Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Night
In the dimly lit downtown streets, a swift punch from Kane disrupts the Gier's balance, sending it to its knees.
He quickly grabs the Gier's head, driving it towards the ground, aiming to strike it with his knife.
But the Gier evades, countering with a forceful headbutt to Kane's skull.
The knife clatters to the pavement as Kane stumbles backward, shaken.
Kane
Fuck...
The Gier steadies itself and lunges forward, landing a sharp headbutt that sends Kane reeling.
Armed only with his fists now, Kane braces himself for the Gier's charge.
But suddenly, a long spear arcs through the air, piercing the Gier's neck, skewering it entirely.
The Gier staggers before collapsing.
Seizing the moment, Kane retrieves his knife, poised to deliver the final blow.
Kane
(Laughs triumphantly)
I got the kill! Should've aimed for its head, Lance!
Approaching from the shadows, Lance grins.
Lance
I purposely aimed for the neck, so you could have the kill.
Kane
(Irritated by his words)
What?
Lance
What I'm saying is. It doesn't matter who makes the kill, Kane.
(Smiling)
We're a team.
Kane
(Scoffs)
Whatever.
Kane withdraws his knife and strides toward his bike.
Lance
Well, are you interested in seeing how the collection's shaping up?
Lance motions toward his car, as he retrieves his spear from the Gier's corpse.
And as they approach the vehicle, Kane takes a contemplative glance.
Kane
I don't know if I need another weapon right now. My knife has already been enhanced a lot. It's sturdy enough to stab the concrete ground with ease now.
Lance
True, but it doesn't hurt to expand our weaponry. Keep upgrading, you know?
Lance pops open the trunk, revealing an impressive array of weapons.
Swords, daggers, shields, rapiers, maces, war hammers; an assortment spanning the medieval ages.
Lance
I've scoured every antique store in this area. How's it looking?
Kane
(Grinning)
Can't wait to see what these beauties can do some day.
Lance
(Holding the spear up)
It really is amazing how Shin made it so that any weapon in this world can become unbreakable like a diamond when used extensively in combat.
Kane
That little bitch knows how to keep things interesting. It's like the weapons come alive, right? The quality doesn't diminish at all, no matter how much you use it. Hell, it only gets better.
Kane grabs a dagger, examining it closely.
Kane
Even these weapons for display can turn deadly—
Abruptly, Kane clutches his stomach, grimacing in pain.
Lance
What's wrong?
Kane
Uh... Just a hangover.
Lance
(Smiling)
You should ease up on the drinking.
Kane
I do whatever the fuck I want.
He tosses the dagger back into the trunk and slams it shut with a resounding click.
Kane
I wonder if Ted found those bitches...
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
Within a clothing store, Rhia, Holden, Cheyenne, and Scotty sleep, using folded t-shirts as makeshift pillows.
Johan, on the other hand, stealthily maneuvers out of the store, trying not to disturb anyone.
Finding solace on a nearby bench, he cradles his face in his hands, a sigh escaping him.
Sleep seemed like an elusive luxury amidst the turmoil they faced, and Johan bore the weight of their predicament more heavily than anyone else.
Scotty
Pretty chilly tonight, huh?
Scotty joins Johan on the bench, visibly shivering in the cold night air.
He rubs his arms vigorously in an attempt to generate warmth.
Johan
Scotty...
Scotty
I still cannot believe it, you know? The chances that both of us got pulled into this... What was it called again?
Johan
The Spectacle...
Scotty
Yeah, whatever it is called, I'm glad we're in it together, so-
(Rubbing his nose)
Don't carry the weight alone, man.
Recognition dawns in Johan's eyes. Scotty, his friend for over a decade, had always stood by him during tough times.
Yet, an unsettling feeling lingered...
World that cannot explained with psychics.
The majority of humanity vanished, including his family.
Hunted by people and monsters that can kill him anytime.
The only girl he has ever liked gone from his life...
All of these factors combined into a singular, overwhelming emotion: Agony.
Johan hesitated, unable to articulate his thoughts.
Abruptly, the store's door swung open, and Holden emerged, stifling a yawn.
Holden
Hey, guys. What you doing? Can't sleep?
Scotty
Hey, Holden.
Holden strode over to the bench, joining them.
Holden
You know, whenever I couldn't sleep, my dad used to say, "Do some basic exercises."
Holden effortlessly balanced himself into a handstand and began doing push-ups.
Johan and Scotty watched with their mouths open.
Holden
Whoa, this is so much easier now- OW!
From behind Holden, Cheyenne had kicked him, sending him toppling over.
Cheyenne
What's with the ruckus?
Johan
Cheyenne...
Cheyenne gestured for Scotty to make room, then settles down beside Johan.
Cheyenne
Keeping watch for the enemy? Good idea.
The door swings open again, and Rhia dashes out, wielding her hammer.
Rhia
(Terrified)
A-Are we u-under attack?!
Scotty
Yeah, but the enemies are invisible, so we all decided to just give up and die.
Rhia
W-What?
Scotty bursts into laughter, followed by Holden, and even Cheyenne cracks a smile.
Johan, amidst a flurry of emotions, found himself at a loss for words.
Yet, in that moment, the people before him brought a smile to his face and a sense of ease.
Johan chuckled along, opting to set aside the pain, if only for the time being.
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Midnight
In the dead of night, in the vicinity of a hardware store, the the masked individual completes an assembly of a spiked baseball bat.
With nails crudely affixed to the wooden surface, it's a brutal weapon designed for lethal intent.
Despite the mask obscuring his face, a sinister smile glimmers in his eyes.
Mask
Holden...
Ext. Baseball Field - Flashback
A bustling high school baseball match unfolds, drawing a considerable crowd, particularly a group of enthusiastic girls.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Within a dugout, a player receives a stern lecture from the coach.
Coach
Ward, you're our last hope. You gotta spin it faster You absolutely cannot let Holden score, understand?
The player is the masked individual, his teeth still perfectly intact, so there is no mask that cover his mouth present.
Ward
Yes, coach. This time, for sure...
Another player in the dugout, clutching a water bottle, vents his frustration.
Water Bottle
Yeah, like hell Ward can. Every time he faces Holden, it's a guaranteed home run. It's like he's getting paid by Holden or something.
Ward
(Irritated)
What?
Coach
Now, now. Let's keep the faith. Ward. Throw a ball that Holden won't even see coming.
Encouraged by the coach's words, Ward heads onto the field.
Arriving at the pitcher's spot, he kicks up some sand with determination.
All of a sudden, screams erupt from the audience.
Ward glances upward, spotting Holden confidently taking his place at the catcher's spot.
Holden waves to the spectators, a charming smile on his face.
Ward, grits his teeth and applies resin powder to his hands. Holden, ready with his baseball bat, waits for Ward to throw the ball.
Ward releases the baseball with all his might, and it sails towards the catcher's mitt.
Umpire
Strike!
Ward exhales a breath of relief, mentally preparing for the next pitch.
With even greater intensity, he hurls the ball once more, striking the catcher's mitt again.
Umpire
Strike two!
A smile creeps across Ward's face. Only one more strike, and for the first time, he might win against Holden.
Glancing towards the dugout, he spots his coach beaming with encouragement.
Ward
I... I can do this-
But as he looks back at Holden, he finds him simply shrugging, radiating an air of confidence.
Nerves grip Ward again as he tries to center himself.
Ward (V.O.)
Just one more... Just one more...
Summoning every ounce of strength, Ward launches the final pitch.
Ward (V.O.)
Please. Please-
A resounding crack echoes as the bat connects with the ball, followed swiftly by an eruption of cheers from the stands.
Umpire
Home run!
In disbelief, Ward whirls around to see the ball soaring away from the field.
Ward (V.O.)
N-No...
His gaze quickly darts towards the dugout.
His coach's expression mirrors his disappointment, echoed by the crestfallen looks of his teammates.
Teeth grinding in frustration, Ward finally turns to Holden.
Holden, smiling broadly, waves to his teammates while swiftly rounding the bases.
Ward
(Under his breath)
You... You motherfucker...
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Continuous
With rage in his eyes, Ward smashes the nearby car with the spiked bat, shattering its windows into a cascade of glass shards.
Ward
Just. Where. Are. YOU!
His furious strikes continue, each blow making a dent on the car's surface.
Ward
Where-
Abruptly, Ward halts his onslaught, his breaths heavy with frustration.
Ward
What if... What if they never left the outlet?
He lowers the bat, its spiked end clinking as it touches the pavement, and scans the area, searching for his bike.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Morning
The sunrise casts a warm glow across the rooftop where Cheyenne stands, her sunglasses reflecting the burgeoning light.
Down below, Johan performs stretches, his muscles tense from the tension of the coming confrontation.
Dark circles under his eyes betray a restless night's sleep.
Meanwhile, Holden and Scotty return after thoroughly scouting the outlet perimeter, deep in thought as they brainstorm strategies to counter their enemies.
Rhia sits on a nearby bench, her arms wrapped around her legs, swaying gently as she contemplates the imminent danger.
Johan
It's about time they find us... How do you think we should do this, Holden?
Holden
(Pondering)
Well...
(Gesturing toward the main entrance)
Most likely, they'll arrive on bikes and park at the front over there. But-
(Nodding toward a nearby parking structure)
They could also park there, but not likely since it's slightly offset. Important thing to note here is that there are around twelve people, each thirsting to kill us. Among them, two stand out—the bowie knife guy Cheyenne fought and the one you encountered, Johan.
Johan
The long-haired guy... His name was...
Rhia
Lance...
Johan
Yeah, there was something definitely off about him. He didn't look too strong, but I'm not sure... All I know is that we need to keep an eye on him.
Scotty
So, one highly dangerous, one considerably risky, and ten blood thirsty.
Holden
Actually, there is one- Uh, never mind...
Holden hesitates, as if unsure of what he had witnessed.
Cheyenne
As I've said, I'll kill the one I faced.
Cheyenne jumps down from the roof.
Cheyenne
I also gotta get my knife back, so leave him to me. I'll chop him up as quickly as possible and help you guys with the others. You just need to try your best to not die before I come.
Scotty
I've got a couple of ideas for that...
Johan
That guy is seriously that strong?
Holden
Yeah... Cheyenne's the only one who can handle him. And even that, is a gamble-
Holden quickly glances at Cheyenne, who looks visibly offended.
Holden
Gamble that... We will win.
Johan
So, the primary concerns we have are surviving an attack from ten people and whether our backup plan will work out. The backup plan that's very risky since it's just running to our car parked at the building over there and getting the hell away from here.
Scotty
Eh, sounds pretty doable.
Scotty brandishes his cricket bat.
Scotty
(Eagerly)
I'm itching to smack one of those guys with this. Preferably, square in the face.
Rhia
Guys... I've been meaning to say...
Rhia pauses, worried she might disappoint her friends.
Holden
It's alright, Rhia.
Holden walks toward Rhia, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Holden
None of us are gonna force you to fight. Even amidst this changed world, we can't lose our humanity. I respect your choice in not resorting to violence.
Scotty steps closer to the duo.
Scotty
Uh... Holden, just gotta say, you're implying that rest of us here lost our humanity. Which I cannot deny, but will not agree on... Anyhow, Rhia.
(All smiles)
You can help me in setting traps up. We're booby trapping those filthy animals.
Rhia's face lights up as she gazes at Holden and Scotty.
Rhia
Thank you, you two... And, yes! I can help you with that!
Johan looks at the three and can't help but to think that he's in such luck for meeting them.
Cheyenne
Hey.
Cheyenne approaches Johan, staring right at his face.
And Johan couldn't help but to wonder whether encountering this unpredictable girl was a stroke of luck or not.
Johan
H-Hey...
Cheyenne
Come with me for a sec.
Cheyenne grabs Johan's wrist and tugs him away.
Scotty
(Noticing)
Where you guys going?
Johan
Uh... I guess Cheyenne wants to tell me something. W-We'll be right back.
Int. Outlet Clothes Store - Continuous
Cheyenne pulls Johan into a store, her grip unyielding until they reach a fitting room.
Johan
H-Hey, what are you...
Cheyenne presses Johan against the wall and holds his shoulders firmly.
Removing her sunglasses, she locks eyes with him.
Johan takes a moment, noticing the unique darkish green hue of her eyes.
But as Cheyenne leans closer, he attempts to shift away.
Cheyenne
Changed your mind, huh? You're unsure now.
Johan
(Confused)
What?
Cheyenne steps back, her expression shifting to an intrigued smile.
Cheyenne
When I first met you, your eyes were devoid of hope. But, now it's uncertain. You don't know what to do, right?
Johan was lost in words. But...
There was no denying that she was right. Her words were all correct.
Johan
You can tell all that just by looking into my eyes?
Cheyenne crosses her arms, nodding.
Cheyenne
Ever since I was a kid, I could tell what type of emotions a person was going through just by looking into their eyes.
Johan, realizing the futility of hiding, starts telling the truth.
Johan
Well, you're right, Cheyenne. No matter how much I try, I just cannot figure out what to do in this accursed situation. So many...
(Bites his lips)
So many fucking things happened ever since I came to this world. I'm slowly becoming more self-destructive due to it... Part of me wouldn't care if I just died right now, hence I don't feel much fear. However... Part of me wants to keep living. Get stronger, so I can protect myself and the people around me. I also need to... Find a particular person.
Johan's emotional confession hangs in the air as Cheyenne carefully listens to every word.
Cheyenne
Hmm... You know what I think? I think you're caring too much about everything.
Johan
What... What do you mean?
Cheyenne
I don't know how to explain it, so you figure it out.
Cheyenne pulls back the curtain and steps out.
Johan
Wait, Cheyenne. Why do you... Why are you so interested in me? You're the last person I'd expect to have this kind of conversation with. I mean, you appear so cold all the time, as if no one intrigues you.
Cheyenne
You literally just answered your own question. You intrigue me, Johan. You're unlike anyone I've met.
Johan rubs the back of his head, unsure how to react.
Johan
I could say the same about you, I guess... You're always so eager to jump into action, Cheyenne. Making everyone around, unable to take their eyes off you. You could say that it's fear, but I... I think it's affection.
Cheyenne
Affection? What type?
Johan
(Tilting his head)
Uh, like a feeling of regard.
Cheyenne
(Softly)
Bummer.
Cheyenne moves toward the exit, and Johan follows quickly.
Johan
Did we really have to come inside a fitting room for this, though?
Cheyenne
Well, I was thinking of doing one more thing, but I doubt you'd go along with it.
Johan
Huh?
Cheyenne
(Smiling)
Forget it.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Afternoon
Time has passed, and now everyone's on high alert.
Scotty and Rhia emerge from a clothing store, lugging empty boxes.
Meanwhile, Holden and Johan peer out from the rooftop, Cheyenne organizing her knives nearby.
Holden
Again, when things go south, we'll leave here immediately.
Johan nods, giving his machete a quick check.
Johan
Scotty has only killed one Gier and Rhia hasn't killed anyone yet. So Holden, you and I will have to look out for them. At least until Cheyenne is finished with that bowie knife guy.
Holden swings his baseball bat, prepping himself.
Holden
I know. I'm worried about that long-haired guy though. Hopefully, he's not that strong like you said, Johan.
Cheyenne suddenly stands up, smoothing down her hair.
Cheyenne
They're coming.
Johan
(Startled)
What?
Johan quickly scans the surroundings and spots glimpses of motorcycles in the distance.
Holden
There they are...
Johan
How many bikes do you see?
Cheyenne cranes her neck for a better look.
Cheyenne
I can see... Six. Last time, when Holden and I fought the ten guys, there were five, so.
Holden
(Calmly)
Two per bike. Let's head down now.
Johan
Hope Scotty's traps work.
The trio leaps down from the roof, alerting the other two.
Ext. Front of the Outlet - Moments Later
Lance, Ward, and the gang park their bikes and stroll into the outlet.
From a hidden vantage point, Johan, Holden, Scotty, and Cheyenne observe in silence.
Johan
Wait...
He carefully counts the incoming figures. Only eleven.
Johan
There's one missing.
Ext. Nearby Parking Structure - Meanwhile
Kane parks his bike atop the structure and surveys the entire outlet.
From his elevated position, he spots his gang entering the outlet and even finds Johan and the others concealed in their hiding spot.
Wearing a smirk, he strides towards the concrete edge.
And with a thunderous voice, he shouts out.
Kane
HEY YOU BITCHES! THEY'RE HIDING BEHIND THE LEMONADE STAND!
Ext. Downtown LA Outlet - Continuous
Johan's eyes widen as he spots Kane atop the parking structure.
Lance grins at the shout and quickly scans the area, locking onto the lemonade stand.
Lance
There it is, guys.
In a split second, the group, including Ward, dashes toward the stand, brandishing their weapons.
Cheyenne
I'll go kill that guy. Just you wait.
With agility, Cheyenne leaps onto the roof of a nearby shop, swiftly advancing towards the parking structure.
Johan
Alright, Scotty! Let's lead them to that shop!
Scotty
Got ya!
The three pivot, sprinting toward a specific structure.
In the rush, Ward catches sight of Holden.
Ward
HOLDEN!
Though Holden hears his name, he refrains from turning back, maintaining his sprint.
Ward picks up his pace, surging ahead of the pursuing group.
Simultaneously, Lance's gaze locks onto Cheyenne sprinting towards Kane.
Lance
That's the girl, huh.
He amusingly smiles and retrieves a small dagger from his coat.
Aiming carefully, he hurls the blade toward Cheyenne.
And despite the distance, the dagger hits her arm, causing her to falter and tumble from the roof to the ground below.
Lance
(Exultant)
YES! Bullseye!
Johan, alerted by Lance's loud cerebration, whirls around and sees Cheyenne on the ground with Lance celebrating.
Instantly, Lance starts dashing toward Cheyenne's location.
Johan
Shit...
He pauses briefly, scanning his surroundings for a path to reach Cheyenne.
Holden
(Stopping momentarily)
Johan! What's wrong?
Johan, torn between choices, decides to rush to Cheyenne's aid.
Johan
I'll be right back! Keep going with the plan!
He sprints back in the direction Cheyenne fell, catching Ward's attention.
Another guy notices Johan as well and alerts Ward.
Crowbar
Hey! He's getting away!
Ward
Let him go! Lance will take care of him!
Kane's gang continues to pursue Holden and Scotty.
Allowing Johan to reach Cheyenne at the same time Lance does.
Lance
(Waving his hand)
Johan, hey!
Ignoring Lance's greeting, Johan assists Cheyenne to her feet.
Cheyenne
I'm fine. You shouldn't have come.
She removes the dagger from her arm, discarding it with a toss to the ground.
The wound doesn't appear too severe.
Lance
You know... I'm quite sad...
Lance approaches slowly, lowering himself into a squat.
Lance
We could have been friends. I genuinely wanted that...
He lifts his head, his expression devoid of compassion as he gazes at them.
Lance
But now, I'm stuck choosing between you lot and Kane...
(Sighs)
Ah well...
He rises and retrieves his spear from his back.
Lance
Kane's the stronger one, so-
In a swift motion, Lance leaps toward them, hurling the spear and forcing them apart.
Upon landing, he yanks the spear from the ground and aims it at Cheyenne.
Lance
I choose him.
Reacting quickly, Cheyenne throws a knife at Lance, who deflects it with his spear.
Johan
Cheyenne! You keep going! I'll handle him.
Accepting it as their best option, Cheyenne dashes away. However, Lance tosses his spear, lodging it into the wall, effectively blocking Cheyenne's escape.
Lance
You're not going anywhere.
He charges toward Cheyenne, unleashing a kick that she blocks with her arms.
Following up, Lance goes for a spear-hand strike, but Cheyenne deflects it with a swift slap.
The two engage in a furious exchange of attacks and counterattacks.
Johan, seizing the opportunity, maneuvers closer to the confrontation.
But at that moment, Lance arches backward, his head fixating on Johan's.
Lance
Kane's heading for your friends.
Cheyenne quickly gets a knife out and aims to strike, but Lance effortlessly grabs her hand, stopping her.
He didn't even look as his gaze was still fixed on Johan.
Lance
Want that to happen?
Johan is stunned by the realization that he's running out of options.
He briefly closes his eyes and makes a resolute decision.
He starts sprinting toward the parking structure.
Cheyenne
No!
She knees Lance in the stomach, attempting to halt Johan's escape.
But Lance swiftly trips her.
Cheyenne
Johan! Stop, you idiot! You're gonna get yourself killed!
Lance
Now, Cheyenne, right? Let me see how you were able to give Kane a fight.
Cheyenne lunges forward, slashing at Lance with her knife.
Lance evades effortlessly, retreating toward the wall where his spear is lodged.
Cheyenne
(Drawing another knife)
I'm gonna kill you in under a minute.
Lance
(Retrieving the spear while smiling)
I'd be impressed if you could manage that.
Ext. Parking Structure - Moments Later
Kane stands casually in the elevator, taking a drag from his cigar, the smoke curling around him as the elevator hums its way down.
The doors slide open, revealing the ground floor.
As Kane steps out, he halts abruptly, catching sight of someone unexpected.
Kane
Who the fuck are you?
Johan
I don't know.
(Catching his breath)
Who the fuck are you?