INT. ANGELA'S HOUSE - SITTING ROOM - DAY
(Angela hurriedly packs her belongings, not paying attention to what Aurora has to say)
AURORA: mom, what are you doing? I don't want to move. I don't want to Start my life all over again
ANGELA: get your things, Aurora, and stop nagging
AURORA: I am not nagging; I am stating my mind. You can go without me, mom
ANGELA: what? You are the reason we are moving
AURORA: how so?
(Aurora takes out the photo from her pocket and shows it to her mom)
AURORA: is it because of this photo?
(Angela, stunned, gasps and takes the photo from Aurora)
ANGELA: where did you get this from?
AURORA: the kitchen, why?
ANGELA: why did you take it? Did you show it to anyone?
AURORA: no, why?
ANGELA: this is a secret
AURORA: then tell me! Why do you keep everything away from me? You speak in riddles, mom
ANGELA: fine, I'll tell you the truth.
(Angela sits down, exhales heavily)
ANGELA: long time ago, when I was a princess living in the palace with my brother and you... I had twins
AURORA: what?
ANGELA: yes, Aurora. Your uncle's wife couldn't give birth to a child, so he pleaded with me to give them one of you. I hesitated, but I couldn't watch them in pain, so I agreed. Few years later, rivals attacked the palace without our knowledge. Your uncle told us to run away, but we couldn't leave him behind, so we fought back... unfortunately... your twin sister got killed
(Aurora, unable to contain her tears, bursts out sobbing)
AURORA: what?
ANGELA: after the incident, the palace was not a safe space to raise you, so I ran away. Now, my brother and his selfish wife want to take you away from me. They want you, Aurora, that's the reason we have to move out
AURORA: why? Why are they so heartless? Why are they ungrateful?
ANGELA: Noah and Madelaine are jealous of me
AURORA: I understand everything now, mom, but you have to let me have this graduation. After my graduation, I'll come with you anywhere you want to go. I don't care about new friends or a new university
ANGELA: really?
AURORA: I promise
(Angela, overjoyed with Aurora's response, hugs her tightly)
ANGELA: thank you, my child. I love you so much
AURORA: I love you too. Alright, mom, I have to hurry to school
(Aurora kisses Angela goodbye and exits)
ANGELA: take care... and she is gone
INT. SCHOOL - LOCKER ROOM - DAY
(The graduation is coming up in two days, so students are preparing, planning activities and so on)
ROXY: I'll wear a glass gown and Cinderella's like shoe. I'll give Cinderella a run for her money
MILEY: go girl, you are the best
LARA: I agree
(Meanwhile, some distance away, Riley mimics Roxy)
RILEY: I'll wear a glass gown and Cinderella like shoe my fist. What a show off
AARON: don't pay attention to her, Riley. We have enough on our plate already
ANDREW: yeah, true
RILEY: I am so sorry about Daphne, Andrew. She needs some space for now
ANDREW: yeah, we do too
(Aurora enters with Daphne. Everyone looks stunned)
AURORA: surprise!
RILEY: Daphne!
(Riley hugs Daphne)
DAPHNE: hi, guys. Look, I know I messed up the other day. I totally crossed the line, and I am truly sorry. Please forgive me, guys
AURORA: I understand your point, Daphne, but I don't feel special. If I am special, so are all of you. We are the fantastic five, remember?
DAPHNE: I know, but... I shouldn't have been rude to you all, especially you, Aurora. I really hurt your feelings
AURORA: trust me when I say no hard feelings. We are friends forever
AARON: yeah, it's cool. We forgive you
DAPHNE: Andrew, I overstepped my boundaries. I am sorry. Please forgive me
ANDREW: sure, but you should always stand with your friends, no matter the circumstances
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DAPHNE: got it
RILEY: come on, everyone, group hug
(The friends hug each other)
AURORA: alright, guys, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I am staying till graduation. The bad news is that we are moving out after graduation
ALL: (stunned) what?
AURORA: turns out my uncle wants to take me away from my mom. We have to hide from them
(At that moment, Roxy and her minions enter, grinning, ready to confront the fantastic five)
ROXY: why are nerds always hanging out together? Don't make me throw up
DAPHNE: we don't want trouble, Roxy, so please leave
ROXY: oh, it's the 'sleepover gone wrong' girl. Have you checked my page on Instagram?
(Roxy and her friends burst out laughing at Daphne mockingly)
RILEY: you know what...
(Daphne holds Riley back and nods her head)
DAPHNE: let me handle this, Riley, please
RILEY: sure, girl, you've got our full support
(Daphne steps forward, addressing Roxy with determination)
DAPHNE: firstly, I don't want to waste my precious time exchanging words with you. Don't you wanna ask why? Well, I'll tell you anyway. I've figured out that your stupidity is a permanent genetic malfunction. I've also figured out that you are a selfish, entitled princess, deadbeat, idle loser, and self-centered, shallow idiot. And secondly, if you are trying to ruin our friendship, then you are way off the mark. Do you know why? Take it from here, Aurora
(Aurora and her friends respond to Roxy with a united front)
AURORA: because true friends are those who care without hesitation
RILEY: who remember without limitation
ANDREW: who forgive without explanation
AARON: and who trust without communication
DAPHNE: friendship is the best ship, Roxy
AURORA: who wants to go shopping for our graduation?
ALL: we do
(Confidently, the friends walk out on Roxy and her crew)
ROXY: did they just...
(Suddenly, Derek enters, interrupting Roxy)
DEREK: hey, sis! What's up?
ROXY: your girlfriend and her stupid friends insulted me. They are going to pay dearly, I promise
(Roxy exits angrily, leaving her friends and Derek behind)
DEREK: well, see you guys later
INT. EMPIRE - COURTROOM - AFTERNOON
(The air is charged with tension as the enemies' ominous note reaches the Emperor and his Empire. The Emperor, surrounded by his ministers, and guardian of the Empire, contemplates the dire message)
NOAH: our enemies dare send a note, warning of an imminent attack. We must devise a plan to thwart their advances
MINISTER #1: your majesty, fortifying our defenses would be prudent. Strengthening our borders is crucial.
MINISTER #2: perhaps a preemptive strike, my liege? Catch them off guard before they strike first
WALKER: strategic alliances could bolster our forces. We must consider reaching out to our neighbouring realms
NOAH: (thoughtful) weigh the options carefully. Our response will shape the fate of our Empire
CUT TO:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - DAY
(All students are dressed in their finest attire, with anticipation filling the air as the awaited day has finally arrived. The principal moves to the microphone to give an opening speach)
PRINCIPAL: good morning, esteemed faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and, most importantly, the exceptional graduating class of 2022.
Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of these outstanding individuals before us. As we gather here in this momentous ceremony, we celebrate not only academic achievements but also the resilience, dedication, and growth that have defined the path to this graduation day.
To the graduates, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment have brought you to this pivotal point. As you stand on the cusp of a new chapter, remember that the knowledge gained within these walls is a foundation upon which you will continue to build a future filled with promise and success.
Parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with the education of your remarkable sons and daughters. Your support has been instrumental in their accomplishments, and today's celebration is a testament to your guidance and encouragement.
Faculty and staff, your dedication to nurturing these young minds has played a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Your commitment to fostering not only academic excellence but also character and integrity has left an indelible mark on each graduate.
As our graduates embark on their respective journeys, let them carry with them the values instilled during their time here – a commitment to lifelong learning, compassion for others, and a determination to make a positive impact on the world.
To the class of 2022, I say: embrace the challenges that lie ahead, cherish the memories that have brought you here, and continue to strive for greatness. You are not only the architects of your destiny but also the ambassadors of positive change.
Once again, congratulations to the graduating class, and may your futures be as bright and promising as the potential we see in each and every one of you. Thank you.
(Applause erupts throughout the audience, resonating with appreciation for the heartfelt speech delivered by the principal)
HELEN: Good evening, graduates, parents, and honored guests. It's now time to recognize the outstanding achievements of two exceptional students who have earned the title of valedictorian for the Class of 2022. Please join me in congratulating Aurora Angela and Roxy Stone.
(Applause fills the auditorium as the valedictorians stand and receive their accolades)
CUT TO:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - LATER
(The valedictorians, Aurora and Roxy, step forward to deliver their speeches)
AURORA: thank you, Principal Harper, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and my fellow graduates. Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter. As we embark on our individual journeys, let us remember the lessons learned within these walls and carry them forward with grace and determination.
ROXY: Aurora and I are truly honored to represent this incredible Class of 2022. Our diverse talents and shared experiences have shaped us into a resilient and united group. I want to express gratitude to our families, teachers, and friends who have supported us every step of the way.
AURORA: as we move forward, let us embrace challenges as opportunities, failures as stepping stones, and success as a collective triumph. We are not just individuals; we are a formidable force, and our impact on the world is limitless.
ROXY: So, here's to the memories we've made, the lessons we've learned, and the future we will create. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! May our dreams be boundless, and our journey extraordinary.
(The audience erupts in applause as the valedictorians return to their seats, leaving a lasting impression on their fellow graduates)
RILEY: that was impressive
DAPHNE: great speech, Aurora
AURORA: thanks guys
ANDREW: I didn't know Roxy could act cool and cooperate
AURORA: she had to
(The friends burst out laughing. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as graduates approach the stage to receive their diplomas. The principal stands at the podium)
PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to the Class of 2022! As we move to the next phase of our ceremony, I invite Mr. Stone (school's official) to join me in presenting the diplomas.
(The designated school official steps forward)
SCHOOL OFFICIAL: thank you, Principal Harper. Graduates, as your names are called, please approach the stage to receive your diplomas. We kindly ask the audience to hold their applause until all graduates have received their diplomas.
(The first graduate's name is called, and they proceed to the stage. The exchange of diplomas is a moment of pride and accomplishment)
ANNOUNCER: Aurora Angela, Mr. Stone will present you with your diploma.
(As each graduate receives their diploma, the audience witnesses a mix of emotions – joy, relief, and pride. The process continues with a seamless rhythm)
SCHOOL OFFICIAL: congratulations, Aaron.
(The cycle repeats until all graduates have received their diplomas)
PRINCIPAL: let's give a round of applause to the graduates of 2022!
(The audience erupts in cheers and applause as the graduates return to their seats, diplomas in hand)
AURORA: mom would have been proud of me if she was present
RILEY: she will be proud of you
ANDREW: she doesn't need to be here before she is proud
AURORA: aww, thank guys. Congratulations!
ALL: congratulations
AURORA: I want to step out for a moment
DAPHNE: alright, we are waiting here for you
(Aurora steps out)
EXT. SCHOOL GATE - DAY
(Aurora stands near the school gate, lost in thought. Suddenly, some mysterious men approach her)
AURORA: how can I help you?
JAX: Aurora Angela?
AURORA: yes, what is it? How do you know my name?
CALEB: you have to come with us
AURORA: why?
JAX: the Emperor and Empress has been kidnapped. We need a ruler on the throne
AURORA: I am not following. How am I connected to this?
CALEB: you are the Empress of the Empire
JAX: you were kidnapped by your mother's sister
(Aurora, stunned, gasps)
AURORA: what
FADE OUT