Int. Classroom 102 - Day
An English teacher stands at the front of the classroom, delivering a lesson to the students.
Among them, Johan, Holden, and Yuna occupy their seats, each engaged in their own way.
Holden is dozing off, his head bobbing gently with each nod.
Yuna sits with unwavering attention, her eyes fixed on the teacher, absorbing every word.
Johan, in a subtle gesture of admiration, rests his head in his hand, staring fondly at Yuna.
Johan
She's always so hardworking...
Suddenly, Yuna breaks her concentration from the lesson and turns around to meet Johan's gaze.
Johan is caught off guard, quickly retracting his hand from his head.
Yuna stands up from her desk, her steps leading her closer to Johan.
Johan, his heart racing, is at a loss for words as Yuna approaches.
Standing in front of Johan's desk, Yuna graces him with a warm smile, sending a flutter through Johan's chest.
Yuna
(Quietly)
Johan.
Johan
(Shyly)
Yes-
Before Johan can answer, Yuna's hands encircle his throat, her grip tight.
Johan's eyes widen in shock and fear as Yuna's grasp intensifies, cutting off his ability to speak.
Yuna
Why did you leave me to die?
Johan, still gasping for air, struggles to respond.
Johan
Y-Yuna... I...
Her hold tightens further, and the expression on her face grows lifeless. Blood even begins to trickle from her face.
And the classroom around them gradually fades away until only Yuna and Johan remain, locked in this nightmarish confrontation.
Johan
(Tears streaming)
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.
Desperation fills Johan's voice, but Yuna's grip remains unyielding.
So Johan soon ceases his futile resistance. But just as he feels his consciousness slipping away...
Int. Mattress Store - Midnight
Johan's eyes snap open and he gasps for breath.
His hands instinctively fly to his throat, which feels tender and sore.
He takes in his surroundings, finding Scotty and Holden sleeping nearby in their makeshift beds.
Johan lets out a shaky sigh of relief, realizing that it was all just a horrific dream.
Johan
(Whispering)
Yuna...
Drenched in cold sweat, Johan pushes himself up. He struggles to catch his breath and wipes the perspiration from his face.
Determined to shake off the haunting dream, Johan gets up and reaches for a fresh set of clothes. But as he changes, a low growl emanates from his stomach.
He hasn't had a proper meal in what feels like forever.
Int. City Mall Food Court - Moments Later
Johan stands alone in the vast and empty food court, clutching a glass of orange juice in one hand. He takes a deliberate sip, savoring the tangy sweetness, and then takes a hearty bite from a sandwich.
The solitude of the food court gives him a moment of respite.
As he eats, his mind swirls with thoughts.
Johan (V.O)
This world still has things that I don't know about yet... Like...
His gaze drifts upward, fixating on the illuminated ceiling. The fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow, illuminating the otherwise vacant space.
Johan
How is the power still on? Did Shin mention anything about this?
Johan furrows his brow, trying to recall the cryptic words of Shin.
Shin (In Memory)
I have only created a systematized set for you to perform in.
He paces slowly, lost in thought.
Johan
Systematized. What does he mean by that..?
Johan lets out a small, almost ironic laugh. Just a day ago, his life was ordinary, grounded in the rules of science and logic. Now, he's thrust into a realm where the laws of reality are as malleable as clay, shaped by the whims of an enigmatic entity.
He finishes the last sip of his orange juice and sets the empty glass aside. Then, he crumples the sandwich wrapper and stands up.
Johan
(Muttering to himself)
Start with what is right than what is acceptable...
He roughly takes out the bandages covering his arm and exits the area.
Int. Mattress Store - Day
Scotty is sprawled across his bed, his contorted position resembling a human pretzel. His legs dangle over the pillow, and his head hangs precariously off the edge.
Holden, having already woken up and returned from the restroom, approaches Scotty's bizarre sleeping arrangement and gently shakes him.
Holden
(Softly)
Hey. Hey, Scott.
Scotty stirs but seems reluctant to leave the realm of dreams. He blinks his eyes groggily but then nestles back into the makeshift bed.
Undeterred, Holden tries again, his tone now more insistent.
Holden
(More firmly)
Hey, let's go find Johan and get some breakfast or something.
This time, Scotty snaps out of his drowsy haze, his eyes finally focusing on Holden.
Scotty
Breakfast?
Int. City Mall Food Court - Moments Later
Holden and Scotty enter the food court area.
Scotty, still fighting off the remnants of sleep, spots something unusual – five backpacks neatly arranged on a table nearby.
Scotty
(Yawning)
Hey, what is that?
Intrigued, they approach the table, opening one of the backpacks.
Inside, they find an assortment of supplies: maps, a first aid kit, rope, clothing, a lighter, food, water, and even a pepper spray.
Before they can talk about the discovery, a small bell rings behind them, drawing their attention.
Johan
Oh, you're both up.
Holden and Scotty turn around to find Johan, carrying another bag – the one they had brought from the school.
Johan
I have something to discuss about.
More footsteps approach, and soon Cheyenne and Rhia arrive on the scene.
Holden and Cheyenne exchange a subtle glance, with Holden appearing visibly uncomfortable while Cheyenne appears nonchalant as ever.
Johan
(Noticing)
Great timing, I was gonna go get you guys.
Rhia
(Curious)
Hmm? What is it?
Johan
I want to discuss something with you all. Let's talk after eating breakfast.
Scotty
(Already munching on a donut)
Good idea.
Holden raises an eyebrow at Scotty, taken aback by how quickly he managed to snag a donut from one of the nearby stalls.
Scotty is about to take another bite until he notices something.
Scotty (V.O)
Hmm...?
(Looking at the donut)
How is it... Still so fresh?
Scotty ponders this oddity, his gaze darting toward the donut shop.
Int. City Mall Food Court - Moments Later
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Holden takes a closer look at the map spread out on the table.
Holden
So, you wanna go to Downtown LA?
Johan nods thoughtfully.
Johan
That's the most populated area. I'm sure people will gather around there.
Holden
That is true. But, Johan...
Rhia interjects, her tone laced with concern.
Rhia
(Looking at Johan)
Johan, there's no saying that the people we'll meet are going to be... friendly. Many have probably already figured out that taking a life makes you stronger. Not to mention the number of Giers we might encounter while heading there.
Johan understands the gravity of her words, acknowledging the potential dangers they might face.
Johan
(Nodding)
You're right, Rhia. We'll need to be very cautious.
Cheyenne, seizing the moment, snatches a donut from Scotty and takes a big bite.
Scotty
(Surprised)
Hey!
Cheyenne
(Mouth full)
So what? If they aren't, we'll just put them down.
Holden, trying to steer the conversation back to their plan, addresses Johan.
Holden
I mean, I get you, Johan. What's next for us is this, isn't it?
Johan affirms his decision.
Johan
Yes... But, if you want to stay, I understand. Anyone here can stay. I'm not forcing anyone.
Rhia appears uncertain and is about to express her intent when Cheyenne grabs her shoulder, thinking she already knows Rhia's answer.
Cheyenne
We're going for sure, right, Rhia?
Rhia, looking a bit overwhelmed, and hesitates for a moment before nodding.
Rhia
(About to cry)
U-Uh... O-Okay, why not. We're not gonna find anything out just staying here, so.
Holden displays determination in his response.
Holden
Of course I'm going.
Scotty, always eager, chimes in with enthusiasm.
Scotty
Well, I'm not gonna stay here alone!
Johan smiles, appreciating the people gathered around him.
Johan
Let's go then—
Holden
Wait!
Holden suddenly interjects, causing everyone to pause.
Holden
Who's driving us there?
Johan's smile turns slightly awkward as he realizes the oversight.
Holden
Wait... Who can drive here?
A moment of silence hangs in the air as no one raises their hand except Scotty.
Scotty
(Smiling innocently)
But I'm not really a good driver, so!
(Throws his key to Holden)
Thank you, Holden!
Holden
(Catches the key and realizes)
Oh...
Ext. City Mall Parking Lot - Afternoon
Holden, seated in the car, mutters to himself in mild frustration.
Holden
What am I... The taxi?
Meanwhile, Johan and Scotty are busy loading the car's trunk with the backpacks containing their supplies.
Scotty attempts to put his cricket bat and Holden's baseball bat into the trunk, but there's no space left.
Johan
(Suggesting)
You should just put that in the backpack.
Scotty promptly agrees and enters the car, his enthusiasm shining as he claims the front passenger seat.
Scotty
Shotgun!
Johan acknowledges this with a soft smile and spots Cheyenne and Rhia exiting the mall.
Rhia
(Approaching Johan)
Hey, thank you for the hammer, Johan.
Johan had given Rhia the hammer that Holden had brought from the school.
Johan
(Closing the trunk)
No problem.
Rhia then surprises Johan by handing him a machete in its sheath.
Rhia
I got you this in return. Found it in the tool store.
Johan is pleasantly surprised as he accepts the weapon.
Johan
Oh, thank you so much.
(Chuckles)
I just realized that I forgot to get something to fend myself.
Rhia
(Smiles knowingly)
I thought so.
Cheyenne unexpectedly positions herself between Johan and Rhia, drawing Johan's attention as she points downwards to her belt.
Cheyenne
Look.
A collection of knives, including Johan's own stolen knife, hangs from it.
Johan glances down and observes the assortment of blades on Cheyenne's belt.
Rhia
Yeah, Cheyenne also got something for herself in the tool store...
Rhia titters at the sight.
Johan
You, uh, look ready for anything, Cheyenne.
Satisfied with the response, Cheyenne grins.
Ext. Highway - Moments Later
Inside the car, an uncomfortable silence hangs heavy.
The group is tense, as not all of them being close friends.
Scotty, feeling the awkwardness, looks behind him at the back seat.
Rhia sits in the middle, Cheyenne on the left, and Johan on the right. The two by the windows are quietly looking outside, while Rhia sits uncomfortably between them.
Scotty coughs a bit, breaking the silence.
Scotty
So, uh, those Giers sure are scary, right?
No one responds, and Scotty freezes with his mouth still open.
Unable to bear the silence anymore, he signals Johan to say something.
Johan notices the cue and finally speaks up.
Johan
Yeah, I don't even want to imagine how many more there are.
Cheyenne
(Blandly)
I think there's a lot.
Scotty, glad that Cheyenne has joined the conversation, asks her.
Scotty
(Curious)
Yeah? Why do you think so?
Cheyenne points out of the window, drawing their attention. Everyone turns to look.
To their shock, they see a Gier sprinting toward their car, closing the distance rapidly.
Scotty
WHAT THE FUCK?
Rhia screams in fear, and Johan urgently shouts at Holden.
Johan
HOLDEN, GO FASTER!
Holden, noticing the imminent threat, steps on the pedal
But the Gier, moving at incredible speed, catches up and slams into the car's side with all its power, sending it into a violent spin.
The car eventually crashes into a highway wall.
The Gier retaining itself, starts walking toward the crash.
The car isn't severely damaged, but smoke starts to billow out.
The Gier stands by, satisfied with the impact and thinking that the humans inside are dead. However, it still waits a few moments to be sure.
As it expected, no one exits the vehicle.
The Gier soon shifts its focus elsewhere, determined to find more potential prey.
Minutes pass, and it disappears into the distance.
That's when, Cheyenne, clutching one of her knives, emerges from the smoky interior, scanning the area for any sign of the Gier.
Soon, the other three survivors emerge from the car coughing and disoriented.
Johan
You had to jinx it, Scotty.
Scotty
(Coughing)
Yeah, I always do that.
Cheyenne approaches Johan, her anger evident.
Cheyenne
Why did you stop me? I could've killed it.
Johan lets out a deep breath, understanding the situation.
Johan
It would've been too risky. We were in no condition to fight.
Cheyenne
(Irritated)
You're a pussy.
Holden glares at Cheyenne, annoyed by her attitude.
Johan just ignores it and turns to Scotty.
Johan
Hey Scotty, mind getting the backpacks out?
Scotty
Oh. Sure, leave it to me.
Holden offers to help Scotty, taking his eyes off Cheyenne momentarily.
Holden
I'll help you.
The two heads to the trunk, while Rhia tries to soothe Cheyenne's frustrations.
Rhia
Cheyenne... At least, no one's hurt.
Cheyenne pouts.
Cheyenne
I wanted to fight.
Johan
I won't stop you next time, Cheyenne. But. Let me just tell you this.
Cheyenne turns her attention back to Johan.
Johan
If humans can get stronger by taking a life, don't you think Giers can as well?
This statement sends chills down Rhia's spine.
Scotty and Holden, who were also listening, are shocked.
Johan
I had a bad feeling about that one... It was a little different.
He remembers that the Gier had a distinctive scar near its chest.
Cheyenne
Then I'll just get stronger.
Johan
(Agreeing)
Well.. Can't argue with that.
Scotty and Holden return with the backpacks.
Johan
(Surveying the car)
Now, what should we do, guys?
Holden
(Hesitates for a moment)
I, umm, do have an idea... But I'm not sure if it will work.
A small explosion suddenly occurs within the damaged car, startling the group.
Scotty
I think any idea would do at this point...
Ext. Subway Station - Noon
The gang descends the escalator to the train platform, their supply backpacks secured, except for Cheyenne, who's conspicuously without one.
Johan
(Concerned)
Are you sure the trains are still operating?
Holden
I think so. The train itself don't need a driver to operate so.
They reach the platform, eyeing the electronic schedule board.
Rhia
(Observing)
Oh! It says that the next one's coming in three minutes.
Johan
(Patting Holden on the back)
Looks like you were right, Holden!
Johan spots a nearby bench and heads for it.
Holden
(Cautious)
We still can't be too sure
They all settle onto the bench, but Holden remains vigilant, scanning their surroundings.
Scotty
I'm actually excited! I never went on a subway before.
Johan
(Reflective)
Well, usually it's very crowded. And the smell is just unbearable. You really didn't miss much.
Rhia
Don't forget all the crackheads...
Suddenly, Holden shouts and points behind a pillar.
Holden
Hey! Who are you guys!
The group rushes over, finding two guys, roughly their age, cowering in fear.
One has oily, disheveled hair, while the other wears thick glasses.
Glasses
(Nervous)
O-Oh, sorry! W-We got scared when we heard people coming down, so we hid. We weren't sure if you guys were friendly or not...
The strangers seem intimidated, outnumbered by the group.
Oily Hair
Please don't hurt us.
Holden glances at his group for their reactions, most of them visibly relieved to find potentially friendly faces. Cheyenne, however, remains cold.
Holden
(Reassuring)
Don't worry. We're just here to go to Downtown LA.
Holden extends his hand to help them up. The two strangers gratefully accept.
Glasses
(Surprised)
No way! We were heading there as well! To find more people, right?
Johan
(Approaching)
Yeah? Let's go together then. But only if the train comes.
Oily Hair
Oh, don't worry about that! The other train lane came in just a few minutes ago, and it was working just fine.
Scotty
(Pointing at the other lane)
So we have to take this one then?
Johan
(Confirming)
Yeah, we'll have to go a few stops though.
Just as Johan says that, an announcement echoes through the station.
Announcement
(Polite but automated)
Please stand away from the platform edge. The train to—
Oily Hair
(Excited)
There it is!
The approaching train, its bright lights piercing the tunnel's darkness, becomes visible.
As the trains comes to a stop, all of the eyes are drawn to the front car. It's unmanned.
Announcement
The doors are opening.
Scotty
(Jumping inside the train)
Let's get in, everyone!
Everyone soon board the train, but Johan hesitates for a moment.
Johan
The trains really do operate by itself, huh. Just what is this world, Shin?
Scotty
(Shouting)
Johan, hurry!
Johan snaps out of his thoughts and enters the train just in time as the doors seal shut.
Int. Subway Train - Continuous
The car is fully empty, and each of them finds their own seat. The two new guys opt to sit together though.
The train begins to move, its rhythmic hum filling the air.
The group takes this moment to relax, feeling a sense of safety during the ride.
After few minutes, Scotty gets out an apple to eat.
Scotty
(Taking a bite out of the apple)
You know, I noticed something weird this morning.
Johan
(Lending an ear)
Hmm?
Holden
(Interested)
What did you notice?
Cheyenne, seated near the door leading to the next car, all of a sudden, gets up and enters it.
Rhia, worried that Cheyenne might wander off again, follows her.
Rhia
(Concerned)
Cheyenne!
Scotty
(Raising his voice slightly)
Yeah, so when I ate a donut earlier...
Johan and Holden listen attentively, but Johan also catches snippets of conversation between the two new guys.
Johan (V.O)
(Noticing they're seated far away)
What's up with them?
Before Johan could join back in Scotty's conversation, an announcement interrupts him.
Announcement
Arriving at the next station.
Holden
(Glancing outside)
What the...
Johan notices Holden's face darken.
Johan
What's wrong?
He peers out of the window to see a group of about eight individuals armed with knives and metal pipes waiting on the platform.
Johan
(Standing up)
The hell...
Holden
(Grabbing Scotty's arm)
Scotty, get up. And stay close.
As the train doors open, the group stands closer to the wall, prepared for confrontation.
But even as the guys enter, Oily Hair and Glasses remain seated.
Holden
(Agitated)
Guys! Come over here!
However, the two newcomers start conversing with the hostile group, as if they know each other. One of the guys, wearing a red cap, even hand weapons to the two guys.
Glasses
(Smugly)
Told you this would work.
Oily Hair
(Grinning)
And there are even girls in the other car. And wow, they're hot.
Red Cap
(Smirking)
Oh yeah?
He signals a few of his group members to enter the girls' car.
Red Cap
(Raising his voice)
Whoever wants to go get those girls, head to that car.
Six of them oblige, leaving four behind.
Red Cap
(Snickering)
Jeez, not that much.
(Turning to the four remaining)
Well, I guess more kills for us, then.
As the six individuals head to the girls' car, Holden attempts to follow, but Johan stops him, gripping his shoulder.
Holden
(Angered)
What, Johan? Let me go!
Johan
(Smiling slightly)
You really think we should be worried about the girls? You know who's in there.
Holden comprehends Johan's point, but he's still torn.
Holden
Yeah, you're right, but...
Johan
I don't think any of them will be a threat to her. We're the one in danger right now.
As Holden acknowledges Johan's words, Oily Hair starts laughing in overconfidence.
Oily Hair
(Prodding Glasses)
Look, they're too scared to do anything-
Holden shoots him a menacing glare, causing Oily Hair to lower his eyes.
Oily Hair
S-Shit...
Red Cap, irritated by Oily Hair's cowardice, slaps him.
Red Cap
(Shouting)
You fucking wimp! What are you getting scared for? Come on, surround them!
The five armed intruders starts approaching Johan, Holden, and Scotty.
Holden retrieves his baseball bat from his backpack, while Johan gets the machete out.
Johan
(Joking nervously)
I always wanted to be in a gang fight, but this might be too much.
Johan then notices Scotty's unusual silence and turns to see him, trembling.
Johan
Scotty, come on, now's not the time.
Scotty
(Quietly seething)
I can't believe it...
Then, suddenly, Scotty erupts.
Scotty
YOU LYING BITCHES!
Scotty charges at Glasses, tackling him to the ground hard.
Glasses
(Screaming)
Ah! Get him off!
Oily Hair rushes to assist his companion.
Holden
(Smiling at Scotty's action)
Alright, let's go!
Holden swings his baseball bat at one of the approaching adversaries, directly hitting him in the face, teeth falling out at the impact.