Act 1
Shattered Reflections
*Scene 1*
[A dimly lit alleyway littered with garbage and debris. A faint glimmer of light escapes from a nearby shop window, illuminating the shadowy figure of JAX (13), a scruffy boy with an unsettling calmness in his eyes. His clothes are tattered, and his hands are shoved deep into his pockets.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In the heart of the city where darkness reigns, Jax was just another lost boy… or maybe something more.
[Jax approaches the shop, looking around cautiously. He scans the area, then slips inside quickly.]
[The store is empty, the only sound is the distant hum of the fluorescent lights. Jax glances down the aisles, eyes darting.He spots a display of candy. His gaze narrows.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
He had an appetite for chaos, and sweet things were always the first to go.
[Jax grabs handfuls of candy and shoves them into his backpack as the bell above the door jingles. A SHOP OWNER (50s) steps out from the back.]
SHOP OWNER
Hey! You!
[Jax bolts for the back exit. He bursts through the door as the owner's shouts echo behind him.]
[Jax runs but trips over a trash can, tumbling to the ground. Breathing heavily, he looks up and sees two POLICE OFFICERS approaching. Panic fills his eyes.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
To them, he was just a thief. But to him, the world was his playground.
[Jax scrambles to his feet and darts down the alley, disappearing into the shadows.]
*Scene 2*
[Jax's family apartment: The room is small and cramped. Jax enters, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. His FATHER (40s) is shouting at his MOTHER (late 30s), drunken rage spilling into the air.]
FATHER
(yelling)
You think you can keep me from my money?
[Jax quietly watches from the doorway, his expression unreadable. His mother cowers, tears rolling down her face.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Home wasn't a refuge. It was a battlefield, and Jax was a soldier without a cause.
[The fight escalates. Jax quietly grabs a few coins from the counter and slips out again.]
JAX
Nevermind.
*Scene 3*
[The night is alive with the sounds of sirens in the distance. Jax roams the streets, collecting coins from the ground, his face a mask of intensity.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
He danced on the edge of society. The thrill was intoxicating.
[Suddenly, he spots MEGAN (11), a scrappy girl with wild, fiery hair, picking through a trash can. She notices Jax and flashes a mischievous smile.]
MEGAN
What have you got there, thief?
JAX
(shrugging)
Nothing you can have.
[Megan laughs. It's a genuine laugh, something Jax hasn't heard in years.]
MEGAN
So do you want to partner up?
Jax
Sure.
[Jax and Megan steal snacks from another store, evading a clerk's watchful eye.]
*Scene 4*
[The duo huddles in an abandoned building, hatching plans. Graffiti covers the walls, a testament to their rebellious desires.]
MEGAN
We should start a gang. Just us against the world.
[Jax smirks, eyes glinting with excitement.]
JAX
Let's give them something to remember.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And so, in the shadows, something dangerous began to form.
*Scene 5*
[The children wear dark clothing, their demeanour altering. They've created a small gang of misfits—an alliance of fledgling criminals, causing havoc around the city.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Jax revealed in the chaos. Power became a game he was destined to win…
[At school, bullying surrounds Megan. Jax steps in, defending her with an unsettling composure.]
JAX
You want to mess with her? You deal with me.
[The bullies laugh at first but quickly realise Jax isn't joking. They back off.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
He could twist fear into loyalty, and loyalty became the currency of their newfound reign.
[Jax and Megan start leaving their mark all over the city, their names spread like wildfire. They stage petty thefts, escalating their criminal activities.]
*Scene 6*
[Jax returns home, the air thick as he hears his parents argue again.]
FATHER
(staggering)
You're nothing! Just like him!
[Jax closes his eyes, anger bubbling beneath the surface, but he pushes it down, focusing instead on Megan.]
Jax (Whispuring)
Me and Megan have power, don't be scared.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But with power came consequences…
*Scene 7*
[The gang is gathered around a table, maps scattered everywhere. Outside, the sound of POLICE SIRENS interrupts their plotting.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In the darkness, danger lurks, and soon enough, they would learn that playing with fire has its risks…
[Jax stares out into the night, the city lights twinkling with promise and peril. Megan stands beside him, oblivious to the storm looming ahead.]
JAX
This is just the beginning, Megan.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But in a world where survival reigns supreme, whose game will end first?
[The sirens grow louder, drawing nearer to their hideout.]
Act 2
Black Night
*Scene 1*
[We hear the low hum of the city in the distance. A flickering streetlight casts eerie shadows on the cracked pavement. The warehouse looms like a jagged tooth in the darkness. MEGAN (14) and JAX (15) stand guard outside, their expressions tense. Jax fiddles with a knife, glinting in the dull light.]
MEGAN
(whispers)
You sure he'll show up?
JAX
(grimly)
He has to. This isn't just a game anymore.
[Suddenly, the distant echo of footsteps. They exchange a glance. Megan steps forward, eyes narrowed.]
MEGAN
You think Abe knows we're waiting for him?
[Jax shrugs, shifting his weight.]
JAX
If he does, he won't come alone.
[In the shadows, the figure of ABE (17) appears, flanked by henchmen. His face is a mask of menace. He spots Megan and Jax and smirks.]
ABE
Look what the cat dragged in... The little gang that could!
[The tension thickens, and we can almost taste the adrenaline in the air.Inside, the atmosphere is heavy with cigarette smoke and whispered threats. Jax and Megan confront Abe, who leans against a wall, oozing confidence.]
ABE
Thought you could take my turf? Cute.
MEGAN
(steely)
We didn't think it'd be this easy. You should've never crossed us.
[A long silence. Jax steps forward, brandishing the knife.]
JAX
You don't belong here, Abe. This is our territory now.
[Suddenly, Abe lunges. A struggle ensues, chaos erupting as they fight. In an explosive clash, Jax barely manages to stab Abe's side, but he stumbles backward, slipping out of their grasp.]
ABE
You think you can kill me in my own game? I'm just getting started!
[He escapes into the night, leaving Jax and Megan breathing hard.]
*Scene 2*
[They regroup, both shaken. We see the fire in their eyes.]
MEGAN
We almost had him! He won't stop until we're dead.
JAX
(clenching his fists)
He'll pay for this. We need help.
[Megan nods, her mind racing. Suddenly, a figure saunters into view. It's DUKE (16), the wild card, his swagger evident even in the dim light.]
DUKE
I heard you two were stirring trouble. Need a little backup?
[Jax eyes him suspiciously.]
JAX
What's in it for you?
DUKE
(grins)
The thrill, of course. A chance to watch you make a mess of things.
[Megan and Jax exchange wary glances.The trio huddles together, plotting their next move. The room is filled with the weight of their choices.]
MEGAN
We set a trap. He's going to come back, Mike. We'll make sure it's a one-way ticket.
DUKE
I know a place we can ambush him — the old subway entrance by the park.
[Jax considers it, his mind racing.]
JAX
We'll need everything. Weapons. Numbers. If he shows up with his crew...
[Duke leans in excitedly.]
DUKE
Let them come. I'd love a good fight.
[But Megan's expression darkens.]
MEGAN
No. This isn't about a show. No one gets hurt but him. You two have to stay focused.
[Jax's brow furrows, realising the stakes involved.]
*Scene 3*
[The scene shifts to the neglected park. An unsettling fog rolls in. Megan, Jax, and Duke wait in ambush, hearts pounding. Suddenly, the footsteps echo again. Tension rises as they prepare. ABE re-emerges, flanked by his loyal gang members. The showdown begins.]
ABE
(snarling)
You thought I'd back down? Cute again.
[The fight breaks out, chaos ensues, punches thrown, and metal clashes against metal in the dark.The battle rages on. Megan finds herself cornered, adrenaline surging through her veins. Just as she prepares to strike, Abe spots her.]
ABE
(mocking)
You think you can beat me, kid? You don't stand a chance!
[She lunges, but he sidesteps her, grabbing her wrist painfully.]
MEGAN
(screaming)
Jax! Duke!
[Jax fights off Abe's henchmen, desperation fueling him. Duke is embroiled in a fierce one-on-one with another gang member, chaos swirling around them.]
ABE
Silly children! You don't understand what you're messing with!
[In a swift moment, Abe breaks free, retreating into the shadows. Megan's breath is ragged, seeing him escape again leaves a mark.]
*Scene 4*
[Breathing heavily, Megan and Jax check their surroundings. Duke approaches, his expression a mix of exhilaration and alarm.]
DUKE
What now? He's gone.
[Jax slams his fist against a nearby tree.]
JAX
No! This isn't over!
[Megan stares into the distance, her voice soft yet determined.]
MEGAN
We'll finish this. We have to end this.
[The camera pulls back, revealing them silhouetted against the backdrop of the dark park — a trio of young warriors caught in a battle much larger than themselves.]
Act 3
Shadows of Night
*Scene 1*
[A dilapidated factory looms against the moonlit sky. Shadows twist and curl along the cracked pavement. The quiet is broken by the distant sound of footfalls.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
(whispering)
In a world where darkness reigns and loyalty is a thin veil, the line between survival and morality blurs. Welcome to the night.
[MEGAN (14) stands near a dusty window, her hair tied back, wearing an oversized hoodie that seems to swallow her whole. JAX (15), rugged and anxious, paces back and forth, fists clenched.]
MEGAN
What the hell were you thinking, Jax?
JAX
(stopping abruptly)
I had to defend us! Abe came at us like he owned the streets.
MEGAN
But bringing Duke into this? He's a wild card.
JAX
(leaning closer)
He's our best shot. We can't let Abe destroy what we built, Meg.
MEGAN
(sighing)
It's not just about us anymore. Duke's dangerous. We might end up being the targets.
JAX
Or we take him out first.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Desperation can distort the clearest of visions. They didn't just want survival; they needed vengeance.
*Scene 2*
[A flickering streetlight barely illuminates DUKE (15), leaning against the wall, exuding danger with a cocky smirk. He wears a leather jacket, scars crossing his knuckles.]
MEGAN
(hesitant)
Duke... thanks for meeting us again.
DUKE
(raising an eyebrow)
Didn't have much of a choice, did I?
JAX
We need you. Abe isn't just anybody. He's out for blood.
DUKE
(chuckling darkly)
And you think I'm just going to help you two kids play knight in shining armour?
MEGAN
We don't want a fight. We want him gone. We fought him once we can do it again.
DUKE
(stepping closer)
And what's in it for me?
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In a world ruled by chaos, the quest for power often seduced even the most innocent souls. Megan and Jax were mere pawns on a chessboard painted in blood.
*Scene 3*
[Megan glances at Jax, who nods.]
MEGAN
You get respect. You get to be part of something bigger.
DUKE
(scoffing)
Respect? From a couple of kids scavenging in the dark? You clearly don't know me.
JAX
We've got a plan. You help us with Abe, and we'll secure our turf.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But what they didn't realise was that darkness feeds on ambition—willing participants often become victims of their own games.
[The trio walks in silence, tension thick in the air. Megan hangs back, observing.]
MEGAN
(softly to herself)
What have we gotten into?
[They stop before an old warehouse, the place where they'd last confronted Abe. Shadows dart through broken windows.]
DUKE
(smirking)
Time to draw the line.
JAX
(nervous but resolute)
We go in hard. Quick and clean.
MEGAN
(firmly)
Wait! We can't just rush in like this!
DUKE
(cutting her off)
That's the only way to do it, kid. You wanna play with fire, be prepared to get burned.
[They enter cautiously. The air is stale. Light from a single flickering bulb paints grotesque shadows on the walls. Graffiti screams rebellion.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
As they stepped further into the abyss—a place where morality was lost—Megan whispered warnings that echoed louder than the chaos to come.
[Suddenly, ABE (16) stands in the centre, flanked by a couple of enforcers. His eyes glint with malevolence.]
ABE
Well, well… look who's finally decided to show up. Are you here to beg for forgiveness, or are you just looking to die?
JAX
(steeling himself)
We're here to end this.
ABE
(laughing)
You kids have no idea what you're dealing with.
DUKE
(stepping forward)
We're not scared of you!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
A trap, an ambush—the darkness was closing in. The choices they made would change their lives forever.
*Scene 4*
[A chaotic scuffle breaks out. Punches fly, harsh words are exchanged. Megan fights like a cornered animal, adrenaline fueling her actions.]
MEGAN
(to herself)
This isn't what we planned…
[She knocks an enforcer down, panic igniting her instincts.]
JAX
(screaming over the chaos)
Megan! Watch out!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In the turmoil, decisions were made in blinks—life hung by a thread, yet clarity surfaced amidst the madness.
[Suddenly, Duke turns to her in the heat of battle.]
DUKE
(yelling)
Get the weapon!
[Megan looks to Jax, who's grappling with Abe, rage consuming him.]
MEGAN
(shouting)
We need to get out of here!
DUKE
(interrupting)
We finish what we started!
[Before Megan can react, an ENFORCER tackles Duke, slamming him against the wall.]
ABE
(smirking)
I told you it was foolish to come here.
[Megan scans the room, chaos everywhere. She sees a shimmering metal object—a gun—on the floor.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In a split second, she was faced with a choice that could cost her everything.
MEGAN
(inner turmoil)
This isn't who I am…
[She hesitates, the gravity of the decision weighing heavily. Just as she reaches for it—]
*CLICK.*
[A voice cuts through the noise.]
ABE
(menacing)
You're too late.
[The warehouse erupts in chaos as SIRENS blare outside.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But the sirens were not an escape. They were a summons—a call to arms that brought both salvation and condemnation.
MEGAN
(voice trembling)
We need to get out NOW!
*Scene 5*
[The trio emerges into the neon-lit night, breathless. They look around, realising they're surrounded.]
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Running from the consequences they never anticipated, there was no way to outrun the shadows of their choices.
MEGAN
(frantically)
What do we do?
[They stand at the edge, trapped between their past and the waiting sirens, the night alive with echoes of their decisions.]
*Scene 6*
[At the warehouse MEGAN, DUKE and JAX are surrounded. DUKE whistles and his gang comes in. They defeat the enemy and MEGAN and JAX stand frozen.]
DUKE
So how about we make a gang?
FADE TO BLACK.
Credits:
A DUKE Production
Jax and Megan
Cast:
Jax:
Megan:
Duke:
Narrator:
Shop Owner:
Father:
Mouther:
Abe:
Casting Director:
Costume Designer:
Associate Producers:
Production Designer:
Executive Producer:
Producer:
Writer:
Cole Vaughan
Editors:
Casting Director:
Stage Crew:
Special Thanks:
Madlyn K.
Alden M.
Alex R.
Ben B.
Ben G.
Violet A.
Rose m.
Thank You