Ext. Parking Structure - Afternoon
Johan barely extends his hand and manages to clasp onto Yuna's hand.
And as his eyes reopen, he finds himself seated in a space that brings him the most comfort.
Int. Movie Theater - Continuous
Johan glances around, finding himself in the cherished haven of his childhood – a quaint local movie theater.
Amidst the darkness and the emptiness, he spots Yuna seated beside him—the only occupied seat in the entire theater.
He knew.
He knew that this was a creation of his imagination, a sanctuary conjured by his mind.
Perhaps a final farewell in the form of a phantasmagoric experience...
Yuna
This place is nice... Very cozy.
Johan
(Reminiscing)
Yeah, I came here a lot when I was a kid. I always loved movies, so... Even the owner knew me, I often got free snacks...
A tinge of embarrassment colors Johan's expression.
Johan
I... I always wanted to bring you here, b-but never gained the courage to do so.
Yuna
Well, I'm here now.
(Smiles)
So don't worry about it.
The screen comes to life, projecting a movie that begins to unfold before them.
The imagery on the screen shown was an elated child on a playground swing, parents observing from a bench, and an older sister pushing the swing with delight.
Johan
T-That's... That's me?
The young boy clutching the swing chains tightly was none other than Johan. He was watching the echoes of his carefree childhood.
Yuna
How cute.
Johan couldn't take his eyes away from the unfolding memories. He marveled at how innocent... How simple his life was back then.
Yuna
Your family seems very happy. I can sense the positivity just from watching.
Johan
Yeah... I would be lying if I told you my childhood was miserable. I was loved by my parents, close with my sister, and had a lot of friends.
There was a slight tone of bitterness in Johan's voice.
Yuna
It all changed, didn't it?
Johan stays quiet as the scene in the movie transforms, showing Johan walking home from his middle school.
He enters his house, only to be greeted by the dissonant, violent voices of his parents locked in an argument.
The entire house was in disarray, with furniture thrown around.
The young Johan promptly exits the house, a mere instant after arriving home.
Johan scoffs and averts his eyes from the screen.
Yuna
What happened?
Johan
I don't know... All I can remember is they started fighting for no reason one day. Maybe they got sick of each other. But, almost everyday, I had to witness... That.
Yuna
Where's your sister?
Johan
She hated watching them fight more than me, so she was almost never home during her high school years. We naturally grew apart due to that.
Yuna quietly nods and turns her attention back to the unfolding scenes on the screen.
Young Johan is shown walking towards a certain house.
Yuna
Well, where are you headed now?
Young Johan rings the doorbell of the house, and from it, exits young Scotty.
Yuna
(Surprised)
Oh, your best friend Scotty.
Johan
My personality grew more reserved after my family started falling apart. I wasn't much confident or knew how to show my emotions. Naturally, I lost my friends... But, that guy over there, he never questioned about my change. Maybe he knew what was going on with me.
(Smiles)
Well, I guess it doesn't matter because he always stuck up for me. Even after we started going to a different middle school. Either he or me went to each of our houses almost every day and did something silly.
Yuna
(Understanding)
He was like your brother during that time, wasn't he?
A nod brought Johan's head down, accompanied by a smile suffused with memories.
Johan
Yeah. He was and still is my brother.
A moment of solace envelops them.
Yuna
(Curious)
What about in high school? Was Scotty still there for you? Did you ever make up with your sister. Did... Did your parents ever reconcile.
Johan's smile slowly disappears as he rubs his chin.
Johan
It was really hard for Scotty and I to hang out starting high school. We both moved to different houses and attended different schools. And... My sister went to college.
(Hesitates for a second)
She didn't contact us after that. And, my parents... Well.. They stopped fighting... But the thing is... They just stopped caring about each other.
(Trying to hold his anger)
Even started blatantly cheating on each other...
Yuna covers her mouth in shock.
Johan just leans back in his chair.
Johan
They could've at least tried to hide it from me, but no.
(Scowls)
Didn't give a shit about me.
Yuna
You made some friends in our school though. Weren't they there for you?
The screen changes to the almost present Johan sitting on a cafeteria table surrounded by a group of people.
Johan
I really did talk to less people as I grew older. I guess I didn't mind being alone... But maybe I'm a hypocrite because I just hated being lonely.
(Chuckles)
I'm weird, aren't I?
Yuna
(Shakes her head firmly)
Absolutely not. I understand that feeling.
Johan stares at the screen, but all he can see is him sitting alone. Despite there being people around him, he can see how isolated he is.
Despite there being people being around him, he senses how isolated he is.
Johan
I don't think they thought of me as friends though. There were numerous amount of times I felt that.
Yuna
I... I never noticed, Johan...
Johan
I never wanted people to notice. I didn't want my family, my friends, everyone who knew me to see that I was living that kind of sad life-
Johan pauses midway through his words.
Then suddenly, he forcefully tries to inject some positivity into his voice.
Johan
I'm... I'm overreacting, right? My life wasn't that bad... I'm just being too w-weak right now. Too childish.
Yuna's expression reflects confusion at hearing this.
Johan
There are people in this world who have it far worse than me. They'll think I'm foolish for acting like this. It's not like I was abused or had a tragic accident. I could've just manned up and-
Yuna
Johan.
She gestures towards the screen, and we see Johan alone in his house at night.
Not a single person being with him as he sits alone and eats dinner.
Johan covers his face with his hands and sighs heavily.
Johan
I always wanted to believe that my life wasn't so bad. Wasn't so shitty. But how could I still deny it when I could see the truth right in front of me...
(Shouts)
I h-hate this!
Yuna places her hand on his shoulder.
Yuna
It doesn't matter what others think, Johan. You know. You know for a fact that your life was miserable. Not a single child in this world, in this universe, should have to go through what you did.
Johan slowly grabs ahold of Yuna's hand.
Johan
Yuna...
The scene unfolds with a seamless transition to Johan and Yuna seated together in a classroom, working on an assignment.
Yuna
Oh, that's when we worked on an assignment together. I remember.
Johan recalls the moment as well and becomes embarrassed.
Johan
You basically did all the work. I didn't do much.
Johan notices his former self subtly stealing glances in Yuna's direction.
Johan
Ah, I remember one more thing...
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Yuna
What is it?
Johan
(Straightforward)
That's when my crush on you began. Watching you work hard even on that stupid assignment the teacher gave. At that moment... I thought to myself how smart and driven the girl next to me is.
Johan realizes that he is still holding Yuna's hand.
Johan
I really liked you, Yuna. You're the only person I ever liked that much... But, aside from just liking, you were one of my reasons to live. What made me hold on.
Yuna tenderly smiles and clasps Johan's hand with both of hers.
Yuna
(Softly)
But, I'm dead, Johan. You cannot keep thinking about me.
Shock registers on Johan's face as he processes her words.
Suddenly, the surroundings morphs into the familiar classroom where he last saw Yuna.
Int. Classroom 102 - Continuous
Johan and Yuna find themselves once again in the haunting classroom, standing at the spot where Johan discovered Yuna's lifeless body.
Except, this time, a stark contrast—Yuna is alive, and the atmosphere is devoid of the previous tragedy.
Johan, noticing where they were, goes down on his knees and cries out.
Johan
(Stuttering)
I'm s-sorry, Yuna... If only I stayed with you. If only I was a little bit faster. I-I'm so sorry... I... I couldn't keep my promise... I'm sorry...
Yuna approaches closer to Johan and hugs him while he still remains on the floor.
Yuna
Johan, it's not your fault.
Unable to articulate his emotions anymore, tears well up in Johan's eyes.
Yuna
Johan, listen carefully. I know there's a part of you right now that wouldn't care if you died. After all, you, more than anyone else, wants this nightmare to be over. But.
(Hugs him tighter)
I also know there's a part that wants to keep living. Live, so there won't be any regrets left.
Breaking the hug, Yuna holds Johan's face, urging him to meet her gaze.
Yuna
Johan. You're making it too complicated.
(Gently brushes his cheek)
For now, just live. Live and protect the things that matter to you and you truly care for.
Johan understands what Yuna is referring to.
Yuna
It's not too late. You can still save them.
Johan
Yuna...
With a gradual rise, Johan stands on his legs.
Johan
I still have some energy... Perhaps enough to move for a few more minutes.
Yuna
That will be enough.
Turning to leave, Johan hesitates, since he is aware that this will be his final glimpse of her.
Yuna
Johan... I'm happy that you cared for me so deeply. But now, that space in your heart is meant for others. Let other people fill in that space.
Johan and Yuna share a poignant smile.
Johan
Thank you. Yuna.
He finally gains the courage to head out the door.
He was moving on.
Ext. Parking Structure - Continuous
Kane cleans the blood off his knife and slips it back into his jacket.
He then retrieves a small hip flask and takes a swig at it.
Kane
Ah, that hits the spot.
Returning the flask to its place, he strolls out of the structure.
Kane
Now. Where should I start-
Abruptly, the air is pierced by the sound of rapid footsteps approaching from behind.
Kane quickly pivots, only to be met with a sudden stab to his shoulder.
There standing was Johan, blood dripping from his head and torso, bandages now stained crimson, and his eyes bloodshot.
He had awakened and relentlessly chased Kane down with his machete in hand.
Kane
You-
Johan
I missed.
Johan pulls out the machete and goes for another stab, but Kane reacts swiftly, shoving him back with his uninjured shoulder.
Kane checks the wound on his shoulder, the stab was too deep and he could no longer move it.
Kane
How... How the fuck are you alive?
Johan clutches his bleeding torso; the wounds have worsened as he had just ran.
Johan
(Panting)
I'm using every last bit of my strength to-
Blood bursts out from his mouth, momentarily silencing him.
However, undeterred, he just throws it up and regains his composure.
Johan
To kill you.
Kane observes Johan and recognizes the inevitable approach of unconsciousness.
Kane
You should've just stayed down, but fine...
Drawing his knife once more, Kane directs it menacingly toward Johan.
Kane
Spend your last moments just screaming and crying.
Johan brandishes his machete in response.
Johan
You too.
Int. Circus Tent - Meanwhile
Cheyenne deftly evades an onslaught of incoming spears, each aimed with precision.
As she maneuvers, she's only met with six more.
She dodges each projectile and closes in on one of the Lance figures.
Her knife thrusts forward, but it simply passes through him.
Another spear hurtles toward her, forcing her to retreat.
Cheyenne (V.O)
Damn... This is getting annoying.
Seven Lances synchronize their attack, advancing in a unified charge.
Lances
Careful, Cheyenne!
Cheyenne focuses her gaze on one, then another, struggling to identify the real one.
Cheyenne
No difference...
Lances all thrust their spears, but she leaps at the opportune moment, throwing four knives, each aimed at a Lance.
All phasing through them.
Cheyenne lands on the ground safely and, for some reason, a sly smirk graces her lips.
Cheyenne
Not those four, huh? Then.
She points toward the remaining three Lances that didn't get hit.
Cheyenne
You're one of them.
One Lance steps forward confidently.
Lance
That's right, Cheyenne! In fact, I'm the real one. But! The thing is.
Suddenly, seven more Lances materialize out of thin air.
Now, a group of fourteen identical Lances surrounds Cheyenne, making it impossible for her to discern reality from illusion.
Lance
You'll run out of knives by the time you find out which one's real again.
Cheyenne steps back, preparing for another assault, but an unexpected sensation catches her attention.
Something beneath her foot feels out of place.
Though her eyes see only the familiar ground, her touch detects something different
A shoe.
Cheyenne (V.O)
Right... We're still in the shoe store-
The visual contradiction sparks an idea within Cheyenne.
Cheyenne
Hey you. What's your name again? Lice? Throw one of those spears again.
Confusion ripples through Lances, but one steps forward, hurling a spear without hesitation.
The spear hurtles toward Cheyenne, looming dangerously close to her face.
But rather than dodging, Cheyenne remains still.
Cheyenne
I knew it.
The spear passes through Cheyenne and pierces the ground.
Lances
(Shocked)
Y-You... Don't tell me...
Cheyenne
Thirteen of you are fake right now, which means thirteen of those spears are fake as well.
Lance
But... How could you tell the difference?
Cheyenne
(Holds her index finger up)
In that mere one second when an object is about to hit me, I feel a subtle change in the air.
Lance
(Disbelieving)
You'll have to be i-insane to not react to an attack just a second before it hits you.
Cheyenne
(Beaming)
Yeah, I kinda am.
She starts dashing toward the assembly of Lances, all poised with their spears at the ready.
Cheyenne doesn't halt as she enters into the midst of the them, and as all the spears aim to pierce her, she focuses her senses.
Just moments before a potential strike, she senses the subtle shift in the air.
All the spears whiz past her, except for one, approaching directly toward her.
Cheyenne catches the socket of the spear and locks eyes with the real Lance.
Cheyenne
I just realized... The whole time I was just fighting one guy.
Lance, his smile fading for the first time, watches as Cheyenne brings a knife close to his face.
Cheyenne
A guy who knows that he cannot win against me and is powerless to change that fact.
Cheyenne slices the spear in half and delivers an overwhelming kick that launches Lance backward.
The circus tent illusion dissipates, revealing the familiar shoe store as Lance crashes into a shelf stacked with shoes.
All the shoes cascade down, burying Lance under the weight of the impact.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
Holden slams the bat onto Ward's arm, a sharp crack reverberating.
Anticipating Ward's reaction, Holden braces, but Ward just grabs Holden's face with his other arm and tries to drive him to the ground.
Holden retaliates, landing a punch squarely on Ward's abdomen.
The impact leaves Ward wheezing, struggling for breath as he staggers back.
Ward, wrestling with pain and frustration, swings his plushie defensively, his anger evident.
Ward
Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. DAMN IT!
He charges back at Holden, wielding the bat ferociously.
Blows rain down, each strike met by Holden's resilient defense and simultaneously, they exchange swings with their bats.
But, Holden's strike lands first, connecting solidly with Ward's head.
Staggering, Ward drops his spiked bat, shaken by the force of the impact. Holden, assuming Ward is incapacitated, then lowers his guard.
Yet, in a sudden burst of cunning, Ward retrieves a small knife from his pocket, lunging to stab Holden's neck.
With fast-paced reflexes, Holden intercepts, gripping the knife in his palm.
Bleeding from the head, Ward grins through the pain, meeting Holden's gaze.
Ward
Nothing can stop me. NOTHING!
With insane determination, Ward headbutts Holden forcefully, sending him sprawling.
And riding a surge of adrenaline, Ward snatches his spiked bat and plunges it onto Holden's back, its nails piercing his flesh.
Holden shouts in pain.
Ward
You see, Holden, I envisioned killing you in my mind thousands of time and I'll be honest. It's impossible for me to do so without any injuries. So!
(Touches his bleeding head)
I'll take in as many hits as I can.
Ward pulls the spiked bat out, but right at that moment, Holden rushes to tackle him to the ground.
Ward
(Trying to shake him off)
G-Get off me!
Holden doesn't relent, causing Ward to lose balance.
They both tumble, and Holden swiftly gains the upper hand, raining punches down on Ward.
Ward tries to shield himself with his arms, but Holden's relentless assault breaks through, blood streaming from Ward's mouth as his remaining teeth are also dislodged.
Holden's physical prowess had completely outmatched Ward's... And it was just a matter of time before Holden could end him.
But. Despite Ward's past acts of violence. Holden eventually ceases the barrage as he catches his breath.
Holden
Ward... It's not too l-
Ward spits his bloodied teeth onto Holden's eyes, blinding him.
He immediately grabs Holden's collar and headbutts him, all the while laughing.
Holden falls backward, and Ward quickly takes a hold of Holden's neck and choking him.
Blood and saliva drip onto Holden's face as Ward revels in his dominance.
Ward
(Laughing manically)
I'M DOING IT!!! FINALLY!
Ward continues to tighten his grip, and as his blood starts getting trapped in his head and his vision start to fade, he spots his baseball bat within arm's reach.
Ward
I'M FINALLY WINNING!
A resounding crack echoes through the area.
Holden, with a burst of strength, had smashed his bat against Ward's skull, breaking the chokehold in the process.
Ward crumples to the ground, and Holden desperately gasps for air.
And after few seconds, using the bat as a makeshift support, Holden rises.
He still struggles to breathe as he surveys his injuries.
But then...
To Holden's disbelief, Ward rises to his feet.
Holden, incredulous, faces Ward.
Ward
W-Was that a h-home run, H-Holden?
Ward moves haltingly toward Holden, his entire body trembling, and his eyes almost vacant.
Ward persists, his body failing but his intent to harm Holden lingering.
As expected, after just a few steps, Ward collapses face-first onto the ground, his body no longer cooperating.
Ward
(Under his breath)
W-Why...?
Holden, perhaps out of pity or a final farewell, approaches the fallen Ward.
Ward
Why is it that you always w-win? Just... Just what is the d-difference between you and me? Were you born special? A-Are some people just... Superior?
Holden, crouching beside Ward, leans in to hear his faint words.
As Ward's breaths grow more shallow, Holden helps him settle more comfortably, allowing him a glimpse of the expansive blue sky.
Ward
I'm no real smart guy, so I can't answer that, Ward. Stop dwelling on those thoughts.
(Sighs)
Are there any other last words you want to say?
Ward
(Quietly)
Tell.. Tell my shitty dad t-that I'm sorry for b-being such a fuck-up... For never being able to win against... Y-You...
As Ward uttered his final word, the calm blue of the sky vanished in an instant for him, stolen away along with the very air he sought to breathe.
Holden couldn't say anything.
But he had finally understood a little. Understood where Ward's hatred for him was coming from.
He never knew...
Well... How could he..?
After all, no one truly knows the burdens each person endures in life.
Int. Outlet Clothes Store - Continuous
The relentless assault on Scotty continues, the three remaining members of Kane's gang showing no mercy.
Scotty, with his body battered and bruised, realizes this moment is his last chance. Summons all his remaining strength and he bellows at the top of his lungs.
Scotty
WAIT!!! I gotta tell you all something very important!!!
The trio halts their attacks, intrigued despite their aggression, as Scotty struggles to stand, his body trembling.
Crowbar
(Genuinely curious)
Spit it out then.
All eyes fixate on Scotty, including Rhia's, who suspects he might have an unexpected plan.
Scotty
(Breathing heavily)
Y-You see... T-There a fact that we all should k-know about.
His words draw their attention, even as Scotty strains to regain his composure.
Hatchet
The hell is it?!
Scotty
W-Wait, give me one second.
He takes one more breath and bends his back.
Crowbar
Alright, let's just kill him.
Scotty
No no no no! Let me tell you! Please! It's uh... Very important.
Scotty takes a deep breath and finally steadies himself.
Scotty
Okay... So, you know that a long time ago, during Ancient Rome up until the sixteenth century in Europe, there was a belief that the blood of freshly executed individuals was a health elixir? The reason for this being that most thought drinking the blood of a wise person would result in an increase of their own wisdom! Rich people even paid the executioners to drink it warm from the gallows. I-Interesting, right?
The gang members are dumbfounded by the bizarre and seemingly irrelevant fact.
Scotty
So... What I'm trying to say is...
(Flashes a smile and a thumbs-up)
Don't go tasting my blood, alright?
Crowbar
What the fu-
Scotty, in a blink of an eye, charges toward and slams the cricket bat onto Crowbar's face.
Then, without hesitation, he delivers a relentless barrage of blows, targeting only Crowbar while the other two try their best to pull Scotty away.
Crowbar
H-Help!
Hatchet and Golf Club finally pulls Scotty away, but before they could, Scotty, fueled by a surge of desperation, lands a final and fatal blow on Crowbar's head, abruptly silencing his cries.
Scotty's minor wounds begin to heal and his strength slowly returns, but it becomes useless.
Golf Club swings his weapon at Scotty's head, sending him crashing to the ground.
And in a cruel strike, Hatchet brings down his axe, slicing into Scotty's chest and leaving him unconscious.
Golf Club
(Relieved)
There he goes.
Hatchet
What a crackhead... He managed to fight back until the very end, never running away.
(Notices Scotty's faint breaths)
Wow, look at him! Still not dead! Just what's keeping him from giving up?
Rhia, concealed behind the counter, knows. Knows that she was the reason why Scotty didn't run away. She could only punch herself on the legs, hating herself for being useless.
Hatchet
Whatever, let's get over this.
As Hatchet raises his axe for the final strike, a deafening crash echoes from the door, shattering the glass into a cascade of shards.
All eyes turn to the shattered glass door as none other than Holden runs inside.
Holden swings his bat with unbridled force, shattering Hatchet's head, the impact resembling a ruptured melon.
Golf Club, fear taking all over his body, bolts towards the exit, but Holden seizes his shirt, yanking him back.
He crashes to the ground, and before he can react, Holden executes him with a swift swing from his bat.
He falls to the ground and Holden quickly executes him on the head with his bat.
Holden had become much more formidable than before.
Wasting no time, he checks on Scotty's breathing.
Rhia
Holden, i-is he..?
Holden carefully lifts Scotty and brings him to the countertop.
Holden
Just barely...
In urgency, Holden tears open Scotty's shirt to assess the chest wound.
While not penetrating any vital organs, the injury was still significant.
Rhia gasps at the sight, tears streaming down her face.
Rhia
I'm s-s-sorry, Scotty. I couldn't...
She places her trembling hands on his chest, overcome with sorrow.
Holden
We might still have some time, I'll go find something-
A glimmer of light catches Holden's attention, emanating from the area of Scotty's wound.
Holden
What?
Another gleam shines and upon closer inspection, it was coming from Rhia's hands.
Holden
Rhia, w-what is happening? Your hands?
Rhia
I-I'm not sure, but...
Rhia concentrates intensely as if she was putting every ounce of her energy into her hands.
Rhia
I feel like I just need to focus...
White light radiates from Rhia's hands, causing Holden to squint.
Straining to see, Holden witnesses the damaged tissue visibly mending itself.
Holden
R-Rhia. You're healing him!
Rhia winces suddenly, dropping to her knees but keeping her hands on the wound.
Holden rushes around the counter to her side.
Holden
Rhia! What's wrong?
Struggling for air, Rhia manages a few words through her pain.
Rhia
M-My chest... It's as if it's burning...
Holden
What..? C-Could it be...
Holden checks Scotty's wound again.
The healing accelerates, the wound rapidly closing, but Rhia winces in greater pain.
Rhia
H-His pain... It's... It's transferring to me, isn't it?
Holden nods slowly.
Holden
Yes. The more you heal him, the worse it will get.
Rhia takes a deep breath and stands.
Rhia
It's fine then.
Holden
Rhia...
Rhia
If it means I can save him, this is nothing. In fact... No matter how much it hurts, it's probably only a fraction of what he endured...
Rhia's expression reflects unwavering dedication, enough to halt any attempts from Holden to dissuade her.