Temca Academy II, Part 6

INT. JOSHUA AND GEORGE’S ROOM. NIGHT.

George is sitting on his bed with ebbed attention to BLANCHE (long, light brown hair, moon shaped glasses, and a pale, frail body).

BLANCHE:
My uncle’s hazelnut isn’t very good,
but I quite like my mother’s hazelnut.
Yellow nut is quite tasty, though I can
only drink it in small doses…

Toci and Anielle enter and look at George quizzically. When he finally notices them, he bolts off his bed, relieved.

GEORGE:
Hole-la guys!

TOCI:
You’re saying it wrong.

GEORGE:
That’s how it’s spelled. Wait,
do you pronounce it hollah?

ANIELLE:
Hola, George. Sorry to interrupt such,
uh, stirring conversation.

Blanche gets up and goes over to them.

BLANCHE:
I’m Blanche. He asked me up for coffee,
and I was telling him which kinds I like.

GEORGE:
You’re bats! What planet are you from
where you think a guy inviting you up
for coffee actually wants to give you
coffee? You are the most boring person
I’ve ever met! I thought you might’ve
been one of those scholars that’s a closet
freak, but no! I’m going to kill that Adam
guy for setting us up!

TOCI:
(to Blanche)
What he’s trying to say is that he
thinks you should just stay friends.

BLANCHE:
Okay. I can always use more friends!
Bye guys!

Blanche leaves. Anielle starts rumaging through Joshua’s desk. She finds the folder.

ANIELLE:
Let’s see…Deirdre Lenon, age twenty two,
found dead on a dirt road. Cause of death,
heart stopping spell. That’s it? That’s all
the regular crime solvers bothered to put?

GEORGE:
It’s a crummy system, but what are we
supposed-

ANIELLE:
I just have to figure out where Joshua
would’ve gone to solve this crime. Tomorrow
after work I’ll go down to Sepia Street and
ask around.

TOCI:
I’d go with you, but I have an oyseter
dinner with Chad.

GEORGE:
I’ll go with you.

TOCI:
Just don’t try to speak or act Hispanic
there. You don’t wanna piss anyone off.

GEORGE:
Why would they get mad? I speak
ess-pag-noll bu-eh-no!

ANIELLE:
Just let me do the talking, pendejo.

Toci busts out laughing. George laughs too but he does not know why.

INT. DRAGON HEART SHOES. LATE AFTERNOON.

The floor is covered with various shoes. A young woman (LINDA) tries on a pair of heels and thinks about it. Anielle looks bored to death.

LINDA:
Okay, I like these. I’m going to
come back Wednesday to get them.

Linda leaves.

ANIELLE:
Great! I’m so glad I stayed twenty
minutes after my shift for that!

CIRCE:
That’s right! Keep up that positive
attitude!

Anielle rolls her eyes. They bring out their scepters and clean up the shoes.

ANIELLE:
Alright, I’m leaving.

CIRCE:
Wait! Before you go, take this!

She hands her a coupon with Madame Fate’s eyes and moving lighting in the background.

CIRCE:
You get twenty percent off
with this coupon!

ANIELLE:
Goody.

Anielle stashes the coupon in her pocket.

ANIELLE:
See you, batty!

CIRCE:
Betty? I’m Circe!

Anielle rolls her eyes again and leaves.

EXT. SEPIA STREET. EARLY EVENING.

The street has a almost decayed look. Scantily dressed women and sloppily dressed men roam the street. Anielle and George stand out and get a few stares. They arrive at a pile of rubble that once could have been a house or store. There is a lot of ashy dirt and hardware.

ANIELLE:
This is where Deirdre’s body was discovered.
A peace officer spotted her, they did a quick
autopsy, and it turns out she was hit with a
heart stopping spell. It’s a common signature
of pimps, so they assumed the same for her and
moved on.

GEORGE:
(looking at the file)
She looks so sad. No one reported her
missing either. Did she have a family? or
friends?

DEEJAY (a ghetto man) is passing by and hears Anielle say that.

DEEJAY:
You’re looking for Deirdre’s friend?
Hey, Meretrice!

MERETRICE (OS):
What?

DEEJAY:
Come ‘ere!

MERETRICE (OS):
I told you, Deejay, I don’t work
for free!

DEEJAY:
No, some people are looking for you.
(to Anielle and George)
She’s coming. Peace out!

Deejay leaves. MERETRICE (tall, skinny, crimped strawberry blonde hair, slutty clothes) comes over to see what Deejay was talking about. She sees Anielle and George and gets scared.

MERETRICE:
You’re with the Bureau of Magic, aren’t
you? Well, whatever you have on me
is a lie!

ANIELLE:
We’re not with the B.O.M. or the P.O.’s.
My boyfriend, Joshua, was investigating
Deirdre’s murder and now he’s missing.

MERETRICE:
He’s missing? That’s too bad. He was
he only P.O. that acted like he gave a
damn about what happened to us.

GEORGE:
So, what happened to your friend?

MERETRICE:
No idea. I was working on a…book…

ANIELLE:
Seriously, we’re not peace officers. My
boyfriend’s captain isn’t going to spend a
lot of time looking for this killer, and I won’t
find him til I find the killer. So, be honest,
before you were working on your “book,”
did you notice anything weird?

MERETRICE:
Not really. Except the eyes.

GEORGE:
Whose eyes?

MERETRICE:
I don’t know. When we were growing up,
Deirdre and I always felt like there was
an evil eye watching us. Like, the eyes
would make bad things happen to us. I
never see them, but I felt like they were
always there, just waiting to strike. But
what’s weird is when Deirdre died, they
went away.

ANIELLE:
So, do you think someone was plotting
to kill Deirdre?

MERETRICE:
Maybe. Deirdre and I always looked like
sisters, so maybe they couldn’t tell us apart.
It could’ve been me they were after. We’ve
felt these eyes since we were kids. A lot of
people wanna hurt us in this line of work, but
who’d wanna hurt a baby?

GEORGE:
Does someone have something against
your family?

MERETRICE:
I don’t have a family. I was abandoned
as a baby and lived in foster homes til I
was twelve. That’s when Deirdre and I
started turning tricks.

ANIELLE:
That’s so sad!

MERETRICE:
Why? I love sex! It makes me feel good cuz
it’s what my talent is. I’d do it for free, but if
I’m gonna do it and get paid for it, then why
not? I make men feel good. Sometimes women.
Sometimes couples. I’ve thought about going to
college, you know, to be a masseuse, but now I
have too many clients to just leave them. Sex is
more than just fiddling around with your privates;
it frees the soul to animal instincts. And it makes
you sick less, so I view myself as a healer. Don’t
feel sorry for me!

She starts coughing and hacking for a minute.

GEORGE:
What happened to preventing illness?

MERETRICE:
Okay, so occasionally it creates a few
diseases. I have metabulish.

ANIELLE:
Oh gross!
(to George)
It starts off as a rash in your genitals,
but it creates outbursts of fluids, like
hacking up mucus or worse, gushing
blood. Things like that.

MERETRICE:
Men say I’m worth it.

ANIELLE:
Right. So, you don’t think a pimp
did this? The murder, not the disease.

MERETRICE:
We don’t have pimps.

ANIELLE:
Did she talk about her last client?

MERETRICE:
Some bald dude flagged us down, so
Deirdre went to go see him. I followed this
rich executive to do him. Stayed all night.
Made five thousand pieces.

GEORGE:
So, did this bald guy wear a long, brown
robe and talk about his plans outloud?

Meretrice nods but eyes a potential customer.

ANIELLE:
Here’s my card if you need to
contact me with more information.

Meretrice takes the card and leaves.

GEORGE:
Ha ha, Babelsama can’t get laid on his
own, so he has to hire a hooker!

ANIELLE:
No, he was probably the “eyes” trying
to kill her. Someone wanted Meretrice
dead. But why would Babelsama care
about her?

GEORGE:
Maybe he got paid for it.

ANIELLE:
But he likes to be a leader. He has a
partner, and I bet it’s Madame Fate!

GEORGE:
She hasn’t done anything wrong though!

ANIELLE:
Well, now we know Babelsama did it, and
he probably caught Joshua here and kidnapped
him. We’ve gotta get out of here!

GEORGE:
We should convince Meretrice to go
into hiding too.

Before Anielle can respond, a couple of guys eye her.

ANIELLE:
Let’s go before I gotta hex someone!

They leave.

Temca Academy II, Part 5

INT. ANIELLE AND TOCI’S ROOM. NIGHT.

Toci is tending to one of her plants in a very skimpy outfit. Anielle puts on her sneakers to complete her cheerleader ensemble (which is red and black with a black cat logo). Toci hums.

ANIELLE:
Are you in a good mood because
you think your slutty outfit is
going to work?

TOCI:
I’m happy because the weekend is
here. Aren’t you?

ANIELLE:
I don’t get a weekend. I have cheer practice
tonight and work Saturday and Sunday. It’s
a pain, but I gotta work because my dad won’t
give me spending money anymore. Then again,
I wonder what the point of having spending money
if I don’t have time to spend it!

Joshua enters wearing a junior crime solver outfit. Toci is about to leave when she sees him.

TOCI:
Going to work, huh?

JOSHUA:
Yeah. I can give you a ride to
Sepia Street since it looks like
we’re both about to work there.

Toci does not seem offended but still glares at him.

TOCI:
Wish me luck!

ANIELLE:
No. It’s just too ridiculous.
But have fun!

TOCI:
Oh, I will. Believe me, I will have fun!

Toci leaves.

ANIELLE:
You’re going to work on Sepia Street on
a Friday night? Isn’t it one of their busiest
nights?

JOSHUA:
Yes, which is why I’m going tonight-more
potential witnesses. Plus, I wanna have my
Saturday night free to whisk you away to
a nice dinner.

ANIELLE:
What’s the occasion?

JOSHUA:
Your glamorous new job! Do I need
a reason to spoil you?

ANIELLE:
Just be careful, okay?

JOSHUA:
What’s the fun in that?
(beat)
Now, I better go before I rip
that sexy outfit off you.

GEORGE (OS):
Olé!

ANIELLE:
Okay, bye you!

JOSHUA:
See you soon, babe!

They kiss and Joshua leaves. George (wearing his broom football uniform) comes in.

GEORGE:
Ready to go?

ANIELLE:
No. I mean, I will, but I kind of feel
rooted to the spot. It’s like that kiss
was the last one I’d have with him.

GEORGE:
Oh, I see. Now you think you’re
Madame Fate?

ANIELLE:
Ugh! If I hear about that hag one
more time today…I’ll …
(beat)
I don’t know!

GEORGE:
Okay…let’s va-man-ohs!

ANIELLE:
Vamenos. Even I know that, and I’m
Irish-Italian!

They leave.

INT. DRAGON HEART SHOES. LATE AFTERNOON.

BG-a small store with shoe boxes lining the walls and a few display shelves. Anielle is sitting behind the register looking really bored while Circe has her head against the wall.

CIRCE:
That’s the third time today! Madame
Fate said this guy was going to work
for a glorious new leader that will
surface at Temca!
(squeals)
Oh, it’s so exciting to work next
door to a real psychic!

Anielle snorts in disbelief.

CIRCE:
Everyone on campus is talking about
getting a reading done. I have her
booked in two weeks! When are you
getting yours?

ANIELLE:
When I sprout wings and fly into a rainbow!

CIRCE:
I’ve always wanted to do that!

Anielle rolls her eyes. The door opens with a jingle and SCOTTERINA (a very large woman wearing designer clothes and carrying designer shopping bags) walks in. Circe doesn’t move so Anielle goes to tend to her.

ANIELLE:
Welcome to Dragon Heart Shoes. How
may I help you?

SCOTTERINA:
Yes, do you have the purple heels with
the dirt protection spell?

ANIELLE:
Yes, it’s right in front of you.

SCOTTERINA:
Oh, so it is! Can you hand it to me?

ANIELLE:
Okay…

Anielle walks over and hands her the shoe that is right in front of her.

SCOTTERINA:
Do you have it in a size eight?

ANIELLE:
That is a size eight. You can try them on.

Scotterina sits down in a chair that barely holds her weight. Anielle grabs the shoe and stoops down. She raises her eyebrows as she sees her feet are obviously bigger than a size eight. She takes off her shoe and tries to hide her disgust at the smell. She barely squeezes the shoe on.

SCOTTERINA:
Oh, that’s perfect! I’ll take them!

ANIELLE:
Great! That will be fifty pieces.

SCOTTERINA:
Fifty pieces! No, thank you! If you
have any sales, go down to Scotterina’s
Furniture and ask for the owner. Then I’ll
buy them!

She puts her old shoe back on and leaves.

ANIELLE:
That is the sales price! She won’t like
it when they go back to eighty!

She picks up the shoes she tried on and sprays some cleanser potion on it.

CIRCE:
(sings)
Working hard is fun to do with a friend!

ANIELLE:
I hate this job!

INT. ANIELLE AND TOCI’S ROOM. NIGHT.

Anielle is waiting on her bed in nice clothes. Toci enters carrying two small boxes, one of which smells badly.

TOCI:
You’re probably wondering what’s
in the boxes.

ANIELLE:
With you, I try not to ask.

TOCI:
I found some non-magical food that
will turn him on without it being date
rape! Dark chocolate and oysters!

ANIELLE:
Don’t serve them at the same time!

TOCI:
Duh. Hey, look at you all dressed up!
Where are you off to?

ANIELLE:
Probably nowhere. I haven’t seen or
heard from Joshua since last night.
He hasn’t come back to the Dog House
in almost twenty-four hours, and he
won’t respond to my messages.

TOCI:
Maybe he pulled an all nighter at work.

ANIELLE:
Sergeant Cassius hasn’t heard from him
either. If he doesn’t respond in an hour,
he says he’ll be considered a missing person
and his case will be turned over to a crime
solver to find him!

TOCI:
Oh, Anielle!

Toci tries to give Anielle a hug, but Anielle recoils.

ANIELLE:
I appreciate the thought, but you wreak!

TOCI:
What are you going to do?

ANIELLE:
I’m going to look for him. I don’t trust his
peace officer department. First, they hand
off a murder case to a junior crime solver and
then they let him work Sepia Street without any
back up or messages to check on him until a day
later. It’s like they’re trying to punish him for
caring about a crime they deemed unimportant!
Plus, I can’t say why yet, but I think Madame
Fate is connected to it.

TOCI:
She’s just a psychic!

ANIELLE:
She’s meddling with Temca! She puts up
posters in the middle of the night, becomes
popular on campus rapidly, and then starts
telling people they’ll work for a glorious new
leader. That’s the exact kind of thing Babelsama
would do!

TOCI:
Wait, so you think Madame Fate and
Babelsama kidnapped your boyfriend to
stop him from investigating the death of
that prostitute? That’s a little-

ANIELLE:
Don’t call me crazy! You’re the one
trying to seduce your boyfriend with
dead fish!

TOCI:
Fair enough. So, when do we start looking
for him?

ANIELLE:
We?

TOCI:
You know George and I will help you.
We’re his friends too. Besides, even if
you do something nutty, we’ll be doing
it with you cuz we’re friends, and we
stick by each other no matter what!

ANIELLE:
Thanks! Where’s George?

TOCI:
He said something about a blind date…

Temca Academy II, Part 4

EXT. DOG HOUSE. MORNING.

Anielle and Toci walk to class together.

TOCI:
Oh, I can’t wait for my classes this
semester! There’s so much I have to
learn about business! I’m so close to
owning my own apothecary! And Chad
is helping me out cuz that business stuff
is hard! Whew, I’m tired!

ANIELLE:
(sarcastically)
Yeah, you sound tired.

TOCI:
Yeah, I spent all night clearing the plants
in our room. It didn’t help that George passed
out on my bed. Oh, and I got an idea how I’m
gonna deflower Chad! I have this herb with
a seductive sedative-.

ANIELLE:
That’s date rape.

TOCI:
I know he wants to do it, but he’s
got these morals that don’t even…
What are you staring at?

Anielle looks at a flyer on the lamp post. It reads “See your future with Madame Fate.” The address at the bottom center has a picture of Madame Fate’s eyes.

ANIELLE:
I saw her putting up flyers around midnight
last night. It’s so strange! Why would someone
do that?

TOCI:
Maybe she didn’t wanna draw attention
to herself.

ANIELLE:
Then why would she put up flyers at all?

TOCI:
Oh well, we’re going to be late for class!

ANIELLE:
There’s something wrong with her. I just
got this bad feeling about her, like somehow
she’s connected to Babelsama.

TOCI:
That’s ridiculous! Come on! If we miss role
call, we could be marked as absent! I want
to pass this class-don’t make me fail!

ANIELLE:
Alright, alright. Don’t get your scepter in
a knot! But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

TOCI:
Warn me about what?

ANIELLE:
Danger of some sort.

TOCI:
Whatever. There could be cute guys in
the class too! What? I can still look.

Anielle rolls her eyes, and they leave.

INT. HEALING HERBOLOGY CLASS. MORNING.

BG-the room looks more like a green house than a class, but there are a few rows of seats and a blackboard at the end. Toci sits comfortably in this surrounding while Anielle looks at oddly.

TOCI:
Isn’t it wonderful?

ANIELLE:
It looks like a rain forest threw up in
a classroom.

TOCI:
I had half of my classes here last year.
I love it! Professor Rohan is like my
white twin.

ANIELLE:
Oh great, there’s two of you!

TOCI:
Wow, there’s some nice talent here
today. Look at those boys!

Anielle glances over to a group of obnoxious boys. One of them, ALBERTO (a guido) winks at Anielle. Anielle looks disgusted.

TOCI:
Ooh, you should talk to him!

ANIELLE:
Even if I was single, I still wouldn’t.

Alberto gets up and walks up to her.

ALBERTO:
Name’s Alberto. You must be Anielle.
I recognize you from “Broomstick Monthly.”
Your father made my broom.

ANIELLE:
Am I supposed to be impressed?

ALBERTO:
You wanna be impressed? Come to my
room tonight.

ANIELLE:
I have a boyfriend.

ALBERTO:
A three way, alright!

ANIELLE:
Ugh, go away you pig!

ALBERTO:
Alright, but I’ll be back. It’s gonna happen.
Madame Fate said I’d sleep with a famous
woman this year.

ANIELLE:
And you believed her?

ALBERTO:
She’s not some nobody making vague
predictions. She knows things, like for real.

PROFESSOR ROHAN (a hippie looking woman) enters the room. Alberto reluctantly returns to his seat.

PROFESSOR ROHAN:
Sorry I’m late. I had a problem with a
snapping lily. Welcome to Healing Herbology!
(beat)
Toci, didn’t you already take this class?

TOCI:
Yes, as part of my required classes. I’m
taking the second level of this class too,
but I thought I’d take this as an elective.

Professor Rohan shrugs and begins her first lesson. Toci gives Anielle a thumbs up, and Anielle rolls her eyes.

INT. EMERGENCY RESPONSE CLASS. AFTERNOON.

Joshua is sitting at a desk looking at an engagement ring. BG-a classroom so neat and sterile that it almost looks like a hospital room. There is a large space in the front with a podium where PROFESSOR BETSERAI (stern looking, wearing a rescue healer-looking outfit) sifts through his papers. Anielle enters the room, and Joshua quickly stows away the ring. Anielle notices the secretive behavior.

ANIELLE:
What are you hiding from me?

JOSHUA:
Nothing. I mean, it’s just…evidence
from the case I’m working.

ANIELLE:
Then why did you bring it out in a classroom?

JOSHUA:
Because…I’m not that smart.

ANIELLE:
Can you show me later?

JOSHUA:
Absolutely, I will show you later!

Anielle raises her eyebrows but cannot say anything because Professor Betserai is ready to begin.

BETSERAI:
Good morning class. Welcome to the most
important class you’ll ever take. This is
Emergency Response. No matter what your
vocation is, chances are you’ll have to deal
with at least one emergency in the course of your
career. I will teach you the proper spells, potions,
and procedures you will need to get through an
emergency situation. These emergencies can range
from minor to severe. Chances are you’ve already
experienced an emergency. Who would like to
share an example? Yes, you.

BLONDE GIRL:
One time I was getting a spa treatment, and I
broke a nail! And I had a hot date afterwards!

BETSERAI:
Wow. I have a feeling you’ll learn a lot from
this class. Who can give me a better example?
Yes, you, in the back.

BRUNETTE GIRL:
Madame Fate told me I would be caught in
a fire before the semester was over. I don’t
know what to do in a fire!

BETSERAI:
Before the semester is over, you will know if
a fire should-

BRUNETTE GIRL:
If? There’s no if, it’s gonna happen! She told
me things about myself I haven’t told anyone.
You can’t fight your destiny!

BETSERAI:
Right.
(beat)
Anyways, why don’t I just start
with today’s lesson? Unless someone
has an actual story of life or death they’d
like to share?

Joshua and Anielle exchange looks but silently decide not to share their story.

INT. CAFETERIA. AFTERNOON.

Joshua, Anielle, Toci, and George sit at a small table by the kitchen. BG-a bunch of tables that are about half full. Students are eating while the workers prepare food.

JOSHUA:
I can’t wait to get started! The other guys
are having a blast. Like Anderson was called
over a domestic dispute. This woman kept
trying to cast her scale into a dumpster and
the husband kept summoning it back. Anderson
looks in the dumpster and, get this, finds a dead
body!

The girls gasp.

TOCI:
So, he had to turn the case over
to a crime solver?

JOSHUA:
Yes, but he’ll be a witness at the trial.
So, both me and Anderson are involved
in murder cases, only I’ll be the expert
witness in mine.

GEORGE:
But only if you live.

ANIELLE:
That’s not funny! I don’t like the idea
of him roaming around Sepia Street.

JOSHUA:
It comes with the job. When you’re a
rescue healer, you’ll have to go down
there too.

ANIELLE:
Yeah, but I’m there to heal, so they don’t
wanna hurt me. You know how they feel
about peace officers. This can’t be legal-
to hand a murder case to a junior crime solver!

Before Joshua can respond, a man at the next table jumps and panics.

MAN 1:
(screams)
A bee stung me! It stung me! Madame
Fate was right-I’m gonna die from a
bee sting!

Toci reaches into her bag and pulls out an herb. Anielle walks up to the man, puts the herb on top of the wound, and rubs gently. She lifts the plant, which now holds the stinger. The wound itself begins to heal.

MAN 1:
But…but…she said…

ANIELLE:
Some “psychic” took your money and
said you’d die, and you’re disappointed
that you’re gonna live? Even if it was in
the cards or whatever, it can’t be
guaranteed because we have free will.

MAN 1:
Well, there could be another sting that
will be fatal.

ANIELLE:
Just get an anti-venom plant and you
won’t die.

MAN 1:
You weren’t there. She knows things.
But I accept my fate.

There is a small buzz in the cafeteria about Madame Fate. Anielle is annoyed as she sits back down.

ANIELLE:
Can you believe that? I don’t even
get a thank you for saving his life!

GEORGE:
Why would he die though? He didn’t
seem allergic.

JOSHUA:
You and I have to prepare ourselves
for thankless rescues. Will I get a thank
you for solving the murder of a dead
prostitute? Probably not. But that’s
not why we do it. We do it cuz it’s
the right thing to do.

TOCI:
I do it cuz it feels good! Well, at least
I used to. Now it’s just a matter of principle.
If he expects me to me monogamous, he
has to start putting out!

ANIELLE:
For the love of Merlin, can you stop thinking
about your cooch for one minute?

TOCI:
I try, but it’s not easy!

GEORGE:
Great, now I can’t finish my tacos!

Anielle rolls her eyes and sighs.

Temca Academy II, Part 3

EXT. TEMCA ACADEMY. NIGHT.

BG-The school is old but very well kept up. It consists of brick buildings and tons of trees and plants that line the campus. Anielle and Joshua fly over it.

ANIELLE:
See, I told you my way was faster.

JOSHUA:
Well, excuse me for trying to save us
a little bit of time.

ANIELLE:
But why didn’t you just listen to me?

JOSHUA:
I’m training to be a crime solver-I
know the skies.

ANIELLE:
My dad is the leading broom
manufacturer in the country. I made
the trip a dozen times before!

EXT. DOG HOUSE. NIGHT.

Their dorm is called the Doctor Olivia Ganges House. BG-a lot of students are flying in or appearing by portals. A lot of parents are helping their freshmen move in and there is floating luggage everywhere. Toci is waiting for them in front of the dorm, and she can hear them arguing as they approach.

TOCI:
Rough journey, I take it?

ANIELLE:
Oh, you know how men are
about directions.

JOSHUA:
And you know how women are
about nagging?

TOCI:
Ready for a new year?

ANIELLE:
Yeah, I can’t wait to see what monsters
we battle this year.

TOCI:
Oh come on! Like that’s gonna happen
again! Think about all of the new stuff
we get to learn! I cant’ wait to see my plants!

Toci sees their lack of enthusiasm.

TOCI:
Don’t you guys think that this year
will be fun?

JOSHUA:
If by fun you mean a lot of work,
then yes, it’ll be lots of fun.

TOCI:
But you like your work!

ANIELLE:
Yes, but between classes, his job, and
my new job at that shoe store, we won’t
have a lot of time to spend together.

TOCI:
I know like ten places on campus
you can do it between classes!

ANIELLE:
I meant actual time to talk and stuff.

TOCI:
Oh come on! You guys gotta do it as
often as possible! Life is short-you’ve
gotta have fun whenever you have the
chance! Plus, I don’t get to have sex,
so you gotta do it in my honor.

JOSHUA:
That’d be weird.

CIRCE (thin, blonde, fake tan, clothes are girly/slutty) goes by and sees Anielle.

CIRCE:
Hi! It’s my old roommate! How was
your summer? Was it ducky plucky
like mine?

ANIELLE:
Ducky plucky?

CIRCE:
Good! I’m so excited! I got at Dragon
Heart Shoes!

ANIELLE:
The Dragon Heart Shoes that’s on Merlin
Avenue?

CIRCE:
Right-a-roony!

ANIELLE:
Crap! The good news just keeps on
coming!

Anielle goes inside. Circe looks confused.

JOSHUA:
She works at the same one you do.

Circe looks excited.

CIRCE:
Really? Come back, my new
coworker!

She runs after her. Toci starts to go inside, but Joshua grabs her shoulder.

JOSHUA:
Do me a favor and find what Anielle’sring size is.

TOCI:
Okay, but wouldn’t it be easier just
to get her, like, a necklace then?

JOSHUA:
Uh, no, it’s kind of a special ring…

TOCI:
Why? Does it have a spell on it? She
could probably use the calming effect
ring or the…what? Are you blushing?
Oh, it’s a seduction ring!
(giggles mischievously)
No? What powers does it have?

JOSHUA:
It has the power to ask her to marry me.

She gasps and squeals like a school girl.

TOCI:
Oh my God! You’re gonna get married?
When? Who’s coming? I know some
gardens that will-!

JOSHUA:
I’m going to save up for the wedding.
We can stay engaged for a while. We’re
gonna spend a lot of time apart, so I just
want her to know how much I care about
her, even when I can’t be there.

TOCI:
Awwwww!

Toci stoops down and grabs an herb.

TOCI:
This should help with the digestive
problem.

JOSHUA:
Huh?

He sees that Anielle has come back out.

JOSHUA:
Oh, right, gotcha!

ANIELLE:
Oh, plant stuff. I should have guessed.
So, Toci, I see you’re in the mood for
planting. You’ll love our room.

TOCI:
Why?

INT. ANIELLE AND TOCI’S ROOM. NIGHT.

Anielle and Toci’s two beds, two dressers, and two desks along with their knick-knacks and posters are covered in a leafy vine. The whole room is plastered with it.

TOCI:
Oh, I forgot that without water,
they grow uncontrollably! No matter-
I can fix this.

Toci waves her scepter around to prune it. George enters carrying a bottle of La Cupacabre Tequila.

GEORGE:
Hole-la!

TOCI:
You’re pronouncing it wrong!

GEORGE:
That’s how it’s spelled! Wait, is
it pronounced ha-lah?

Toci hits her forehead.

GEORGE:
Anyone up for some pre-semester
partying? I bought this stuff cuz it
has a stronger kick, which my people
enjoy.

TOCI:
Go ahead, try some!

GEORGE:
Alright, I will!

He opens the bottle and takes a sip. He immediately gags and spits out fire.

GEORGE:
I guess it takes a while to get used to.

He takes another sip and tries to hold it down.

GEORGE:
Excuse me.

He leaves.

TOCI:
This plant may take me a while to trim.
And Joshua’s new roommate is gonna be
in the baño for a while, so now might be
a good time for some alone time with
your man!

She shrugs and leaves. One of the plants emits a small burp.

TOCI:
Oh no! It ate my singing nectarine bush!

INT. JOSHUA AND GEORGE’S ROOM. LATE NIGHT.

BG-George’s half of the room has a bunch of Mexican souvenirs along with his old posters of scantily clad girls and broom football teams. Joshua’s side looks like a crime solver office. Joshua lays in bed spooning Anielle.

ANIELLE:
No!

JOSHUA:
I didn’t say anything.

ANIELLE:
I know what you were thinking.

JOSHUA:
Okay, okay.
(beat)
How about now?

ANIELLE:
How fast do you think you I’d change
my mind?

JOSHUA:
Is that a yes?

ANIELLE:
No! Can’t you see that I’m not in
the mood?

JOSHUA:
I thought you said it helps you sleep.

ANIELLE:
Yeah, but only when I wanna do it. I
keep thinking about Babelsama.

JOSHUA:
Eiww! No wonder you’re turned off!

ANIELLE:
No, it’s just that…I feel like we got off
too easily; like he’s an evil genius, so
how could merely going to prison stop him?

JOSHUA:
Look, ten years ago my boss locked up a
guy who used to magic people’s brains out
and then sell it as pie to the townspeople.
He said if he found a way to get out, he’d
go to Europe and do it again. And he’s tried
to escape too. A decade later, and he’s still
in prison. So, if our prison can hold the brain
harvester, I think we’re safe.

ANIELLE:
I just get the feeling something bad is
going to happen. Something is out there.
Like that woman!

Anielle darts up and looks out the window. INTERCUT- outside, Madame Fate (in a black hood, face is hidden) posts a flier on a lamp post. INTERCUT BACK to Anielle.

ANIELLE:
Who is that woman? Why is she posting
fliers in the middle of the night?

JOSHUA:
Relax!

He pulls her back into bed.

JOSHUA:
Is this because of the murder case I’m
working on? You know my job is risky,
there’s nothing to-.

ANIELLE:
My job is risky too. Rescue healer. Wait,
that’s my career. I work in a shoe store
(groans)

JOSHUA:
Don’t worry so much! Or at least, not
so much. Now, unless you’ve changed
your mind about-.

ANIELLE:
No!

JOSHUA:
Then I’m going to get some rest.
Good night.

ANIELLE:
Night.

Joshua closes his eyes. Anielle looks uneasy but eventually she closes her eyes too.

Temca Academy II, Part 2

INT. LEILA’S KITCHEN. AFTERNOON.

There are two chairs left, and the other chairs are floating with the table. The three remaining contestants are Victoria, one of her cousins, and Joshua.

JOSHUA:
Why am I still here? I’m not
even trying!

GEORGE:
It’s not fair! I only got out because
I was distracted when someone elbowed
me in the face! This game gets very
competitive!

TOCI:
Yeah, it probably had nothing to do
with the sombrero.

The music starts again. Joshua trudges along while the kids look excited. When the music stops, Victoria and her cousin fight over a seat while Joshua sits easily in the other. Victoria uses her hips and knocks him off the seat. Everyone laughs.

LEILA:
Okay, it’s between Joshua and the
birthday girl!

ANIELLE:
(to Joshua)
Let her win.

JOSHUA:
What do you think I’ve been trying
to do this whole time?

Leila uses her scepter to start the music again. Victoria is actively trying to grab the chair while Joshua avoids it. Suddenly, a bang from the garage is heard. Joshua’s peace officer instincts make him stop playing. Leila stops the music, and Victoria grabs the seat.

VICTORIA:
I win!

JOSHUA:
Yes, it seems like this seat was
destined for you.

Ramone enters.

RAMONE:
Psst! Joshua, you’re a peace officer,
right?

JOSHUA:
Sort of. What happened?

RAMONE:
Can you come here?

Joshua follows Ramone out. Toci, Anielle, and George curiously follow while Leila tends to the party.

EXT. GARAGE. AFTERNOON.

Ramone leads them through the front yard.

RAMONE:
I was in the backyard having a cigar
when I saw a man on a broomstick
zoom by the house. He was moving
too quickly to get a good look, but
he left us a message.

On the garage door, the words, “Do not interfere-I have your cat” are etched in glowing red.

ANIELLE:
“Do not interfere-I have your cat.”
You don’t have a cat!

RAMONE:
I know! We have a chihuahua, but I’d
pay someone to take that pendejo-
pees on all the furniture!

GEORGE:
It still sounds like someone’s trying to
threaten you, even if they’re not very
good at it.

JOSHUA:
Let me get a quick image of the graffiti
and I’ll bring it to my boss.

Joshua takes his scepter out and floats his spy camera to just the right angle to get a picture of the crime. He points at the garage again, and his broom comes to him.

JOSHUA:
(to Ramone)
Thank you for inviting me to the party.
(to Anielle)
I’ll see you soon, babe.

ANIELLE:
Bye hon!

They kiss.

JOSHUA:
(to George and Toci)
See you at school.

TOCI:
You won’t see us til the semester
starts in a week? Will it really take
you that long to solve this graffiti case?

GEORGE:
I will say ah-dee-ohs per-drey!

Toci points her scepter at his sombrero, and it catches on fire. George takes his scepter and puts out the fire. He takes it off and looks at the charred top.

GEORGE:
Great, now it looks stupid!

Joshua laughs, waves to everyone, and takes off.

RAMONE:
Why would anyone threaten us?

ANIELLE:
They’re probably not after you. If
they’ve got the right house, they’re
after me. I know who, but I don’t know how.

TOCI:
How could we not interfere if we
don’t know what it is that we’re
supposed to be avoiding?

ANIELLE:
I always knew fate would bring us
together again.

They start to head inside.

GEORGE:
I still wanna know who’s cat he’s got!

INT. CASSIUS’S OFFICE. LATE AFTERNOON.

CASSIUS ( middle aged, dark & balding hair, pot belly) is going through his files. BG-a cluttered office with files and papers strewn about the desk and various posters with moving photos of criminals line the walls. A group of young people, mostly male, wait in the room. Joshua enters.

CASSIUS:
Ah, there’s Frederick. Now we’re just
waiting on Chang.

JOSHUA:
I have another case for you.

Joshua hands him the photo of the garage. Cassius studies it.

CASSIUS:
What kind of cat do they-?

JOSHUA:
They don’t have a cat. It’s a young
couple and their infant. And
sometimes their sister.

CASSIUS:
I see. Well, I’ll process it and add it to
your pile most likely. First day on the
job and already your instincts are
kicking in. Very nice job.

The others took a little jealous at his praise. Chang enters the room.

CASSIUS:
Alright, everyone is here, so we can begin.
Welcome to your first assignment. Most of you
are training to solve crimes at Temca Academy.
Sometimes you’ll need those skills. For those of
you who haven’t been trained, don’t worry. These
petty crimes are so easy to solve that any person
with half a brain can do it. But please note that on
behalf of the United States Department of Magical
Affairs, we thank you. Your participation allows
crime solvers to work on more important cases.

Cassius lays out a few folders.

CASSIUS:
For your own knowledge, I’m going to tell you
the meaning behind the different colored labels
on the folders. Light green is traffic violations,
and dark green is environmental offenses. Purple
is failure to appear in court. Light blue is theft
under fifty pieces, medium blue is theft from
fifty to five hundred pieces, and dark blue is
theft valuing over five hundred pieces. Yellow
is misuse of magic. Orange is non-fatal violence.
This dark pink is rape. Light pink is prostitution
and drugs. Red-murder. And white is kind of an
“other” pile.

He puts the demonstrations away and plops a pile of folders on his desk.

CASSIUS:
These are your assignments. When you finish one,
fill out the paperwork and bring back here for your
new assignment. You can solve these on your own
time, just try to finish as quick as you can. Remember,
if non-magical people are involved in magical crimes,
call one of our memory modifying officers. Any
questions, call me. Okay, Anderson-purple. King-
white. Neehmed-light blue. Chang-green. Lopez-
another purple. Stevenson-yellow. Frederick-
white. Alright, if I’m not here, just leave your
solved in my inbox and pick a file on top of
this pile. Good luck!

Everyone but Joshua leaves. Joshua peers at the assignment pile.

CASSIUS:
Oh, you get to interview a swim suit model
about a restraining order. Nice!

JOSHUA:
I have a girlfriend.

CASSIUS:
So does she. What’s your point?

JOSHUA:
Sergeant, are you aware of a red label at
the bottom of the pile?

CASSIUS:
Oh that. Don’t worry about it.

JOSHUA:
But it’s a murder file!

CASSIUS:
Only technically. A prostitute was found dead on
Sepia Street. You know Sepia Street. Right smack
in the middle of the low income area. At first we
thought it could be drugs or alcohol, but the
coroner’s autopsy spell revealed murder. Looks
like another pimp thing. If they don’t make enough,
they get tossed aside. Serves them right for choosing
an illegal lifestyle. Drug dealers, prostitutes,
other low life criminals-they don’t deserve priority.

JOSHUA:
But that’s a human life! She may have made mistakes,
but she’s still someone’s family member! And who knows-
this could be a part of a serial killing, and anyone could
be next. Murder is murder-it doesn’t matter who the
victim is. If it is a pimp, we don’t him out there hurting
more girls. Or anyone else who gets in his way for that
matter. I signed up for this major because I believe that
every victim deserves justice, and to put one life so low
on the priority list is just…wrong!

Cassius looks at him quizzically.

CASSIUS:
Okay, mister humanitarian, if you think this
deserves a “high priority” to get solved, then
you can take the case.

JOSHUA:
Wow, I get to solve a murder?

CASSIUS:
Yes, but it’s not a capitol murder or anything.
Do you know what kind of monsters you gotta
deal with on Sepia Street?

JOSHUA:
Don’t worry, I’ve got a lot of experience
fighting monsters.

CASSIUS:
Alright kid, if you wanna risk your life for
those low lives, be my guest.

Joshua leaves.

Temca Academy II: Child of Destiny, Part 1

EXT. MADAME FATE’S SHOP. MIDNIGHT.

A bat soars through the night sky and down towards the streets. BG-a row of shops whose signs are unreadable because of the darkness. The buildings are old but well maintained and the streets are empty except for the bat. The bat tries to fly inside an open window, misses, and hits the wall. He lays down in the street in a daze. The door opens, and a hand swoops it in. The light turns on in the shop, and all that is seen is two silhouettes. One is a stout, pudgy woman, and the other is a tall, thin man.

BABELSAMA:
I did it! It has been done.

MADAME FATE:
Wow, that was really fast!

BABELSAMA:
Ugh, I am so tired of you saying that!

MADAME FATE:
This time it’s a good thing! Now that is done,
we can begin phase two of the plan. Let’s go
to my place. I’ve finished cleaning, so I just
need my…supplies…

The lights turn off. A cat walks by, and a crash from within the shop sends the cat scurrying off.

MADAME FATE (OS):
You idiot!

BABELSAMA (OS):
You didn’t “see” that coming?
(beat)
Ouch!

Silence indicates their departure.

EXT. LEILA’S PORCH. AFTERNOON.

JOSHUA (brunette, slightly curled hair, gray eyes, medium toned skin, and in shape physique) comes up to a front porch. BG-a fairly large home with white paneled walls, blue shutters, and a door with a red brick archway. The pathway leading to the house is made of the same brick. The lawn is well kept and shrubs line the house. The white wooden fence has two balloons tied to it. Joshua knocks on the door. After a moment, the door opens and the sound of a dozen rambunctious kids greets him along with RAMONE (good looking, Hispanic, short curly hair, dark eyes, and a decent build). Ramone looks exhausted.

RAMONE:
Oh, thank God! Another adult! My wife thought
it was a good idea to play Fly Tag in the house!
(imitates wife)
Oh, they could fly over the fence and get lost
or hurt!
(back to normal)
Yeah, great, now their brooms are knocking
down all our furniture! I think your friends
are avoiding the chaos. I don’t know where
they’re hiding, but every time I try to look,
one of those imps breaks something!

JOSHUA:
When I find them, I ‘ll have them come help.

RAMONE:
Bless you! Come on in. Welcome to my
nightmare!

The sound of glass breaking is heard. Ramone runs over to the sound, cursing in Spanish. Joshua enters.

INT. GUEST BEDROOM. AFTERNOON.

BG-a fairly plain room with a bed, bureau, and a window. There is a couple of suitcases there and various items spread out. ANIELLE (good looking, fair skinned, golden brown eyes, and a curvy physique) sits on a bed with TOCI (sexy, Cuban, bohemian dresed).

TOCI:
I mean, can you believe that?

ANIELLE:
Um, yeah. Why not?

TOCI:
I don’t get it.

Joshua enters.

JOSHUA:
What’s going on?

TOCI:
Okay, you’re a guy, you tell me if this sounds
abnormal. I went on a date with Chad. You
remember Chad? He was in Anielle’s class before
she changed majors. Anyways, he took me to the
state fair, which I thought would be cool cuz I know
like ten places to sneak a little nookie in. But he just
stuck to the rides and games! He bought me a giant
pretzel and won me this mini dragon, and that’s it!
I thought maybe he just doesn’t like to do it in
public, but when he dropped me off, he kissed my
cheek and said good night!

JOSHUA:
(sarcastically)
Oh my God! What a jerk!

TOCI:
No! There’s something wrong with him!
He didn’t try to seduce me! I even bent
down and showed off my ass-nothing!

JOSHUA:
Well, that’s pretty normal. As a general rule,
if a guy respects a girl, he waits to have sex
with her.

TOCI:
That doesn’t make any sense!

JOSHUA:
We can’t focus on two things at once.
If we wanna get to know your mind,
we can’t think about your body. When
we get a sexy thought, we become pretty
useless.

ANIELLE:
Plus, he believes in waiting til marriage.

JOSHUA:
Well, there you go. What did you expect?

TOCI:
I’m making it my person mission to take
his virginity! It’s not fair! You two had sex
before you officially went on a date!

ANIELLE:
If you two almost die in a battle against a
notorious villain, then maybe he’ll consider
it. Hey, maybe Babelsama will even break
out of jail and try to murder you during a date!

JOSHUA:
Oh, don’t say that! I’m starting as Junior Crime
Solver this semester and I don’t wanna worry
about fighting his demons while I’m arresting
idiots. I know it’s a lot of tedious work solving
petty crimes, but at least I don’t gotta scrub
toilets to earn my tuition money anymore.

LEILA (OS):
Hey, wherever you three are, you better
get down here!

Toci leaves right away. Anielle starts to leave, but Joshua grabs her hand.

JOSHUA:
I didn’t get a chance to say hi.

ANIELLE:
(smiles)
You’re cute.

They kiss, and they leave the room.

INT. LEILA’S KITCHEN. AFTERNOON.

Toci, Anielle, and Joshua enter the kitchen, which has pretty typical furniture except for the table floating on the ceiling. LEILA (looks like Anielle but has darker hair, shorter height, and slightly more pudgy body) greets them looking very frazzled.

LEILA:
Thank you! It wasn’t easy organzing a
musical chair game by myself.

ANIELLE:
Where’s Ramone?

LEILA:
He went off in a huff after seeing
your friend, George.

JOSHUA:
Why? He’s met George before, and they
get along great.

LEILA:
Oh, I guess you haven’t seen him yet.
Toci, if you wanna leave, you can…

TOCI:
Why would I wanna-?

GEORGE (tall, athletic, dark hair, olive toned skin, and dark eyes) greets them while wearing an over-sized, gaudy sombrero and a mismatched poncho.

GEORGE:
Hole-la aim-ee-gos!

TOCI:
What the f-!

GEORGE:
Guess what I found out?

JOSHUA:
You like to do some psychotic drug?

GEORGE:
No! I’m part Mexican!

ANIELLE:
Just because you got lost in Vegas and
thought you were in Mexico…

GEORGE:
Actually, my grandfather hit a dog in Arizona,
right in front of a peace officer. When he asked
for ID, my grandfather spit in his face. They
did a background check, and it turned out he
has been living here illegally, so they deported him.

TOCI:
That’s awful!

GEORGE:
No, it’s awesome! My grandfather was a
mean old bas-!

LEILA:
Shh! The kids!

ANIELLE:
And you had no idea he was Mexican?

GEORGE:
He said he was Native American. I don’t
know why he’d hide it. I’m proud to be
Mexican! Too bad Ramone isn’t. I kept
calling him my fellow Mexican, and he
kept saying, “I’m not Mexican!” Then he
said he’s from El Salvador. I mean, you
can’t have it both ways!

TOCI:
El Salvador is a country. It’s in
Central America.

VICTORIA (Leila and Ramone’s two year old child) runs up to Leila.

LEILA:
Mommy! You said we were going to play!

LEILA:
Okay, everyone sit on a chair. You four too!

George and Toci sit down, George a little too enthusiastic about it.

JOSHUA:
Why do we have to play?

ANIELLE:
Because my niece wants us to play.

JOSHUA:
She’s two-she won’t even remember this!

ANIELLE:
Do you want this to be her first memory?

Joshua begrudgingly agrees to play, and Leila starts the music.