Int. Outlet Restaurant - Afternoon
The Gier crashes into Johan, who uses all his strength to shield himself from the impact, his arms taking the brunt of the attack.
Despite his resistance, it pushes him back, causing the wall to break.
Scotty
JOHAN!
Johan slides down the broken wall, his body clearly showing signs of the impact.
Scotty and Rhia quickly come to his aid.
Johan
Get out of here, you two... Go find something that can kill this monster... I'll hold it down until then.
Despite the lack of certainty in his voice, Scotty and Rhia understand that their survival depends on following Johan's instructions.
The Gier readies itself for another charge.
Scotty
You better not be dead when we come back, got it?
Scotty forces a smile, attempting to keep hope alive in the face of adversity.
Johan responds with a thumbs-up.
Johan
I didn't wanna admit it, but I really did get stronger after taking a life. I can do this.
As the Gier charges in once more, Johan pushes Scotty and Rhia to safety.
In a swift motion, Johan maneuvers onto the Gier's back, struggling to maintain his grip as the creature thrashes wildly, attempting to dislodge him.
Using the chance, Scotty and Rhia flee from the restaurant.
Johan positions his machete above the Gier's head and strikes with all his might, but the blade barely pierces the creature's tough skin.
The Gier quickly backs up against the wall. Johan, before the crash, jumps down. And in an attempt to damage the creature, Johan grabs a nearby chair and hurls it at the Gier.
Johan
You like that?
The Gier remains undamaged and stares back at Johan.
Then, with a swift motion, it charges toward Johan, claws outstretched.
Desperation sets in, and Johan grabs his backpack, using it as an improvised shield. But the Gier easily tears it away and backhands Johan, sending him crashing to the ground.
Bruised but still determined, Johan gets back on his feet, gripping his machete with two hands.
Johan
I fucking hate this...
He sighs, then decides to take a different approach. Johan runs straight toward the Gier as it attempts to grab him. He slides down to dodge, and slashes the Gier's right leg.
Without stopping and moving with agility, Johan jumps onto the Gier's back and stabs it.
His strikes hurt the creature this time but don't penetrate too deep.
Johan
Your head is the toughest part, huh... Then, I'll just start from the bottom.
Hatred gleams in Johan's eyes. The Gier had been his first nightmare he encountered in this world.
The Gier readies another attack, and Johan anticipates an arm strike. But the Gier surprises him by throwing a powerful kick.
Caught off guard, Johan barely manages to dodge, and the Gier's kick smashes through tables and chairs, sending debris flying toward Johan.
Johan
(Blocking)
Shit!
Johan realizes that fighting in the confines of the restaurant is a disadvantage.
He makes a quick decision and sprints toward the exit, the Gier following closely with incredible speed.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Continuous
Johan rolls outside as the Gier attempts to stomp on him.
He manages to stand up, but is suddenly hit with a stream of blood that blocks his right eye.
The Gier charges toward him once more, leaving Johan with no time to react as he was wiping the blood away.
Johan gets pushed back again, his back scraping against the concrete ground.
Despite the pain, Johan rises to his feet yet again.
With only one eye functioning, he can't stand fully but still clings to his machete with both hands, preparing for what might be his last attack.
There was no running this time around.
The Gier rushes toward him, preparing to deliver a powerful blow with its arms pulled back. Johan also charges forward, his machete poised for a thrust.
But as the Gier swings its arms downward, Johan takes a step back, causing the Gier to smash the ground and miss him.
Wasting not even a second, Johan thrusts his machete into the Gier's chest, piercing it deeply and releasing a gush of blood.
Nonetheless, Johan knew...
He knew that it wasn't nowhere enough to kill the Gier.
Johan
Not enough, huh...
Having expended his remaining strength, Johan drops the machete and kneels, catching his breath.
The Gier, despite its injury, could still move and attempts to deliver a fatal strike.
Out of the blue, the blaring horn of a car pierces the air.
Johan turns his head and sees Scotty approaching in his car at full speed.
Scotty
Johan!!! Move out!!!
Johan manages to back away just in time as Scotty crashes the car into the Gier with full force. The Gier is sent hurtling into a nearby store, pinned against the wall.
Scotty, his adrenaline high, continues to scream and keeps his foot on the gas pedal, pushing the Gier further into the building.
The Gier screams in pain, while Scotty screams in excitement. The two sounds contrasting sharply.
Soon, smoke starts pouring from the car's engine, causing Scotty to finally get out of the vehicle and run over to where Johan is.
Int. Downtown La Bar - Meanwhile
Lance enters the bar, looking around in surprise as he finds Kane inside.
Kane, wearing a tank-top and bandaged on his shoulder, stares at Lance with a mixture of anger and suspicion.
Lance
Oh! You're back already?
Kane marches toward Lance and swings an empty bottle menacingly at his head. However, Lance quickly catches Kane's wrist.
Lance
(Smiling)
What's wrong?
Kane
(Furious)
You sent me to the outlet knowing that there were gonna be people, right?
Lance
Hmm? What do you mean? You found people? How great!
Kane
You...
Kane breaks the bottle on a table and points the sharp end toward Lance.
Kane
When we went to the motel to get the guys Ted found this morning, it was empty. When I asked you, you didn't have a single clue. But, for some fucking reason, you told me to go check the outlet and I found two people there. Don't you dare say that it's a coincidence.
Lance
Well...
Kane
And where the hell were you just right now?
Lance
I can't fool you, huh?
Kane puts the bottle closer to Lance's neck.
Lance
Don't worry. I'll tell you everything.
Lance lowers the bottle away and takes a seat at a table.
Lance
I found them splitting up and heading to two different locations. And you know.
Lance pulls out a green stone from his pocket.
Lance
Using this, I got to eavesdrop on where exactly they were going.
Kane listens, still wary but curious.
Lance
So, of course, without telling the others, I gave us the chance to become stronger by stealing all the kills. I was just coming back from meeting with the other group you missed.
Kane
You're missing the point, bastard. Why didn't you tell me all that from the start? I just can't shake the feeling that you're setting up a trap to kill me.
Lance examines Kane's injured shoulder and back.
Lance
It was meant to be a surprise, but looks like they quite gave you a fight. Sorry, I thought it was gonna be a cakewalk for you. Well, at least you got the kills, huh?
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Kane snorts and takes a seat, getting out a cigar while doing so.
Kane
Considering how much of a lunatic you are, that does make sense, but. The thing is. I couldn't kill them off.
Lance genuinely looks surprised but quickly conceals his reaction.
Kane
Before I could finish them off, they got away.
Lance
I uh... Didn't expect those two to put up such a fight...
Kane
(Drawing on his cigar)
What about you? You took care of the other ones?
Lance
(Nonchalantly)
I also couldn't kill them. They were smart.
Kane
(Laughs)
Looks like we got some hard motherfuckers to gut up.
Lance observes the bar and notices something peculiar.
Lance
I just realized, where are the others?
Kane
I sent them back to the motel to check if the two that got away will head back there. Speaking of that, we should head down there as well.
Kane rises and takes another puff of his cigar.
Kane
I want to be the one to finish off that crazy bitch.
Lance
(Surprised)
The girl was the one that hurt you?
Kane
(Heading out the door)
Yeah. She's probably the strongest one.
Lance eyes widen as he follows Kane out of the bar.
Ext. Cupid's Love Motel Parking Lot - Continuous
The motorcycle gang parks their vehicles haphazardly, forming an intimidating barrier around Holden and Cheyenne.
They approach the pair with an assortment of weapons, looking battle-hardened and fit.
One of the gang members holding a crowbar turns to another wearing a mask and holding a baseball bat.
Crowbar
These are the guys you found, right Ted?
The masked guy nods and replies.
Mask
Yes. Kane was right, they came back to this motel. Also, my name is not Ted. I don't know why he keeps calling me that.
Crowbar
Well, good thing we got to them first. Kane and Lance have been taking all the kills.
Holden and Cheyenne walk toward the group, preparing for the impending confrontation.
Holden leans over to Cheyenne, concern in his eyes.
Holden
Cheyenne, these guys are definitely stronger than the ones we fought on the train. I honestly don't know if we can take all of them right now. Maybe if we were in a better condition... The best plan is to retreat for now. Would you do that?
Cheyenne nods casually, her eyes never leaving the gang.
Cheyenne
Sure.
Holden
(Wide-eyed)
W-What? You... You're okay with that?
Cheyenne
I'm not an idiot. I can tell when I'm in a fight I can win and when I can't. But. No matter what. I'm gonna fight these guys again sooner or later.
Holden smiles and concedes.
Holden
Can't argue with that.
Cheyenne
We're stealing one of those motorcycles though.
Holden
Huh? W-Wait-
Holden begins to protest but Cheyenne starts darting forward full speed, leaping over the gang members and making her way to one of the motorcycles.
She quickly starts the engine, her hands moving deftly, figuring out how to control the unfamiliar machine.
Cheyenne
Um... How do I even ride this?
The gang members give chase, and a guy wielding a shovel gets close, shouting.
Shovel
I've got her!
Cheyenne reacts swiftly, throwing a knife at the man, striking him in the torso.
Then, with the gang momentarily halted by this action, Cheyenne finally manages to maneuver the bike.
Cheyenne
Yes!
She quickly speeds past the group, heading straight for Holden.
As Cheyenne rapidly approaches Holden, he prepares to mount the motorcycle. However, in that critical moment, the masked gang member takes a violent swing with his baseball bat.
This particular gang member has been fixed on Holden the entire time, and Holden narrowly avoids the deadly swing. With a fierce glare, he meets the menacing gaze of the man behind the mask.
As Cheyenne nears Holden and reaches out her hand, the masked gang member launches another ferocious attack, swinging his bat menacingly.
Holden makes a quick, evasive roll to dodge the brutal strike.
Cheyenne continues past Holden, determined to circle back and make another attempt to pick him up.
Holden, growing increasingly incensed at this relentless foe, retaliates with his own bat. Their weapons clash with a loud impact, and the masked man easily deflects Holden's swing.
Unfazed, the gang member proceeds to attack again, aiming for Holden's side. This time, Holden manages to block the strike, but he can feel the force of the blow.
Mask
How's that for a swing, Holden?
The masked assailant's taunting words reach Holden's ears, leaving Holden shocked.
This man knows his name.
Meanwhile, Cheyenne draws closer to Holden again, extending her hand.
Holden, summoning every ounce of strength and determination, shoves the mask-wearing adversary aside, destabilizing him, and bolts toward the motorcycle.
And this time, Holden clutches Cheyenne's hand firmly and mounts the motorcycle.
As the other gang members close in on them, Cheyenne takes swift notice.
Cheyenne
Hold on tight.
Cheyenne cranks the motorcycle's throttle to the maximum and speeds away, leaving their pursuers behind in the parking lot.
The one armed with a crowbar, yells in frustration as he tumbles to the ground in anger.
Crowbar
DAMN IT!
The rest rush to help their injured comrade with the shovel, while the masked assailant stands still.
Mask
Holden Finsley... You little pest...
In a sudden, chilling display of anger and malevolence, the masked man rips off his disguise, revealing the absence of his front teeth.
Mask
I'm gonna find you again. And I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna... I'm gonna make you suffer.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
The car, charred and motionless, smoldered within the store where it had collided with the Gier, now equally lifeless and consumed by the spreading flames.
Rhia, a makeshift medic, was carefully tending to Johan's head wound, her hands precise and her focus unwavering.
Scotty, while wearing a worried expression, did his utmost to assist Rhia, passing her the necessary items.
Johan, still tired from the fight, sipped water from a bottle.
Rhia, methodically finishing the bandage on Johan's head, gently applied a strip of tape to hold it in place, her gaze filled with concern.
Rhia
Johan, how are you feeling?
Johan cast a thoughtful gaze around at their environment before testing his body for any other potential injuries.
Johan
I feel a little nauseous, but it's not too bad. Thank you, Rhia.
Eager to regain his footing, Johan attempted to stand but found himself unsteady, his body protesting the effort. Scotty and Rhia quickly provided support.
Scotty
You saw what I did to that Gier, right?
Johan, despite his condition, couldn't help but offer an encouraging grin.
Johan
Yeah. That was a pretty badass move, Scotty.
With Scotty's prideful smile, the mood lightened a touch.
Rhia
Scott, do you feel any difference in your body?
Scotty, pondering for a moment, played with his hair.
Scotty
Well, maybe I'm a bit more energetic...
Johan
When are you not?
Scotty chuckled in response.
Rhia, her gaze turning to Johan, voiced the question that had been looming over them.
Rhia
Johan, where do you think Holden and Cheyenne might be..?
As the query hung in the air, the atmosphere shifted toward gravity.
Johan
I'm not sure... They could be coming back here. Heading to the park to find us. Or even returning to the motel...
Scotty
There are so many ways we can get mixed up...
Johan, now maintaining a hint of a sly smile, offered his answer.
Johan
That's why we'll leave it to luck.
Rhia, baffled, sought clarification.
Rhia
Luck? What do you mean?
Ext. Cupid's Love Motel Parking Lot - Moments Later
Two motorcycles roar into the scene, and Kane and Lance dismount.
The crowbar-wielding guy hastily approaches Kane, bowing his head.
Kane scans the scene, taking note of the injured man and the others attempting to aid him.
Kane
Explain.
Crowbar
We uh... Found the two that you talked about. But they quickly got away before we could do... Anything... They attacked one of us in the process.
Lance smirks, nonchalantly leaning on his motorcycle.
Kane sighs, pushing the crowbar guy aside, heading towards the rest.
Others, startled by Kane's arrival, swiftly stand and lower their heads.
Kane squats down to inspect the injured one.
Kane
How are you feeling?
Shovel
I... I don't think it's good. The bleeding's not stopping...
Kane, visibly distressed, rubs his face.
Crowbar rushes to Kane with a suggestion.
Crowbar
Uh, Kane, if we take him back to our place, we can probably save him.
Kane abruptly grabs Shovel's hair, pulling him to a nearby parking block.
He then forces his head down onto the block, securing it with his leg.
Crowbar
K-Kane?
Others freeze, sensing impending horror.
In the distance, Lance watches with intrigued detachment.
Then, with a brutal thud, Kane kicks Shovel's head against the block.
A gut-wrenching scream pierces the air, a sound of unimaginable agony as the skull fractures.
But it halts abruptly, as it's replaced by another sickening thud.
And another.
Another.
Soon, all you could hear was Kane's feet grind on the lifeless body, reducing it to a haunting silence.
Kane then takes a seat on the now motionless form and extracts a lighter and his cigar, motioning the remaining group toward him.
They approach, trembling in fear.
Kane
Listen. I'm not gonna waste any second of my life trying to save one of you pussies. If you get injured, you deal with it by yourself. If you can't, get the fuck out of my sight.
No one utters a word, but one responds loudly.
Mask
Yes, Kane! Absolutely.
Kane smirks, while taking a puff of his cigar.
Kane
Now. Let me make a point here. This group we're trying to kill, they really aren't like the others. The people we have hunted down so far, were scared shitless. Uncollected. Unstable. But this one, they know exactly what type of world this is and know what it takes to survive in it.
Lance
Not even Kane and I were able to finish them.
Others turn around as Lance approaches.
Kane
That's why. I'm itching to find them again. Ted, you're the one who found them first. Lead the group and do it again, I'm giving you a day.
Mask grins, shouting out in pride.
Mask
I will do it. No matter what. But, I would like to ask one favor.
Kane's expression tightens as he looks at Mask.
Mask
There's a guy named Holden in that group. Please let me be the one who kills him.
Kane laughs loudly, standing to approach Mask.
He roughly grabs Mask's face, shaking it.
Kane
I respect that, Ted. Alright, you get to kill him. Anyone else touch that guy, I'm gutting you up on the spot.
Kane tosses his cigar to the ground and strides to his bike.
Kane
Lance. You and I, let's go find and kill some of those grey beanpoles.
Lance
They're called Giers, Kane.
Kane
Whatever.
Ext. Downtown La Outlet - Meanwhile
Cheyenne and Holden return to the outlet, parking the bike in front of a ravaged shop, and a lifeless Gier sprawled on the front of a car.
Holden
This is such a confusing day...
Cheyenne dismounts the bike, surveying the surroundings.
Holden
I don't know if it was a good idea coming back here... I still think they're at the park.
Cheyenne
I just have a hunch he's here.
Suddenly, the distant crackle of fireworks punctuates the air.
Holden
What was that?
Cheyenne
Sometimes, you just gotta leave it to luck.
They hasten towards the source, and discovers Johan, Scotty, and Rhia amidst firework rockets.
Johan
I'm telling you, Scotty, we can't use this as weapons.
Scotty
(Holding up a firework)
Look, if I fired one of these at your face.
(Points toward Johan's eye)
Boom! Blind in a second.
Rhia
(Nodding)
He does have a point.
Holden
(Nodding)
I agree. This might work.
Holden sneaked up behind the three, startles them.
Scotty
Holden!
Scotty throws his arm around Holden and jumps up in joy.
Rhia
Oh my gosh! Cheyenne!
Rhia runs to Cheyenne, embracing her in a hug.
Johan exhales in relief, sharing a warm glance between Holden and Cheyenne.
Johan
(Smiling)
How was your day, guys?
Int. Downtown La Outlet Store - Moments Later
The five find refuge in a vast shoe store, arranging themselves in a circle to discuss recent events.
Scotty
So, we're being hunted by a bunch of lunatics, eh? Oh well...
Scotty sprawls out, using his backpack as an improvised pillow.
Holden
(Getting up)
We shouldn't stay here then.
Rhia
Should we start leaving the state then?
Holden
Leave the state?
Rhia
Yeah. We're in the most populated city in California, and the only people we've encountered want us dead. My thought is, we should start moving to other densely populated cities in different states. We might have better luck there.
Holden
That... Does sound like it could work.
Scotty
(Discontent)
I don't like the idea of having people chasing us wherever we go, though.
Rhia
(Realizing)
Oh... You are right about that...
Johan remains silent, his head tilted, eyes in deep contemplation.
Cheyenne, seated beside him, notices and turns his face towards her.
Cheyenne
What's on your mind?
Johan
(Slightly taken aback)
Oh.
All eyes focus on Johan, awaiting his input.
Johan
Well... My opinion is this, guys. Even if we head to other cities, it's most likely that we'll still have to face dangerous people, perhaps even more than the ones here. And Scotty is right... We'll be constantly pursued. That's why—
Cheyenne
We find them first and butcher their heads?
Johan
Uh, close... That's why we should stop them right here. Let's devise a plan to put an end to their pursuit. Let's confront them head on.
Holden
We're clearly outnumbered, though. There are at least twelve of them, maybe more.
Johan
(Pointing at Cheyenne)
But we have her.
Holden
There's an equally strong guy there, it's too much of a gamble-
Cheyenne
Nope.
Cheyenne stands up and cracks her neck.
Cheyenne
I'll kill that bastard and help you guys handle the rest. You just need to hold them off a little.
Holden sighs, unsure of what to do.
Holden
I guess we do have an advantage. They'll probably find us here soon, but we have time to be prepared. We'll have to play our cards right.
Johan gets up and rubs his eyes.
Johan
Yes, we need to be very smart. But in case, things all go south, we'll have a backup plan ready.
Scotty
NO WAY!
Scotty sits up, holding up a half-eaten apple.
Everyone looks at him with confusion.
Johan
Hey, did you just figure out how to eat an apple, bud?
Scotty
I-I've been meaning to tell you guys, but I'm s-sure now. Time has stopped for some certain things. Like this!
(Holds up the apple)
I ate this apple a day ago in the subway! There's no way that it can still be this fresh and white!
The apple looks like it has just been eaten. No spot of brownish color is present.
Scotty
A-And! In the mall, the donuts were still so fresh even after a whole day!
Holden walks up to Scotty and examines the apple.
Holden
Is this what Shin meant when it said that there are still secrets in this world we're unaware of?
Johan also walks to Scotty and grabs the apple.
Johan
There could be more that we haven't noticed yet...
Scotty grabs back the apple.
Scotty
This is the best. We won't have to worry about a food shortage.
Scotty joyfully takes another bite of the apple.