Skinned alive his eyes are wide open and blank with the pupil and iris missing. Blood is pouring from his fingers. Tissue scraps from his blanket stuck inside his nails, where he scratched the tissue very hard.
COLLEGE CAMPUS - ROB’S BEDROOM
E, Jade and Kym step closer to the body, and find Rob’s body is wrapped up in a glue like mixture.
Skinned alive his eyes are wide open and blank with the pupil and iris missing. Blood is pouring from his fingers. Tissue scraps from his blanket stuck inside his nails, where he scratched the tissue very hard.
JADE:
Oh my God!
A repulsed Jade runs and kneels down beside the bed, finds a basket and pukes in it. E and Kym look at Jade, feeling even more repulsed.
E hands Jade a tissue, which she takes while sat on the floor. She cleans her mouth looking visably sick.
JADE:
I never saw a dead body in my entire life.
KYM:
I think it’s cool.
E turns to Kym, who smiles.
E:
Kym, you’re gonna be perfect for the job… Now let’s call the police.
JADE:
Are you crazy? We need to investigate first.
E:
What? This guy is dead. I’m sure he won’t listen to my mystic song.
KYM:
You were supposed to sing to him?
E shrugs off.
JADE:
He’s not the guy you are going to sing to, but he is a victim. Don’t you find this death is anything but normal?
Jade takes a pen from the table with her right hand and pinches her nose with her left. With the pen she prods Robert’s arm. The mixture his body is wrapped in stops the pen’s penetration.
JADE:
See, he’s like wrapped by glue or something like that.
KYM:
Really?
Kym approaches the body, while putting on gloves and touches it.
KYM:
Yes, you’re right.
She turns to E.
KYM:
You should try, E.
E slowley edges closer. Kym hands her the gloves and she puts them on. E uncomfortably stretches her hand towards the body. Jade lets the pen slip from her hand, which rolls under the bed. She leans over to get it, while E continues to move her finger closer to the body. Then:
JADE:
Oh my God!
E jumps from fear, while Kym joins Jade on the side of the bed.
E:
What?
Jade comes out of under the bed, and opens her hand in the direction of E and Kym.
JADE:
Look what I found.
KYM:
It’s a stone.
E:
You’re scared me for a stone?
Jade stands up. The two others follow and scrutinize the red stone Jade shows.
JADE:
It’s not just a stone you can find on the street, this one is special. It’s similar to the indaginis lapillus, the stone I used for the spell…
The girls wonder what she means. Jade continues regardless:
JADE:
Oh, that is Latin… Whatever this one seems to emit a different kind of energy, like negative… I don’t know I need to figure this out.
E:
So you don’t know.
Jade gets vexed.
JADE:
Yes I know, I just need confirmation.
Jade grabs a plastic bag from a desk in the corner of the room and puts the stone inside it.
JADE:
I need to do some research. Where can I find an internet connection?
THE CAPTAIN:
Here’s the best place to do internet research.
Jade turns to face the Captain and widely opens her eyes. She steps back to join E and Kym’s position. The Captain walks towards them in his usual intimidating manner.
THE CAPTAIN:
You again? What are you doing in my dead friend’s room?
E and Kym both simultaneously turn their heads and glance over at Jade, who remains quiet while staring at the Captain. E elbows Jade.
E:
Close your mouth and say something, Manager.
The Captain’s eyes squint, while looking at Jade.
THE CAPTAIN:
Do we know each other?
JADE:
Yes…
E, KYM and THE CAPTAIN:(all stunned)
Yes?!
Jade speaks in a shaky tone.
JADE:
No… I mean yes you’re right, we should not be here. We are leaving.
Jade grabs E and Kym’s arms to drag them out of the room. They start moving out. E stops and turns back to the Captain.
E:
And by the way, how do you know he’s dead?
The Captain is in complete shock, but manages to control his voice.
THE CAPTAIN:
Are you suspecting me?
Jade quickly pulls E out of the room.
JADE:
We are leaving… I am really sorry for your loss.
The Captain stays quiet, sadly staring at his friend’s corpse. E and Kym leave, followed by Jade, who steals a quick glance at him.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – KYM’S BEDROOM
E, Jade and Kym enter a standard two-bedroom student dwelling. The walls are clean and covered with big posters of dogs. E looks around the room.
E:
It looks like you love dogs.
KYM:
Yes, I wanna be a veterinary.
E:
Forget about it, now you’re the Fighter.
KYM:
Do you think that you can help dogs too?
E throws a suspicious look to Kym.
E:
I don’t think so…
She falls on to the bed and changes the subject.
E:
I don’t like this guy.
Kym turns the computer screen towards Jade.
KYM:
Look, You may be the only one. Every girl in this university dreams of him. He is THE star, the most popular student, handsome, wicked body, gets A’s without studying.
Jade sits in front of the computer.
KYM:
And guess his nickname: the Captain, because he’s the basketball team captain. What a catch!
E:
Yeah and I think Jade’s caught up!
E pretends to kiss an invisible handsome man.
JADE:
Don’t be so stupid, I was just surprised.
E:
You’re a terrible liar! Ok, just keep that to yourself.
JADE:
We do not have time for girl talks. I need to research this stone and you two need to train to fight and sing.
Kym gets excited.
KYM:
Cool! I’m starting to like this role.
E is already bored. Kym punches the air. She fights like a little girl.
KYM:(punching hard)
So why does the Singer need to be protected by the Fighter?
Jade focuses on the screen and types.
JADE:
Because demons and other fiends will try to kill her during her mystic song. The Fighter’s role is to prevent that.
E:
OK, but nothing forces the Fighter to protect me.
JADE:
Actually, the Fighter is forced to protect you, because if the Singer dies, the Fighter will die too. They are fueled by the same source of energy. The Singer and the Fighter are connected. Kym, try to hurt E, you should feel the same pain.
Kym pinches E. E screams. Jade stops typing on the computer and looks back at the girls.
E:
Ah! Are you nuts! You pinched me hard!
Kym turns to Jade.
KYM:
I didn’t feel anything.
JADE:
Maybe you didn’t hurt her enough.
Kym goes back to E, who quickly stands up.
E:
Try again and I’ll kill you.
Kym pouts.
E:
By the way, if the Fighter dies, I’m gonna die too, right?
JADE:
No, it’s not reciprocal.
KYM:
What? That’s unfair.
Kym feels as though things do not add up.
JADE:
If you want to know something comforting, the Fighter has superpowers like superhuman strength, and if you train hard you can fight weightless. Unlike the Singer, who can only sing.
KYM:
Cool, I’m gonna kick some ass.
E slowly shakes her head in a skeptical manner.
A LABORATORY
Steam flows out of a small pot. A pair of tongues are used to pick out a stone from the pot. The red stone shines brightly as the tongues are used to put them in an envelope.
A VOICE:
After Rob, who will be next tonight?
The voice erupts in to thunderous laughter.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – FRATERNITY HOUSE
A party is in full swing with Students everywhere, dancing, laughing and drinking. The Captain and Matthew, 21, blond, tall and handsome, sit on a couch drinking beer.
MATTHEW:
You’re sure you’re OK dude? I know.. er.. you and Rob were quite tight.
The Captain swallows to clear his throat.
THE CAPTAIN:
Man it’s just horrible the way he died.
MATTHEW:
I know I was told every dirty detail!
Matthew looks around at all the party-goers in the room.
MATTHEW:
But if you need any comfort, to take your mind of this, I think those girls back there are ready.
The Captain and Matthew gaze at two attractive female students, who play with their blonde hair as an invitation.
THE CAPTAIN:
Not tonight, dude… Actually, I’m leaving.
MATTHEW:
I’ll go with you.
The Captain and Matthew leave the fraternity house. They walk down one of the campus streets. Matthew slows his walking speed.
MATTHEW:
You really want to leave the party? You need to get some fun to get over this.
THE CAPTAIN:
No, I need some rest. I have to practice tomorrow.
MATTHEW:
Ok, I tried to help you. By the way, can you give me your notes of Professor Dean’s class? I’ve skipped it for the last two weeks.
THE CAPTAIN:
Me too!
Matthew turns and knocks into Thomas.
MATTHEW:
You, idiot! Watch your step!
THE CAPTAIN:
Matthew…
The Captain indicates with a look Thomas’s walking stick. Matthew realizes that this boy is blind.
Lyrics:
But if you could only see, what we all know and love…
MATTHEW:
I’m sorry, man.
THE CAPTAIN:
You’ll be OK?
THOMAS:
Yeah sure! Go ahead, guys… by the way, how was the party?
THE CAPTAIN:
It was Cool!
They walk away leaving Thomas alone.
THOMAS:
I’m sure it was.
Thomas continues his walk.
Lyrics:
Your beauty and kindness shines from high above…
Someone briskly walks by Thomas. He tries to follow them with his eyes.
THOMAS:
My God, what…?
Thomas blinks his eyes. He clearly sees a human form following the two guys.
THOMAS:
Hey, gu…
Thomas is knocked out and collapses, completely unconscious.
ACT FOUR
COLLEGE CAMPUS
E, Jade and Kym walk down the main university campus street. Jade’s anger is shown by the look on her face.
JADE:
I can’t believe it. I didn’t find anything, the internet is supposed to be the information superhighway. I have wasted all that time for nothing.
E:
Definitely… Hey stop complaining, we’re heading to the library. We’re gonna find something. Don’t worry.
Jade feels down and frowns.
E:
…But you expect too much of yourself. Besides, the police is working on the investigation too, so just relax.
Jade stops walking, puts her hand on her hips and prepares to air her feelings to the others.
JADE:
Don’t you get it yet? This student was murdered by a demon. The police can’t help us.
E:
How can you be so sure? Some human beings are crazy enough to do that. Demons don’t even exist.
Jade gives E a look of disappointment.
JADE:
You still think I’m telling stories, don’t you?
E sighs.
E:
To be honest, yes I do… look I saw your magic spells, I’m aware that the student’s death is weird, but I’ve seen so many things in my life… I’ll hang out with you guys a bit more, then tomorrow I’m out. I got to find a new job and pay my rent, which was due today for your information.
Jade is speechless.
KYM:
You know, I trust you, Jade. I’ve always felt that I was special.
Jade starts walking. Kym follows and steps on something, and almost looses her balance but manages to stay on her feet.
KYM:
Damn, what was that?
They all look down to find a white cane and nearby the fallen body of Thomas. They all run towards him to get a closer look at his body. E slightly lifts his head.
KYM:
Oh my God, it’s Thomas. Is he dead?
THOMAS:
No, I’m not. Or at least I don’t think so.
They all jump, startled by Thomas’ voice before letting out a sigh of relief.
E:
What happened to you?
THOMAS:(still immobile)
I was knocked out.
KYM:
By who?
E elbows Kym. Kym realizes that she is asking someone blind to recognize his assaulter. She coughs feeling embarrassed and not wanting to upset Thomas any further.
THOMAS:
No, it’s OK. Did I hear you talking about demons?
JADE and KYM:
No!
E:
Yes.
Thomas looks confused.
THOMAS:
Yes or no?
Jade’s eyes are pleasing with E to not reveal the truth.
E:
Yes, we were talking about the demon who killed a student. Only a human being, crazy enough could’ve done it, right?
The girls nod and hum in a synchronized tone, as if to say yes.
THOMAS:(disappointed)
Oh...
E:
But you can confess. We’ll keep your secret safe.
Thomas hesitates for a second.
THOMAS:
Ok… I saw someone and I think he or she was following two students.
The girls are confused.
JADE:
Are you sure about this?
E:
Hang on a minute, can you see? I thought you were blind?
THOMAS:
I am… I mean I can’t see things clearly but I can see color stains and shadows. However, I assure you it was as clear as if I could really see… I saw someone.
KYM:
Whoa! Alright Thomas, I believe you.
E’s face is skeptical.
JADE:
Who were the students followed?
THOMAS:
According to the voices I heard, I recognized the Captain and the second one I’m pretty sure, was Matthew.
E:
Always the Captain. So you’re telling us that you could see someone walking behind two students, but you didn’t exactly see the students.
THOMAS:
I know it’s weird. Then just as I was about to warn them, I got knocked to the ground. They may be in danger.
They help him stand up.
JADE:
We really need to find them. Do you know where they live?
KYM:
I do
E and Jade are stunned and Kym feels the need to justify her knowledge.
KYM:
I had a crush on Matthew… a long time ago.
E:
Yeah right!
COLLEGE CAMPUS - MATTHEW’S BEDROOM
They come in. The room is dark, impossible to see.
THOMAS:
Something smells very bad.
E:
I can smell it too. It’s terrible.
E turns the light on. They all look at the bed and turn silent, except Thomas who continues to talk.
THOMAS:
Why did you stop talking?
E:
Because, Matthew is dead.
Matthew’s body is glued to the bed. The girls stare at him in a state of shock.
JADE:
Oh my God!
Jade is repulsed again. She covers her mouth with her hand, stopping her from throwing up.
E:
Ok, that’s enough. What kind of human does weird stuff like this?
A noise comes from the closet.
THOMAS:
What’s that?
E:
It’s the Fighter’s job to find out.
Kym goes to open it, revealing:
KYM:
Professor Dean? What are you doing in there?
THOMAS:
Professor Dean?!
Professor Dean comes out of the closet, confident.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
Visiting a student.
E:
In the middle of the night?
PROFESSOR DEAN:
I’m really committed to my students.
He moves forward to the exit.
E:
And you didn’t want to call the police when you found the body.
JADE:
Isn’t it weird Matthew and Rob are covered in the same mixture?
Jade grabs a pen and touches Matthew’s face with it.
JADE:
Same mixture… but less compact… fresher.
E, Jade and Kym lean over the body, scrutinizing the mixture. They exchange a look and focus again on Matthew’s body.
All of a sudden, the girls scream.
THOMAS:
What happened?
KYM:
He’s alive. Matthew is alive.
Matthew opens his eyes.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
See, I didn’t do anything.
Professor Dean shoves Thomas whose blocking his way out. Thomas falls to the ground and the Professor runs out of the room.
JADE:
Don’t let him go.
THOMAS:
I can’t see, remember?
E:
Relax, Jade. Do your thing to find him and let’s call an ambulance for Matthew.
KYM:
I’ll call.
Jade takes out another stone from her jacket pocket and closes her eyes.
JADE:
Earth, guide our steps, show us the way to fulfill our mission
She throws the stone. It turns into a shiny black arrow.
JADE:
Come on. Quickly!
E and Kym follow running. Thomas is left behind, looking sad. But E comes back and grabs him.
Jade runs as fast as she can following the shiny arrow, making sure not to lose it. Kym is just behind her, and A little bit further behind are E and Thomas, who struggle to keep up with the pace.
THOMAS:
You should let me go, I’m slowing you down.
E:
Are you kidding? You’re my excuse if I get there late. I haven’t worked out for a long time.
The shiny arrow goes through a door. Jade and Kym stop in front of it. E and Thomas arrive, a minute later all puffed out and gasping for breathe.
The inscription on the door says:
E:
A laboratory? I thought he was a history-something professor.
JADE:
He must use it to summon the demon.
Jade hesitates.
JADE:
I am a bit worried about you Kym. We did not take time to train you and fighting demons is not an easy task.
KYM:
Don’t worry about me. I’m gonna be fine.
Jade looks at E and Kim, they all exchange determined glares.
JADE:
So I guess this is it!(facing E) You will certainly have to sing for him. But first, you really need to concentrate, to empathize with him and to understand why he did this, in order to get the mystic song.
E listens to Jade carefully, nodding as she listens.
E:
Let’s go. Let’s arrest him!
JADE:
You’ll finally get proof.
THOMAS:
What about me?
E, Jade and Kym have forgotten about Thomas for a moment.
JADE:
It’s too dangerous and safer if you stay out here.
Thomas is disappointed but remains silent. The girls leave him in the hall on their way to complete their first mission.
COLLEGE CAMPUS - INSIDE THE LABORATORY
The laboratory is empty. They look around but there is nothing but silence. E points at a closed door at the back. Kym goes toward it first and opens it.
They move through to a second room in the laboratory, which is full of empty cages piled high. They move forward together. There is silence at first. Suddenly the door slams. They jump in fear and turn to face Professor Dean, who is standing right in front of the door from which they entered… their only exit.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
Young ladies, you again?
E:
We know what you did last summer.
Jade elbows her.
JADE:(to E)
Do you think this is funny?
PROFESSOR DEAN:
OK, I really don’t know why you’re here, I am an innocent man.
Kym moves closer to the professor.
KYM:
Why did you cover Rob and Matthew with glue?
PROFESSOR DEAN:
Skip that. It’ll take too long to explain. What do you want from me? If you’re not going to turn me over the police. Tell me, what can I do for you?
JADE:
We know that you must suffer a lot to kill other human beings with no reason…
Professor Dean lifts an eyebrow vexed.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
Who said I have no reason?
JADE:
So how can you justify your actions?
Professor Dean starts speaking, while Jade quickly turns to E and whispers.
JADE:
Ok, listen to him very carefully, get to know how he feels so you can empathize better and sing for him.
E:
Am I a shrink or something?
Professor Dean claps his hands to get the girls attention, startling them in the process.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
You just don’t care. All you wanted was to gain some time, hum! You think I’m a fool?
He slowly walks toward them, with a threatening and intimidating glare. The girls step back at the same pace.
E:
Professor, it’s really not what we think about you. Actually, I find you very attractive.
Everybody stops to look at E. However, Professor Dean smiles at her, to the surprise of the girls.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
I used to be even more handsome you know…
Professor Dean looks up. His happy expression is quickly replaced with a sad look.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
But everything changed since the accident. I’m not beautiful to anyone anymore.
He resumes his walk to them and they resume theirs backwards.
E:
Professor Dean, but if you could only see, what we all know and love; your beauty and kindness shines from high above.
E stops walking and starts singing.
E:
See as others see you / Look through their eyes
See as others see you / Feel the love inside
Kym turns to Jade.
KYM:
Oh my God, that’s terrible! Are you sure she’s the Singer?
JADE:
She needs some time to sing the mystic song, but I agree it does not sound good at all.
E continues to sing.
E:(sings a bit better)
Look into the mirror and see the changing face
See the beauty deep inside and find the even pace
Don't listen to the people who will fill your heart with hate
Feel the love inside and surrender to your fate
She stops her song.
E:(to Jade and Kym)
That’s the song I had on my head all day long yesterday.
PROFESSOR DEAN:
Please stop… my ears! I can’t stand it anymore.
From the corner of their eyes, a monster shows up. Hideously shaped like a human being, but with tentacles on his head, no nose, a big open mouth and without any teeth. His skin looks burnt.
PROFESSOR DEAN:(to the demon)
Thank God, someone I trust. I want you to kill them. They’re really bothering me.
JADE:
It’s your turn, Kym.
Jade stands in front of E, as a shield.
E:
What the hell is it?...
JADE:
Yes, Eugénie, it’s a demon.
Kym punches the demon and screams hard. E and Jade sympathize. Kym ducks and moves quickly to avoid the demon’s fist. Professor Dean flees.
E:
Gosh, he’s leaving.
JADE:
We need to get him. I’ll try to hypnotize the demon.
Kym runs towards the girls; the demon follows her. Jade covers Kym and tries a spell.
JADE:
Get caught, get caught, you shall…
But the demon beats her. Jade hits a cage, falls down and is unconscious. The demon approaches Kym.
E:
Kym, back off!
The demon grabs Kym and holds her head in both of his hands…
E:
Kym!
… and breaks her neck. Kym collapses dead instantly. E screams.
E:
Oh my God!
E is terrified face to face with a demon. He slaps E’s face with one of his tentacles. E screams.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – GYMNASIUM
Meanwhile, basketball practice is on. The Captain stands ready to get the ball. Suddenly, he is slapped in the face but no one touched him. He shakes his head confused but keeps his eyes on the ball.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – THE LABORATORY
E crawls to escape the demon that seems to come closer anyway. She is scared and sees no way out. But the demon reaches for her and hits her so hard, she is thrown against the wall and falls on the floor. Her back cracks and her cheeks swell up.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – GYMNASIUM
Suddenly, The Captain is also thrown against a wall. The players and the coach run towards him. He looks at his mates, all dizzy.
THE COACH:
Are you OK, Kim? How did you end up over here?
The Captain stays quiet, still feeling dizzy. The coach helps him to get up.
THE COACH:
Go freshen up, Kim. Your cheek seems very bad.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – THE LABORATORY
E looks at Kym lying dead on the floor. She’s absolutely terrified.
Lyrics:
The other half of your team, your soul mate through and through…
She observes Jade still lying down, unconscious. E sees the demon approaching, her cheeks have swelled up. She is horrified.
COLLEGE CAMPUS – GYMNASIUM
The Captain puts some water on his face. His cheeks have swelled up too. He looks at his reflection on the mirror.
Lyrics:
… But when you hide behind a mask, no one can see the real you
THE CAPTAIN:
Damn, what’s going on Kim?
TO BE CONTINUED…
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