Playground 51 - The Wildest Magic School on Earth
Chapter 4
INT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY – Day
Richard looks up at the high ceilings, amazed by the beauty inside the school.
A REPORTER LADY scurries behind him.
REPORTER LADY
You're Richard Beltran, aren't you? The star of that TV SHOW "Teen Jesus?"
Richard ignores her and runs around the inside of the school, admiring everything.
REPORTER LADY
No one has heard of you since you GOT FIRED from that show!
Richard pushes out a fake smile to her and then runs into the next room.
The Reporter Lady frowns and makes a "Hur-rumpf" sound. Then she motions to her cameraman like he's a henchman to get Richard.
The cameraman obediently takes the cord of his camera and uses it to trip the teen. Richard goes crashing to the floor.
RICHARD
OW!
REPORTER LADY
The people want to know–
RICHARD
Look, we're not talking about this, OK? I've put the whole issue behind me. I'm putting Hollywood as a whole behind me.
He sighs and looks up at the dome-shaped ceiling. There's a beautiful mural painted there of all kinds of ancient gods, glittering stars, and zodiac symbols made of gold.
RICHARD
I just want to live as a normal kid. And go to school with other normal kids, have normal friends, and duck my adult responsibilities with as much vigor and skill as I've ducked pedophiles in Hollywood.
As the Reporter Lady stops and considers that last line. Richard spins around, admiring the fantastic interior of the school.
RICHARD
Besides, look at this place!
He opens his arms wide, presenting the beautiful space before them.
RICHARD
It's gonna be so cool to go to school here!
REPORTER LADY
(Nods)
It is lovely.
REPORTER LADY
(Looks around)
But, all that you've said about being a normal kid in a normal school...Is this place supposed to be "Normal"?
She sighs and looks back down at him.
REPORTER LADY
All part of a new world order, I guess. Thanks to your uncle, Kaye.
She walks past Richard.
Richard stands there a bit stunned. His green eyes are wide as he remembers what he couldn't quite remember before... the water image of Kaye looking down at him as he and the other boys drown, and then the blast of light.
He snaps out of it.
RICHARD
I want to see what the guys are doing outside. There's probably windows we can look out of upstairs.
EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FLOOR WINDOWS – DAY
Richard pokes his head out of the window and sees that it's snowing.
RICHARD
WOW! Look at it!!
REPORTER LADY
(Pokes her head out)
Snow? It's August!
RICHARD
It's an illusion.
He sticks his hand out and feels snowflakes falling on his arms.
RICHARD
A very good illusion!
EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY – Day
Down below is a gorgeous Christmas scene. Seth is sitting on a grand piano being played by Professor Diaz. They both appear as if they stepped out of "A Christmas Carol," with coats, scarves, and coachmen's top hats on their heads.
Chris looks like a charming holiday butler. He serves apple cider and festive cakes to the spellbound protestors.
CHRIS
(Sings)
...And for YOU, and for you! Comment allez-vous? Tres bien, et tou?
Eddie pops up behind a snowman dressed as Santa Claus with a snowball in his hand.
EDDIE
You dare attack my dojo, protestors? 雪合戦 に 備えて!!
(Subtitles: Prepare for snowball war!!)
Enchanted by the charm of the Christmas scene, the protestors' anger fades. Laughter fills the air as some throw snowballs at Eddie, getting into the game.
Even Adam Kirage sits chibi on his collapsed Mecha, sucking a candy cane as the holiday cheer continues all around him.
Seth, all grins and holiday spirit, dressed as a festive vagabond, swings his legs as he strums his magical guitar. With a twinkle in his eye, he begins to serenade the protestors with a merry tune:
SETH
I know what Christians like...
Winter snow. Less yes, more no!
Chris spins across the scene in front of Seth with his golden tray of goodies.
CHRIS
Peppermint and Hot Cocoa!
SETH
Pine Trees. Tea and cream...
Holds his hands up, smiling as he lets the snow hit his face.
SETH
Brilliant sparkling Christmas scenes!
Santa Eddie, entrenched in a snowball showdown, ducks behind a towering crucifix with Jesus on it. With a cheeky grin, he gives the camera a thumbs-up.
EDDIE
Morbid death Idolatry!
SETH
(Laughs)
All of which, as a witch, I do agree!
All of which, as a witch, there's camaraderie!
Seth runs his fingers across his guitar strings.
EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FL WINDOW – SAME
The Reporter Lady has her head out the window and watches in open-mouthed amazement.
EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY FRONT YARD – SAME
Circe and Portia are with a band of Christmas carolers braving the soft snow, harmonizing hymns to the faithful from the "Rebels of Light" church.
EXT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY 3RD FL WINDOW – SAME
Richard watches, his eyes landing on Portia and staying there for a moment. She suddenly seems more beautiful and angelic than the other singers in Richard's eyes.
REPORTER LADY
This is amazing!
RICHARD
Yep, and imagine all the great spells we'll learn once the school opens!
He notices something strange on the horizon. There was a school bus approaching.
RICHARD
More protestors?
REPORTER LADY
So what?
RICHARD
(Shakes his head)
Illusions like this are delicate. You need to build an illusion in people's minds to enchant them. The people on that school bus didn't get the buildup! They probably won't even see the illusion, and they'll wake up the people down below!
He starts waving his arms frantically out of the window, trying to get their attention.
RICHARD
SETH!! CHRIS!!...EDDIE!?
REPORTER LADY
No one can hear you from here.
He looks down, trying to figure out what to do. He pulls out that busted wand.
RICHARD
Discount magic wand will have to do.
He starts waving the wand around dramatically.
REPORTER LADY
Uh...what are you doing?
RICHARD
I'm gonna freeze that bus!
REPORTER LADY
(Squinches her face)
Are you sure that's a good idea?
RICHARD
You doubt my power, WOMAN? I'm Kaye Beltran's nephew!
He points the wand out the window.
RICHARD
Abracadabra! Chumbawamba!!
The school bus revs up and starts rushing towards the crowd below even faster.
RICHARD
DAMN IT!
CAMERA MAN
The bus is revving up!
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