Int. City Mall Second Floor - Afternoon
Driven by determination, the girl launches another attack, her knife aimed at Johan.
Johan swiftly exits the store, but she relentlessly follows.
As the chase continues, Johan's gaze locks onto the girl's eyes, trying to assess her intent. Her eyes convey an undeniable seriousness – a clear indication that she means to harm him.
Johan's hesitation fades as he gets out his knife, a necessary defense against the imminent threat.
The girl's amusement is evident, her demeanor almost mocking as they stand ready to face each other.
Johan
(Urgent but calm)
I will fight back if you don't stop. Let's just calm down.
Before he can fully react, the girl charges forward, unleashing a barrage of jabs.
Johan's evasive movements are not enough to escape unscathed. He feels a graze on his shoulder as he tries to dodge.
Thinking quickly, Johan discards the sleeve covering his knife, exposing its blade. The seriousness of the situation pressing upon him.
The girl's expression suddenly changes.
???
(Amused)
That knife... It's pretty.
Johan can't help but let out a small, incredulous laugh, the absurdity of the situation striking him.
Johan
Seriously-
However, before he can react, she's upon him, grabbing his hand and forcing him down to the floor.
His balance compromised, Johan stumbles, and the girl follows suit, and her knife plunges into the ground just centimeters away from Johan's face.
Johan's struggle to rise is met with resistance as the girl straddles his body, her hands restraining his arms.
In his mind, Johan wrestles with astonishment – wondering how she could possess such strength.
Johan (V.O.)
(Trying to get up)
How is she this strong..?
The girl's attention seems fixated on the knife he's holding.
Amid their close proximity, Johan's discomfort grows.
Johan
(A little strained)
You can have that knife. Now get off me.
The girl's focus shifts from the knife to Johan's face, an enigmatic amusement dancing in her eyes.
???
Hmm...
As tension holds the air in a vise grip, the girl inches her face closer to Johan's.
Johan, slightly taken aback, finds himself momentarily lost in her gaze. There's a trace of fascination in her eyes, a sense of curiosity that seems to override her initial hostility.
Suddenly, a voice cuts through the charged atmosphere. Rhia, approaches the two with urgency in her tone.
Rhia
(Urgent)
Hey, stop! They're friendly!
Johan's attention shifts from the girl to Rhia, his confusion apparent.
Holden and Scotty soon appear on the scene, their puzzlement evident as they take in the unexpected scenario.
Rhia, still focused on the girl, seems to notice Johan's bandaged arm.
Rhia
(Firm)
Come on, he's hurt. Don't be like that, please...
The girl appears to be caught in an internal debate, her expression shifting as she weighs her options.
Her grip tightens on the knife Johan had offered. After a moment's hesitation, she takes the knife and stands up.
Johan
(Hint of sarcasm)
Thank you.
The atmosphere remains tense, but the confrontation seems to have been defused, if only temporarily.
Johan, feeling somewhat relieved, backs away from the girl, and joins Holden and Scotty.
Curiosity burns in his eyes as he looks at Rhia and the other girl.
Johan
So... Who are they?
Holden was about answer Johan's question, but before he could, Scotty interjects with a mischievous grin.
Scotty
(Teasing)
Hey, did that girl just destroy you?
Johan, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration, quickly responds.
Johan
I... I didn't want to fight her. That's all.
Rhia, determined to mediate, approaches the trio, her tone apologetic.
Rhia
(Regretful)
I'm so sorry about that. Cheyenne! You should apologize as well!
She calls out to the girl, although she seems more captivated by Johan's knife than the conversation.
Rhia
(Calling out)
Cheyenne!
Johan (V.O.)
Her name is Cheyenne? Cheyenne... Wait a minute, that name...
Cheyenne still remains where she is, paying no attention to Rhia's call.
Scotty
Looks like she's interested in knives more than humans.
Rhia chuckles a little, as if remembering something.
Rhia
Yeah, she can be really hostile at first. She actually tried to kill me when we first met too.
Johan
Sounds about right...
Holden chimes in, observing Cheyenne's silence.
Holden
Well, looks like she doesn't talk much either.
Rhia suggests moving the conversation to the food court.
Rhia
(Friendly)
Hey, how about we continue the conversation in the food court? I'm sure you guys haven't eaten anything yet. It'll also be more comfortable down there. I also have few thing to ask...
Scotty
(Excited)
YES! Let's eat!
Holden, curious about what Rhia wants to know, raises an eyebrow.
Holden
Ask what?
Suddenly, Cheyenne does something unbelievable.
She leaps from the second floor of the mall to the first in an astonishing display of agility.
Johan, Holden, and Scotty are left in disbelief, rushing to the edge to see what just happened. Their eyes about to leave its pocket.
Cheyenne, appearing completely unfazed, walks casually towards the food court.
Rhia
(Softly)
That...
Int. City Mall Food Court - Moments Later
Everyone has plates full of various foods from the food court in front of them, indulging in the offerings.
However, two of them are an exception.
Cheyenne is content with just a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, she is also sitting a few tables away from the others.
Johan only has a water bottle, letting others know that he doesn't want to eat.
As they dig into their meals, Johan initiates the conversation.
Johan
(Taking a sip)
So... Was that a very well-designed stunt or can everyone survive a fall like that now?
Scotty
(Mouthful of food)
Should I go test it out?
Rhia panics, rapidly shaking her hands to stop Scotty.
Rhia
No no no no. I don't think everyone can do that.
She clears her throat and proceeds with a serious question.
Rhia
(Resolute)
Guys, please be honest with me. Because I'm gonna ask a very important question.
Holden
(About to take a bite of sandwich)
Well, what is it?
Rhia
Did you, after arriving in this world, kill a human or a Gier?
The mention of killing a human makes Johan and Holden freeze momentarily.
Holden is the first to shake off the hesitation and answers Rhia.
Holden
Johan and I defeated a Gier, but Johan was the one to finish it off.
Rhia directs her focus solely to Johan, her eyes probing.
Rhia
Johan, after killing it, did you feel any difference in your body? Like you felt stronger, or did a pain that had been bothering you suddenly go away?
Johan thinks about it for a minute, delving into the memory of when he killed the Gier.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Johan
(In realization)
Oh... I remember... My arm, it hurt much more before I killed the Gier. But after, the pain was manageable. And I was sure that the Gier attacked my back, but after, not only the pain went away, but there wasn't even a scratch.
Rhia listens intently, her expression growing more in surprise as Johan recounts his experience.
Rhia
(Quietly)
So, I am right...
Johan, eager to understand more, presses further
Johan
Right? What do you mean?
Rhia glances over the three of them and takes a deep breath, preparing to share her own story.
Rhia
You see, how I first met Cheyenne was...
Ext. City Streets - Flashback
Rhia's eyes dart around in the empty streets, reflecting her fear and worry. Her trembling fingers clutch at her shirt as she ventures forward, her senses heightened by the silence that envelops her.
In the distance, a voice echoes from an adjacent alley.
Her heart leaps with hope, and she rushes toward the source of the sound.
But as she draws nearer, the words become clear, and her hope turns to dread.
???
(Desperation and fear)
No no. NO! Please! I'm sorry!
Someone is begging for their life in the alley ahead.
Rhia's hands shake as her steps falter. The atmosphere grows tense, and she's hesitant to venture further.
But with a sickening, gushing sound, the man's voice diminishes to a chilling silence.
Rhia (V.O)
W-What happened...
Rhia, her heart pounding, approaches the entrance of the alley with cautious trepidation.
What unfolds before her eyes is a ghastly scene.
Cheyenne stands amidst the grim tableau, her knife dripping with blood. Two lifeless bodies lie sprawled on the ground.
But it's not the gruesome sight that terrifies Rhia the most—it's Cheyenne's expression. She's smiling, an eerie and unsettling grin.
Rhia's hands instinctively fly to cover her mouth as she's filled with shock. She tries not to draw any attention and turns to leave the alley, her steps careful and quiet.
Rhia (V.O)
I need to get out of here...
Rhia's steps were about to get faster, until she suddenly caught the sound of rapid movement closing in.
Cheyenne
(Sneaking up behind Rhia, whispers)
Like what you see?
Rhia's scream pierces the air as she falls in terror.
Cheyenne, her face smeared with blood, casually wipes it away with her hand and approaches Rhia.
Rhia retreats, her back pressing against a wall, and pleads frantically, her words tumbling out in a rush. Her voice trembles as she speaks.
Rhia
(Panicked)
H-Hi, my name is Rhia, uh I saw nothing. Even if I did, I do not care, will not tell anyone. Please don't kill me. Umm, I like the color of your green. D-Don't kill me please!
Rhia closes her eyes tightly, bracing for the inevitable, her breaths coming in rapid gasps.
But instead of an attack, there is only silence.
She slowly opens her eyes, finding Cheyenne right in front of her, squatting to meet her gaze. Rhia flinches in surprise.
Cheyenne
(Still smiling)
Hey, you look fun. Wanna go to the mall with me?
Rhia, still trembling, can only blink in disbelief.
Cheyenne
No?
Cheyenne toys with her knife, her expression unreadable.
Rhia
(Forcefully smiling)
Oh, absolutely y-yes! Sure! I would love to.
Cheyenne's smile broadens, as she stands up.
Cheyenne
(Excited)
Let's go then!
Rhia releases a shaky breath, relief washing over her that she's still alive.
But as she gazes at Cheyenne's back, her clothing stands out.
She's wearing nothing but a plain white shirt and orange pants. Very bright orange pants.
She pushes aside her fear though, swallowing her unease, and quickly follows Cheyenne towards the mall.
Int. City Mall - Flashback
Inside a glasses shop, Cheyenne peruses the sunglasses collection with an air of indifference. She tries on various pairs, examining herself in the small mirror nearby with a sense of amusement.
Rhia stands beside her, her nervousness evident as she watches Cheyenne.
Rhia
(Worried)
Hey, umm, I know that no one is here, but... Isn't this still stealing?
Cheyenne doesn't appear to be concerned in the slightest. She casually grabs one of the sunglasses and places it on Rhia's face.
Cheyenne
Who cares?
Cheyenne gazes at Rhia, her piercing eyes softened by a smile.
Cheyenne
That looks good on you.
Rhia blushes slightly under the sunglasses, grateful for the unexpected compliment.
Rhia
(Stammering)
O-Oh. Thanks, um, your name?
Cheyenne, now seemingly in a better mood, shares her name.
Cheyenne
Cheyenne. You?
Rhia
Rhia, nice to meet you, Cheyenne.
Rhia smiles genuinely, relieved that Cheyenne doesn't appear to harbor any ill intentions towards her. She may have questions about Cheyenne's actions earlier, but for now, she's willing to put them aside.
Suddenly, a loud crashing sound reverberates through the mall. And it's apparent that the noise came from a nearby store.
Cheyenne swiftly grabs her knife, ready for action, and rushes out to locate the source of the disturbance.
Rhia
Ch-Cheyenne!
Rhia, concerned for her newfound companion's safety, follows suit but not without picking up a mop that happened to be nearby, gripping it firmly as she steps outside.
Int. City Mall Second Floor - Flashback
Rhia hurries to catch up with Cheyenne, finding her standing near a clothing shop.
Rhia
Wait up- O-Oh my god...
What Rhia finds inside the store leaves her shocked and frightened
There was a nine-foot-tall grey-skinned creature, a Gier.
Cheyenne, on the other hand, appears oddly calm and curious in the face of this monstrous threat.
Rhia
C-Cheyenne, we gotta run.
Cheyenne
(Calmly)
So, that's what it looks like. Smaller than I thought.
Her curiosity gets the better of her, and she muses aloud.
Cheyenne
(Intrigued)
I wonder if it bleeds.
Without hesitation, Cheyenne charges toward the Gier, catching its attention, causing it to roar menacingly.
Before the Gier can react, Cheyenne boldly thrusts her knife into its stomach, piercing its thick skin. Blood bursts out and splotches her face. Blood bursts out and splotches her face.
Rhia can't believe her eyes as she watches this fearless young woman engage with a deadly creature.
Cheyenne smiles, seemingly unbothered by the Gier's roar. She looks up to see its eyes
Cheyenne
You do.
She continues her assault, rapidly stabbing the Gier multiple times.
The creature screams in agony and retaliates by shoving Cheyenne forcefully into a clothing rack. It still had the knife in its stomach.
Cheyenne crashes into the rack, but she doesn't stay down for long. She quickly gets back on her feet, ready for another attack.
The Gier starts to charge at Cheyenne, but right before the impact, she deftly withdraws her knife and dodges the massive creature.
It turns to strike again, but Cheyenne jumps into the air, landing her blade deep into the Gier's chest.
Cheyenne
Die.
In a final, desperate move, the Gier seizes Cheyenne, throwing her down to the floor and choking her.
Cheyenne, for the first time, appears to struggle as she continuously stabs the Gier in its arm. However, the Gier's grip tightens.
Then, an unexpected savior emerges: Rhia, still terrified but determined to help, hits the Gier on the head with a mop.
The Gier, momentarily stunned, releases its grip on Cheyenne.
Using the opportunity, Cheyenne moves like lightning, stabbing the Gier relentlessly all over its front body.
The creature gradually weakens as it takes blow after blow. And finally, it succumbs, falling to the ground lifeless.
Rhia, still catching her breath from the adrenaline rush, and Cheyenne, covered in the Gier's blood, take a moment to collect themselves.
Cheyenne chuckles softly, breaking the tension.
Cheyenne
That was impressive, Rhia.
Rhia's expression is a mix of confusion, fear, and amazement.
Rhia
How... How did you do all that? A human cannot do that...
Cheyenne looks just as puzzled.
Cheyenne
I don't know. But ever since I came to this world, I've been getting stronger. I feel like I can do anything.
Her last sentence carries a hint of violence, which gives Rhia a pause.
Cheyenne begins selecting a few pieces of clothing and then heads towards the restroom in the shop.
Rhia
Are you gonna change?
Cheyenne nods, providing Rhia with an opportunity to excuse herself.
Rhia
Okay then, I'm gonna go check the food court. Get something to eat or drink.
Rhia stands up, needing some time alone to process the extraordinary events she just witnessed.
She starts heading toward the food court, leaving Cheyenne to her own devices.
Int. City Mall Food Court - Afternoon
Rhia
So... Looks like it's true, right?
Johan, Holden, and Scotty all wear expressions of bafflement.
Scotty
(Shouting)
You only told us how you met Cheyenne! Explained nothing!
Rhia looks surprised by their confusion, her voice carrying a sense of understanding.
Rhia
(Attempting to clarify)
Oh, I thought you all figured it out by now. I mean, it took me some time, but I got it.
Holden's gaze drifts towards Cheyenne, who continues to enjoy her cake and coffee. His expression turns to one of disgust as he processes the fact that the seemingly carefree girl before him had taken the lives of two people without remorse.
Holden
(Disturbed)
If you wanted to tell us how dangerous she is, you did your job.
Johan, however, seems to have a deeper understanding of what Rhia is trying to convey.
Johan
(Realization dawning)
I see...
Johan appears to have connected the dots, understanding the implications of Rhia's words.
Johan
If you take the life of either a human or a Gier... Your body becomes stronger in every possible way. Small wounds heal, your reaction speed increases, you move quicker, your body becomes more durable, and your strength multiplies.
Rhia
(Affirming Johan's conclusion)
Precisely.
Scotty expresses his disbelief, frustration evident in his voice.
Scotty
(Indignant)
What, so basically if you commit mass murder, you become invincible? The hell is this?
Holden adds to Scotty's sentiments, his gaze fixated on Cheyenne.
Holden
It's like a playground for murderers...
The reality of their situation becomes painfully clear to all of them. Their world now is a brutal and inhumane place, where survival comes at a terrible cost. A world, where taking lives grants power.
It unsettles them deeply.
Suddenly, laughter cuts through the somber atmosphere. Johan's attention shifts to Cheyenne, who is the source of the laughter.
Cheyenne
That's how it works, huh. Never would've guessed. Thanks, Rhia.
Rhia offers a faint, worried smile, concerned about how the others are reacting to Cheyenne's demeanor.
Cheyenne finishes her coffee and stands up, her gaze fixed on Rhia as she speaks.
Cheyenne
Let's go, Rhia. There's a shop I wanna see.
Without further ado, Cheyenne heads toward the exit of the food court, leaving behind the bewildered trio of Johan, Holden, and Scotty.
Rhia turns to the three young men, a sense of unease in her eyes as she speaks, her voice carrying a hint of desperation.
Rhia
(Worried)
Are you guys gonna leave?
Scotty and Holden simultaneously respond, though with opposing answers.
Scotty
(Quickly)
Nope!
Holden
(Resolute)
Yes.
Rhia's face contorts with confusion, trying to make sense of the mixed responses.
Johan
(Assuring Rhia)
We won't leave, for now.
With Johan's assurance, Rhia heads off to follow Cheyenne.
Holden turns to Johan in disbelief, his concern evident in his voice.
Holden
What do you mean we're gonna stay? You really want to be in the same place as that murderer?
Scotty interjects, offering a more optimistic perspective.
Scotty
Rhia seems nice though...
Holden directs his attention to Scotty, his expression stern as he responds.
Holden
Scott, even if she is, there's no telling that she can stop Cheyenne from attacking us.
Johan remains quiet.
Holden grabs Johan's shoulder, emphasizing his point with determination.
Holden
We can't stay here.
Johan raises a crucial question, one that underscores the gravity of their predicament.
Johan
Where are we gonna go then? Where else can we go?
Holden finds himself without an answer
Johan
It's better to stay with more people until we figure out what's next for us. And... We can't really say for sure that Cheyenne is just a mindless killer.
Holden's disbelief deepens, struggling to come to terms with Johan's perspective.
Holden
(Exasperated)
She killed two people and even tried to kill you. How could you be saying that?
Johan, however, offers a different viewpoint.
Johan
(Contemplative)
What if she was attacked by those two guys first?
Holden reflects on this possibility, acknowledging that it might not be as black and white as it seems.
Holden
That... That is true.
Scotty
(Bluntly)
But she does seem crazy.
Johan
(Agreeing)
Yeah, that I can say for sure.
Although Johan acknowledges Cheyenne's eccentricity, his expression suggests that he may know something about her that the others don't.
Scotty, eager to make the best of the situation, decides on a course of action.
Scotty
(Enthusiastic)
Well, if we're gonna stay here, I'm gonna go and legally rob some stores.
Scotty begins to skip away from the food court.
Holden
I guess that's allowed now, huh...
Johan
(Encouraging)
You should go too, Holden. I'm gonna go and check out some stores as well.
Holden nods in agreement.
Holden
I'll also go find a place to sleep for tonight.
Johan gives him a thumbs up and begins to walk away.
Holden
Hey Johan.
Johan stops but doesn't turn to face Holden.
Holden
You didn't eat anything. You're... You're okay, right?
Johan
Honestly... I don't think anyone right now is actually okay. But we're all trying to reason with the situation we're put in right now. I'm just taking it in a little harder, that's all. Don't worry, Holden.
After those words of assurance, Johan continues walking away, leaving Holden with a mix of emotions. Concern for his friend, but also a sense of admiration for Johan's resilience in the face of adversity.
Int. City Mall Second Floor - Night
After walking around the mall for a while, Johan realizes it's already nighttime, the absence of sunshine leaving everything cloaked in darkness
He comes to a halt when he passed a particular shop, one that stood out in the twilight. It was a toy shop, a place filled with colorful, innocent objects that stood in stark contrast to the grim reality outside.
And inside, he spots Cheyenne sitting on a tiny chair meant for kids, her attention captivated by a massive stuffed bear.
Johan lets out a sigh through his nose and decides to enter the shop, full of determination.
Johan
Hi, what are you doing here?
Cheyenne turns around, and to Johan's surprise, she seems almost happy that he's here.
Cheyenne
What is your name?
Johan leans against a nearby wall, maintaining a casual demeanor as he replies.
Johan
Johan. Johan Rhee. And your full name is Cheyenne Min, right?
Cheyenne's expression shifts from surprise to seriousness upon hearing her full name.
Cheyenne
How do you know my name?
Johan proceeds to explain, his voice carrying no judgment.
Johan
You're the one who killed her teacher and went to juvie last year. It was all over the local news.
Cheyenne abruptly stands up and walks over to Johan, retrieving her knife in the process.
She pushes Johan against the wall, her arm on his neck, and her knife firmly planted into the wall beside him.
Cheyenne
(Coldly)
So what?
Johan remains calm, offering a perspective that perhaps she hasn't considered.
Johan
The teacher deserved it though. I heard that she was abusing some of her students. I'm sure it was worse than how it was reported.
Cheyenne's hold on Johan loosens further as she listens to his words.
Johan
You may be a little dangerous, but I don't think you're an asshole. If you were, you would have killed me already.
Cheyenne looks intrigued by Johan's assessment.
Suddenly, her demeanor shifts again, and she tightens her grip. She then pulls her knife from the wall, points it at Johan's eyes.
Cheyenne
Oh, you're mistaken, the only reason why I didn't kill you was because of your eyes.
Johan looks curious, waiting for Cheyenne to explain further.
Cheyenne
It didn't have a will to survive. Hence no fear.
(Leans closer and examines the eyes.)
Just like right now. You're quite interesting, you know.
Johan takes this opportunity to make a sincere request, his voice tinged with vulnerability.
Johan
If so, please don't kill me or my friends. I don't think you will, but I know that you definitely can.
Cheyenne backs away from Johan, seemingly accepting his words.
Johan
(Sincerely)
Let's all be friends. At least for the time being.
Cheyenne, with an air of nonchalance, simply turns away and heads toward the massive teddy bear on display. With a swift kick, she sends the bear tumbling to the floor. She then sprawls herself over the plush toy as if it were a makeshift bed.
Johan watches her in bewilderment, his voice carrying a tone of surprise.
Johan
You're uh... You're gonna sleep there...?
Cheyenne, her eyes half-lidded, responds wearily.
Cheyenne
I'm tired...
Johan accepts her decision with a simple acknowledgment.
Johan
Alrighty then.
He heads out of the toy shop, only to encounter Rhia making her way toward it.
Johan
Hey, looks like she is gonna sleep there tonight.
Johan points back at the toy shop, drawing Rhia's attention to Cheyenne's resting place.
Rhia
(Surprised)
What? Oh.
Johan, with a nod, shares his parting words.
Johan
I'll see you two tomorrow then. Hope Holden found a place to sleep.
With that, Johan departs, leaving Rhia to contemplate the unique situation they find themselves in.
Rhia, realizing that Johan, Holden, and Scotty are not going to leave, smiles warmly.
Rhia
Oh okay. Have a good night!
She waves her hand, feeling a sense of comfort in the presence of these newfound companions.