Int. Subway Train - Afternoon
Oily Hair finally manages to pull Scotty away from Glasses, who's now standing, albeit shaken.
Glasses
Shit, what's with him?
Oily Hair kicks Scotty to the ground.
Oily Hair
(Grins)
He's weak though.
He kicks Scotty once more for good measure.
Johan
Scotty!
Johan rushes over to help, but Red Cap intercepts him, pushing him against the subway car wall.
Holden, having delivered another forceful blow to the guy whose teeth he broke, rushes over to assist, but the remaining hostile guy strikes him down with a metal pipe.
Red Cap
Hold that guy down!
With Johan pinned and Holden down, Red Cap draws his kitchen knife.
Johan
Get OFF ME!
Johan yells in frustration as he pushes Red Cap away.
But Red Cap quickly lunges with his knife, aiming to strike.
Johan evades just in time, the blade scratching the steel wall.
Now attempting to counterattack, Johan swings his machete, but abruptly halts, hesitant to harm another human.
Red Cap
(Snarling)
If you're not gonna use that, give it to me!
Red Cap charges at Johan with a stab.
In response, Johan employs his backpack as a makeshift shield, deflecting Red Cap's stabbing motion.
Johan holds his ground, his backpack providing a crucial defense.
But Red Cap, undeterred, advances, aiming a punch at Johan's face.
Scotty
Johan! Holden!
Johan, after being punched, glances behind him to witness Scotty still suffering under the two guys' onslaught. Getting kicked everywhere on his body.
Johan
Scotty!
(Turns to Red Cap)
Enough!
Fueled by anger, Johan swings his backpack at Red Cap's hand, causing him to drop the knife.
And without further hesitation, Johan moves swiftly, slashing Red Cap across the chest.
Red Cap
Fuck!
Johan promptly follows with another swing of his backpack, forcefully striking Red Cap's head, causing him to collapse to the floor.
As Red Cap writhes in pain, clutching his chest.
Johan seizing the opportunity, grabs his head and smashes it against the corner of a subway seat, breaking his nose.
Red Cap
(Screaming in agony)
AAARGH!!!
Johan whirls around, expecting to find Scotty still taking a beating, but instead, he sees Oily Hair and Glasses clutching their eyes, screaming and coughing.
Oily Hair
FUCK! WHAT IS THAT?
Johan's own eyes suddenly begin to sting intensely, feeling like they're on fire. He instinctively shuts them tightly.
Johan
(Eyes closed)
Scotty? Is that... Did you use the pepper spray?
Scotty
Yeah!
Johan, blinking away tears, manages a smile.
Suddenly, someone pours water onto Johan's face.
He turns to find Holden holding a water bottle and panting heavily.
Johan glances around and spots the guy Holden was battling, lying on the floor with blood pooling around his head.
Johan
(Still smiling)
Easy for you?
Holden
(Serious)
A little. What about you?
Johan
Eh, not bad. Just two more to go.
He drops his backpack, clutching the machete with determination.
Holden
(Determined)
I'm gonna break those glasses.
Holden charges toward Glasses with his bat at the ready.
Glasses turns in horror to see Holden approaching, desperately exclaiming:
Glasses
OH SHIT!
With a powerful swing, Holden smashes Glasses in the face, causing his thick glasses to shatter into fragments.
Oily Hair
NO!
Oily Hair watches helplessly as his friend falls to the ground.
Desperation grips him as he looks around, spying Scotty on the floor, still crying and clutching the pepper spray tightly.
He realizes that pepper spray will be his only way out.
Oily Hair lunges toward Scotty, attempting to snatch the pepper spray, but Scotty resists fiercely.
Oily Hair
(Agitated)
Give that to me!
Scotty moves the pepper spray away, struggling to prevent it from being taken.
Observing the tense situation unfold, Johan throws his machete to the side and takes several steps back.
With a burst of speed, he launches himself into a drop-kick, crashing into Oily Hair and sending him sprawling.
Johan
GET AWAY FROM HIM!
Oily Hair crashes to the floor, disoriented.
Johan quickly gets up and advances toward the fallen Oily Hair. Attempting to rise, Oily Hair winces in pain, clutching his back.
Johan, however, delivers several kicks, rendering Oily Hair immobile.
Johan
(Furious)
Fuck you for deceiving us.
Johan kicks him again.
Johan
And fuck you for trying to kill us.
He then turns to Holden, who has finished pummeling Glasses with his bat.
Johan
Holden, pass me the water.
Holden throws the water bottle to Johan.
Johan catches it and walks over to Scotty, helping him sit up. He then pours the water on Scotty's eyes.
Scotty blinks rapidly, recovering from the pepper spray's effects.
Scotty
(Tearfully)
That was fun...
Johan pats Scotty on the back and heads toward Red Cap.
Red Cap is leaning against a seat, his nose and chest bleeding.
He looks up at Johan, blood streaming from his nose.
Red Cap
(Toneless)
Kill me already.
Johan gazes at him, torn by his inner struggle.
How could he take a life of human?
He glances to his left, where two lifeless bodies lie—victims of Holden's fury. To his right, Oily Hair and Glasses are beaten, incapacitated.
This would have never happened if they hadn't been brought to this world. But now, they had to follow the new rules: kill or be killed.
Most importantly, deep inside Johan, he couldn't forgive anyone who wanted to harm him or his loved ones. Never.
Holden approaches Johan, noticing his hesitation.
Holden
Johan, you don't have to... You and I both know it's not the same as killing a Gier. I can do it if you want.
Johan
No, I'm gonna do it. I have to... Would you lend me your bat?
After a moment's hesitation, Holden hands him the bat.
Johan grips it tightly and looks at Red Cap.
Johan
(Whispered apology)
Sorry.
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With one powerful swing, Johan strikes Red Cap's head, ending his life.
The body topples to the side, and blood begins to spread across the floor.
Johan tilts his head and stares at the scene.
He is silent, as though he is coming to terms with the deed he has just carried out.
Holden speaks up, his voice heavy with contemplation.
Holden
You know... I never thought I could kill a person... I actually was disgusted when I heard about what Cheyenne did. But... When I was in a situation where I had to kill, so I could live... As funny as that sounds. I didn't care. Actually, it didn't feel that bad, killing those... Those fiends.
Johan appears deep in thought, but after a moment, he opens his mouth.
Johan
Holden. Murder is always a mistake. A sin. Yet, we'll have to bear it. Because when others in this world make the mistake, we'll be the ones to pay.
Holden absorbs Johan's words, his face filled with solemnity.
Johan
(Walking toward Scotty)
You heard that, Scotty?
Scotty, looking at Oily Hair and Glasses lying on the floor, nods, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding.
Oily Hair and Glasses wince in pain, still alive but grievously injured.
Scotty
(Blatantly)
They're not dead yet.
Desperation creeps into Oily Hair's voice as he begins to speak.
Oily Hair
(Pleading for his life)
Wait... D-Don't kill us... We were used... They were going to kill us if we didn't work for them.
Johan and Scotty listen intently, ready to respond, but suddenly the door to the next car opens behind them.
They whirl around to see a disheveled man with a nose piercing stumbling out, his body covered in blood.
Nose Piercing
(Stuttering)
S-She's a... A monster... I n-need to get s-stronger.
Nose Piercing quickly scans the area and notices Holden standing still.
Holden, still in a daze, remains unaware of the approaching danger.
Nose Piercing screams and lunges toward Holden with a pair of scissors.
Johan
(Urgent)
HOLDEN!
Holden turns around just in the nick of time, but the attacker's scissors freeze midair.
The man then collapses to the floor, a knife plunged into his back.
Holden
(Confused)
W-What the...
Cheyenne stands near the door, her hand steady from the throw.
Her clothes are splattered with blood, but none of it is her own.
Cheyenne
(Assuring)
Rhia, you can open your eyes now.
Rhia, her hands covering her eyes, slowly emerges from the other car.
She removes her hands and shrieks upon spotting the lifeless bodies around her.
Rhia
(Scared)
A-Are you sure?
Holden, still shaken from his close call, finds a nearby seat to sit in.
Cheyenne approaches Johan while Rhia carefully navigates the blood-splattered floor.
Cheyenne
(Praising)
You guys did great here.
Cheyenne then notices Oily Hair and Glasses still clinging to life.
Cheyenne
Scratch that.
Cheyenne swiftly throws two knives, piercing the throats of Oily Hair and Glasses, ending their lives right away.
Johan and Scotty couldn't even see the knives.
Johan
(Taken aback)
Y-You... really didn't need to do that.
Cheyenne
(Innocently)
What? You weren't gonna do that?
Johan
I was gonna find another way, but whatever I guess.
An announcement breaks the tension.
Announcement
Arriving at the next station.
The train begins to slow down.
Johan
(Suggesting)
Hey, let's all go to the front car and take a breather.
Int. Subway Train Front Car - Continuous
Johan yawns and stretches out on one of the subway seats. The group's exhaustion is palpable, and a heavy silence pervades the car.
Scotty
(Sinking to the floor)
How many more stops do we have to go?
Rhia
Two more, I believe.
Holden, sitting a bit apart from the rest, has his head down, lost in thought.
Rhia
(Concerned)
Holden, everything alright?
Holden looks up, offering a faint smile.
Holden
We really shouldn't trust people easily now, huh?
The realization dawns on them all: in this new world, trust was a scarce and precious commodity.
Scotty
(Closing his eyes)
Yeah, people are scary.
They each drift into their thoughts, contemplating the grim nature of their situation.
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Moments Later
The group emerges from the subway station onto the eerily deserted downtown streets of LA.
They survey their surroundings with caution, knowing that danger could be lurking anywhere.
Johan
(Determined)
Let's head toward the more populated areas.
They set off together, their footsteps echoing through the empty city.
Cheyenne lags behind, her bloodied clothes weighing heavily on her.
Holden, noticing Cheyenne's unease, falls back to her side.
Holden
You okay?
Cheyenne can't help but stare at her blood-soaked attire.
Cheyenne
I feel disgusting...
Holden quickly rummages through his backpack and pulls out a shirt. He offers it to her with averted eyes.
Holden
Wear this for now. And... Thank...
(Clears his throat)
Thank you for earlier.
He abruptly walks ahead, leaving Cheyenne perplexed by his sudden behavior.
She decides to ignore it and proceeds to change into the shirt as the group continues their journey through the desolate city.
Soon, an echoing car alarm pierces the silence.
Johan scans the area, attempting to locate the source of the noise.
Johan
This way.
The group dashes towards the sound. But, what they stumble upon is a gruesome scene.
A car lies overturned in front of a building, its doors shattered and an imprint on the adjacent wall. Ten bodies are scattered around, some disfigured beyond recognition.
An amputated arm lies on the ground near them, causing Rhia to shield her eyes.
Cheyenne
(Holding up the severed arm)
Wow.
Holden gets closer to a body to examine it.
Holden
Looks like there was a huge fight here. A quite deadly one...
(Noting the fresh blood)
And not too long ago.
Scotty, casually picking his nose, seems unfazed by this point.
Scotty
(Nonchalant)
You still want to meet more people, Johan?
Johan
(Shaking it off)
This could've been done by a Gier. Let's uh... Let's keep going.
They continue on, searching for a way around the horrible scene.
Ext. Downtown LA Streets - Night
After more than two hours of exhausting exploration, the group wearily concludes their search of most of the buildings. The sun is now setting, casting long shadows over them.
Scotty
I can't... No more...
He collapses onto the hood of a nearby car, exhausted and spent.
Holden
(Sipping water)
Johan, we should find a place to spend the night and continue our search tomorrow.
Johan rakes his fingers through his disheveled hair, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.
Johan
Yeah, we've had quite the day, haven't we?
Rhia
(Joining Scotty on the car)
But where should we spend the night?
Cheyenne points towards a nearby building, and they all turn to see it.
The sign reads "Cupid's Love Motel" in flashy letters, illuminated by a pink neon light.
Cheyenne
(Smirking)
There.
An awkward silence ensues as they take in the rather suggestive establishment.
Cheyenne
I'm sure the bathroom's all big and nice.
Without waiting for a response, she strides toward the entrance, her footsteps echoing in the quiet night.
Silence blankets the group until Scotty, casting caution to the wind, blurts out his thoughts.
Scotty
Ah, who cares! We'll all get separate rooms!
He dashes after Cheyenne, enthusiasm overcoming his exhaustion.
Rhia looks back and forth between Johan and Holden, uncertain of their thoughts.
Johan
(Contemplating)
It probably has a comfy bed...
He quickly makes up his mind and scurries after Cheyenne and Scotty, leaving Holden and Rhia in a stunned daze.
Int. Cupid's Love Motel Room - Moments Later
Johan occupies a chair near the room's window, a glass of water in his hand.
He glances around, taking in the peculiar and romantically adorned room. A heart-shaped bed and other ostentatious, love-themed decorations dominate the space. Johan can't help but scoff at the excessive kitsch surrounding him.
He gazes out the window, where the city lights paint a picture of a world that, from a distance, still seems inhabited.
However, deep down, he knows that the reality outside these walls is far from inviting. The world has changed, become desolate, and, most notably, lonely.
Johan takes another sip of water, and as he peers into his reflection in the window's glass, he can't help but acknowledge the emotions he's kept locked away.
Bitterness, sadness, confusion, and above all, fear—these feelings, usually concealed, now bubble to the surface.
Overwhelmed, he covers his face with his hand and sinks back into the chair. Hopelessness and despair wash over him. In this quiet moment, he finally allows himself to process the harsh truth of this new world.
The fact was that he was growing more and more unhinged in this twisted world. There was simply no telling what lied ahead.
But as the weight of his thoughts begins to pull him into a deeper emotional abyss, Johan becomes aware of an unusual sensation.
Drowsiness started taking hold of him, but it wasn't the product of simple fatigue.
Before he slipped into slumber, Johan had a feeling that it was something that he's experienced.
Ext. Unknown Area - Continuous
Johan awakens in a familiar space, an abyss of impenetrable darkness. Stretching endlessly in every direction, a void without end.
Johan
(Muttering to himself)
Shin...
An edge of anger and determination is in his voice.
Suddenly, the vast blackness is shattered by a shining light, and there stands Shin, floating in the air.
Shin
(Cheerfully)
HI!
Johan's fists clench, and his gaze hardens as he confronts this enigmatic figure.
Shin
Whoa whoa whoa, don't give me that type of look.
It playfully forms a smile with its fingers, contrasting with Johan's escalating frustration.
Shin
(Suggesting)
Do this instead.
Its giggle echoes in the void.
Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Johan lunges forward with a punch, aimed directly at Shin.
Yet, his fist passes right through it.
Shin continues to smile, placing its hands on its hips.
Shin
You're Johan, right? Wow, there's one more person who also threw a punch at me right now. You two are kinda alike.
Johan
(Quietly)
What happened to Yuna?
In a last-ditch effort to elicit a response, Johan unleashes a flurry of punches
Johan
TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED!
But each of the punches goes right through Shin, it was like grasping at shadows.
Finally, exhausted and drained, Johan falls to his knees, gasping for breath.
Shin
(A little more serious)
Yuna... I was sad to see her go. She had potential.
Gazing up at Shin, Johan implores.
Johan
You've been watching us all this time, haven't you?
Shin answers with casual nonchalance.
Shin
Of course! I made this show for myself! Of course I watch it. Oh, don't worry though.
(Winking)
I try my best to avert my eyes when there are very personal stuff going.
Johan's anger boils over as he can't get the answer he desires.
Johan
Then, you know what happened, don't you? You know it all!
Shin's response is unequivocal.
Shin
Yes, I do know. But I won't tell you. No matter what.
Fury and despair course through Johan, culminating in a frustrated cry.
Johan
FUCK!!!
As Johan falls into an pit of expletives, Shin feels a slight sympathy toward him.
Shin
It was a human who killed her. I'll only tell you that
The revelation leaves Johan stunned, his mind racing with the implications.
But as Johan processes this grim knowledge, Shin changes the subject.
Shin
Now let me tell you the reason why I am here to talk with you all.
Realizing he won't get any more information about Yuna, Johan resigns himself to listen to Shin's words.
Johan
I'm all ears.
Shin shifts to a much more jovial tone.
Shin
Good! You really are one of the smart ones. Alright now! First of all, I really am enjoying this spectacle. And from what I can see, some of you guys are as well. However! Most are not... Actually, a lot of you guys are hesitating to do anything at all. Hiding will not get you anywhere. Come out and have fun!
Every word resonates with Johan, shedding light on the difficult quest to find more survivors. Many are indeed concealed in the shadows, hoping to evade the dangers of this new world.
Shin
Secondly, as most of you are aware, this world doesn't adhere to the natural laws of your old one. I mean, of course it doesn't, I'm the one who's making it all special after all.
(Pointing its finger at Johan)
There are still few undiscovered secrets. Keep on looking.
Shin continues its words with a huge grin.
Shin
And now, something to brighten your day.
(Brimming with excitement)
I will now be granting special gifts to those I deem worthy.
Johan
(Demanding clarification)
What exactly do you mean by that?
Shin
(Nodding its head)
It's an endowment if you suppose.
Johan, however, isn't satisfied, insisting.
Johan
E-Elaborate. Elaborate please.
Shin
(Smiling)
You'll see. Don't worry.
Shin levitates into the air higher.
Shin
Now then. We probably will never meet again. There's nothing left to tell you all.
Johan stands up, casting a determined stare up at Shin.
Johan
But you'll always be watching, won't you?
Shin
Bingo.
Shin then brings its hands together and with a resounding clap, the entire space transforms into blinding white light.
And at that exact moment, Johan awoke.
Int. Cupid's Love Motel Room - Continuous
Johan crashes to the floor, gasping for air, just as he did in his previous encounter with Shin.
As he regains his breath and composure, Johan swiftly scans the room, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and anxiety.
Johan
(Muttering)
Always leaving it ambiguous, huh...
Rushing to the door, he peers out into the dimly lit hallway, where Rhia, Holden, and Scotty have also emerged, their expressions a mixture of confusion, confirming their shared experience.
Johan
I'm not going crazy, right?
In response, the trio silently nods in unison.
Holden notices that Cheyenne hasn't come out of her room
Holden
Rhia, can you go get Cheyenne? I think we should all discuss what just happened.
As Rhia heads to get Cheyenne, the group gathers, yearning for answers.
Int. Downtown LA Bar - Night
Empty vodka bottles are strewn haphazardly across the bar's countertop. Some lie in pieces, while others remain intact.
A bowie knife is embedded into the wooden table, its blade stained with blood.
Adjacent to it, a half-smoked cigar smolders, casting shadows.
Leaning on the tabletop, a disheveled man with a buzz cut and a roughly trimmed beard appears to be inebriated. His clothes are discolored by a mixture of blood and alcohol.
Suddenly, he flips off the air.
Buzz Cut
(Angry)
You fuck! I know you're watching me right now.
He points at his middle finger.
Buzz Cut
You see this, right? Yeah, that's what I think about you.
After his profanity-laden tirade, he attempts to rise, but his movements are sluggish, as if he's nursing a hangover.
Snatching the half-smoked cigar, he takes a puff.
The bar's door swings open, revealing another man.
This newcomer possesses lengthy, well-kept hair, but his demeanor is unnerving.
His cold blue eyes are unsettling, and his youth is contradicted by something that seems amiss. Which is a wicked smile that is stretching across his face, betraying a morbid delight in the current situation.
Long Hair
Kane. They're all waiting for you outside.
Kane, the buzz-cut individual, emits a grunt of acknowledgement.
Kane
Can't believe you got it before me. I killed like five more people than you.
Long Hair laughs casually.
Long Hair
Guess I was just lucky.
Kane extinguishes the cigar and grinds it into the floor.
Kane
Don't you dare try to play a trick on me with it though. Bitch around, and I'll gut you up on the spot.
With his knife in hand, he approaches the door, and Long Haired Man follows closely.
Long Hair
You don't have to worry. You're the most fun person to be around right now. I won't kill you.
Kane smirks.
Kane
I thought I was fucked up, but you're on a whole another realm.
The duo exits the bar into the night.
Long Hair
(Remembering something)
Oh! By the way, looks like the new guy found another group of people to kill.
Kane sniggers, and they head toward the awaiting group outside.
Kane
You all ready to go?
Around ten individuals roars in unison.
Group
Yes!