pandora to her feet.
62.
PANDORAI am glad to see you.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - CONTINUOUS
Everyone gathers around the stage anxious for the results.
MCThis year’s Homecoming Queen is Pandora Parker.
Everyone looks around. No Pandora. Someone on the floor whispers in the ear of the MC.
MC (CONT’D)What do you mean she isn’t here? What could be more important to a teenage girl than this?
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - AUDITORIUM - SIMULTANEOUS
Revived, Narcissus removes the American flag from one corner of the stage, and Pandora takes the state flag from the other. With a new found confidence, Pandora takes the upper hand and injures him.
NARCISSUSEnough!
Narcissus begins to shake violently and his eyes glow red.
PANDORAThat can’t be good.
Pandora remembers something Elliot said earlier in the day.
ELLIOT (V.O.)He was so mesmerized by his own reflection that he wasted away staring at it.
Pandora quickly empties her purse, grabs her compact and holds it up to him. Entranced by his own reflection, Narcissus calms. He gently takes the mirror from Pandora and sits Indian style on the floor.
63.
Pandora summons the Box, and Narcissus’ essence is sucked into it. Elliot’s eyes pop open, and Pandora smiles, relieved.
INT. OLYMPIA FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - CONTINUOUS
The MC wipes his glistening forehead.
MCOkay, since the winner is absent, I have no choice but to crown our runner up. This years Homecoming Queen, Anastasia McIntosh!
A haggard Pandora, Elliot and Hope rejoin the party just in time to see the crown being placed on Anastasia’s head.
ELLIOTI’m sorry, Pandora.
PANDORADon’t be. I’m actually okay with this.
INT. PANDORA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NEXT DAY
Elliot and Hope talk to Pandora whose face is obstructed by a handheld mirror.
PANDORAWill it ever go back to normal?
ELLIOTLife?
PANDORANo, my face.
SWING AROUND to see Pandora’s bruised face reflected in the mirror.
HOPEMaybe I can be of assistance?
Hope opens up the Pandora’s new make up kit.
64.
HOPE (CONT’D)You’re getting stronger. Soon you won’t need to use make up.
PANDORAYou mean my bruises will heal faster?
HOPENo, I mean you won’t bruise at all.
ELLIOTI won’t lie to you. Things aren’t going to be easy, Pandora. There will be more dangerous and formidable Gods to face.
PANDORA(sarcastic)
Wow, you really know how to sell this Willer thing.
Chloe enters, all smiles.
CHLOEHi Guys and Goddess. Pandora, you ready?
She looks at Elliot for approval.
ELLIOTFine, go before I change my mind.
Pandora kisses him on the cheek and leaves.
HOPEIt’s nice you’re being more lenient and letting her enjoy being sixteen.
ELLIOTWhy do you say that?
65.
HOPEYou know as well as I do, the Box Willers never live to see seventeen.
Close Up on Elliot guilty expression.
THE END
66.