Conflict Scene

[Becca Evalynn Brim]

Okay so my Creative Writing class is a Script writing class for stage and screen and already we have a small assignment due. The task was to write approx. two pages worth of content. A conflict scene inspired by a picture, painting, observation or memory with two characters who are polar opposites in traits and personality ... So I thought of Hance and AJ And i feel i should share my piece with everyone cuz the site is what inspired me :3

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(Book thrown from off stage to center stage)

AJ
(Voice off stage)
You idiot! What the hell were you thinking?

(Enter HANCE, trying to avoid getting hit by flying objects, followed by AJ.)
HANCE
Would you stop throwing things at me and let me explain my side of the story? Geez woman, just settle down. No one got hurt…
AJ
No one got hurt? No one got hurt he says. I got hurt! Those kids could have gotten hurt! You should know better than to go into those woods at night.
HANCE
(Points off stage)
Those “kids” you’re talking about are vicious, flea-bitten mongrels. You know it as well as I do that their kind is dangerous so don’t act like you’re the victim here AJ. I’m trying to keep our town safe while you’re off protecting them like they’re part of the local wildlife!
AJ
HA! So you admit to believe werewolves exist! They are people, just like you and me and yet you willingly track them down and slaughter them. They are part of this town you say you’re trying to protect. Bah! You make me sick.
(She spits at him)
HANCE
I have never denied my belief in them; I have always been very straightforward about my thoughts and views on the over-grown mutts. They are dangerous AJ; you should know that better than almost anyone in town. You protect them despite what they did to your family and I don’t understand why. Why do you insist on helping them? Why do you insist on acting like the victim each time you so much as hear a negative comment about them? Riddle me that Einstein!
AJ
Because!
(She pauses)
Because, they should be allowed rights, just as we have. They should have to be tried for the crimes they’ve made, just as we are. We are not savages or barbarians; this isn’t the Wild West where you can just take the law into your own hands Hance. Not all of them are bad but the ones that are need to face the light, just like a regular convict would and have a chance to properly defend themselves.
HANCE
I know that! I don’t go around shooting up stores trying to scare them out of town or shoot at everyone that I see but dammit AJ they are pests that need to be controlled. They aren’t like people, regular prison cells and chains won’t hold them if they insist on getting out. You think there would be a fair trial if they got before a judge and stated “I am a werewolf and I plead not guilty”? No! That’s why there are people like me. Hunters like me, who for the sake of the town, put our lives at risk so those creatures know they can’t just walk all over us like doormats… like a walking buffet you seem to want us to be.
AJ
(Shakes her head)
I don’t understand how you can sleep at night, or look in the mirror and be proud of the type of person you are. I really don’t understand that Hance. What would you do if one day, while “protecting” the town you find out that the one you kill is a kid? Someone that’s just coming into their ability of shifting and already freaking out because it’s new to them? Would you still try to justify yourself in saying you were protecting a town from the “monsters”?
HANCE
Well…
AJ
You can’t, can you? Admit it: you would hate yourself if something like that happened. So why not just stop the foolishness? You’re doing nothing to better yourself or make people in this town think any better of you. So do us both a favor and give up the tough guy act and just stick to being the nice guy that helps around town and throws the wicked parties or it won’t just be books I throw at your head next time.
(SHE exits.)
HANCE
What the hell does she know? She’s just a woman with a soft heart that’s going to get her killed one day. I’m not reckless enough to just kill some poor kid. That blood is on the hands of an untrained hunter. She’ll thank me when I’m the one saving her hide from the monster trying to eat her.
(Blackout.)

[rene]

Okay, not exactly a conflict scene but it's two characters that are supposed to hate each other (or at least strongly dislike each other) on the surface but secretly have a thing for each other. >.> It's for this thursday's class so if anyone has suggestions on how to make it better lemme know... oh and it can only be 2 pages in word (which is how long it is) >_>


CHARACTERS
EMMA: A young warrior woman from a harsh community near the former BC/Alberta Boarder.
PHILIPPE: A young explorer from the former Edmonton area.
SETTING
Approximately 115 years after a world-wide disaster that left the world’s major cities in ruins and thought to have wiped any smaller towns, cities and communities and their inhabitants off the face of the Earth. PHILIPPE and his team are out to discover the true state of the world outside the safe zone
TIME
Just after sunrise
SCENE
AT RISE: (An early summer morning. EMMA is standing at the edge of a forest figuring out how best to get through it. PHILIPPE approaches to check up on her.)
PHILIPPE
What do you see?
EMMA
I see… A large castle. Surrounded by a river of fire and guarded by an equally large dragon… Oh and a handsome prince on a great stallion.
PHILIPPE
Emma, I’m serious.
EMMA
So am I.
PHILIPPE
Do you think it’s safe? To enter a forest this dense.
EMMA
Yes. Because whatever is in there, isn’t as scary as I am.
PHILIPPE
(To the Audience)
That I can believe.
EMMA
(Turns to face HIM, voice sharp.)
What?
PHILIPPE
Nothing.
(Pause)
Are you sure you’re up for this? Leaving your home to help us?
EMMA
I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for me.
(SHE turns back to face the Audience)
PHILIPPE
(Rests HIS hand on HER shoulder)
Well whatever your reason, thank you for helping us.
EMMA
(Startled by the gentle gesture, gasps. Quickly recovers.)
Go get the rest of your team ready while I try to find a better way in.
(Exit PHILIPPE)
EMMA (cont.)
(Glances back to watch HIM leave and smiles)
Thank-you, for trusting me.
(Blackout)

[rene]

>_> I changed a few things about the last script I posted and I gave it a name :3

When Worlds Dissolve


PHILIPPE
What do you see?
EMMA
I see… A large castle. Surrounded by a trail of acidic slim and guarded by an equally large sea slug. Oh, and a handsome man on a giant trout.
PHILIPPE
Emma, I’m serious.
EMMA
So am I.
PHILIPPE
Emma…
EMMA
Oh alright.
(SHE pauses.)
I see…
(SHE gasps)
Why, I see, a city. Yes. A city made of blue and purple gemstones.
PHILIPPE
You’re joking.
EMMA
Would I lie to you?
PHILIPPE
(HE sighs)
Do you think it’s safe? To enter a forest this dense.

EMMA
Yes. Because whatever is in there, isn’t as scary as I am.
PHILIPPE
(To the Audience)
That I can believe.
EMMA
(Turns to face HIM, voice sharp.)
What?
PHILIPPE
Nothing.
(Pause)
Are you sure you’re up for this? Leaving your home to help us?
EMMA
I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for me.
(SHE turns back to face the Audience)
PHILIPPE
(Rests HIS hand on HER shoulder)
Well whatever your reason, thank you for helping us.
EMMA
(Startled by the gentle gesture, gasps. Quickly recovers.)
Go get the rest of your team ready while I try to find a better way in.
(Exit PHILIPPE)
EMMA (cont.)
(Glances back to watch HIM leave and smiles)
Thank-you, for trusting me.
(Blackout)

[rene]

A groggy and dazed ALEX slowly wakes, lying face down in the dirt. Carefully he gets to his feet and examines his immediate surroundings while trying to wake up and focus. The landscape is similar to that of Earth, with vegetation surrounding him and what appear to be mountains in the horizon.
ALEX
Hello?

The bushes behind him RUSTLE, startling him. He is soon joined by a medium sized dog. Above them, the sky is lit up with what looks like to be the Northern Lights as introductions are made.

ALEX
Well, whatcha think?

Sitka sits and scratches her left ear absent mindedly

SITKA
I think as little as possible. Too much effort is required.

ALEX
(Rolls his eyes in exasperation)
I meant about the situation. Any idea where we are?

SITKA
New Jersey.

ALEX
I don’t think we’re in Jersey…

SITKA
(Sniffs the air)
Hmm. I think you’re right. Definitely not Jersey. California.

ALEX
(Inspects a leaf closely, only to jump away when it tries to stab his hand)
I don’t think we’re even on Earth.

The pair cautiously moves forward in relative silence hoping to find clues that might tell them where they are. The vegetation is discolored, instead of green leaves; they’re purple with blue colored bark. Off to the left, the bushes RUSTLE.

SITKA
(Stops)
What was that?

ALEX
What was what?

SITKA
(Resumes walking tentatively)
That sound. Didn’t you hear it?

ALEX
Nope. Didn’t hear anything other than a paranoid dog yapping at me.

SITKA
How could you miss it? It was just over there! Listen.
(More RUSTLING in the distance)
There it is again!

ALEX
(Stops walking and looks at SITKA)
Do I have ears like yours that have sensitive long distance hearing? No. So no, I don’t hear whatever the hell it is you think you’re hearing.

SITKA
Hey-y-y. There is nothing wrong with having ears like mine!

SITKA lies on the ground, whining, trying to hide her ears under paws, slightly offended by the idea that there is something wrong with her ears.


ALEX
I didn’t say there wa- Wait, wait a minute. You’re a dog, when did you learn to talk?

SITKA
Hmph. I’ve always known how to talk. The question is when did you learn to listen.

ALEX
(Frowns deeply)
Whatever. Maybe I’m dreaming. Or maybe I hit my head when I stumbled off the bus… That would definitely explain these weird plants. All I have to do is wake up and…

SITKA
Or maybe you’ve finally snapped and only think you’re talking to a dog.
(She stands up)
But really, you’re locked up in some loony bin in a strait jacket, never to be seen or heard from again.

ALEX
Fuck you. Stupid dog. I haven’t lost my…
(Intense RUSTLING nearby)
What was that?

SITKA
(Growls menacingly at the insult)
I am not a stupid dog!
(She pauses, ears perked up at the sound of the rustling)
Oh so now you hear it. Maybe it’s a welcome party coming to greet you with open arms and their finest women.

ALEX
Are you always this sarcastic?

SITKA
My mother said it was one of my better qualities.

The pair soon find themselves surrounded by what appears to be a medieval hunting party holding bows and spears made of high tech equipment instead of the crude weapons of the suggested time.

SITKA
Something tells me they aren’t part of the welcome wagon.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:

Courtyard training arena with a large estate house behind it.

Alex stumbles forward from being pushed towards a group of knight-like figures surrounding an outdoor training ring. Sitka remains close, cowering from the spears and growling softly.

ALEX
Ow. Stop pushing would ya. I know how to – Woah.

Alex stops and stares in admiration and shock at the estate behind the training ring. He is pushed forward again, this time tripping over Sitka and falling to the ground, not far from the fence that makes up the boundaries of the ring. Inside, two individuals practice sword play.

AKIKO
What is this?

A woman dressed in armour approaches from the left. At first glance she looks like a black haired woman but upon closer inspection, she has two ears covered in black fur and a swaying black fox-like tail.

AKIKO
I say again: What is this?
(She motions to Alex as he slowly rises to his feet.)
You dare bring this filthy outsider to my estate? I should have your head on a spike.
(She looks at Sitka)
And you, such a disgrace of a creature, walking on all fours like some slave to this demon. You bring shame to our family.

Sitka growls and bars her teeth in offense, standing between Akiko and Alex, though still crouching low to the ground.

HUNTER
B-b-but Mistress Akiko. You said if we found anything unusual that we were to bring it back to you immediately. The men and I think –

AKIKO
Silence!

Akiko examins the now standing Alex closely, her black bushy tail twitching in anticipation and thought as she scrutinizes him, ignoring the warning growls from Sitka before taking a step back.

AKIKO
What’s your name demon?

ALEX
Mine or…

Alex looks at Sitka in confusing but soon realizes the woman is talking to him.

ALEX
Oh, uh, Alexander Markoviche. She’s Sitka.

AKIKO
I didn’t ask for her name though if I had, I would have addressed her. You have no control over our kind here demon and thus no right to answer for her.

ALEX
Right… Okay look, would you mind telling me where I am then. I’m beginning to feel like I should be at Comic-Con in Seattle or something.

Akiko regards him in silence for a moment before turning away and heading towards the estate entrance on the other side of the training ring.




AKIKO
If you can defeat the fool hunter in hand-to-hand combat by the time I return, I might consider answering your questions. Come Cousin. We have much to discuss.

Akiko and Sitka exit stage through estate doors. A fight ensues between Alex and the Hunter, in which Alex comes out victorious. The hunter is sprawled out in the dirt, hurt but not dead and Alex sits on the bottom step leading to the estate doors breathing heavily when Akiko and Sitka return. Sitka sits beside Alex and whines, making sure he is okay while Akiko, dressed in a formal kimono goes to check on the condition of the hunter.

AKIKO
You didn’t kill him.

ALEX
You never said I had to kill him, only beat him. Which by the looks of things, I accomplished so now you have to answer my questions.


AKIKO
Didn’t I? Well now I’m telling you. Kill him. He deserves this fate.

Akiko grabs a sword from a nearby rack and carries it over to Alex, shoving it into his hands. He takes the sword and stares at it before looking at Akiko.

ALEX
What? I can’t kill him. I won’t be a murderer. What did he do to deserve his fate?

AKIKO
If you don’t kill him, you’ll take his place. How badly do you want to die, Alexander Markoviche. Or perhaps the question is: how badly would you like to live?

Alex hesitates but finally gets up and drags the sword over to the fallen hunter.

ALEX
(Stabs the hunter through the chest)
I’m sorry…

AKIKO
Very good. Now, come in and we may talk.

Akiko enters the estate. Alex heads up the estate stairs with Sitka at his side.

SITKA
Chin up champ. Maybe she’ll give you a cookie for being a good boy.

ALEX
Your humor is so very poorly timed.

SITKA
I’m trying to lighten the mood here but you’re killing me.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:
Inside the drawing room of the Estate where Akiko is putting water on to boil for tea.

AKIKO
Would you like some tea? Please, have seat.

ALEX
Do you always offer tea to the people you blackmail into killing others?

AKIKO
It’s a simple question made out of common courtesy. My, you’re moody, isn’t he Sitka?

Sitka jumps up on a sofa and lays down with her head on the edge.



SITKA
He isn’t much of a fighter. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten sick yet from having to kill someone.

ALEX
I’m a fighter when I have to be and I’m not squeamish. Are you going to tell me where I am now? And what the hell is going on?

AKIKO
Well he’d best get used to it if he plans on surviving around here, wouldn’t you say Cousin.
(She sighs)
Oh alright. Allow me to explain. My name is Akiko Takahashi, Mistress of the estate you’re currently in and one of six nobles located on Madoka. The man I had you kill was a fool of a hunter and as I said, deserved his fate.

ALEX
Okay, that’s great. I sort of know where I am, which as I thought, is not my own planet but one that seems to be inhabited by fox people. Now … why do you keep calling me a devil? I haven’t done anything to deserve that, I don’t think.

SITKA
Demon, not a devil. You really need to listen more when someone talks to you.

ALEX
Demon, devil. Whatever! Just explain to me what’s going on!

AKIKO
So impatient.
(Gets up to pour the water for tea and sits beside Sitka)
You are a demon because you are not from one of the other noble houses, this I know even if you look like one and you appeared on Madoka during a flash meteor shower. Tell me what else I’m supposed to think.

Alex sits in thought, quiet for a long moment absorbing the information he’s gathered so far. Sitka remains curled up on the sofa by Akiko who is intermittently scratching the other’s ears while sipping her tea.

AKIKO
If you’re done taking this information in, I have a request to ask from you and Miss Sitka.

ALEX
Another murder?

AKIKO
I should hope not. No. I need you to retrieve something for me from one of the other noble houses elsewhere in the province. A small statuette was taken from me not that long ago and I would like it back. All I ask is that you and Miss Sitka go to the estate and take it back. For a former thief such as yourself, this should be much more up your alley than killing someone.

ALEX
Why should I do this? Are you going to threaten me with death again if I refuse?

AKIKO
No. But, if you wish to have a place to rest your head at night and a scheduled feeding you may as well make yourself useful to me. I’ll even be kind and let you and Miss Sitka talk about it and you can give me your answer in the morning. Does that sound fair to you, Mr. Markoviche?

ALEX
I… suppose that sounds fair. And please, call me Alex.

AKIKO
(Stands and nods her head.)
Very well, Alex. I await your response in the morning. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to attend to before I turn in for the night.

Akiko exits stage left. Alex gets up and stretches before moving and standing beside Sitka.

ALEX
I know you try to avoid too much thinking but I have to ask: what the hell was that all about? Do you think this is a good idea?

SITKA
Let me ask you this: don’t you get tired of asking a dog for her opinion? But if you want my honest opinion, I’d take her up on her offer. A warm bed, warm food. Just be careful. A vixen can be as dangerous and mischievous as she is beautiful.

ALEX
Something tells me you aren’t just another dog.

SITKA gets up and hops off the couch, stretching once she’s on the floor and shaking out her fur.

SITKA
Come on demon, let’s find us a guest room. I’m bushed!

ALEX
(Stands up)
Don’t get too used to calling me demon. As soon as I’m able, I’m finding a way off this backwards planet and back to Earth where dogs can’t sass me every chance they get.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
A mental institution in the State of Alabama, a young man is watched by a mother and doctor from one side of a double sided window.

MOTHER
Isn’t there anything we can do to snap him out of it doctor?

DR. COBB
(Shakes his head)
I’m afraid not Mrs. Markoviche. It seems hearing the news of his father’s disappearance has sent him into a state of catatonic shock yet the test results come back normally. We aren’t sure what’s wrong with him.

MOTHER
Oh my poor Alex…
FADE OUT

FADE IN:
Morning after the incident in the galley of the estate.
ALEX
Man, am I hungry. Do you think that fox chick, Akiko, has anything to eat around here?

SITKA
Can’t hurt to look around. I’m a bit hungry myself.
(Sniffs around the bottom cupboards and crude looking fridge)
Hey, come open the door, I think there’s something in here.

Alex approaches the fridge door and opens it, only to quickly slam it shut as the smell of rotted meat permeates the air. Covering his face and trying not to gag, he stumbles backwards and leans against the counter. Sitka too is trying to protect her sensitive nose from the putrid smell.

ALEX
(Coughing and waving his hand in front of his face)
Holy crap. Hasn’t anyone here heard that you’re supposed to clean out the fridge once a week. At least. Maybe there’s something in one of these cupboards.

SITKA
Boy, you must have an iron stomach. I don’t think I could eat right now after smelling that.

Quietly Akiko enters the galley doorway and watches the duo scrounge around for food.

AKIKO
Hungry are you?

Startled, Alex hits his head on the cupboard. Turns around, rubbing the red spot forming on his forehead.

ALEX
Uh, yeah. A little. I mean, we didn’t have anything to eat last night and I figured maybe…

AKIKO
I don’t normally keep food in the estate. Follow me, there’s an inn not far away that has food I think you’ll like.

Following Akiko out of the estate, Alex works on making himself look a little more presentable and attempts to dust his mud stained pants off. A little ways down the road, the silence starts to get to Alex.

ALEX
So, about this theft job you want done… what exactly would I have to do?

AKIKO
It’s a very basic job. Should only be a matter of getting in, finding the object and getting out. No one knows, no one gets hurt. Your kind of job right Alex?

ALEX
I guess… how do you know so much about me yet I don’t know a thing about you. It’s kinda creepin’ me out to be honest with you.

AKIKO
I think that is a subject you should take up with Sitka. Perhaps you can bombard her with questions on your travels to get my statuette back.

Off to the right, an Old English styled country inn starts to appear.

AKIKO
And here we are. Go on inside, I have some business to attend to. If anyone asks, you’re with me and just to put it all on my tab.

Akiko heads for the back of the Inn while Alex and Sitka enter through the front and head for a table near the back. A waitress, a young woman similar to Akiko but with grey wolf ears and tail, comes and takes their order.

ALEX
So you know what’s going on?

Sitka fidgets and chews on the bone in front of her anxiously, refusing to answer.

ALEX
Sitka, please. I just want to know what’s going on. Why am I here, why does she know so much about me?

Sitka continues to ignore the questions.

SITKA
Maybe she’s magical? Or maybe she’s just that good at reading your body language. Does it really matter? You’re here, I’m here, everyone is here so just drop it and let’s head out to get that stupid statuette of hers.

ALEX
You know what’s going on, so why won’t you tell me? Why are you avoiding the questions? You wanted to know why I keep asking your opinion; it’s because out of the two of us, you’re the only one who seems to know what the hell is going on so let me in on it!

Sitka stands up and shakes out her fur before picking up her bone.

SITKA
You want answers? Fine. Let’s go and I’ll help you find the answers you want. Just for the love of this bone, would you stop acting like a two year old!

Outside, Sitka digs a shallow hole and puts the bone inside then continues heading down the road they had been traveling from the estate.

ALEX
Hey! Sitka! Where ya going? I thought the estate was back this way?

SITKA
Akiko’s estate, yes. But that’s not where we’re going. Come on demon, hop to it if you want answers.

With a frustrated cry, Alex takes off at a jog to catch up to his four legged companion, eventually coming to a forest, much like the one they had been pulled from.



ALEX
Are you sure it was a good idea to just head off down this road without getting some sort of equipment from Akiko?

SITKA
As long as we keep moving we’ll be okay. We should be out of the forest by night fall. Just do us both a favor and if I tell you to do something, do it.

ALEX
So… you’re sure that by doing this little errand for the fox I’ll find answers to the questions you keep avoiding?

SITKA
I promise. Though you may not like the findings you get.

The two continue their way through the forest when something catches Sitka’s attention, putting her on high alert.

SITKA
You a fast runner?

ALEX
Pretty fast… why? What’s –

SITKA
Shut up and get ready to run.

The sharp sound of howl’s echo through the dark forest and the sound of rustling underbrush accompany it. Slowly, large wolves start stepping onto the road. Snarling defensively, Sitka starts herding Alex towards the exit.

SITKA
Run. Now! And don’t stop until you get to a house.

Alex hesitates briefly before bolting in the direction they had been heading. The sounds of a dog fight echoing in his ears with the sound of heavy paws following him close. Doing as he was told, by a dog, and narrowly escaping the jaws of the oversized wolf chasing him, Alex made it to a small country home and begins frantically pounding on the door.

ALEX
Help! Somebody help me! Please!
(Turns and presses his back to the door, facing the encroaching wolf)
Oh sweet chili peppers, someone save me.
Unexpectedly, the door swings inwards, causing Alex to fall backwards onto the floor and stare up at his would-be rescuer.

ALEX
Dad?!
FADE OUT.

FADE IN:
A mental institution in the state of Alabama. The young man has been moved to a room with a single white bed and desk bolted to the wall. His mother and doctor are outside, discussing options that may bring him out of his catatonic state.

ALEX
(Sits up on the bed)
DAD!