Int. HallWAY - noon
James walks to the bathroom, searching for the dried blood on his left arm.
He glances around, hoping to catch sight of Max before gently wiping water across his bruised and swollen lip. In a state of panic, he dials Derek. Derek answers.
Derek (V.O.)
What's wrong, James?
James leans over to a trash bin to vomit. Nothing comes. He sighs, gripping the phone tightly, momentarily forgetting he can't fly. Instead, he walks out of the bathroom so his voice doesn't echo.
James
The blood drive was a trap. My powers - - they're gone. They took bags of my blood. I knew I shouldn't have trusted anyone connected to Mark Reignson, especially Mia. I feel so stupid.
James paces the empty school hallways, cursing silently. Derek's breathing calms James as he taps his finger on the phone.
Derek (V.O.)
Are you alone?
James looks around, scanning the long corridor. The only person in the school is a janitor, engrossed in his music with headphones on.
James
Yeah.
The tapping ceases.
Derek (V.O.)
I'll come over and pick you up as soon as possible. Stay where you are.
James
No problem.
James sits against a wall, pulling his knees to his chest. James positions himself before a nearby trash can just in case he vomits.
Derek (V.O.)
What are we going to do about your powers?
James
You mean my nonexistent powers?
Derek (V.O.)
Yes. What's the plan?
James leans over to puke again. Nothing.
James
Do you think I know?
Derek
I'm trying to help.
James
I don't want my powers.
Derek sighs.
Derek
You need your powers. Max is likely planning something far worse than this. I spoke to Noah, and he said this was just the beginning of his plan—
James
—You talked to Noah behind my back?
James shifts uncomfortably on the concrete floor.
Derek
Yeah, Max is dangerous, and you could stop him if you weren't so stubborn.
James
(Angry)
This isn't my fault!
James clenches his fists around the phone.
James
Max, Mark, and Mia did this to me, and honestly, I'm glad they did.
Derek hurries into the building, anxiously navigating the hallway until his eyes meet James'.
Derek
Look, maybe you shouldn't wish you never had powers because you're the strongest person I've ever known,
Derek ends the phone call.
James rolls his eyes, grabbing his backpack from the floor.
James
I don't want them.
James brushes past Derek as they hurry down the hallway. They stop at the doorway, and Derek stares into James' eyes, challenging him as if trying to decipher something.
Derek
I'm not letting you give up so easily. If anyone needs you, it's Samual, Dad, and me. Let's go home.
Derek angrily pushes open the double doors and steps outside.
Int. Kitchen - noon
Samual and Derek focus on the laptop on the kitchen counter. Samual drives a needle into James' arm and draws a small amount of blood. He then places a droplet from the syringe onto a blood reader chip and inserts it into a computer.
Samual
Well, the unfortunate news is that he has no powers.
Samual sighs, leaning over the kitchen counter.
Derek
Can't you do something? Max was still a rogue super the last time I checked.
Derek sips his soda and momentarily stares at James, clicking his tongue—Derek grunts, loud and angry.
Samual
At the moment, no, but I'll figure something out. James, you've always regained your powers.
James
Yeah? What if I don't want my powers back this time, Samual?
Samual folds his hands around his beer.
Samual
Maybe that's what's holding you back, James. You would have had them if you weren't so stubborn.
Samual settled, running his hand through shaggy blonde hair.
Samual
You need to focus, James. Max is a dangerous individual.
Derek
Until yesterday, you were the only one who could have stopped him besides Dad, me, and the entire police squad. But as you know, humans are helpless. Find a way to trigger the return of your powers.
James scoffs, grabbing his shirt off the counter.
James
I don't want my powers back.
Samual
You were right about one thing, James. What happened to you when you were six was unfair, but you wouldn't be where you are today if those events hadn't occurred. Your brother is right, too. This is not something to be taken lightly. We need to find a way to get your powers back.
James buries his face in the granite countertop, still broken from the other day. His fists clench, and he closes his eyes, attempting to focus. His eyes snap open as he briefly feels a flicker of energy in my palms, only to have it dissipate just as quickly.
James
Why does this even matter so much? I lost my powers due to one of your cures a few years ago. Why do you care now?
Samual slams his beer onto the table.
Samual
Because I made Max, I was part of a terrible government group researching and experimenting on kids like you. Now, I need your help to stop him. Your superpowers were fate. I swore to protect you from them, but it happened regardless, and now you're the only one who can save everyone.
James meets Samual's gaze.
James
(Angry)
So, that's supposed to make everything better?
Samual licks his lips and lets out a sigh.
Samual
No, it doesn't, and I'm sorry, James, for everything I put you through. But I can't change the past now.
Beat. James hurries past the kitchen doorway, up the stairs, and slams his bedroom door.
Int. Car - later
Derek observes James as he drives.
Derek
Aren't you going to try to regain your powers at least?
James
I'm working on it, Derek.
James slumps against the seat, chewing on his nails. Derek focuses on the road and fiddles with his police scanner.
Derek
You better hurry before Max fucks up the city. Without your powers, we're screwed.
James
Is it your mission to get on my nerves? What if I can't do anything about this? What am I supposed to do?
James slumps further in his seat.
Derek
I don't know. Maybe once your powers return, we can figure out a plan.
Derek pulls up in front of the school. As James reaches for the seat belt latch, Derek stops him.
Derek
It's not just Dad who needs your help, James. It's everyone.
James
I got it.
James walks off. Derek rolls down the window.
James
Stay safe, and text me if you see Max, Mark, or Mia. You still seem to have a bit of power left.
He points to a new dent in the door.
Int. Classroom - morNING
James clicks his phone off. Mr. Kinley's eyes dodge Mark and bounce in his direction.
Mr. Kinley
Mr. Knight, care to share the important messages you're sending?
James
I'll put my phone away.
James slips his phone in his bag. Mr. Kinley writes S.P.P.Y. on the board in bold letters.
Mr. Kinley
Can anyone tell me what this stands for?
Mark
I'm not an idiot, but I doubt anyone knows what it stands for.
Mark elicits chuckles from the class.
Mr. Kinley
Very well, smart-ass. I'll tell you all what it bloody means. Stand Paramount with Powerful Youth. But before we continue with English, let me give you a brief narrative about these supers...
James absentmindedly doodles, sketching comic book-like figures on his page.
A frantic knock on the classroom door draws everyone's attention. A disheveled Derek, dressed in his police uniform, looks like he's seen a ghost. Pale and flushed, Derek waves James over. James gathers his belongings and walks with Derek down the empty hallway.
James
Did you find something terrible about Max or my powers?
Derek freezes at the front exit of the school building.
Derek
Something worse. Max took Dad.
Derek lowers his gaze with anger. James clenches his fists, bursting through the school doors alongside Derek.
James
Son of a bitch! I'll regain my powers and then kill that bastard.
James swings open the side door of Derek's cruiser and slides in. Derek joins him.
Derek
You're not killing anyone, James. I'm just as furious about this as you are, but you're supposed to be a superhero. Killing Max won't solve anything and will only make matters worse.
Int. LiVING ROOM - Day
James paces the living room, attempting telekinesis. Sweat trickled down James' forehead. Nothing.
Derek sits on the couch, waiting for something extraordinary to occur. Samual stands in the living room doorway, nervously biting his hangnails, watching the two boys grow anxious.
James
I can't do it.
Samual enters the room and slumps onto the couch.
Samual
I know you can do it.
James
Shut up, Samual! I feel so lightheaded right now, and I can't concentrate--
James nearly collapses.
Samual
Keep trying.
Derek
Damn it, Samual! Give him a break. He's trying harder than ever. If he can't do it, don't push him. He'll only end up hurting himself, and we don't need that right now.
James
Derek's right. I have nothing left in me. My powers disappeared, and I'm useless. They've kidnapped Dad, and who knows what they're doing to him? I'm just as worried and furious about this as you guys are. I don't need anyone testing my patience.
James slumps against my father's chair.
Samual
Superpowers or not, I recall telling you that the supergene runs in your blood no matter what you do, James. So either you push yourself harder, or I'll make you.
Samual rises from his seat, but Derek grabs his arm, stopping him.
Derek
Stop it, Samual! If you don't leave him alone, I'll handcuff you.
Samual slumps against the couch again, burying his head in his hands.
Samual
I'm sorry, okay? We're all on edge right now. Matthew could be dead.
Derek
Yeah, and we're stuck with you, Samual.
Derek eyes him sternly.
Samual
Don't test me, Derek. I may be your uncle, but I'm also the acting parent. It doesn't matter that you're twenty. James has to keep trying to regain his powers, or else we're all in trouble.
James huffs.
James
Do you remember any other details about the group you used to work for? Specifically, and this is just a hunch, a man named Alexander?
Samual licks his lips but avoids eye contact with Derek as he glances in James's direction. James sucks in a breath.
Samual
What?
Derek
Something tells me he knows Alexander.
Samual
Your father and I didn't tell you this for your safety, but yes, you have another uncle.
Derek scoffs, shifting away from the couch.
Derek
You mean Henry, right?
Samual
Alexander was the leader. He was narcissistic, making all the rules while everyone else followed. He betrayed our family, and in a way, it was for the best. The government should have shut down the superhuman prodigy project years ago. The last I heard of Alexander, he was involved in other projects. He's dangerous, though. I wouldn't go anywhere near him, James.
James growls, jumping to his feet.
James
This is what Max wants. He's trying to distract us. Right now, they have the upper hand. I'm not going to sit idly by while Max tortures Dad. We have to find him before they do anything.
James storms out of the house with anger and determination and slams the door behind him.
Int. Hotel ROOM - Night
Bound to a heater vent with handcuffs, Matthew lay motionless on the floor. Mark enters the room and throws a bucket of water at him. Matthew jolts back, his shirt soaked, his eyes fluttering open to the bright light filtering through the drapes. Mia stands in the opposite corner and walks over to Matthew, snatching the bucket from Mark and pouring the remaining water over his head.
Mia
Wake up, Mr. Knight. We have something fun in store for you.
Matthew lifts his head, barely meeting Mia's deep aqua eyes. He spits at her, Maximus super speeds across the room, pushing him back, but Mia pulls at his hood, calming him down.
Mia
I see you're just as eager to meet us.
Mia caresses Matthew's bloodied cheek as his eyes widen. His cuffs rattle against the vent, and he spits again.
Matthew
Why are you doing this to me?
Matthew struggles against his restraints.
Mia
You mean you don't know your son has superpowers?
(Mia's eyes widened with delight.)
You're in for a big surprise.
Matthew
James?
Matthew's eyebrows furrow, a hesitant glint in his eyes and a frown. Mia frowns, too, smearing the blood from Matthew's nose across her shirt. Mark scowls.
Mia
I guess you did know. That spoils my fun.
Maximus super speeds back to the counter. He picks up a needle syringe from the countertop and returns. Mia scratches Matthew's face with her manicured nails, admiring her handiwork from a distance. Max rolls his eyes.
Maximus toys with the tip of the needle syringe filled with James's blood.
Mia
Do you enjoy the sight of blood, Mr. Knight?
Mia smirks.
Max
You squirm, and I'll make things even worse for you.
Matthew spits at Max, cleaning his wet lips with his tongue.
Matthew
You can try.
Max slams Matthew's head against the wall behind him. He slumps against the wall, drifting unconscious before Max plunges the needle into his uncle's bicep.
Max
Keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't die.
Max walks toward the doorway.

Ext. NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
Turning at the sound of a distant siren and red lights flashing in the distance, Mark hobbles through the quiet suburban city streets on his casted foot, faithfully alongside his furry friend Gruffly.
James walks by in a baggy, red hoodie with the words "Alpha Is My Homie" in white letters, sweats, sunglasses, and black high-top sneakers, catching sight of Mark.
Gruffly barks and charges at him, forcing James to untangle himself, but he fails so poorly Mark has to force himself to choke down laughter. Gruffly rolls over for a tummy rub from James, nipping and licking his ankles gently to soothe James's anxiety.
Mark
At least Gruffly still likes you.
James clenched his fists, attempting to steady his trembling nerves.
James glares at Mark. Unyielding, Mark closes the distance, casting a dark shadow over James.
Mark
What's the matter, Knight? Afraid I'll take away your special powers? You didn't need them, anyway.
Looking around to see if Max or Alexander was still watching, Mark takes a sharp breath. James winces.
James
Funny. You finished getting high off YOUR power trip yet?
Mark arches his brows, his eyes briefly meeting James as Gruffly lay still in his lap.
Mark
Look, Knight. I didn't mean for things to go this far. I didn't know the cure would work. And to be honest, I liked you better with superpowers.
James
What do you mean, Mark?
Mark sighs, grabbing Gruffly's leash.
Mark
They set me up, Knight. It wasn't my fault. They forced me into it. I didn't expect this to happen.
James stared at Mark, a mix of confusion and a glimmer of hope swimming in his eyes.
James
What about Mia? Is she in trouble, too?
Mark's shoulders slump.
Mark
She likes Max... But, I came here to tell you, your Dad... he...
Mark shifts uncomfortably before releasing a loud whistle.
Mark
...Gruffly, come.
James
Where's my Dad, Mark?
James' eyes are bloodshot and red, black underneath his right eye, and his face, blotchy from crying. The tears from his eyes fall to the ground.
James' eyes open wide, his pupils dilating purple for a moment, and then, blue. His nostrils flare as he breathes, his breath heavy and hot. His lips tremble.
His hands shake as he holds Gruffly's collar. His face flushes, and anger of red creeps to the surface. Gruffly's eyes are wide with fear, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, his breathing fast and shallow.
James
Where is he?
James clings to Mark's dog.
Mark
Give me my dog, Knight.
Mark is ready to pounce. James doesn't budge as Gruffly struggles.
James
Where-is-my-Dad-Reignson.
Mark
I know you wouldn't hurt a dog. You're a hero for fuck's sake.
Gruffly yelps so loud Mark almost thinks James kills the dog. Mark races to his side, ripping the collar from James's fingertips, but he barely has a grip.
Gruffly races by the two teens.
Mark
Run home, boy.
James pushes Mark light enough for him to look up at James.
James
Where's my father?
Mark
I-I....Max and I don't want to hurt anyone. Please, believe me, Knight. It wasn't our idea. Your uncle, Alexander... he's a douche... and I mean very deceitful son of a...
Mark pauses, his eyes shifting to the bush in the distance.
Mark
Go. Get out of here before they kill you.
James
You sure you'll be okay?
Mark
GO!
James takes off down the street. Mark races off to find Gruffly in the opposite direction.
Int. NeiGHBORHOOD - momentS LATER
Derek catches up with James halfway through town, bursting out of a full-on sprint, panting.
Derek
James, wait. We need you.
James
For what? I don't have my powers anymore. I'm useless against Max. What do you need me for?
James exhales cold air. He tries to push past Derek, but Derek blocks James's path, still catching his breath.
Derek
Wait! You're my brother, James, and I care about you. That's not all. Samual mentioned that you still carry the supergene in your blood, no matter what. Your powers are still there, deep inside you.
James halts his steps. Derek bends over, hands on his knees, taking long, tired breaths.
Derek
For someone without powers, you sure are fast.
Derek straightens up and stretches.
Derek
But that's beside the point, James. So, where are we headed?
James
I'm not sure yet, but you didn't have to chase after me. I was coming back as soon as I found Dad.
Derek
You won't find Dad out here, running frantically around the neighborhood in the cold like a headless chicken.
Derek walks beside James this time, matching his pace.
Derek
I know we have to find Dad. I can search the police database again for any information on Noah or Max. Meanwhile, focus on regaining your powers.
Derek bends over again, trying to catch his breath.
James
I'm doing everything I can right now. I just needed some time away from Samual, you know? He's been pushing me extra hard after I lost my powers. It's too much pressure. I have to worry about those three returning to school and causing more trouble instead of focusing on Dad.
Int. Living room - night
A knock on the door startles James awake from his nap on the couch. He glances at the door and slowly opens his eyes. Derek sits in their father's chair, still dressed in his uniform, monitoring James until his powers return.
Derek
Go back to sleep. I've already gotten you out of school for tomorrow, and if you're going to regain your powers, you need rest. Just keep your eyes closed.
James closes his eyes again, groaning and settling back into the couch. Samual nudges James's feet off the floor with a wide grin as he entered the room.
Samual
Get up! We're going to get your powers back.
Samual
Damn it, Samual. I was trying to let him sleep.
Derek growls, adjusting his seat. James sits up, wrapping a blanket around his shoulders.
James
It's too late. I'm awake.
KNOCK, KNOCK. Samual walks over and opened the door. Noah Kinley enters, grinning.
Noah
I was hoping I could make your powers work.
James
What the hell, Kinley? Where have you been all this time?

Noah settles on the couch, leaning back against the cushions.
Noah
Geez. Straight to the interrogations.
Derek
Do you know where Max is or where he might have taken Dad?
Noah shifts his weight on the couch.
Noah
He took your Dad. Strange. I thought he was going after Samual.
Samual paces to the other side of the room with anxiety.
James
Do you have any information about my dad's whereabouts?
Noah frowns.
Noah
Nope. Max and I aren't on speaking terms anymore. It would be better if I stayed with you guys from now on. Besides, I don't like my brother. He has Gray and Uncle Alexander to help him.
Derek
Who the hell is Gray?
Derek turns in his seat, and the attention shifts to James.
Noah
I'll explain it to you later. Right now, let's focus on finding Dad. I'll do everything I can to help. And even if you don't have your superpowers, James, I overheard Max boasting about it the other day. I couldn't care less, but—
James
Shut up, Noah.
Noah raises his hands in surrender.
Noah
Okay, got it, Superboy. No need to twist my arm.
Derek
I told you it would catch on.
Noah
It is quite catchy, especially with this guy.
Noah gestures towards James. James rolls his eyes and crosses his arms.
James
I need to sleep. We can discuss our plans when I'm more awake.
James lays back down and kicks Noah. Noah whacks him back.
James
Ouch.
Samual
Noah!
Noah shrugs.
Int. kitchen - later
James' eyes flutter open on the couch. Derek walks in, texting. His eyes drift away from his phone to James.
James
Where's Samual?
Derek
Samual left the house to get groceries or something related to his experiments. He said he'd be back within an hour, but it's been about an hour and a half since he told me that.
James scoffs, sitting up and stretching.
James
Aren't you worried about leaving him alone with Noah?
Derek
Not really. We're always running late for everything.
Matthew's CRV pulls into the driveway, its lights piercing through the glass doorway, illuminating the staircase. Samual and Noah walk in, carrying pastries, burgers, and fries.
Noah
We've got food.
Derek and James walk over. Noah sips a chocolate shake and hands James a paper bag filled with two burgers and fries.
James walks to the living room, where Derek watches a news report about their missing father. All four guys watch intently. Derek turns off the TV and sinks deeper into the cushions. James grabs the tray of fries and burgers and hands Derek his portion.
Noah
(mouthful of fries)
Samual mentioned that you don't want your powers back. Why wouldn't you want extraordinary powers, mate? Why wouldn't anyone want powers?
Noah plops down next to James with his food.
Derek
Yeah, what the hell is wrong with you?
Derek throws a fry at Noah. Noah pushes James into Derek, who pushes him back.
Samual
James will regain his powers at some point. It's happened before. And even if you don't have them now, James, you still carry the super chromosome in your DNA.
James sighs, leaning back against the couch.
James
Part of me hopes I don't get my powers back, but another part misses them so much.
Noah and Derek roll their eyes in unison.
Noah
Here.
Noah picks up the fry Derek throws at him from the couch and holds it to eye level.
Noah
Focus on this.
James breathes deeply, focusing on the fry. Nothing.
Noah
You're not trying hard enough. Let me show you how we do it, Knight.
James rolls his eyes. Noah focuses on the fry, quickly lifting it from his palm.
Derek and JAMES
Show-off.
They glance at each other briefly before turning our attention back to Noah. The fry drops back into Noah's palm.
Noah
It will come back, James. I believe it will when you need it or least expect it.
Int. Hotel ROOM - MAGIC HOUR
Sunlight pierces through the curtains, casting its glow on Matthew still handcuffed to the heater vent. With a firm tug, of one of his hands, he breaks free. He quickly removes the second cuff, tossing it aside as he flexes his wrists.
Matthew
(to Maximus)
You bastard. I'm going to bring you and your dad down. And if not me, then James will.
He spits on the floor, turning to face Maximus standing next to him. Max smiles, leaning in close.
Maximus
You already know who my real father is. It's not your dear old brother, Alex.
Max pushes him against the wall, wiping away the dried blood from his face. Matthew stares at Maximus in shock.
Max
Uncle Matthew.
Max pats his cheek, clearing the crusted blood.
Matthew
I don't see it. Samual's a good guy, unlike you.
Mia enters the hotel, stuff stuffed in her jacket.
Mia
I stole from the thrift store down the street, just like you wanted, babe. It was a piece of cake.
Max
Good.
Mia tosses clothes at Matthew.
Max
Put those on, Knight. We're going out.
Mia
Where's Mark?
She scans the room.
Max
He's busy with the plans.
Mia unzips her hoodie and hands Max a bottle of rubbing alcohol.
Mia
Thought this might come in handy to clean the blood off Matthew's face.
Maximus takes the bottle, opens the cap, and sniffs it before taking a small drink.
Mia rolls her eyes and pouts.
Mia
That's dangerous, you know.
Max chuckles.
Max
Babe...
(Max takes another swig of the rubbing alcohol.)
I don't bloody care. Let's go.
Int. High school - Hallways - morning
Students stare at a television displaying an explicit video of Noah, Derek, and James arguing in an interrogation room. More video proof of their powers plays on the screen.
Mark watches smugly in the distance. Then he detaches himself from the wall, approaching the James and Noah, anger building inside of them.
Mark
Pretty entertaining, if I don't say so myself?
Mark blocks Noah and James' exit.
Noah
I'll kill you!
Mark steps closer.
Mark
Is that a threat, Superboy?
He paused and clicked his tongue.
Mark
Oh, wait! That's the freak's nickname.
Mark's eyes dart toward James. James' knuckles turn white.
Mark
You know what's worse? Daddy Knight isn't even here to witness this, and your brother is too busy to know what's happening right now.
James
Stop!
Mark
Hmm, nope. I want to see how this plays out.
James
You know what I'm capable of.
Mark burst into laughter.
Mark
I know what you used to be capable of.
(Beat.)
Follow me.
Noah and James exchange glances before reluctantly following him.
Hovering about ten feet above the school, Max locks Matthew in a disturbing embrace. Matthew squirms.
Noah
What the hell are you doing? You know this wasn't part of the mission. Besides, it's over. Samual was never a threat, and you bloody knew that!
Amid the chaos, Mark makes his grand escape, blending into the large crowd in front of the high school.
Max
I don't give a damn about the mission anymore, Noah. Dad and I have much bigger plans.
Noah
He's not our father, Max.
Max laughs, soaring higher into the air.
Max
He's a far better father than Samual ever was. Was Dad the one who rescued us from that wretched government laboratory and raised us?
Max looks at James, his eyes glowing crimson under the morning sun.
Max
No, Samual was too preoccupied with his nephew, James, and his newfound powers to care. Alexander has a plan. A plan to create a new generation of supers. An army. Dad wants to help improve society, empower them, and strengthen them. It's something Samual can never do.
Matthew struggles in the air while Samual and Derek arrive in their cars, rushing towards Noah and James.
Noah
You're wrong. Samual is a good father and would do anything to improve society.
Max
Do you think Dad would spare you after everything you've done, mate? Hey, Dad. Nice to see you.
Samual growls.
Samual
You psychopathic son of a bitch. Release my brother.
Max
I'll let him go right now.
Max releases his telekinetic grip on Matthew, causing him to plummet. Samual swiftly swoops and catches his brother without warning. Derek and James stare in shock.
Max
Son of a bitch, Dad. I saw it coming.
James
Fight me, Max.
(James steps forward.)
I know that's what you want. So come and do it already.
Max
And the powerless hero steps forward. Un-fucking-believable.
Max swoops down to the ground and lands beside James.
Max
This will be easy, James. Power is something you lack now. You're—
Max shoves James across the sky. James lands forcefully on the pavement in the schoolyard.
Max
—Weak.
On the sidelines, Samual lands on the ground with Matthew. Max lifts Derek into the air, gripping him tightly like a constrictor. Derek struggles, but it's futile. James crawls across the ground and pushes himself up.
James
(weak)
Stop.
Max stands before James now in seconds. 
Max
Alpha, huh? You seem like a worthless bastard to me.
Noah clenches his fists, ready to pounce, but he holds back.
James
Max, don't do this.
Summoning every ounce of strength, James pushes himself onto his knees. Max uses his telekinesis to grip James and Derek now. Meanwhile, Derek hangs in the air.
Max tightens his grip, pinning Derek and James in place and forcing James to look up. Derek whimpers in pain while Samual tends to Matthew in the distance. Max leans down, hovering in front of James.
James
Scared, freak?
James gathers every ounce of his strength and taps into an untapped reservoir of energy while his family watches with wide eyes. His body charges with a righteous rage as James leaps to his feet and pushes both palms toward Max's chest. His eyes glimmer like amethysts as the floors quake beneath them, sending Max flying and crashing against the wall behind him.
James heals rapidly, just like Superman without kryptonite, cleaning away the clotted blood and absorbing its flavor with a few swipes across his lips. Then Derek drops from the sky.
James catches him and places him aside. He clenches his fingers open and closed.
Derek
Alright! Alpha got his powers back! Three supers against one! Go get 'em, tiger!
Max emerges from the rubble, his eyes glowing crimson, as he hovers in the air.
GRACE KNIGHT, Samual's oldest child appears, swooping through the air alongside her brother. The pieces fall into place, and Gray suddenly makes sense with a newly cropped hoodie and baggy sweats. She grins, floating next to Max.
Grace
You miscalculated, lover boy.
Derek looks up at her, wide-eyed.
Noah
Gray?
Derek and Noah exchange awkward glances. There's a brief exchange of confused glances as Grace locks eyes with her father.
Samual
Grace?
Samual watches her flip him off smugly.
Derek
I knew it!
James
Game on!
Noah, Samual, and James ascend into the air. Derek rushes over to tend to his father.
James
It's three against two. I suggest you stand down.
Max
That's cute.
Beat. Max hurls towards James with full force. The two boys tumble from the sky to the ground below, enveloped in dust.
Grace smiles, raising an eyebrow as she observes Samual and Noah.
Grace
Which one of you is up for a fight?
Grace playfully points her index finger between them and ultimately lands on Noah.
Grace
You're dead, Noah Samuel Kinley.
She propels forward, crashing into Noah like a linebacker, and they plummet swiftly toward the ground. Samual descends to help Noah.
Dust and dirt from the fight between Samual, Noah, and Grace consume Max and James. They resemble survivors emerging from a volcano rather than combatants locked in battle.
Max's face contorts with fury, his intense gaze fixed on James. He grips the sides of James' sweatshirt and forcefully pushes him to the ground. James's head collides with the hard surface, causing a jarring impact that sends James through pain and disorientation.
Max and James clash in a blur, but Max has the upper hand. Max forces James down onto the gritty ground, a smug grin on his face as he holds him there. Struggling against him, James finally grabs his arms and flings Max aside. The two both spring back up in sync, standing like two dueling boxers. They circled each other cautiously while, in the background, Samual and Noah subdue Grace on the pavement. Neither of the boys made a move.
Max
I'm going to kill you, James Everett Knight.
James
Do you think so? I'd look behind you if I were you.
Max huffs, spitting blood onto the ground, and reluctantly turns his attention to Grace, who struggles beneath Samual and Noah's strength. Then he backs away, wiping blood from his swollen lip like a coward.
James
Maybe you should call it a day for now.
Max sneered, spitting more blood onto the ground.
Max
I'll be back for you, Knight, and when I return, watch your back.
Max looks at Grace before taking off. Samual and Noah release Grace, and she follows suit. Derek aids his unsteady father in approaching Samual and Noah, regaining his balance.
Derek
Dad seems okay, but he needs plenty of rest. Maybe we should take him to the hospital--
Matthew
—No hospital, Derek. It's not safe for any of us. We need to leave Phoenix right away. I never sold our old house in Los Angeles. We can move back there tonight and return for the rest of our belongings later.
James
What about Max and Grace?
Samual
We'll have to take our chances. They won't pursue us. But Noah is coming with us.
Derek
Agreed. He can help protect us for the time being.
Noah
Who knows what Alexander and Max are planning, but with both of them involved, it can't be anything good.
Int. Hotel ROOM - noon
Max discards his unfinished sandwich into the trash bin by the sink. Mark holds James's blood bag up to eye level.
Max
What the hell are you doing?
Mark's eyes widen. Mia bursts into the hotel room, clutching two syringes in her hand.
Mia
Are you going to do this or not? You don't know what I had to go through to get these needles.
Mia sighs, disgust clear as she extends her hands.
Mark
I'm ready.
Mark grabs the syringes from Mia's trembling fingers. Max rolls his eyes and hops onto the countertop, observing the two.
Mark pulls back the plunger, and blood flows out of the bag. He hands a syringe to Mia.
Mark presses the needle to his skin. he glances at Mia, her eyes reflecting the glimmer of the overhead lights.
Mia
Are you ready?
Mia grimaces, pressing the needle against her porcelain skin.
Mark
Where are you, Max?
Max stands in the room's corner, his hood covering his head, holding a dry syringe.
Mark looks back at Mia. Her lips, once peach-colored, are now tinged with a deep shade of blue, and her comatose eyes stare blankly at the syringe hanging from her upper arm. Mark glances at his forearm, feeling an icy discomfort trickling down his fingertips.
Staying conscious became an arduous task. Mark's head swims as his body crashes to the floor. Another set of dark amethyst eyes enters his blurred vision as Mark's pulse slows. The man's eyes shift to a shade of blue. Alexander Kinley.
Mark
Is the plan working?
Max's voice echoes in Mark's head.
Max
Yes.
Mark's vision flickers to darkness.
(Roll Credits)
Ext. NEIGHBORHOOD - MAGIC HOUR
Matthew counts the boxes and bags as the boys load the final ones into the car. Their trunks overflow with most of our belongings, illuminated by the mid-morning sunrise in the driveway.
Matthew
You all packed and ready to leave?
Derek
I'm ready.
Derek firmly shuts the back of his vehicle while his father finishes closing the trunk of his CRV. A group of police officers lingers nearby, poised to escort them safely to the border of Arizona and California.
Noah
I'm good to go as well.
Samual
Are you taking the longer route?
Samual stands attentively next to the car, palms pressed against its exterior. Noah and James exchange glances.
Noah
One of us needs to monitor the skies while Matthew drives.
In the background, Matthew shakes his head skeptically.
Matthew
I'm not entirely convinced that's a great idea. What if Alexander or—
Noah
That's the plan, mate.
Noah scans the neighborhood as the police officers attempt to control some curious onlookers.
Noah
And those guys will tail us for approximately a mile outside the border.
He gestures toward the rumbling police cars in the distance.
Noah
(to James)
You can fly with me to California if that's what you want to do, James.
Noah cracks his knuckles and gives Derek a pat on the shoulder.
Noah
You good?
Derek gazes up at our two-story house.
Samual
It's going to be alright, Derek.
Derek takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.
Derek
I hope so.
Derek's eyes fix on the roof where we used to spend countless hours talking and hanging out.
Matthew chuckles.
Matthew
Me too, bud.
Matthew
Come on. I want to get on the road now before anything else happens.
Noah
James is coming with me, just in case.
Derek scoffs.
Derek
In case of what?
James
I'll go with Noah.
All eyes turned to James.
Matthew
Are you sure, James?
James leans against the car.
James
It will keep me occupied for the next few hours while we wait for you guys.
Derek
It's at least a four-hour drive.
James
I was thinking of taking Noah to the comic shop to keep him busy.
Derek's eyebrows shoot up.
Derek
Pete's old place?
James
Yeah.
Derek scoffs, offended.
Derek
You're going without me?
James
Yeah. I thought Noah would enjoy it.
Samual claps his hands together.
Samual
Alrighty, we should hit the road before Alexander and Max find us.
Matthew
He's right. By the time we reach there, it'll be sundown.
Derek
I can drive.
Matthew shakes his head, dangling the keys.
Matthew
I've got it, Derek.
Derek frowns.
Matthew
You take your car, and we'll meet there.
Noah
We'll leave too.
James
Give us a call if you need anything.
Samual
Stay safe.
Noah ascends higher into the sky.
Noah
I'll race you, Knight.
James lifts off the ground.
James
You're on!
Matthew enters the SUV, while Derek and Samual enter their cars.
WHOOSH! Noah and James race off into the sunrise. 
The End.