EVIL SHADOW

THE FIRST POSSESSION

At a quiet corner of the school grounds during lunch break. Pearl tells Beauty she needs to study and cannot join the others. She walks to a secluded bench and sits alone.

Pearl closes her eyes. A translucent, ghostlike version of her soul rises out of her physical body, connected by a faint silver mist. Her physical body remains seated and motionless.

The floating spirit travels silently across the courtyard and enters Belle's body in a swirl of dark smoke. Belle, now secretly controlled by Pearl, approaches Beauty while she is playing nearby and suddenly shoves her to the ground.

Beauty stares at Belle in shock.

Beauty: "Belle! What was that for?"

The spirit slips out of Belle. Belle looks confused and reaches out a hand to help Beauty up.

Belle: "I didn't do anything! What happened?"

Beauty hesitates, then accepts the hand. Pearl opened her eyes on the distant bench and smiling faintly.

In the classroom, Beauty raises her hand.

Beauty: "Excuse me, sir. May I use the restroom?"

The teacher nods. Moments later, Belle also asks to leave. In the hallway, the possessed Belle secretly locks Beauty inside a restroom and returns to class.

Beauty tries the door and finds it locked.

Beauty: "Hello? Is anyone out there?"

After several attempts, Pearl appears in the hallway and opens the door.

Pearl: "Why did you lock yourself in here?"

Beauty looks confused.

Beauty: "Did you see anyone outside?"

Pearl: "Yes. I saw Belle down the hallway."

Later, Beauty confronts Belle in front of the classroom.

Beauty: "Why did you lock me inside?"

Belle: "I didn't lock you inside!"

Beauty: "Right. Just like you didn't push me yesterday."

Beauty walks away with Pearl. The boys exchange puzzled looks while Belle stands alone, confused and increasingly worried.