Ext. Cupid's Love Motel Parking Lot - Day
Johan stands outside the motel, adjusting the machete secured on his belt.
The motel's door swings open, and Cheyenne emerges.
Johan extends a hand in greeting, but Cheyenne sidesteps the gesture, causing Johan to retract his hand awkwardly. However, she approaches him and crouches down beside him.
With her hair still damp from her recent shower, the scent of peppermint wafts toward Johan.
Johan had always been kin to smell.
Johan
So, uh, you slept through the whole incident yesterday, huh...
Cheyenne nods in confirmation.
Last night, Rhia discovered Cheyenne fast asleep in her room. When questioned, Cheyenne merely stated that she had managed to sleep through Shin's entire encounter.
Johan and the others were astounded by her ability to sleep soundly amid such chaos.
Cheyenne
It was so annoying. That light brat. Kept babbling on about something.
Cheyenne's irritation is palpable as she recounts the encounter with Shin, and Johan can't help but chuckle softly in response.
Johan
Well, the gist of what we learned last night is that there are still some secrets in this world that we haven't uncovered. Shin also mentioned that he would be presenting what he calls "gifts" to us. We haven't fully figured out what that would be though...
Cheyenne responds with a stoic nod before murmuring.
Cheyenne
Gift, huh...
Cheyenne retrieves one of her knives, and the metallic glint of the blade catches the light as she begins to playfully twirl it in the air. She does so with an ease and nonchalance that might alarm most people, but her movements exude confidence and familiarity with the weapon.
Johan watches with fascination as Cheyenne continues to flip the knife, seemingly without fear of injuring herself. The gleaming blade spins dangerously close to her fingers, yet she remains unshaken by the perilous dance.
Johan eventually speaks up, voicing the question that's been gnawing at him.
Johan
Do you not fear getting hurt? Your fingers might get cut off...
Cheyenne halts her impromptu performance and gazes up at Johan, her eyes fixated on his.
Cheyenne
Fear is like fire. If you control it, it can fight for you. If you can't control it, it will burn you down to ashes. Fear is your worst enemy, yet your best friend.
(Whispers)
Neither fits you though...
She punctuates her profound insight by resuming her knife-twirling practice, as if her words were meant not just for Johan but also for herself.
Johan's eyes widen at her response.
He never once thought about it like that...
Cheyenne suddenly questions him in a straightforward manner.
Cheyenne
So, where are we headed next? You seem to be like a leader here.
Johan, taken aback by her implicit designation of him as the leader, momentarily stumbles over his words.
Johan
I uh, don't want to be a leader. I see myself more as a... Supporter... But we're thinking about heading to the nearest park.
Cheyenne appears somewhat dissatisfied with the proposal, her disinterest clearly visible.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group comes out of the motel, displaying traces of tiredness.
Holden
(Suggesting)
Johan, I was thinking about it more last night, but I think we should check the shopping outlet nearby first.
Johan considers the option, while Cheyenne's interest is piqued at the mention of the shopping outlet.
Johan
(Debating)
Hmm... I feel like we should fasten up the process. How about we split into two groups and meet up around afternoon?
The proposal receives a positive response from everyone present, each expressing their preference for the park or the outlet.
Rhia
(Putting her hand up)
I want to see the park.
Holden
I'll go to the outlet.
Scotty
(Yawning)
Park for me.
Cheyenne
(Quietly)
Outlet.
Holden's head rapidly turns to Cheyenne after her response.
Johan
Okay then, I'll join the park group-
Holden
(Interrupting)
Wait!
Holden approaches Johan, discretely pulling him aside for a private conversation.
Holden
(In hushed tone)
Can you go to the outlet with Cheyenne? Please.
Understanding Holden's underlying apprehension, Johan responds in a reassuring manner.
Johan
Ah, you still don't like her? She might be a little unapproachable and, well, a little psychotic, but come on, be more friendly. You're good at that.
Holden
It's not that... I'm... Scared of her.
Johan
(Nodding)
I'm a little scared as well, but I've gotten used to it. You should do the same.
Holden
I...
Johan pats him on the back and turns to the group.
Johan
Shall we get going then?
As the group sets off, Holden follows suit, still somewhat uneasy about being in close quarters with Cheyenne.
Ext. Downtown LA Park - Moments Later
Johan, Scotty, and Rhia gaze up at the statue that stands prominently at the entrance of the park.
An angel sculpted from bronze with outstretched arms appears to welcome all who approach.
Scotty
Hey, doesn't this look like the statue that used to be in the park near your house when we were kids?
Johan
Yeah, but that one didn't have wings, so it was basically just a naked man. That's why it got taken down after a few years.
Scotty
(Chuckles)
Didn't we draw all over its face with markers? I couldn't see much because it was at night, but I'm pretty sure I drew a huge shit on it.
Johan
(Smirks)
You did, and I tried to stop you.
Scotty
Hey! At least I'm not the one who threw a whole milkshake at it!
Johan bursts into laughter, reminiscing about their playful mischief.
Johan
That shake tasted horrible.
Rhia, observing the close friendship between the two, smiles warmly.
Rhia
You two seem very close.
Johan
(Still laughing)
Well, we have known each other for over ten years now. I met you when you were 5, right?
Scotty nods in agreement and nudges Johan.
Scotty
Yeah, had some ups and downs, but he can't get rid of me.
Rhia
It's really great to see. I had a friend like that too, but we sort of drifted apart after middle school.
Scotty
Middle school, huh... We actually attended different schools starting in middle school, but I still went to his house practically every weekend, didn't I?
Johan
Too much. But you really helped me during that time.
Johan replies with a nostalgic smile, as if he was revisiting some memories.
Rhia
(Curious)
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Oh, how so?
Johan
(Stuttering)
Uh. It's uh. Well-
Before Johan can respond, Scotty swiftly intervenes, diverting the conversation.
Scotty
Hey! Should we start exploring the park?
Rhia
O-Oh, yes, let's do that.
Scotty and Rhia starts walking into the park, leaving Johan smiling at his friend's consideration.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
Cheyenne strolls through the outlet area, her eyes drawn to each store she passes, her curiosity piqued by the merchandise on display.
Holden follows closely behind, a baseball bat resting on his shoulder, ready to defend against any potential threats.
Cheyenne halts in front of a glasses store, her interest piqued. Without delay, she enters the store, with Holden trailing behind her.
Holden
You found something?
Cheyenne peruses the store, her gaze fixed on a particular item. She spots a pair of pink sunglasses, reaching out to grab it.
Cheyenne
It's here as well.
Holden
(Confused)
What... What do you mean?
Cheyenne tries on the sunglasses, examining her reflection in a nearby mirror.
Cheyenne
(Smiling)
I found the same one in the mall but forgot to take it.
Holden, unsure of how to react, sighs and scans the store.
Holden
So far, I haven't felt a presence. I think we should check the-
He pauses abruptly, his eyes locked on a pack of cigarettes resting on the counter.
His contemplation is apparent as Cheyenne notices his gaze and moves closer.
Cheyenne
You smoke?
Holden
(Shaking his head)
No. Never. I play baseball, so my coach will take my head if I did.
Cheyenne
There is no coach anymore and you probably might never play baseball again.
Cheyenne states a matter-of-factly, lacking any hint of sympathy.
Holden
(Sighing again)
Well, still no.
Cheyenne, however, takes the pack and unceremoniously places it inside Holden's backpack.
Cheyenne
You want it. Take it.
Holden
H-Hey! No, I don't need it!
Cheyenne pays no heed to his words, her actions resolute.
Cheyenne
(Exiting)
Let's go see another store now.
Holden, still grappling with the decision, places his backpack in front and contemplates removing the pack of cigarettes.
Holden
(Quietly)
Damn...
But after a moment's hesitation, he chooses to leave the pack untouched and exits the store.
Ext. Downtown LA Park - Day
Scotty gleefully skips rocks on the pond, while Johan and Rhia wrap up their survey of the area and head back towards him.
Johan
No luck... I wonder how Holden and Cheyenne are doing.
Rhia
(Carefully)
Maybe... If they found no one as well, we should change the course of plan.
Johan
(Contemplating)
Hmm... Yeah, but I don't know what else we can do.
Rhia
(With slight confidence)
I do have an idea. How about we leave the state?
Johan nods, acknowledging her suggestion.
Scotty
Hey, guys! Come here and look at this! I'm skipping it like seven times!
Scotty beckons, his voice carrying over the gentle splashing of the water.
Johan
(Going to the pond)
Let's actually work on that plan. Nice idea, Rhia.
Rhia smiles and follows suit.
Scotty
Look!
(Throws the rock)
Seven times!
Johan and Rhia sidle up to Scotty and observe the stone skimming gracefully over the water's surface.
However, their peaceful interlude is abruptly disrupted as another rock crashes into Scotty's, causing them both to plunge into the water.
Scotty
(Surprised)
What the!
Johan
Hey, where did that rock-
Acting quickly, Johan pulls Scotty closer, a protective stance born out of instinct.
The group had just noticed that a long-haired man had appeared beside Scotty seemingly out of thin air.
Long Hair
(Offering another rock)
Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to hit yours.
Johan, still cautious, keeps his guard up, pulling Scotty and Rhia back with him.
Johan
Who are you? Where did you come from?
Long Hair
(Casually)
Hmm? I just walked up here?
Johan maintains a defensive posture. He could sense that something was off with the man, a feeling that lingered in the air, making his skin prickle with unease.
Long Hair
Oh! Sorry sorry. I should've introduced myself first. My name is Lance Lenart. Please call me Lance. So nice to meet you all.
The man named Lance extends his hand with a friendly smile.
Johan warily reaches out, grasping Lance's hand as he introduces himself.
Johan
Johan.
Lance
(Appraising)
The name suits you.
Johan
(Suspicious)
How did you find us?
Lance only smiles for an answer, intensifying Johan's wariness.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
Holden and Cheyenne stride into a cozy elegant restaurant named "Old Cornerstone."
Holden
This is the last place we have to check, but I doubt anyone would be here.
Cheyenne sniffs the air, taking in the tantalizing aromas.
Cheyenne
It smells good.
Holden
(Noticing the smell)
Yes, it really does. It's as if someone just ate here...
Cheyenne taps Holden's shoulder, directing his attention to a specific area. Holden turns and is met with an unexpected sight.
On one of the tables, an assortment of empty plates suggests a feast had recently taken place. A giant tomahawk steak, pasta dishes, fried appetizers, bread, salad, chicken, and numerous bottles of beer adorn the table.
Resting amidst this culinary display is Kane, fast asleep with his head nestled on the table.
Cheyenne, reaches for a knife, ready to take action.
Cheyenne
What should we do?
Holden intervenes, restraining her and approaching Kane himself.
Holden
He's sleeping. Calm down.
With caution, he moves closer to Kane, flinching slightly at the strong scent of cigars and alcohol, underscored by a faint whiff of blood.
Gently, he taps the slumbering man's shoulder.
Holden
Hey. Hello?
Unperturbed by the noise, Kane continues to snore loudly, deeply entrenched in his slumber.
Holden
He's sound asleep.
Holden confirms, turning back to Cheyenne.
But Cheyenne has other plans. She approaches the table and without hesitation, smashes a beer bottle on the surface, producing a sharp, jarring sound that instantly jolts Kane awake.
Holden
Jeez, can we please go for a more non-violent approach?
Cheyenne simply returns his disapproval with a cryptic smile.
Kane, now fully awake, utters with a rasp.
Kane
What the fuck...
Holden
(Sincerely)
Sorry. I'm so sorry. Didn't mean to startle you like that.
Kane surveys the scene, taking in the remnants of the meal before him.
Kane
Ah, fuck. I fell asleep while eating. The hell.
Kane mutters as stands up to collect himself. He locates his leather jacket hanging over a nearby chair and swiftly dons it.
Kane
(Stretching and cracking his neck)
Oh, you two must be part of the group Ted found. Damn, how lucky am I?
Holden
(Puzzled)
Sorry, what do you mean by that?
Kane nonchalantly reaches behind his back, remarking.
Kane
Now that I think about it, Lance told me to come here. Eh, whatever.
In a lightning-fast move, Kane whips out his knife and attempts to slash Holden.
But just in the nick of time, Cheyenne intercepts the attack with her own knife.
Kane
Wow, look at this girl.
However, without hesitation, he kicks her away, sending her crashing onto a table.
Holden
Put down your knife!
Holden shouts while swinging his bat toward Kane's face.
Kane deftly catches the bat mid-air, and delivers a swift elbow to Holden's abdomen.
Holden, gasping for breath, drops to his knees.
Kane then thrusts his knife into the table and snatches up the tomahawk steak bone.
Kane
(Muses)
You know, when I was eating this, I couldn't help but wonder how painful it would be if I hit someone with it
He proceeds to slam the bone into Holden's head, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Kane
How bad does it hurt?
Kane taunts as he discards the bone and reclaims his knife.
Cheyenne regains her footing and swiftly retrieves another knife.
Kane smirks as he notices, taking a sip of a beer he finds nearby.
Cheyenne quickly lunges at Kane, launching a flurry of stabs with both her hands. Kane sidesteps each attack as he moves toward a more open space.
Then, seizing her by both wrists, he knees her in the stomach.
Kane
You're fast. But your movement is ridiculously predictable.
Kane throws Cheyenne onto a nearby table, shattering it in the process.
Cheyenne winces in pain as she falls to the floor.
Kane
Seems like you're the stronger one out of the two. Guess I'll kill you first then-
His words are cut short when Cheyenne throws a knife at him, grazing his cheek. She continues to pull herself to her feet, swiftly withdrawing another knife from her belt.
Kane
(Touching his cheek)
How many knives do you have?
Cheyenne hurls another knife at him, but Kane deftly rolls to the side, narrowly evading the attack.
She again lunges toward Kane, brandishing both knives, but he promptly kicks her away, creating some distance between them.
Cheyenne, nevertheless, backhands her knives and provokes.
Cheyenne
Try dodging this.
In a fluid, spinning motion, she advances upon Kane, attempting to cut him down.
Kane skillfully deflects most of her attacks, but then Cheyenne tosses the knives into the air, draws two more from her belt, and resumes her assault.
She juggles the four knives expertly, and finally after a barrage of attack, lands a stab in Kane's shoulder.
Kane, however, grabs her hand to prevent her from stabbing deeper.
Then, with all his strength, shoves her into the wall.
He goes on by kneeing her on the head, and sends her collapsing to the ground.
Kane catches his breath, believing he's emerged victorious.
Kane
(Glancing at his shoulder)
What a crazy bitch.
As he pulls the knife from his shoulder, he notes the red handle.
Kane
I'll keep this as a souvenir.
Kane tucks it into his pocket and brings his knife down upon Cheyenne, but at that very moment, something splashes onto his back.
Kane
(Screaming)
What the fuck?!
Kane winces as something burns his skin. In a panicked frenzy, he removes his jacket, revealing severe burns.
Holden, standing behind Kane with a bottle of sulfuric acid, had hurled the corrosive substance at him.
Kane clenches his teeth in pain and fury, and as he reaches for Holden, the latter grabs Cheyenne and rushes toward the door.
Swiftly, Kane clutches Holden's backpack, but Holden swiftly releases it and bolts out the door.
Kane
FUCK!
He roars in frustration as Holden and Cheyenne manage to escape his reach.
Ext. Downtown LA Park - Meanwhile
Johan, seething with anger, forcefully pushes Lance to the ground, demanding an explanation.
Johan
You what? Say that again!
He shouts, his patience wearing thin.
Lance
Please, relax. They probably didn't meet him. He has the tendency to wander off to somewhere else.
Scotty chimes in, curious about Lance's intentions.
Scotty
If you were planning to kill us all, why didn't you do it when you first found us in the motel?
Lance
Well, if I have to be honest, I alone couldn't take on all of you. That's why when I saw you guys splitting up, I sent my friend to follow the other two.
Johan
Let's not waste time with this shithead and hurry.
Annoyed by the situation, Johan is keen to leave, urging the others to move on.
Rhia, however, remains intrigued. She wants to understand the situation better.
Rhia
Wait, Johan. I want to know why this person didn't attack us right now though. He could've easily snuck up behind us.
Johan, visibly irritated, turns to Lance, seizing his collar in frustration.
Johan
You heard her.
With a smile, Lance offers an explanation.
Lance
I honestly don't know yet. But I'm strangely attracted to you all. There's a gut feeling that something amusing will happen.
Johan releases his grip on Lance's collar and storms off, Scotty following closely behind after giving Lance a sharp stare.
Rhia, though still hesitant, eventually decides to leave the area as well, her mind preoccupied with the newly acquired information.
Lance
(Disappointed)
Oh well...
As Johan, Scotty, and Rhia disappear into the distance, Lance's form gradually dissipates into nothingness.
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Continuous
In the midst of the driving, Holden clutches his head, a trickle of blood seeping from a minor wound.
With concern, he glances in the rearview mirror to check on Cheyenne, who's lying on the backseat.
She does her best to maintain a composed appearance, but her discomfort is palpable as she's also in pain.
Holden
How are you doing back there?
Cheyenne raises her sunglasses, inspecting them for any damage.
Cheyenne
At least these didn't break.
A faint chuckle escapes Holden, realizing that he might have been overly concerned.
Cheyenne
I was still conscious, you know. I might have-
Holden
I know. You were probably going to win if I didn't intervene.
Holden's words are sincere, but Cheyenne remains silent. After a pause, she finally speaks.
Cheyenne
Actually... I don't know...
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Meanwhile
As they race through the streets, Scotty takes the wheel, his foot pressing hard on the gas pedal.
Johan fidgets restlessly in the passenger seat, and Rhia, perched in the back, studies the map.
Rhia
You need to turn right up here.
Scotty skillfully guides the car to the right, his grip steady on the wheel.
Scotty
Johan, weren't we all supposed to meet back at the motel by 12? What if we miss each other?
Johan rubs his temple and lets out a heavy sigh.
Johan
We'll have to take that risk. There was something off about that Lance guy. I feel like his friend is probably the same.
Rhia
Take a left here. We should be able to see the outlet.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Moments Later
The trio anxiously scans the area, repeatedly calling out for Holden and Cheyenne.
Johan
Holden! Cheyenne!
(Whispering)
Damn it...
Rhia
Johan, come over here!
Johan rushes over to Rhia, who's holding up a leather jacket with the backside partially melted.
Her eyes catch a nearby restaurant.
Rhia
Should we go in and check?
Johan nods, his face etched with concern, and makes his way into the restaurant. Rhia trails closely behind.
Ext. Outside of Cupid's Love Motel - Noon
Holden and Cheyenne park the car and anxiously scan the area for signs of the others.
Holden
I guess they're running a bit late.
Cheyenne's expression turns wary, and she motions for Holden to be alert.
Cheyenne
I hear something.
(Focuses on the sound)
Something's coming.
Holden strains his ears, and the distant rumble of motorcycle engines becomes audible.
Ten individuals on five motorcycles soon come into view, their presence unmistakable.
Holden tightens his grip on his bat, and Cheyenne takes out a knife.
Holden
You think it's the same guy?
Cheyenne
He couldn't have caught up to us that fast.
As the motorcycle gang draws nearer, it becomes evident that each of them wields a weapon
Holden
Well, whoever it is, I don't think this is gonna end peacefully.
Int. Outlet Restaurant - Continuous
Johan and Rhia survey the broken tables and signs of a fierce struggle throughout the restaurant.
Rhia
What... What do you think happened?
Johan leans down to examine a splatter of blood on the floor.
Johan
It's hard to say, but it doesn't look like anyone died. Someone definitely got injured, though.
Suddenly, the silence is shattered by Scotty's loud scream.
Scotty, gasping for breath, bursts into the restaurant, his face contorted with panic.
Johan rushes to Scotty and steadies him.
Johan
What's wrong? Did you find someone?
Scotty
(Trembling)
Not someone...
The restaurant's door is violently torn open, and a Gier, with a hunched back, enters the room.
Scotty
Something.
Johan
(Drawing his machete)
G-Get behind me.
With a blood-curdling scream, the Gier charges at them, and Johan readies himself for the impact.