Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Afternoon
Holden and Scotty sprint relentlessly until the sight of a clothing store emerges in the distance.
Kane's gang closes in on them, their pursuit almost overtaking the duo until Ward signals a sudden halt as they near the store.
Ward
Stop!
A man wielding a fire axe disregards Ward's command, attempting to enter the store, only to be forcefully pushed back by Ward.
Fire Axe
What!
Ward
Are you an idiot? They're clearly leading us into a trap.
Crowbar
(Realizing)
I see...
Holden and Scotty enters the store, anticipating their pursuers to follow suit.
Fire Axe
What then? Just wait around?
Ward just walks closer to the store and shouts a warning.
Ward
Hey Holden! And whoever the other guy is. Come out now or else we're going after your friends. I'll give you five seconds!
A tense silence ensues, broken only by the gradual emergence of the two from the store.
Holden
Damn it... They figured it out...
Scotty
What should we do..?
Fire Axe approaches towards the duo, his tall stature towering over them.
Fire Axe
You really thought we'd fall for that?
He erupts into laughter, his laughter causing his belly to shake with each chortle.
Ward
(Pointing at Scotty)
You guys do whatever you want with him. I'm taking Holden.
Crowbar
Alright-
While they were distracted, Holden and Scotty runs away with every ounce of speed they possess.
Ward
(Frantically)
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! CATCH HIM!
Fire Axe lunges, barely managing to snag Holden's leg, bringing him to an abrupt halt.
Holden
(Yelling to Scotty)
Keep going!
Scotty glances back at Holden but quickly resumes his sprint.
Ward
The rest of you, go after him!
Crowbar and the seven others pursue Scotty, leaving Fire Axe and Ward with Holden.
Ext. Parking Structure - Meanwhile
Kane inhales deeply from his cigar, the smoke billowing around him before he casually discards it, his irritation evident.
Kane
Look, I'm in a kinda good mood today. So, I'll kill you quick.
He walks deliberately toward Johan, his hand smoothly retrieving a gleaming bowie knife from within the folds of his leather jacket.
Johan starts sweating as he can sense the imminent danger emanating from the figure advancing towards him.
He steadies himself with a breath, then lunges towards Kane, brandishing a machete.
Just as Johan closes the distance, Kane delivers a forceful kick to his midsection, then grabs his shirt to yank him closer.
And with a sudden, swift motion, Kane thrusts the knife towards Johan, but Johan manages to intercept, grasping Kane's wrist just in time.
Surprise flashes across Kane's face as he intensifies the pressure, attempting to drive the blade deeper, yet Johan stubbornly resists, employing all his strength.
And in a desperate attempt to divert Kane's focus, Johan slashes the machete across Kane, but Kane retaliates by kicking him backward, sending Johan sprawling.
Kane
Ignoring my generosity, huh?
With a leap, Kane descends upon Johan, aiming the knife downward.
Swift reflexes enable Johan to evade, rolling aside just in time.
Johan then quickly slashes his machete towards Kane, but Kane grabs Johan's hand, pulling him closer and extending his left arm in the process.
With precision and raw strength, Kane delivers a devastating knee kick to Johan's arm.
The sickening crack echoing Johan's agonized cry as he drops the machete, collapsing to the ground.
A smirk plays on Kane's lips as he gazes around, reveling in the chaos.
Kane
You might have taken a few lives, perhaps even a Gier.
He walks towards Johan, gripping his face and forcibly dragging him towards a nearby vehicle.
Kane
BUT DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY I'VE TAKEN?!
With an outpouring of strength, Kane hurls Johan against the car's windshield, the glass exploding into a cascade of shards.
Kane
Know your place, bitch.
Kane relaxes his posture, sauntering away as Johan remains slumped within the wreckage, consciousness teetering on the edge.
Johan, though struggling to catch his breath, tries his best to get up.
Johan
W-Wait... Wait.
Kane halts in his tracks, visibly taken aback by Johan's resilience. In his estimation, a normal person would have already had their head cracked from the impact.
He retraces his steps towards Johan, disdain etched on his features, evident as he casually spits on the ground.
Int. Outlet Shoe Store - Meanwhile
Lance bursts into the store, spear in hand, only to be met with a powerful kick from Cheyenne, sending him sprawling against a display of mannequins..
Lance
(Grinning)
My, my. You really do know how to—
Before Lance can finish, Cheyenne launches into a drop kick. He deftly dodges at the last moment.
Lance
Fight...
Cheyenne lunges with a double stab, but gracefully leaps, avoiding the attack.
Then in a fluid motion, he twirls his spear around his neck and swings it toward Cheyenne, who adeptly blocks the strike with her knives.
With a lightning-quick move, Cheyenne counters with a thrust from her reverse-gripped knife, catching Lance off guard. It grazes his neck, drawing blood but not inflicting a deep wound.
Lance steps back, applying pressure to his neck to stem the bleeding.
Lance
(Smirking)
59 and 60. A minute has passed, and you failed to kill me.
Undeterred, Cheyenne dashes towards him, seamlessly transitioning between offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Lance barely manages to block and dodge, but he's not unscathed; cuts and slices mark his body from Cheyenne's rapid attacks.
With a swift strike using the end of his spear, Lance lands a hit on Cheyenne's leg, creating some distance as he vaults to the top of a nearby shelf.
Lance
I'll admit it... I just cannot win this fight.
From his pocket, he retrieves an object, pointing it toward Cheyenne—a luminous green stone, sharply cut and nonagonal.
Cheyenne scoffs and starts walking toward Lance.
Cheyenne
Showing off your rock collection now?
Lance
Just take a closer look.
Cheyenne retrieves another knife from her belt, poised to throw it, but Lance gradually begins to vanish from her sight.
Cheyenne
What the?
Lance (O.S)
And... Ten seconds have passed!
In an instant, the entire scene transforms into a lush rainforest.
Cheyenne is left speechless, disoriented by the sudden change of environment.
Then, she hears Lance's voice, though he's nowhere to be seen.
Lance (O.S)
Amazing, right? Breathe in! There's nothing quite like the smell of the Amazon rainforest.
Cheyenne inhales, encountering the distinct blend of vegetation, moisture, earth, and decomposing flora. The natural aroma surrounds her, along with the chorus of birdcalls and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
Cheyenne
What is t-this?
Lance (O.S)
You don't like it here? Okay, then.
The setting morphs rapidly into a serene beachscape.
Cheyenne staggers backward, taking in the crashing waves, the cries of seagulls, and the sandy terrain.
The unmistakable scent of saltwater fills the air.
Out of the blue, Lance materializes before her, wearing a smile.
Lance
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
You see... I've been endowed!
Cheyenne points her knife toward Lance's forehead.
Cheyenne
Explain...
Ext. Parking Structure - Continuous
Kane approaches toward the vehicle, catching sight of Johan slowly rising to his feet.
Johan steadies himself on the concrete ground, his broken left arm cradled against his side.
Kane
I saw what happened down there, you know. Lance stopped that girl from coming here. Don't know what that bastard's thinking... Ever since he got those powers.
Johan's ears perk up at the last sentence.
Kane
I even told him that she's the only one who can put up a fight with me. But here I am. Having to deal with a guy like... You.
Kane slips his hand into his pocket while deftly twirling his knife with other hand.
Johan
I'm gonna stop relying on her...
Kane
What?
Johan
Even if it means I have to die, I will not let you get away from here.
Johan barely finishes speaking before taking a brutal punch to the face.
Kane
Then die.
Johan retaliates, landing a solid punch on Kane's face with his right hand.
And with unyielding determination, Johan follows through with a powerful headbutt, jolting Kane backward.
But a searing pain slices through Johan, halting any movement.
His gaze drops to find Kane's bowie knife buried deep in his torso.
Johan's breath quivers, blood welling up and spilling from his lips.
He coughs violently, expelling the blood, and then collapses to his knees.
Kane, nursing a bleeding nose from the headbutt, slowly walks back to him.
Kane
(Wiping the blood)
Guys like you disgust me... Thinking you're more than what you already are. So, let me remind you of what you are.
With power, Kane kicks Johan to the ground and crushes Johan's head underfoot.
Kane
YOU!
He delivers a brutal stomp on the head.
Kane
ARE!!!
Another stomp echoes through the air.
Kane
NOTHING!
His boot grinds mercilessly on Johan's skull.
Diminishing light flickers in Johan's eyes as blood oozes from his head, staining the once-white bandages red.
Ext. Downtown LA Outlet - Continuous
Fire Axe swings his axe towards Holden, but before the blow lands, Ward intervenes with a powerful kick, sending Fire Axe staggering.
Fire Axe
What the hell-
Without warning, Ward unleashes a relentless barrage on Fire Axe with his spiked bat.
Each sickening impact sends blood spurting out of Fire Axe's face.
Holden, witnessing the brutal assault, is momentarily horrified but regains his composure and starts making a dash back towards Scotty.
However, a fire axe is hurled in his direction, forcing him to dodge.
Turning back, he discovers Ward, now bloodied and panting, staring at him with a chilling intensity, standing sideways.
Ward
You're all mine now.
He removes his mask, revealing the twisted smile with no front teeth.
Ward
Holden...
Holden
(Shocked)
Are you... Are you Ward?
Ward approaches Holden, the spiked bat resting on his shoulder.
An eyeball of a Fire Axe dangles from a nearby nail, causing Holden to flinch at the sight.
Ward
You remember me? Good. GOOD!
Slightly shorter than Holden, Ward gazes up at him, a wide, unsettling smile etched on his face.
Ward
You see, I was starting to worry, worried that you might've forgotten me... WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT!!!
Ward slams the bat onto the ground.
Holden
Ward, come on... I don't know what happened to you, but we don't have to do this. I mean, why should we? We know each other... All the years we played baseball-
Hearing the last words causes Ward to grab Holden's throat.
Ward
ALL THOSE YEARS YOU HUMILIATED ME!!! IN FRONT OF MY TEAM! MY COACH! MY FAMILY! MY FRIENDS!
As the choke tightens, Holden grips Ward's wrist and pry it away.
Holden
It was just a game, Ward... You're misdirecting your anger on me right now. Trust me, I get it... Anyone can go insane in this new world. Let me help you.
Ward erupts into hysterical laughter, clutching his abdomen as he bends over.
Ward
Y-You are just hilarious, Holden. Listen to what I'm about to tell you. Right now, I don't give a shit about anything. Not about returning to our original world. Not about the monsters trying to kill us. Hell, I don't care about whether I die or not! All I care is!
With a vicious swing, Ward aims the bat at Holden, who blocks it with his own.
Ward
Watching this bat plunged onto your face.
Holden stares at Ward in disbelief.
Ward
Don't be like that, Holden. You're acting like I'm weird. Look at this!
(Shows his missing front teeth)
You did this!
Holden
How did I...
Ward
Forgotten already? Let me jog your memory then.
Ext. Park - Flashback
Ward diligently practices his pitch, hurling balls at a target fixed to a tree
Ward (V.O)
If only my throw was a little faster...
Ward vividly recalls the last game where Holden scored a home run on the third pitch.
Ward
DAMN IT!
He hurls the ball with immense force, launching it toward the tree.
Holden (O.S)
Woah, that's strong!
Ward turns to see Holden walking toward him.
Holden
You're Ward, right? I'm Holden, we faced off in the last game-
Ward
(Coldly)
Yeah, I know.
Holden extends his hand, smiling.
Holden
Despite being in the same league for a while, we've never officially met.
Ward remains silent, grabbing another ball to resume practice.
Holden
Ouch, don't like chatting with opponent teams, huh? I get it.
Ward throws another ball at the tree, this time with more power.
Holden
(Impressed)
Just gotta say, you probably have the most strength out of all the pitchers I've faced.
Surprised by the compliment, Ward slightly glances at Holden.
Holden
Next time I'm on the base and you pitch like that, I'll be an easy out.
Ward
Then... Then why do you always hit a home run against me?
Holden
Because I train extra hard ahead of time when I'm up against you. I gotta give it my all because anything less won't get me to hit that ball.
Ward's expression shifts, torn between different emotions.
Holden, in a more relaxed form, starts to walk away.
Holden
If you keep practicing like that, you'll be unbeatable. Good luck, Ward!
Ward clenches his fist, deeply affected by Holden's words.
Ext. Baseball Field - Flashback
Ward is facing off against a different team.
As he readies himself to pitch, Holden's words echo in his mind.
Ward
That bastard... He was belittling me... Thinking he's so much better than me...
For Ward, Holden's word felt like barbs aimed at his pride.
With Holden's voice haunting him, Ward delivers the pitch, but his mind's turmoil causes the ball to lack speed.
The batter connects with full force, sending the ball hurtling straight back at Ward, striking his mouth.
Ward cries out in agony, clutching his injured mouth.
Ward
FUCK!!!
His teammates, the umpire, and even the batter rush to aid him, but Ward's thoughts remain fixated on Holden.
Ward (V.O.)
Holden. Holden. Holden. Holden. Holden! Holden! Holden! Holden! HOLDEN!!! Winning against you will no longer make me happy.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Continuous
Ward grins malevolently, his expression twisted.
Ward
Killing you. Will sure make me happy.
Holden sighs heavily, then tightens his grip on the bat.
Holden
You're insane... Maybe you always were. Doesn't matter though... Because right now, getting to my friends is more important, and you're in the way.
Ward's smile widens and mirrors Holden's two-handed grip on his own bat.
Ward
Come at me then! You'll have to kill me to get to them.
Ext. Beach - Meanwhile
Lance squats down, seemingly indifferent to Cheyenne pointing her knife at him.
Cheyenne
I said explain!
Lance retrieves the green stone from his coat again.
Lance
Remember what Shin mentioned during our last encounter with it?
Cheyenne
No. I slept through the whole thing.
Lance bursts into laughter, rolling on the ground.
Lance
I-It allowed you to do that?
Cheyenne
It tried to wake me up, but gave up after a while.
Lance regains his composure, fixing a curious gaze on Cheyenne.
Lance
(Intrigued)
You're quite entertaining! And strong, I must say!
Growing more impatient, Cheyenne throws a punch, but Lance vanishes from her sight yet again.
He reappears at the same spot once she retracts her punch.
Lance
Alright, I'll tell you then. You'll need more context though. So, during our second meeting with Shin. It told us that those who seemed deserving will start receiving gifts.
(Spreads his arms to the side)
The gift of being endowed by Shin!
Cheyenne
(Musing)
Ah, I see now... When we first met Shin, it showed us all its powers. And these "endowments" are receiving those said powers, huh?
Lance
Bingo!
Cheyenne
And to go further, yours involves messing with other people's mind, am I right?
Lance
Another bingo! But! I can't just snap and use my power.
(Points the stone forward)
I need to make you stare at this for ten seconds. That's the requirement I need to mess with your mind.
(Puts his head down in disappointment)
Quite a hassle, but I guess there needs to be some holdbacks.
Cheyenne
I knew something was off. So, we're still inside the shoe store, huh?
Lance turns his head toward the ocean, watching the rhythmic waves.
Lance
Indeed, we're still in the shoe store. But, I can manipulate all five of your senses to make you believe you're at this beach. Well, almost all of them...
Cheyenne
What's that supposed to mean?
Lance points at the sand and signals Cheyenne to touch it. As she complies, all she feels is the coldness of the marble ground.
Lance
Touch and taste. Those are the two senses beyond my control. That's probably why you sensed something was wrong. I just cannot entirely convince someone they've been transported to a whole new place.
(Pouts)
Still! Sight, hearing, and smell.
Lance vanishes again, transforming the scenery into the interior of a circus tent.
Cheyenne stands in the center stage, encircled by vacant seats. Spotlights blinding her slightly.
Lance (O.S)
I have mastery over those three and there's nothing you can do to-
Lance reappears in front of Cheyenne, startling her.
Then, another appears nearby. And another, and another, until seven of them stands, all smiling and brandishing their spears.
Lances
There's absolutely nothing you can do to break from this.
Cheyenne draws more knives from her belt, wielding six at once.
Cheyenne
Nah, I'm not buying that.
Lances
Hmm?
Cheyenne
I'll figure it out. Just watch.
Int. Outlet Clothes Store - Continuous
Scotty dashes into another clothes store, seeking refuge, only to be continuously pursued by eight relentless individuals.
Crowbar
Nowhere to run now, you rat.
Crowbar's attention shifts as he realizes the store lies in complete darkness, the absence of light accentuating their confinement.
Sensing something awry, he shouts a command.
Crowbar
Hey! Keep that door open—
Before he can finish, the final person to enter swiftly shuts the door, plunging the space into darkness.
Scotty
You're all so stupid for thinking we're stupid.
Crowbar
What?
Suddenly, an avalanche of clothes and an unknown liquid cascade from above, engulfing the eight.
Some stumble and falter, hindered by the deluge.
Crowbar
The hell?!
A man wielding a hatchet shouts in disgust.
Hatchet
Ugh, the clothes are wet as well!
Crowbar senses the moisture but is overwhelmed by a pungent odor that grips his nostrils.
Crowbar
Is this? Gasoline..?
From the counter, bright sparks emanate the surroundings.
Scotty
The first store we went in was just a distraction, all to lead you guys here. And now that you're all here, right on the spot where I wanted you to be...
Crowbar finally identifies the source of those sparks.
They were firework rockets, getting handed to Scotty by Rhia while he ignites them.
Crowbar
G-GET OUT!
With a deafening burst, the fireworks shoot into the group.
Upon impact, they unleash a cascade of fire that engulfs them.
Scotty raises his hands triumphantly.
Scotty
LET'S GO!!!
The eight individuals frantically scramble, their forms shrouded in flames, some more intensely than others.
Unable to witness the horrifying spectacle, Rhia covers her ears and shuts her eyes, seeking refuge behind the counter.
Above, suspended from the ceiling, gasoline-soaked clothes and buckets hover. Suspended by a broad curtain tethered to a rope attached to the counter that Rhia must have released when Scotty lured the gang into the store.
The eight individuals frantically scramble, their forms shrouded in flames, some more intensely than others.
Unable to witness the horrifying spectacle, Rhia covers her ears and shuts her eyes, seeking refuge behind the counter.
Above, suspended from the ceiling, gasoline-soaked clothes and buckets hover. Suspended by a broad curtain tethered to a rope attached to the counter that Rhia must have released when Scotty lured the gang into the store.
After minutes of screaming and running around, an eerie silence descends.
Rhia
(Still behind the counter)
Are they... Are they all dead?
Scotty
Uh... You might want to see for yourself...
Rhia cautiously lifts her gaze over the counter, trembling in the process. What she witnesses sends chills down her spine.
The flames had subsided and burned corpses are scattered around, their features distorted beyond recognition.
Only four figures remain standing, each clutching a crowbar, hatchet, iron pipe, and a golf club. Their burnt forms exude seething rage from their eyes.
Crowbar
Should've gotten more fireworks, you bastard.
Scotty
(Nervously laughing)
Yeah... Slight oversight from me there...
Rhia tugs at Scotty's pants, urging him to come down.
Rhia
T-There's no next step to the plan, is there?
Scotty's expression turns blank as he contemplates the situation.
Scotty
Well, originally Holden and Johan were going to handle the rest if any survived. But since they're not here... Nope.
Rhia
(Panicky)
W-What should we d-do then?
Scotty closes his eyes, exhaling deeply.
Then, for the first time since arriving in this new world, his countenance shifts, adopting a stern, resolute expression.
Rhia immediately notices the change. It was as if his whole demeanor changed.
Scotty quickly grabs his cricket bat and vaults over the counter.
Scotty
(In a more serious tone)
I'm sorry for killing your friends. You can all try your best to kill me now.
With that said, the four charge toward Scotty, determination etched on their faces.
Rhia
SCOTTY!
Scotty counters one with a swift kick while fending off another using his cricket bat. But before he can press on, he's forced to deflect the incoming crowbar and an iron pipe with his bat.
Scotty
Get out of here now, Rhia!
Hatchet rushes over him, compelling Scotty to act fast by breaking off the hold and dodging to the side.
Scotty runs to the store's center as the four pursue relentlessly.
Crowbar
(Pointing at Hatchet and Golf Club)
Grab him!
Golf Club lunges at Scotty, who retaliates by slamming the cricket bat forcefully onto his face.
Scotty
So, that's how it feels-
Hatchet tackles Scotty down, and the others swiftly join the assault.
They rain blows upon him, pinning him down, leaving him with no space to breathe.
Rhia could only watch with tears welling in her eyes. Her whole body was shaking, making her unable to move.
Scotty
(Desperate)
Rhia!
Rhia braces for a plea for help, but Scotty's next words fill her with shock.
Scotty
Run! Get out of here!
Summoning all his strength, Scotty kicks Hatchet on his shin, causing him to fall down.
But as he tries to rise, Scotty is uppercut by Crowbar, sending him crashing to the ground again.
Their onslaught shifts from kicks to weapon strikes, attacking Scotty mercilessly.
Scotty can only shield his head, wincing in pain.
Ext. Parking Structure - Continuous
Kane finishes stomping Johan's now bloodied head.
He spits on the ground and kicks him one more time for good measure.
Kane
Oh, I almost forgot.
Kane roughly pulls out his knife from Johan's stomach, causing more blood to spurt out and Johan gasping for breath.
Kane
Don't worry, after a few minutes, before you even notice, you'll be dead.
(Wiping the blood off the knife)
There is absolutely no way you'll be able to live.
Kane grinds his boots against the ground to clean the blood and walks away.
Johan is left alone, bleeding and dying.
His vision blurs and the only thing he could see was an empty parking space. His breath shivers as the cold concrete ground embraces him.
All he could do now was wait until his life comes to an end.
At that moment, in the haze of pain, a figure approaches in front of him.
The figure kneels beside Johan and he is met with the face of the person he wanted to see the most.
Yuna
(Concerned)
Hey, Johan. Are you alright?
Johan
Y-Yuna...
Yuna extends her hand and smiles, her smile like a beacon of comfort.
Yuna
Let's go to the place where you feel the most safe. The place where you can rest with no worries.