The scene opens with Wyatt, William, Jesse, Luna and Kratos all walking into HWA's Academy. Wyatt is looking around as Jesse and Kratos run off one direction and Luna walks off another. William pats him on the shoulder as he walks away.

The scene begins to change and flow back in time to see The Draconis family home, a sprawling antebellum mansion surrounded by oak trees draped in Spanish moss. A family gathering is taking place. Everyone is bustling about.

Wyatt is flipping burgers on the grill while his cousins are setting a picnic table. Thomas, a friend from basic training arrives, dressed in a formal suit that contrasts sharply with the sunny, casual atmosphere.

(Wyatt): glancing at Thomas Well, if it ain’t the 5th Avenue dandy himself. You come to grace us with your presence?

Thomas: adjusting his cufflinks Yes, I see your family’s fine cuisine hasn’t evolved since the 19th century, Wyatt. I do hope there’s something edible in this spread.

(Wyatt): laughs heartily Edible? This is tradition here, my friend! How else would one appreciate a good burger? You might even try one given you’re not too afraid of a little grease.

Thomas: raising an eyebrow Grease? How quaint. In New York we pride ourselves on fine dining, not fast food.

Wyatt flips a burger dramatically, showcasing his grill skills.

(Wyatt): smirking Ah, but this ain’t fast food. This is southern cooking. It’s an art form, Thomas. You know, just like family is around here.

Thomas: Family? Right. scoffs In New York, we consider family more about legacy and less about having barbecues every weekend.

(Wyatt): suddenly serious You really don’t get it, do you? It ain’t just about the food. It’s about the people, the stories, the love we’ve built together.

Several family members gather around the picnic table, joining the banter.

Josephine: smiling Come on, Thomas! You’re in the South now. Let’s show you how to have a proper family gathering.

Thomas: A proper gathering? You mean the raucous noise?

(Wyatt): chuckling Raucous? Nah, this is just good-natured joy. The kind that comes from sharing life with each other, not just exchanging pleasantries.[/ b]

Thomas: It sounds terribly unrefined, if you ask me.

The gathering continues, Wyatt’s mother, Miss Elenora, approaches, veiled with charm and an aura of wisdom.

Elenora: (with warmth) Tobias, dear, you’ll find that pride in family is deeper than a meal. It’s about the stories we share, the blood we share.

Thomas: puzzled Blood? Surely, you don’t mean to suggest I have to cling to some mythical concept of family to understand it.

Elenora: smiling This isn’t a myth, dear. It’s the heart of who we are. Your heritage may be in lineage, but ours is in love and loyalty.


Thomas: Loyalty, you say? sneering In New York, we value independence. Family can often be… constricting.

(Wyatt): stepping in Maybe it’s time you redefined what family means, Thomas. It’s not confinement; it’s support. You stand with each other in hard times.

Suddenly, sounds of laughter erupt as the younger kids run by, chasing each other with water balloons.

Luna Rain: giggling Wyatt, watch out!

Wyatt narrowly dodges a water balloon. The laughter intensifies, and for a moment, even Tobias seems amused.

Thomas: watching I don’t comprehend how being frivolous is at all meaningful. It seems rather juvenile.

(Wyatt): grinning That’s the point! Life's too short to always be serious.

Elenora: interrupting playfully Now, now, dear. What’s wrong with a bit of juvenile fun? It keeps us young at heart.[/b]

Thomas looks conflicted; he wants to engage but struggles against his upbringing.

Thomas: sighs Perhaps I’ve always equated maturity with a lack of joy. But, what if… what if this joy you speak of doesn’t bow to formality?

(Wyatt): smiling broadly Finally! You’re catching on! Southern pride ain’t just about wearing boots and hats; it’s about holding each other up, celebrating the small things. You can keep the formality; just let a little heart in.

Thomas: tentatively I might be willing to try… although I still think a well-pressed suit has its own merit.

Josephine: (nudging him playfully) Just don’t wear it to the next barbecue, alright?

Wyatt laughs heartily, and the atmosphere becomes lighter, filling the air with a sense of connection.

(Wyatt): Glad to have you in our circle, Thomas. Just remember, family is the bridge to everything that makes life meaningful.

Thomas: (smiling faintly) Perhaps I have much to learn… about this southern pride of yours.

As laughter echoes around the Draconis family home, the sun begins to set, a hint of warmth embracing all those present.

The memory ends abruptly and Wyatt is still standing in the entry way of the HWA Academy. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photo. He looks at it but makes sure he is the only one to see what's in that picture.

(Wyatt): Tobias you may not have realized that while my roots have anchored me in a certain way of life, it was the tapestry of love and festivity surrounding the Draconis family that held a beauty and resolve to hold us together through the worst chapter to the best.

So sadly all you have said in your promos is that my family scares you and that my brother who you have not beaten scares you.

See Tobias you couldn't win that championship and you're afraid that when my brother William wins that title you will never be able to beat him for it.

Wyatt walks up to the training area as the scene fades to black….