INT. TATTERDEMALION BACKSTAGE AREA - NIGHT
An elevator door opens and Arden emerges. He climbs a flight of stairs and sees his band setting up gear. He looks around at the location, confused.
ARDEN
How the fuck--?
RICHIE
Hey Arden! Where you been?
Arden walks over and helps him adjust the stand.
ARDEN
Taking care of business. There - that seems tight enough.
Arden lets go of the cymbal stand. It holds for a second--
--then CRASHES to the floor, knocking over other drum gear.
Arden and his bandmates turn to see Oskar the other members of Sinner Supremacy forcing their way through the tight backstage area toward the door.
Arden stands and turns angrily. Oskar sees that he’s knocked over the drum gear, but he doesn’t stop.
ARDEN
Yo Oskar! Heaven boy! Slow your fuckin’ roll!
Arden jumps up and blocks Sinner Supremacy’s way. Oskar gets in his face.
OSKAR
What’s your problem, freak?
ARDEN
Freak?! It was your frilly white dress that knocked down our drummer’s shit!
Oskar looks over to Richie, smirking.
OSKAR
That guy overplays anyway. Less cymbals should only make life easier for him - not that you have a chance of winning anyway, Arden!
Oskar’s bandmates laugh. Richie looks like he’s about to cry.
RICHIE
That’s not true...
Arden makes a fist and holds it up toward Oskar.
ARDEN
Maybe some pounding to your head would make life easier for you.
Oskar looks behind Arden. He smiles.
OSKAR
I don’t think Wes would appreciate one of the contestants initiating a fight.
Everyone else looks over and sees Wes, standing off to the side. He’s watching the scene with arms folded.
ARDEN
(whispering)
I bet he wouldn’t mind if one of those contestants was acting like a fuckin’ prima donna douche!
OSKAR
As if he’d side with a cro magnon like you. I’m surprised you could even cover the entry fee tonight!
Arden takes another look at Wes. He looks as if he’s about to intervene.
Arden backs off, shaking his head. Oskar and his bandmates start off again, moving toward the back door.
OSKAR
(calling back)
Best of luck with your performance, boys! Try not to fuck up too much!
ARDEN
(calling out)
Real fuckin’ Christian-like, Oskar!