A Fan girls' Artistic Dream

Act One

The Moon hovers in the night sky. Bright. Beautiful. Illuminating. The stars shimmer besides the earth's natural satellite. We're transfixed. Somewhere in the distance, we hear an owl hoot.

We float downwards and away from the constellations, our eyes fixing on the scenic landscape of Montana's mountain ranges. It's quiet. Tranquil. Almost calming in a way. Like some sort of fairytale. We move forward and the camera focuses on a young, injured barn-owl- tending to his wounded leg on a low hanging branch. Not a good idea for the young bird. Suspense builds as the tranquility turns eerie. The owl hoots again. A branch snaps somewhere in the distance. The Barn-owl is on alert. Silence and even more silence right before a mountain lion pounces. We root for the bird as he barely escapes with his life. He jumps and soars into the sky. The Camera Angles up and follows the journey of the owl, as if we are flying with him.

Ext. The Mountain Ranges of Montana. Flying low through the trees and past other nocturnal animals. - Night

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - The moment we are born, we are told who we are meant to be.

The owl soars past another nocturnal predator as it attempts to swipe at the bird and make it, its next meal.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - A Soldier. A Warrior. A Protector. Our Identity defined by those who practice magic.

The owl flies higher and higher. Looking down at the world passing it by, with pristine waters and rolling alpines- this land is hauntingly magical.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - And from the moment we take our first steps, our paths are already written. The Dhampir’s, like myself, have one sole purpose. To serve.

Something changes in the owl’s course of flight, the world shifts and the owl flies through a magical, protective barrier -designed to keep the dangers of this world out and to protect the lives inside. The owl gets through and the barrier flickers with its entrance. On the other side, are more scenic routes. The owl continues to venture, and we follow suit.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - For a long time, I believed in this cause. Even now, a part of me still does. But I'm allowed to be selfish.

Our surrounding changes as the owl approaches Saint Vladimir's Academy, a school that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The magical barrier shields the eyes of those who are not meant to see it and the School's Gate acts as a physical obstacle for any strangers. From above and in the perspective of the owl, we can see the entirety of the school. At one end of the property, we can see a delivery service. Men in a large truck using torch lights to transfer food products and other goods to the School Gate. Not crossing that line but still curious as to why there is a gate in the first place.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - I'm allowed to take control of my life.

We look back at the school. Resembling a large European Castle with churchlike architecture and Stone Carvings, it is mysterious and dark. Haunting and not very welcoming to first impressions. Something is wrong though. Very Wrong. A large fire is engulfing the west end of the building.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating - I'm allowed to write the chapters to my own novel.

The owl finds a place to rest, perching on the highest structure of the school and looking down. The camera follows the owl’s gaze. Down below and nearing the school's entrance, a frantic student run.

Rosemarie Hathaway Narrating -My name is Rosemarie Hathaway. And this, this is my story. Not theirs.

A black screen. Eerie music plays. And then, we see the words blink across the void: TWO YEARS AGO

As the words fade and the audience is brought back to the scene, our perspective is transferred from the owl and to the frantic student making her way to the medieval doors that block the school's entrance. She approaches the towering doors and slams them open. We catch a glimpse of her young, naïve face as she turns back to look at the raging fire engulfing the castle. The fire reflecting in her eyes. She's scared. Overwhelmed. Sweat dripping down the side of her face. Her chocolate brown eyes complementing her raven locks.

Young Natalie Dashkov (Fifteen), a small, docile Moroi who finds no interest in being part of the Academy's social 'in' crowd. She is devoted to her chronically ill father and loyal to a fault. We should never underestimate her.

She enters the school building. Breathing heavy. Anxious. In front of her, a long and windowless hallway leading to more corridors. The scenery reflecting her emotional turmoil as it appears narrow, dark and ominous. With the sound of her shoes echoing, she glides down the hall- dim lighting guiding her way.

Natalie rounds a corner. It’s like a maze as she is greeted by more endless hallways, this time with doors. They're entryways to school classrooms, all in which are currently being occupied. Natalie looks behind her, hardly breathing and fear clouding her judgement. As she passes a classroom, the door opens. A Teacher concerned and confused about the ruckus.

Young Guardian Stan Alto - Miss Dashkov, what is the meaning-

Natalie Dashkov doesn't stop for anyone; she continues to run down the hall and out of the view of her teacher. From his perspective. Guardian Stan Alto watches her leave and shakes his head before proceeding to shut the classroom door and retreating into the room. He looks to his students who all stare back with curiosity. Sitting at the front of the classroom a student raises their hand to speak.

Student - Is everything okay, sir?

The camera moves away from the classroom and focuses its attention back on Natalie Dashkov who is still running down the hall- Guardian Stan Alto's voice fading into the distance as Natalie continues her pursuit to safety. Finally, we approach a door in which reads HEAD OFFICE. Natalie does not think to knock as she barges in unannounced and interrupts Headmistress Kirova and Captain Alberta Mid-Conversation. Natalie tries to catch her breath.

The camera turns away from Natalie and to the room she is now in, taking inventory of the office as it summarizes the Academy as a whole. Towering bookshelves accompanied by academic studies relevant to the Moroi and Dhampir Community. Dark, wooden furniture. Large portraits of relevant figures. Neat. Tidy. Strict. Pristine.

Captain Alberta, early forties, the head of the Academy's Guardians and quite literally a mother hen. Although she does not have any children, she views all those under her wing as her own. She wears a pixie cut to show off her marks on the base of her neck.

Headmistress Kirova, early forties, tall, slim and an authority figure in which runs the school with a strict but fair hand. She is a Moroi.

The camera angles to the the two ladies who both stand at attention with the interruption, they look to Natalie questioningly. Headmistress Kirova a little oblivious to the unresolved conflict Natalie is facing.

Young Headmistress Kirova -Miss Dashkov! Need I remind you that announcing yourself is best practice.

Captain Alberta turns to her colleague. Her facial expressions clearly stating she was not happy with that response. The captain turns back to Natalie with a more caring and gentle approach.

Young Captain Alberta - Natalie, what seems to be the problem?

Natalie straightens her school uniform and attempts to make herself presentable. Despite the dire situation, she appears apologetic for her behavior and shy at the attention directed to her. She takes in a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

Young Natalie Dashkov (Breathless)- There's... there's a fire in the west wing.

Ext. Outside the Academy's Gate. Woodlands. Delivery Truck - Night.

It's haunting. Eerie. The woodlands surround us as the camera lowers and zips through the trees. It's silent, the only constant noise that we can hear is the heavy grunting and panting of men as they participate in manual labor. The camera begins to focus. There, through the trees, are men in a delivery truck. Their actions illuminated by the dim lighting at the Academy's gate. To the audience, there is something odd about this transaction. Why are these men out here at night? We continue to look upon them as if we're someone hiding in the woods. Watching their every movement.

There are three men, a father and what seems to be his two sons- all wearing uniform and all supporting a disheveled and hardworking appearance. They're grubby, sweaty and quite literally exhausted. This is their last run for the night. The father figure wanders up and down the truck, collecting the product, lifting it and carrying it out to his awaiting sons who then transfer it to the School's Gate. Using their torches and the little light they had, to leave the boxes at the entrance.

Leaves rustle. Is it the wind? We do not know. The family hears this and stop their movement. They look our way. Their flashlights shining bright. They're Disturbed, obviously do not want to be there.

Father (Calls out to the woodlands) - Who's there?

A beat passes. They continue to search. The older brother turns away, grabs another box from the end of the truck.

Older Brother - As creepy as that was, we should keep going. The longer we're standing around with our balls in our hand, the longer it will take for us to get out of this place.

The younger brother and father share a doubtful look. The older brother places the box with the others.

Younger Brother - Someone could be out there.

The older brother stands and turns to his family.

Older Brother -Or it could just be an animal. You guys are over-reacting. We're surrounded by nature. It's night. It won't be surprising if it’s a squirrel or something.

They get back to work without so much as a word. And, as the family works to finish their last round, all we can hear in the eerie silence is their heavy breathing. We're observing them at a much closer distance. The silence sending anyone's heart racing at the haunting feeling, especially with the acres of woods surrounding the area. Somewhere in the distance, a twig snap. The youngest of the two boys ceases his movements again whilst his brother and father continue to work, he flashes his torch into the awaiting woods. He's beginning to get freaked out, paranoid that they're being watched.

Younger Brother -Okay, no. Something is out there. I don't care if you think it’s an animal. I'm getting creepy ass vibes that are telling me we need to leave.

The Father halts his movements and stands to wipe the sweat from his brow.

Father - Your brother is right, Declan. This is our last run for the night, and we're almost done. Let's get these last few boxes unloaded and then we can head off-

Int. Headmistress Kirova's office. - Night

We're back in the office and continuing where Natalie Dashkov left off.

Headmistress Kirova and Captain Alberta are shocked for a moment. The Headmistress collects herself and makes a grab for the office phone, she begins to dial a number.

Young Headmistress Kirova - If that's the case, Miss Dashkov, I'll send a few-

Young Natalie Dashkov - No, you don't understand. There's a fire in the west wing. Its large and burning through fast. We need to evacuate the building. We need to evacuate now..... Headmistress.

The Headmistress and Captain turn to one another once more, seriousness turning their postures rigid as they prepare for a long night ahead. The Headmistress lets go of the phone and places it back.

Young Headmistress Kirova -You know what to do, Captain.

The Captain transforms as she is addressed, her once caring and approachable form now embarking in the territory of professionalism. The audience is not viewing a mother hen. Now, she is a fighter. A leader of the most determined set of Guardians to ever walk their world. Understanding the Headmistress, she nods and walks across the room to the large double doors.

As Captain Alberta adheres to the Headmistress's orders, Kirova turns to Natalie with doubt flickering in her eyes.

Young Headmistress Kirova -Now, Miss Dashkov. You should be in class. Would you care to explain why you were near the west wing? You know as much as anyone, that the West Wing is strictly prohibited to students.

Captain Alberta reaches her destination. There, on the wall, is an alarm system. She pushes down and an alarm sound across the entire school. Natalie does not respond to the Headmistress and instead, covers her ears at the loud, overwhelming sound pierces her ears.

The camera retreats from the office for a split second before cutting back inside the classrooms. Much like the rest of the school, the classrooms are quite eerie with dark, wooden furniture and themes that transcend the normal mundane schooling. The Academy teaches much darker topics. Teachers cease their lecture and students stop taking notes, they all look up as the alarm sounds through the room. A few of the students cover their ears as the alarm pierces their eardrums as well. We're in Guardian Stan Alto's classroom now, observing his disciplinary action and mannerism as he orders his students to evacuate the building.

Young Guardian Stan Alto -Well, what are you all sitting here for? You've all heard it, let's go!

The shock lasts for a second before the students move, crowding around the door and attempting to evacuate the classroom. Sheer panic. Fear. And a little bit of curiosity present in the student body as each classroom attempts to leave their room. The students pour out and hastily make their way down the hall, it's a little chaotic and unorganized. Voices rise as they gossip, unsure as to why they need to evacuate and why the alarm was set off. The teachers/Guardians follow behind their students with clipboards in hand and all emergency evacuation equipment.

The camera angles back and retreats inside Headmistress Kirova's Office. Despite the chilling situation, the Headmistress is still looking intently at a cowering Natalie Dashkov who seems to be lost for words.

Young Natalie Dashkov - I...I..

The Captain, observing Natalie's struggle and feeling slightly sorry for her, steps in to ease the situation.

Young Captain Alberta -We need not worry about this now, Headmistress. We have other situations to deal with.

The Headmistress reluctantly agrees with the Captain and moves out from behind her desk.

Young Headmistress Kirova - Yes, you are right Captain. Lets get a move on then, shall we?

Natalie Dashkov sighs with relief and turns to follow the Headmistress and Captain.

The camera takes a turn and draws back to the school hallway, now filled with life and overcrowded. A big contrast to how it was mere moments before. A loud thud echoes across the space as the doors to Headmistress Kirova's office are slammed open. The students quieten down and turn to look for the source of the noise. There, at the end of the hall, Headmistress Kirova, Captain Alberta and Natalie Dashkov enter the scene. The two elder ladies emitting power and a sense of leadership, they appear strong, strict and disciplined. Natalie, however, hides behind these two women and quite afraid of the attention that was drawing their way. Headmistress Kirova addresses the crowd.

Young Headmistress Kirova - Guardians! Students! If you could please cease your chatter and follow emergency procedures. We need to evacuate to our assembly area!

Young Mason Ashford, fifteen, red head, dhampir, announces his presences by stepping out of the crowd and addressing the Headmistress. Mason is chivalrous. kind, a gentleman and possesses humor like no other.

Young Mason Ashford - Excuse me, Ms. But, why are we evacuating? What's happened?

Young Headmistress Kirova - It has come to our attention that the west wing is on fire. Once we know more and are out of harm’s way, we will inform you with how to best approach this situation. Now, if you please. We've undertaken drills before, so you all know what needs to be done.

With that being said, Headmistress Kirova and Captain Alberta walk to the front of the crowd- students and fellow Guardians (teachers) parting ways and ensuring a clear walkway is available for these two powerful women. Natalie draws back and hides herself amongst her peers.

The two women guide the way and the rest of the Academy follow suit, making their way down the hallway and through the emergency evacuation doors in lines of two. They march in a unified manner.

VARIOUS SHOTS OF-----

The camera introduces the audience to the rest of the Academy, snapshots of hallways, dormitories, libraries, gyms and even cafeterias. The alarm sounding in each space, overwhelming and highlighting just how empty the Academy seems to be at that moment in time. As the camera captures snapshots of more hallways, we see a shadow run past. The silhouette of a young girl, Rosemarie, racing through the school alone. She carries a bag. The camera moves on. More of the Academy. Eventually, the camera angles down and focuses on an older Guardian. Someone you would assume to be retired.

Guardian Augustus Hamilton, older, dark man who appears strong even for his age. He wears the signature Guardian attire, all black and has served the Dragomir line since the beginning of time. Or, what has felt like a really long time. He takes pride in what he does which is why he is currently standing guard outside Princess Vasilisa Dragomir's chambers. The wooden doors tower over his fit form. He handles a mobile device. Attempting to contact higher authorities to find out why the alarms are going off. There are no windows in the hallway so from there, we cannot view the fire.

The camera backs away from Guardian Hamilton for a split second, drawing our attention back to Rosemarie Hathaway.

Rosemarie Hathaway, Fifteen and a Dhampir who struggles with authority. Although she is a fierce protector and friend with a warm center, she hides her vulnerability behind sarcasm and humor. She wears dark clothing and is quite grubby. Why? She has set a building on fire. Just around the corner and from her point of view, we see Guardian Hamilton standing guard. He places the mobile device away. Rosemarie fumbles with her bag and pulls out a blow dart with a tranquilizer.

We're back with Guardian Hamilton who, in all his seriousness, looks up towards the ceiling as he hears the alarm sounding. He abruptly turns to knock on the Princess's door but before his fist can collide with the wood- the door is swung open, and we are met with a confronting view of the Princess.

Princess Vasilisa Dragomir, Fifteen and a Moroi who specializes in Spirit but is unaware of her gift. At this present moment, Vasilisa is still grieving her dead family as she tries to hold onto their memory and live up to their family name. She is emotional but fiercely protective of the people's she loves. Similar to Rosemarie in that way. As the door swings open and she is revealed, we are greeted with a red-faced, teary-eyed girl still dressed in her pajamas.

Upon seeing the Princess's state, Guardian Hamilton looks at her with a gentle, pitying understanding. He looks over her shoulder to see the room a mess and piles of wet tissues gathering on her bed. The Princess attempts to hide his view.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir -What's going on Augustus? Why are the alarms going off?

Guardian Augustus Hamilton - I'm not sure, Princess. The Headmistress has not responded to my calls. Whatever it is, we need to leave immediately.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - I-

Despite the situation and the alarm ringing in their ears as a reminder, Princess Vasilisa looks down at her attire embarrassingly- fiddling with the ends of her pajama top.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir (Cont'd) - Can I at least change out of my clothes?

Guardian Augustus Hamilton - No offence, Princess. But we don't have time for a wardrobe change. Now please, just follow me.

Guardian Hamilton turns to escort the Princess to safety, acting as her guide and protector as she follows his orders. Princess Vasilisa rubs at her eyes in an attempt to mask the fact that she had been crying. The moment Guardian Hamilton takes a few steps forward, we hear the release of a tranquilizer. The blow dart having now just been used by Rosemarie. The tranquilizer flies through the air and hits it's mark, now embedded in the side of Guardian Hamilton's neck. He begins to fall. Rosemarie reveals herself.

Vasilisa jumps, gasps in shock and covers her mouth as she stares at the tranquilizer and watches her Guardians body crumble to the floor. Her mind churns, is this an attack on the Academy? Her? Vasilisa observes her surroundings and spots Rosemarie racing towards her. She sighs with relief but is also wary. Rosemarie appears quite anxious.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir -Rose. Did you just- Observes her facial expression and her grubby appearance. What's going on?

Rosemarie grabs a hold of Vasilis’s wrist and drags her back into her room, slamming the door behind them and leaving an unconscious Guardian Hamilton on the hallway floor. Rosemarie stops when she enters and finally see's the state of her friend's bedroom. Bed un-made, tissues everywhere, clothes scattered across the floor, schoolbooks and accessories (school bag), photo albums out. Its an absolute mess. The space reflecting Vasilisa's emotional state. There's one window in the room. Rosemarie turns to her best friend, concern and worry reflecting in her eyes. She takes a hold of her hands and turns them over, revealing the scars on her wrist that are still healing. They're not old but not fresh either.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - Liss, please tell me you haven't-

Vasilisa pulls away and attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere, beginning to get defensive and not wanting to discuss her self-harming habits. The alarm still rings.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - No, I haven't.

Rosemarie looks at her friend as if to say, 'Are you sure?' before adjusting the bag on her shoulder and retreating into the room. Rosemarie wanders around and begins to search. What is she looking for? The audience doesn't know. She looks under clothes, looks under the bed etc.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - Don't lie to me Lissa.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir -I'm fine Rose, seriously. Just tell me, what's going on?

Rosemarie ignores Vasilisa's and continues to wander; she finally locates Vasilisa's school bag.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - Do you know why the alarm is going off? What about Augustus? Did you do that? Why? How did you even get a tranquilizer? And why are you so dirty?

Rosemarie begins to grab clothing from the floor and wardrobes, throwing them into the bag. Vasilisa approaches her friend and attempts to get her attention.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - Rose! What are you doing? What's happening?

Rosemarie pauses and turns to Vasilisa

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - We're leaving Lissa. That's what's happening. We're leaving this god forsaken school and we're never coming back.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - What do you mean, 'We're leaving'? That's impossible. Have you forgotten about the security in this place?

Rosemarie continues to pack the bag, her eyes averting and unable to meet Vasilisa. Attempting to mask her guilt.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway- You don't need to worry about it, Liss. I've handled it.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - What are you talking about?

Rosemarie zips up the school bag, it's now full. She stares ahead. A tense silence envelops the room and Vasilisa truly 'looks' at her. Movement from outside the window catches her eye, curiosity gets the best of her and she slowly approaches the window. Rosemarie see's this and she begins to panic.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - Wait, Lissa. Don't.

It's too late. Vasilisa is looking out and what she sees, horrifies her. Across the way and at the other end of the school, the fire burns bright. It's alive and angry. She leans forward and tries to get a better view. Squinting, she see's the silhouette of her peers and teachers gathering on the school oval. She turns back to Rosemarie.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - What did you do?

Rosemarie grabs Vasilisa's arm and moves her away from the window, dragging her to the bedroom door.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - I... Look, Liss, I did what I had to. For you. For us. And if we don't leave now all of it would have been for nothing.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - Why did you even do this? I can't believe you set the school on fire! Do you have any idea what you are doing Rose?

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - I don't know! I don't know what I'm doing or where we're going to go, alright! But I'd be damned if I just sat here and let you go down this spiral. Look at you Lissa, you're skipping class, sleeping in, hurting yourself, paranoid that someone's watching you and this bloody school isn't doing a god damn thing about it. So, we need to leave. You need to be happy and I need to keep you safe.

Rosemarie takes Vasilisa's hands into her own.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway (Cont'd) - Do you trust me?

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - Of course I trust you, Rose.

Young Rosemarie Hathaway - Then let me do this.

A moment passes between the girls' as Vasilisa contemplates what to do. She looks around the room and her eyes fall upon the photographs spread out across the room. Her once perfect family. A pause as a tear slowly drips down her cheek. She looks to Rosemarie.

Young Vasilisa Dragomir - What do you need me to do?