The Fanatic and the Freak/Transcript

*“I’m gonna make him rue the day I laid eyes on him.”* *—Kurt*

**Starring:**

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Kenneth Branagh as CLYDE ROLLINS

Stephen Gevedon as DEAN HOWARDS

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

David Emge as ALDUS PAXTON

**Also Starring**

Dan Aykroyd as ED ANDERSON

Keira Knightley as CLAIRE NOBLE

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

Chris Evans as KURT KLEIN

**Guest Starring**

Colin Ford as BRENDEN TREVORS

David Boat as LAYTON ZIMMERS

Daniel Bruhl as ALEX WEISS

Anthony Mackie as LANDON KIMBER

Talulah Riley as MOLLY MASSEY

Angela Sarafyan as BONNIE HARRELL

Christopher Mintz-Plasse as ELLIOTT ROWE

Martin Cummins as CARSON BURKE

Sean Gunn as STANLEY PECK

Ritchie Coster as LEONARD THORNE

Kat Dennings as NANCY WARNER

Emma Stone as GENNA BROHEM

Michael Shannon as GERALD ROLAND

**Co-Starring**

Abigail Breslin as MACKENZIE BROHEM

Rebel Wilson as EVELYN NELSON

DeObia Oparei as WAITA MATHANI

Charlie Tahan as SETH HAYNES

Ha-Seung-lee as KYORI HYOTEKI

Old Man as JOSE TRIVOLI

T.J. Storm as SEBASTIAN DOMINGUEZ

Michael K. Williams as TYSON LYSAGHT

Sam Hyde as MORRIS FINKLE

Dean Norris as NEIL OCONNELL

Rick Overton as PAUL BAIRD

Jake Gyllenhall as CODY WAKEFIELD

Joe Anderson as KEVIN NORTON

Alison Wright as HEATHER SOLIS

Michael Nyqvist as ROMAN STROUD

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**Scene #1**

**FOREST - WAREHOUSE - AFTERNOON**

In a flashback, LLOYD WALLER is walking around the perimeter of the warehouse with BRENDEN TREVORS.

***Brenden:*** *I’m telling you - this new community is the real deal. It kills like -- five birds, with one stone. We’re low on food, we’re low on morale, low on water, low on medicine, and well… low on everything, really. Can you imagine the life we’d live in the comfort they promised?*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah… I’m struggling to take my mind off of it. I feel like… it’s something I’m going to dwell on forever now, wondering about if we really did miss out on something amazing, the one thing we’ve been looking for…*

***Brenden:*** *Well… who’s to say it’s a lost cause? If they were insistent enough to approach us -- unarmed, at that -- I don’t think they’ll give up ‘cause of some feud. They said they’ve been watching us, so clearly they can tell we’re not all bad. Right?*

***Lloyd:*** *I mean… even if they did come back though… William isn’t gonna just change his mind on a whim.*

***Brenden:*** *I don’t think it’d be on a whim… William is -- how do I say this -- he’s really conflicted. Really, really conflicted. You can tell by the look in his eyes that he just wants to do good by everyone, and he just… can’t trust anyone but himself to take care of you all. And that’s okay. He’s done his best so far… I know he’ll come around. Maybe with a push, but he’ll come around.*

***Lloyd:*** *How are you like this? After everything that’s happened to you… with your friends… your hand… and what’s happening with this group… How are you still so… optimistic?*

***Brenden:*** *‘Cause if I’m not, who else is gonna be? I mean… I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen anyone back at the church smile in… I don’t know, days?*

***Lloyd:*** *…Yeah, I guess you’re right. It just… amazes me. I like to think positively too. That… things will work out for all of us.*

***Brenden:*** *Even if they don’t… it’s been one hell of a ride with you people. I owe you guys my life… literally* ***(He looks at his stump)***.

***Lloyd:*** *How are you handling that, by the way? I mean, I know that’s why you came on this trip… but… how’s it feeling so far?*

***Brenden:*** *Sometimes it feels like I still have a hand… and that’s kinda weird… but I’m not handling it. It’s like I have a ghost hand.*

Lloyd smiles, as the two of them finish their loop around the building, coming back to ALDUS PAXTON at the main door.

***Brenden:*** *You guys think we’ll find much?*

***Lloyd:*** *I sure hope so. I still don’t know what to expect from this place. Are we all clear to head inside?*

***Aldus:*** *Looks like it’s clear.*

***Lloyd:*** *Alright.*

Lloyd nods, trying to pull open the door - but it’s locked.

***Lloyd:*** *Dammit. This place better be worth it, I’ve got an idea.*

Lloyd looks up, seeing a window just out of reach.

***Lloyd:*** *Can one of you give me a boost? I think I can climb in and open the door from the inside.*

Aldus stands under the window, positioning himself for Lloyd to boost up.

***Lloyd:*** *Thanks.*

***Aldus:*** *No problem.*

Lloyd steps up, launching himself up, grabbing onto the window ledge. He manages to slide open the window, pulling himself through, dropping inside the dark warehouse. He immediately takes out his flashlight, shining it around to reveal a fire exit. He approaches it, and pushes open the door to allow the other two inside, not expecting anything to happen. But as soon as the door is pushed open, the alarms start blaring. Zombies both inside and outside the warehouse start to awake, stumbling over to the loud noise.

***Lloyd:*** *Notttttttt good.*

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**Scene #2**

**FOREST - WAREHOUSE**

Jumping back to the present, LLOYD WALLER is hanging off the catwalk, his fingers starting to slip. His feet are less than a meter from the hands of the undead below him, and two zombies are still on the catwalk in front of him, nearly arriving at him.

Suddenly, both of the zombies are stabbed dead, their bodies being dumped over the railing. GENNA BROHEM drops to her stomach, grabbing Lloyd’s hand and pulling him back up.

***Lloyd:*** *Hey-- hey. Thanks…*

Lloyd sits there in shock, breathing heavily.

***Genna:*** *Yeah - no problem*

***Mackenzie:*** *Hey! Hey, you two! We’ve got to get out of here!*

***Lloyd:*** *W--wait! My friends… My friends are still stuck down there* ***(He points)***.

MACKENZIE BROHEM looks down at BRENDEN TREVORS and ALDUS PAXTON, scared and unsure of what to do.

***Mackenzie:*** *Genna, we-- I don’t--*

***Genna:*** *I… Give me a second.*

Genna steps back, taking off her backpack, going through it.

***Mackenzie:*** *What if we get these people to safety - QUICKLY, and bring a few of our own back? I don’t think we… I don’t think I can handle this, Genna. I don’t know. Lord, I don’t know* ***(She grabs her cross)***.

***Genna:*** *Come on - where is it…*

Genna finally pulls something out of the bag - a flare gun.

***Genna:*** *We can’t leave them, Mackenzie.*

She points the flare gun to a corner of the bottom floor, firing it. The loud noise and bright light is enough to distract most of the zombies.

***Mackenzie:*** *O--okay then! That helps!*

Aldus jumps down off of the shelving unit he was stuck on, making a break for the stairs that lead up to Lloyd and them’s catwalk. Brenden does the same, but slower.

***Mackenzie:*** *Uh-- we- we should cover them, right? Genna, your gun--*

***Genna:*** *I-It’s too much noise. The one’s distracted by the flare will turn right back around the second I fire it.*

***Lloyd:*** *Come on, we have to get off of this thing!*

Lloyd shoves another zombie over the railing, before he runs off of the catwalk towards the actual second floor of the building, with a stable floor.

***Mackenzie:*** *Come on, Genna!*

She grabs Genna’s hand, running along with her after Lloyd. Aldus kicks a zombie out of his way, before running up the stairs to join them.

***Genna:*** *Kid - where’s your other friend?*

Brenden finally makes it to the stairs, jogging up the steps. However, the flare begins to finally die out, leaving most of the zombies to turn back around, stumbling towards the stairs.

***Lloyd:*** *Shit.*

***Brenden:*** *I knew you guys wouldn’t just give up on us so easily. See?*

***Aldus:*** *Thanks for coming back to help us.*

***Lloyd: (He nods)*** *I owe you guys my life. Really.*

***Genna:*** *No need for thanks - we’re just doing what we have to.*

Genna stabs a zombie dead as it climbs up the stairs, before pushing it all the way back down.

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, uh, how did you guys get in here?*

***Genna:*** *Right over there--*

She points at a window, before noticing that it had become swarmed with the undead.

***Genna:*** *Alright, then. We need a new way out.*

***Brenden:*** *Any… suggestions?*

***Lloyd:*** *Oh. Just over there. There's another window. We can open it and drop down. We just have to fight to it.*

Lloyd nods confidently, trying to calm himself, as he beats a zombie over the head with a crowbar he’d picked up.

***Brenden:*** *Sorry if I, uh… slack a little in the fighting department.*

***Lloyd:*** *It’s alright… it’s alright. On three?*

***Genna:*** *I’m ready.*

***Brenden:*** *As ready as I’ll ever be…*

***Aldus:*** *Ready.*

Mackenzie clutches her cross in her hands, holding onto Genna in fear.

***Lloyd:*** *Alright. One. Two… THREE!*

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**Scene #3**

**FOREST - WAREHOUSE - AFTERNOON**

WILLIAM REYNES walks around the back of the warehouse, listening to the maw of the undead inside. He turns his head back to AUSTIN KINGSTON.

***William:*** *It’s packed full of the dead in there… What the fuck were they thinking?*

***Austin:*** *You’re asking me? Hell, maybe the kid wanted to prove himself or something. I don’t know why Brenden went with ‘em, though - he’s missing a hand for fucks sake.*

William goes quiet, observing the warehouse, searching for a way in. He eventually spots a lowered section of the roof that can be reached with a boost. On level with the roof is another window.

***William:*** *Give me a boost up here… I think I’ll be able to get in.*

***Austin:*** *Fine, fine.*

Austin gets himself into position.

***Austin:*** *Come on, then.*

William steps up onto Austin’s hand, as he gets boosted up onto the roof, climbing up.

***Austin:*** *Right… Now what about me?*

***William:*** *You wait there, keep an eye on the perimeter. If I need you, I’ll shout.*

William turns his attention back to the window, which is a little out of reach. The only way William can get to it is by climbing across a metal pipe, and so he does. After a few seconds, he makes it to the window, managing to stand up on the rather large windowsill. He then removes his jacket, covering his hands with it, before shoulder-ramming into the window a couple of times before it shatters, sending him crashing through. William lands on the ground with a roll, quickly getting to his feet, shaking glass off his jacket. When William looks around, he notices LLOYD WALLER and the others fighting off a few zombies, trying to make their way over to the same window William had just crashed through.

***Lloyd:*** *William?*

The group of them rush over to William, bashing zombies over the head.

***William:*** *Explain. And make it fast.*

***Lloyd:*** *The alarm went off. Things went wrong. They came and helped us.*

***Brenden:*** *They’re-- they’re here to help. Really! They’re good people. They saved us - and if they were evil… well, they wouldn’t have, right?*

William looks at GENNA BROHEM and MACKENZIE BROHEM.

***William:*** *Is this true?*

***Genna:*** *It is.*

ALDUS PAXTON slams the butt of his rifle into a zombie, as more continue to approach them. William looks up at the zombies starting to surround them.

***William:*** *Boys, go. Out. There’s a pipe, cling onto it, and head over to the roof opposite it. I’ll buy you some time.*

***Brenden:*** *You should take up their offer. They’re not bad, you have proof of that now.*

***William:*** *Not the time, Brenden. Out. The window. Go.*

***Brenden: (He nods slowly, looking at Lloyd)*** *C’mon… we should get going.*

Lloyd nods, and follows after BRENDEN TREVORS, helping him climb up to the window and through it, where they make their way onto the roof. William and Aldus continue to fight back the zombies.

***William:*** *Next up, you two. Go* ***(He looks at Genna and Mackenzie)***.

After stabbing one more zombie, they turn around, slowly climbing out of the window.

***William:*** *Aldus, when they’re out, you’re next.*

***Aldus:*** *Okay.*

The two sisters make it through the window.

***William:*** *That’s your queue, Aldus.*

Aldus slices a zombie across the face, as he backs up towards the window, eventually turning his back and hopping up, grabbing the window ledge and lifting himself up and out the window. From below, Austin starts to look on at everyone escaping onto the roof.

***Austin:*** *What the hell…*

Brenden, who has remained at the windowsill, peers through the broken window, seeing William below. Zombies continue to throw themselves at William, starting to crowd him. They come at him from every side but his back, as it becomes increasingly difficult to hold them off.

***Lloyd:*** ***(To Brenden)*** *What’s going on up there? Where’s William?*

***Brenden:*** *He’s… he’s not getting much of a break! They’re coming at him from all angles…*

***Lloyd:*** *Shit.*

Lloyd starts climbing back across. As he does, he notices Brenden dropping back down into the warehouse. He charges at the horde surrounding William, jamming his knife into one after another. But for every kill he gets, a second zombie tears a chunk of flesh out of him. They bite into his shoulder, his arm, his chest, legs.

William is able to get free from the horde for a minute, staring at Brenden in shock, confusion, and fear. He scrambles up to the window, where he starts to fire down at the zombies, killing enough so that Brenden can weakly turn away and hobble back over to the window. As Brenden hops up, William leaps over to the roof. He looks back at the window, seeing Brenden climb out, and grab onto the pipe with his hand, and hurl himself onto the roof with the others.

***Lloyd:*** *BRENDEN-- YOU-- You…*

***William:*** *I… don’t… What…*

***Brenden:*** *I… saved him.*

Brenden lays against the roof, smiling through the pain, as bright red blood runs from his wounds.

***William:*** *That… wasn’t… worth your life. Why? WHY?*

***Brenden:*** *Because you needed a reminder that… strangers aren’t all that evil. We should… really get off this roof.*

William silently picks Brenden up, before  dropping off the roof, landing on his feet.

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**Scene #4**

**FOREST - WOODS - AFTERNOON**

Soon after leaving the warehouse, WILLIAM REYNES and the others come to a stop in the woods, just off a dirt path. William and LLOYD WALLER help BRENDEN TREVORS down against a tree, while the others are standing way back at the path.

***Lloyd:*** *Here.*

***Brenden:*** *Thank you - both of you.*

***Lloyd:*** *But… but look at you… I…*

***Brenden:*** *I’m… fine. I made my mind up on that windowsill. I knew what was coming. I wanted it to be this way… ‘cause if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be myself, now would I?*

Brenden winces in pain again, as a sharp pain runs up his entire body.

***Brenden:*** *Y’know, a wise man once said… dying men give the best advice. That wise man might be me, but it’s still true. So I want… you guys to listen to me, for even a moment. First of all… Lloyd. Don’t let this little blunder get you down. You’re a good kid, so stay that way. You’ve been nothing but kind to me since I met you guys, and I don’t want that to change. The next time you guys have some happenstance encounter with someone new, like me… make sure you treat him as good as you did me. After… I… pass on… you’re probably gonna be the only one back home able to crack a smile. So for my sake - do that. Do just that. Don’t cry, don’t wallow, don’t pity me. Just smile. ‘Cause if there’s one thing I’d leave you in my will, it’d be that optimism of mine you were so fond of.*

Brenden lets out a small laugh, before it’s cut short by a painful cough. Lloyd frowns, as he nods his head.

***Lloyd:*** *I… I won’t let you down.*

Brenden looks towards William.

***Brenden:*** *I know we didn’t… get much of a chance to talk heart-to-heart, and all that… but I know what you feel deep down. You’re not a monster. You wouldn’t just condemn innocent people to death, unless you felt like you had no choice. And that’s okay. I know your reasoning. I know your intentions were pure… and I wanna thank you. For giving me a roof over my head, for sharing your supplies for me… and for allowing me to be with your people. But that… shouldn’t just stop with me. I was a stranger too… when you guys first arrived at the motel. Just like those people you sent away. Why didn’t you kill me, or send me on my way? ‘Cause I wasn’t a threat… I wasn’t evil. You were able to see that.*

William looks down, feeling ashamed.

***Brenden:*** *So my request to you… is for you to broaden your mind again. Look at those girls over there. Do they look harmful to you? They’re not out to get you, William. They’re not out to destroy the people you love… they’re here to offer you help. You don’t have to fight yourself any longer. Your quest to keep everyone safe, no matter the cost… should die with me. You don’t have to put that burden on your shoulders any longer. My dying wish is that you accept their offer… and that you realize there’s still good in the world. I think if I could’ve left you something in my last will - it’d be my sense of hope. ‘Cause you need it more than anyone.*

***William:*** *I’m sorry. I should’ve… listened to you. Back in the office. You understand it better than I could’ve ever imagined. I know there… there isn’t much I can do for you now, but… I promise you I’ll make the right choice next time. Lloyd, Rebecca, and everyone else… they’ll be safe. There’ll be… no more arguing. In memory of you.*

***Lloyd:*** *I wish… I had more to say… Thank you, Brenden.*

***Brenden:*** *Look at you both, getting all sentimental* ***(He chuckles quietly)***. *Despite my big, heavy-handed words and last requests, and all that beeswax… the best thing you guys could do is just be happy. I think I should… say my goodbyes now.*

Lloyd looks up at the sky, blinking away tears.

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah. Thank you for… for everything. Again.*

***Brenden:*** *One sec…*

Brenden weakly reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a pristine candy bar, the same brand of candy Lloyd had given Brenden when they met.

***Brenden:*** *It’s from the motel… kinda old, but chocolate takes ages to go off. Enjoy it.*

Lloyd tries to smile, as he takes it from him.

***Lloyd:*** *I’m not even gonna ask why you were carrying that, still.*

***Brenden:*** *I swore I’d pay you back one day… Looks like a candy bar is the best I can do.*

***William:*** *You go on ahead, Lloyd.*

***Lloyd:*** ***(He nods slowly)*** *Uh… yeah… goodbye, Brenden.*

***Brenden:*** *See ya’ later, Lloyd.*

Lloyd walks back to the others sadly, leaving just William and Brenden.

***William:*** *Of all people to clear my mind… I never expected it’d be you. I don’t know whether to say sorry, or thank you.*

***Brenden:*** *I’m sure you’ll be able to pay me back one day… up in heaven. Don’t you dare say you won’t go there, ‘cause I know you will… You’re a good guy, Will.*

Brenden leans his head back, his breathing becoming slow and raspy. He shuts his eyes.

***Brenden:*** *You can… get the deed done, then.*

William wipes his eyes, as he pulls out his pistol, flicking off the safety. He points it down at Brenden’s head, before closing his own eyes, and pulling the trigger. The shot echoes throughout the forest, followed by a soft thump against the ground.

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**Scene #5**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR stabs the second zombie banging on the crane cab, allowing a terrified ELLIOTT ROWE to slowly step down out of the cab. He looks past Edward at MOLLY MASSEY’s crushed remains, his stomach turning.

***Elliott:*** *She-- wha-- Kurt - what are you going to do, Edward?*

***Edward:*** *What do you mean me? You’re the one that killed her.*

***Elliott:*** *But - you-- you told me-- I--*

***Edward:*** ***We’ll*** *get through this together. I need you to listen to me very carefully.*

***Elliott:*** *What?*

***Edward:*** *You need to go and find Solomon and bring him here. I’m going to clean myself up a bit… But* ***be*** *composed. You did not just kill someone. It is a normal day, remember that.*

***Elliott:*** *Composed… Right… it’s just a normal day… I’ll go get him.*

Elliott, shaking with fear, turns to walk away. As he does, Edward approaches the sculpture, where he sees Molly’s revolver laying on the ground. He picks it up with a smile.

***Edward:*** *A fine souvenir.*

He tucks it away underneath his shirt.

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**Scene #6**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - AFTERNOON**

***Evelyn:*** *I am so fortunate that you came in when you did. I did not expect to come back with Jose’s burger to find him as a gnarly flesh-eating monster… and look… I even dropped the burger onto the ground. It is no longer edible. Oh.*

NANCY WARNER kneels down beside JOSE TRIVOLI’s corpse, having just recently stabbed him in the head, putting him down.

***Nancy:*** *I don’t understand… How was he when you left him?*

***Evelyn:*** *Oh, just the usual, definitely nothing life-threatening. I really don’t know what happened.*

***Nancy:*** *I can’t wrap my head around it either… but… at least you’re okay. I am sorry for your loss.*

Nancy stands up, hearing a vehicle pulling up.

***Evelyn:*** *Oh… thank goodness… they must be back.*

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**Scene #7**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - AFTERNOON**

KURT KLEIN parks the bus just outside of the amusement park gates. He steps out of the bus, beginning to make a long, sad walk over to the cafe, clearly putting on a show.

All around, people who are nearby begin to approach.

***Nancy: (To Carson)*** *What’s going on?*

***Carson:*** *I don’t know. He just got back.*

***Bonnie:*** *Oh, Kurt! Welcome back! Are you okay? Where are the others?*

***Kurt:*** *Can you… gather everyone for me? We-- we need to talk.*

Members from Shaun’s group step forward, looking at Kurt suspiciously.

***Waita:*** *What happened out there? Where are our friends?*

***Seth:*** *Shaun? Robert?*

***Kurt:*** *I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. They… they aren’t with us anymore. We ran into some trouble, out on the road. The bus… the bus, it was swarmed. Tons of the undead, almost tipping it over.*

***Evelyn: (She gasps)*** *Oh my gosh. You mean… you mean they are* ***dead?***

***Kurt: (He nods sadly)*** *They were brave men… I almost got myself bitten, but Shaun heroically jumped in front of me. He took the full brunt of it… and paid the price. Robert… he led the dead away from the bus for me… It’s the only way I managed to escape.*

WAITA MATHANI stares at Kurt, distrust in his eyes.

***Bonnie:*** *That’s awful.*

***Kurt:*** *I don’t… think I’ll be right again, any time soon. They really were kind, good men. I’ve never met such selfless people before in my entire life. I swear to you… to all of you… I’ll be strong in their name, and protect you guys. You’re all safe with me from now on. For Shaun and Robert.*

***Evelyn:*** *Oh, you are too kind. You mean you will let us stay with you?*

***Waita:*** *We have our bus back, Evelyn. We do not know if we are staying yet--*

***Evelyn:*** *Oh, but Waita. Where would we go? We have lost so many of our people, it is exhausting. These people have been so good to us. Such a brave man* ***(She eyes Kurt)***.

***Kurt:*** *Of course you’re all welcome to stay by my side. It’s the least I could do to repay the sheer generosity I was shown out on the road today. They saved my life… but at what cost?*

***Evelyn:*** *We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain. Thank you so much.*

***Kurt:*** *I’m… I’m gonna need a minute.*

Kurt looks towards LANDON KIMBER standing in the distance, and hurriedly approaches him, putting an arm around his shoulders.

***Kurt:*** *So? Where’s Molly and the little goblin?*

***Landon:*** *Huh? They’re meant to be back by now? I haven’t seen her… or the little guy… in a while.*

Kurt looks at him, as something dawns on him.

***Kurt:*** *What… did you say?*

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**Scene #8**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - AFTERNOON**

SOLOMON REED stands before the dolphin sculpture, looking down at the blood and guts beneath it, slight disgust in his face. He glances back up at EDWARD REMAR.

***Solomon:*** *So you’re sure no one saw?*

***Edward:*** *Nobody saw. Quite the work of art, if I do say so myself. I wish I could have taken all of the credit for it, but let’s just say it was a collaboration. Elliott here has a keen eye for detail.*

***Solomon:*** *Just wish that she wasn’t such an idiot and realized what she was doing wasn’t the right thing. Kurt’s manipulated good people I’d assume before this shit into soldiers for him. What’s the plan though, Edward?*

***Elliott:*** *It’s only a matter of time before he finds out…*

***Edward:*** *That’s why I have brought you both here. As much as I’d love to continue admiring the scenery here, we have to act fast. As you can see, birds nest here is a pile of mush, and that isn’t something that can be reversed. We have to commit to it. She was sent here to beat me up, so Kurt is clearly expecting results. It’s only a matter of time before he finds out, the knucklehead. The best thing to do right now… is to return to the main park as if nothing happened. We have to rely on safety in numbers, Kurt won’t act against us without any proof in front of his precious subjects. With the psycho bitch gone, he has one less lackey to stick up for him.*

***Elliott:*** *And when he inevitably finds this-- this scene here, then what? He’s going to find out it was us somehow. I know it, I--*

***Edward:*** *When someone inevitably does stumble across this… wonderful scene. It’ll be nothing more than a tragic accident in our eyes. That should buy me enough time to do what I need to do. All I ask from you two is your discretion. You’re going to need to get your game faces on and become experts in lying… so just act casual.*

***Elliott:*** *I-- I’ll do my best.*

***Solomon:*** *Kurt sending someone out to kill you probably also means he sent his other goons in case that failed, or is going to after this. But I’ll do my damndest.*

***Edward:*** *Very good. I think it’s time we return to the others.*

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**Scene #9**

**FOREST - CHURCH - MID AFTERNOON**

ED ANDERSON stands by one of the windows, looking out, when he notices WILLIAM REYNES and the others finally returning. He excitedly rushes out the front doors, jogging towards them, until he notices BRENDEN TREVORS’s lifeless body being carried by William. He frowns, standing by as they all enter the church without a word to be said. Once inside, MACKENZIE BROHEM whispers to GENNA BROHEM, while holding onto a cross she’d made with an old hair tie.

***Mackenzie:*** *Could you - hand this to them?*

***Genna:*** *Sure.* ***(She takes it)*** *It’s nice.*

Inside the church, William walks across towards the altar, setting Brenden down, before he looks back at everyone else.

***William:*** *Brenden… and Lloyd, and Aldus got themselves into a situation they… couldn’t get out of. Austin and I got there just in time to get them out… alive. But due to my own carelessness, I ended up with my back against the wall. And at the cost of my foolishness, was Brenden’s life. He gave it his all to get me out alive… and - if he hadn’t -- I wouldn’t be standing here right now.* ***(He looks towards Genna and Mackenzie)*** *I made the wrong decision… both earlier, and at the warehouse. The two sisters saved Lloyd’s life. And without them… Well, he’d be dead right now too. So due to the… circumstances… and Brenden’s last wish -- I’ve decided that we’ll be taking them up on their offer, and we’ll give their community a shot. I have no right to say otherwise - I think I’ve done enough… damage, for one day.*

***Ed:*** *You mean… we’re going with them?*

***William:*** *We’re… going with them* ***(He nods)***.

***Mackenzie:*** *I promise that all we want to do is help you people. We- promise. This community is safe and - we need a decent bunch like the rest of you. I’m… sorry for your loss.*

***Genna:*** *It’s a long ways away-- but it’ll be safe once we get there.*

***Lloyd:*** *I owe you both my life. If it weren’t for you, things would’ve gotten a whole lot worse back there.*

***Genna:*** *I wish we could have done more to save your friend-- I’m sorry.*

***Jon:*** *We’ll dig a grave for Brenden and bury him out back. In the meantime… ladies, William. I think we have some talking to do… if you will…*

William gives JON MATTHEWS a nod, and starts to head towards the office door, but gets stopped by LOLIDA WINDFIELD.

***Lolida:*** *Will, I would like to speak to you for a moment.*

***William:*** *Yeah… yeah, sure. What is it?*

***Lolida:*** *I would like to apologize for my… rash actions earlier. The confrontation was uncalled for… I just, I don’t know. Perhaps I jumped the gun when I saw how you were talking to those boys. It’s not your fault, I get it, you were under a lot of stress… Dealing with a pack of dogs who were at each other’s throat 24/7 seems like it would have a toll on you. I just… I was trying to protect those boys, you know? Turns out I didn’t have the power to.*

***William:*** *No. No… it’s not you that’s gotta apologize. Brenden’s… passing… has already helped illustrate where I went wrong. I had no right to hit you for your comments, you were just defending them. This whole… thing… wouldn’t even be a problem, had I just accepted their invitation the first time. I honestly lost the plate a little - and I’m sorry.*

***Lolida: (He nods)*** *I don’t know if this makes you feel better or… but, those boys love you. Brenden loved you, I could tell by how he looked at you. Like a son lookin’ at his father. In your moment of uncertainty, in your moment of loss, you did your best for those boys. Just never… never lose your faith, alright? You’re our support, our pillar, our foundation. If you lose your hope then we’re all lost.*

***William:*** *Yeah… I hear you. I’ll - do my best from now on. Thank you, Lolida.*

He pats Lolida on the shoulder, before entering the office.

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**Scene #10**

**FOREST - CHURCH - MID AFTERNOON**

***Randall:*** *He was a good kid. Brave.*

RANDALL FORSTER sticks the shovel into the ground, tossing a shovel-full of dirt aside. ALDUS PAXTON does the same thing, the two of them out back of the church, digging a grave.

***Aldus:*** *Yeah. I didn’t wanna see him go. All those new people we’ve met didn’t make it. Brenden wanted to help people… I hope there is an afterlife and he’s able to help people still, because he was such a great person who didn’t deserve to die.*

***Randall:*** *…Whatever lies ahead with this new community… I’m convinced that anything will be an improvement over life on the road. What we’ve been doing the last few months… it’s not sustainable, mate. We’ve all taken one hell of a beating out here, we’ve lost good people, been at each other’s throats more times than I can count. It has to come to an end. The last few days almost destroyed us.*

***Aldus:*** *With those improvements, there’s always gonna be a new threat around the corner. I just hope it’s nothing worse than before, and I hope this new community is really great. I have faith it is.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah. Me too.*

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**Scene #11**

**FOREST - CHURCH**

KATE BLOODSTONE looks across the table at WILLIAM REYNES, in shock.

***Kate:*** *You mean… you mean we’re actually doing this?*

***William: (He quickly nods)*** *It’s… for the best. I don’t see why I should do otherwise, anymore. They protected our people better than I could - and for that I owe them. A lot more than I can repay right now.*

***Kate:*** *That’s… that’s amazing… This… this was the right call. I can’t believe it.*

She smiles, looking at GENNA BROHEM and MACKENZIE BROHEM, who’re standing around the table as well. JON MATTHEWS is also present, as a map of Kansas is spread out across the table.

***Kate:*** *You said  your community is in Worthwood right… That’s quite far… Do you have transport?*

***Genna:*** ***(She nods)*** *Worthwood. We drove from there to here with an RV -- parked it a few miles from here. There’s plenty of fuel stored in it, we’ll be able to get back to Worthwood easily.*

***Jon:*** *Well, that’s convenient. Still, an RV isn’t gonna hold everyone. We’re gonna need more cars. Leave it with me. I’ll take a team out to search the surrounding area… If you and your sister can go and get your RV and bring the fuel back here, I can go out and scout for any working cars nearby. At least that way we won’t have to worry about fuel. We should only need two or three cars to be set.*

***Genna:*** *That sounds fine to me.* ***(She looks at Mackenzie)*** *All good? As soon as we have the vehicles we need we’ll be on the road, shouldn’t take more than a couple days to get to Worthwood I reckon.*

***Mackenzie:*** *That sounds fair enough! I’m just glad you’re all actually coming with us. We were worried you’d - well - reject us. Our community and us really do want to help. We’ve helped a lot of people on the run in the past, some of which you’ll be meeting soon enough.*

***Jon:*** *Don’t get me wrong… I’m still skeptical, it’s just my nature. If you guys really are twisted evil geniuses who are playing the long con, I promise I’ll kill you both before you take us all down.*

***Kate:*** *Jon.*

***Jon:*** *I’m just saying. I trust it won’t come to that. Our situation is dire out here… The truth is, we’re relying on you two to pull through here.*

***William:*** *So long as you can guarantee everybody’s safety… then I have no more reason to object. Can you?*

***Genna:*** *You’ll all be safe in Worthwood. It might be hard to trust us -- I understand -- but once you see it with your own eyes, you’ll believe me.*

***Jon:*** *Alrighty then. I’m gonna get a team together and head out to search for some cars. We’ll try to make it quick.*

Jon opens the office door - before immediately stopping in his tracks, seeing LAYTON ZIMMERS with his ear to the door.

***Jon:*** *What the fuck are you doing?*

***Layton:*** *Uhh… listening. I wanted to be part of the meeting too!*

***Jon:*** *Get the fuck out of my way, Layton.*

He shoves him aside, walking on.

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**Scene #12**

**FOREST - CHURCH**

After Jon’s team, as well as Genna and Mackenzie have left, KATE BLOODSTONE is left standing in the office, looking out a window. DEAN HOWARDS is seated nearby.

***Kate:*** *They should be back with the RV soon. I still can’t believe it. We might actually… we might actually get what we’ve always wanted, Dean.*

***Dean:*** *It’ll be better than walking around out in the woods, that’s for sure. It’s funny, they’re doing what we wanted to do. Same thing, entirely. You’d think… it wouldn’t work, but I guess it has. So far at least. I think those girls showing up was pure luck. We definitely need a proper break, Lord knows. That reminds me - maybe we got more than luck at play here. Coming up to us, answered prayers in a church of all things. Who knows I guess.*

***Kate:*** *After everything, yeah. It’s hell out here. But… as stupid as it might sound… it really has been having each other that’s kept us all going out here… I was worried for a while that we were going to tear ourselves apart these last few days-- so much arguing and infighting and despair… but this might be the thing that saves us. I believe in it. We can make it work. I refuse to believe it’s a lie… especially when Brenden, as young as he was, died believing in it. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over what happened in the city… That group we tried to save, the massacre it turned into… it’ll haunt me forever, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop looking forward for the chance at a brighter future… one where I can settle down with Marcus and leave my bed knowing I’ll be sleeping there again that night, and the night after that.*

***Dean:*** *Whatever happens from now on… I hope no more pain will be dealt to you and others. I’m praying for it. You don’t worry about a thing, because I fully believe that this place we’re going will be a lot more than just a beacon of hope. Here’s hoping for your dreams. And hopefully… after some time has passed, we could have a few drinks, all of us together. Respectfully of course, no getting blackout drunk like my-- well, usual.*

***Kate: (She smiles)*** *That would be nice.*

***Dean:*** *It would be. So let’s go for it.*

***Kate:*** ***(Nodding)*** *Thank you, Dean. I couldn’t have done anything I did without your support. Going in to save those people, trying to do the right thing… you were by my side the whole time. I really appreciate it.*

***Dean:*** *It was the right thing to do. I would’ve done it again if I had to, I’m sure others would’ve… I just wish things played out differently. Maybe they could’ve been coming with us, too. No use in lamenting. I just hope they’ve found peace wherever they are.*

Dean grimaces, thinking back to Jeanne, and his boot crushing her temple.

***Dean:*** *It’s not happening again. We won’t let something like that happen again. Things are going to be good.*

***Kate:*** *You’re a good man, Dean. I think back to the mall in Willamette a lot these days. I’ve been reminiscing, maybe because it’s an escape, almost. As horrible as things were back then, the moments of peace we did have were extraordinary. I was a selfish coward back then too, and I know you were a stumbling drunk… I guess you could say we’ve both grown a lot since. I remember finding solicitude in the supermarket because it felt safe… because Jim was there, and he helped welcome me in and always knew the right things to say when you were scared or upset. I remember seeing you for the first time… it was at the supermarket… you only cared about finding alcohol, I’m not even sure if I ever saw you sober… but look at you now, and how things have changed. Do you know how proud Owen would be of you? How proud Jim would be? You’ve truly become a hero in your own right, Dean. We’ve all seen it.*

Kate wipes her eyes as tears foam in them. She lets out a little laugh.

***Kate:*** *I’m sorry. I’m going a little far with all of this reminiscing, aren’t I?*

Dean looks down, a slight smile on his face, while internally all he feels is guilt. Guilt about what he’d done to Jim, and how he watched Owen be devoured by a horde of zombies.

***Dean:*** *No, no, it’s-- fine. Don’t be sorry. It’s fine to think about the past. I’m proud of you too, you’ve come a long way. Everyone has. Owen and Jim were… good people. Jim was one of the bests. I’ll… never forget him. You’re a great person, Kate. You’re a hero to me and others too.*

***Kate:*** *I just hope I can finally see eye to eye with William. We haven’t properly spoken since… Well… it’s been a while. And we need to talk. So that’s what I’m gonna do next.*

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**Scene #13**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - LATE AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR, ELLIOTT ROWE and SOLOMON REED come walking back over outside of the cafe, where most of everyone else is sitting around, including KURT KLEIN himself.

***Stanley:*** *Howdy, Edward. Haven’t seen you much since we got here. Enjoying the park yet?*

***Edward:*** *It’s certainly grown on me.*

Kurt, upon setting his eyes on Edward, comes walking up to him, getting right up into his face.

***Edward:*** *What do you want?*

***Kurt:*** *I’ve got a question to ask my dear ol’ buddy, what else? You wouldn’t happen to have seen Molly, would you?*

***Edward: (He scoffs)*** *No, haven’t seen her. Maybe that’s why I’m starting to like this place more. But if I hear her yelling obnoxiously from a couple hundred miles away, I’ll be sure to inform you.*

Kurt cups Edward’s chin under his hand, noticing a fresh bruise on his face.

***Kurt:*** *Wow… that looks real nasty. Where’d you get it?*

Edward pushes his hand away.

***Edward:*** *In case you haven’t noticed, this place is abandoned, and there are plenty of zombies hiding around every corner. Sometimes, they get the jump on you, in fact, I seem to recall you even throwing them in my direction once before. So yes, I had to deal with a few.*

***Kurt: (He grins)*** *You’re such a fighter, Eddie. I’m proud of you.* ***(He offers a fist bump)*** *Put it there.*

Edward rejects the fist bump, looking elsewhere. The tension between them is cut when CARSON BURKE speaks up.

***Carson:*** *Wow, Elliott. Shit, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Are you feeling well?*

***Elliott:*** *Me? No-- I mean, yeah, I’m fine. All good.*

***Bonnie:*** *Are you sure? Maybe you should lie down…*

***Elliott:*** *Really -- I’m okay.*

***Kurt:*** *He may not have seen a ghost… but he sure as shit saw a vampire* ***(He smiles towards Edward)***.

***Edward:*** *What is your obsession with vampires?*

***Kurt:*** *I’ve always wanted to stake one to death.*

***Edward:*** *Well, I hear vampires are rather crafty. It’s no easy task, and before you know it they’ve sucked all the blood right out of you. Again though, I don’t particularly obsess over vampires like you do, I’m sure you’re the expert.*

***Stanley:*** *Wow, the tension between you two sure is thick! I could cut it with a knife!*

***Bonnie:*** *But Stanley… Why would you want to hurt them like that?*

***Edward:*** *If you don’t mind, I’ll be off now. Away from-- whatever this is.*

Edward turns to walk off.

***Kurt:*** *Blessed be. I can hang up my crosses again.*

***Solomon:*** ***(Quietly, to himself)*** *What did I just see… That was weird.*

Kurt steps off to the side, pointing at LANDON KIMBER.

***Kurt:*** *You.*

Landon tosses his cigar aside, stepping on it.

***Landon:*** *Sup?*

***Kurt:*** *Molly. Go find her.*

***Landon:*** *Yeah… on it.*

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**Scene #14**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - LATE AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR walks off towards the amusement park gates, where NANCY WARNER is standing by the supply wagon. Edward, not noticing her, starts to dig around through the supplies in the back.

***Nancy:*** *Looking for something?*

***Edward:*** *Are you* ***always*** *here?*

***Nancy:*** *No, actually, I just got back. I mean, I’m here a lot… You saw how angry Kurt got when I lost just one gun. It’s my responsibility. So, uh, what are you doing?*

***Edward:*** *I actually came to retrieve what’s mine.*

Edward picks up his shotgun, and his box of shells that goes with it.

***Nancy:*** *Um, why? Hold on, I can’t just let you do that. Do you know how much trouble I’ll get it?*

***Edward:*** *You’ll be fine. I’ll tell Kurt myself.*

***Nancy:*** *Uh, yeah, which implies I just let you take it, or makes me look like I’m doing a lousy job here. I don’t really want to take the fall for something so stupid if he’s just gonna punch you in the gut, take your lunch money and return the shotgun to me.*

***Edward:*** *Okay, was all that really necessary?*

***Nancy:*** *Look-- I’m just saying -- it’s true. Kurt’s in control. Why are you suddenly acting like you can just… get off with this as if it isn’t gonna cause some -- explosion.*

***Edward:*** *Look, things are going to change around here. For the better. I know you want the same as I do.*

***Nancy: (She narrows her eyes)*** *Things have been… weird. That new group we met are already dying like flies… it’s especially mysterious what happened to the old man.*

***Edward:*** *I had no idea any of this even happened. No doubt it’s Kurt asserting his control… I already saw him trying to manipulate their leader.*

***Nancy:*** *Well… he’s not their leader anymore… Because he’s dead. And* ***their*** *leader is Kurt now. But really, they seem like nice people, at least they aren’t dicks. If I’m gonna have to travel with people, I at least want to get along with them.*

Nancy looks at Edward, who’s still rummaging around through the wagon.

***Nancy:*** *You already stole your shotgun back, are you trying to get me in more trouble?*

***Edward:*** *I just want a bottle of water! Am I not part of this group?*

***Nancy:*** *Alright, alright, sheesh. Here.*

Nancy reaches into one of the boxes, taking a water bottle out and offering it to him.

***Nancy:*** *If you wanted a bottle of water, you could’ve just asked.*

Edward continues looking through different bags and boxes, seemingly not even hearing Nancy.

***Nancy:*** *Edward? The water?*

***Edward:*** *Right.*

He snatches the bottle from her.

***Edward:*** *Thank you.*

***Nancy: (She sighs)*** *Man, you’re weird. But you’ve grown on me. I can’t believe I’ve actually come to enjoy your company. You’re amusing.*

***Edward:*** *Is this another one of your jokes?*

***Nancy:*** *Nope.*

***Edward:*** *Well, you’re okay yourself.*

Edward nods to her, while he continues digging through one crate in particular now.

***Nancy:*** *Whatever you’re planning… I hope it’s wise, Edward. Something tells me this is more than just… you wanting your possession back.*

***Edward:*** *I just want the gun back. And my shells. And the water. You don’t happen to have a bag, do you?*

***Nancy:*** *As it happens I have many…*

Nancy turns away, going to grab a backpack. As she does, Edward pulls his hands out of the crate he’d been digging through, closing the lid. Nancy grabs the bag, dropping it next to him.

***Edward:*** *Wonderful.*

Edward dumps something in his hands into the bag, as well as the shotgun shells and the water. He then picks up the bag, and the shotgun, turning to leave.

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**Scene #15**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - LATE AFTERNOON**

JON MATTHEWS leads the group down the road, in search of vehicles. The team consists of Jon himself, as well as CLYDE ROLLINS and CLAIRE NOBLE, and DANIEL ROCKWELL and LOLIDA WINDFIELD, who are trailing behind the three of them.

***Clyde:*** *So, uh, I’m going to have to come clean. I don’t know anything about cars.*

***Jon:*** *You don’t need to know anything about cars, Clyde. You just have to help us search.*

***Clyde:*** *Right. Good. I mean, I did play a mechanic once in a low-budget rom-com in the early days of my career. ‘Hot Rod’... Did you guys see that one?*

***Jon:*** *I didn’t see any of them.*

***Clyde:*** *Oh* ***(He frowns)***. *Well, that’s okay, you were living under a rock anyways, so…*

***Jon:*** *Actually, come to think of it. I did catch a glimpse of one of your movies just once. After a heist went wrong I had to lay low and hid in a movie theatre that was playing some of your crap. God, your voice annoyed me back then. I wanted to lunge through the screen and punch you in the throat. You know, back when you were a pompous douchebag, of course.*

***Clyde:*** *Are… are we friends?*

***Jon:*** *Of course we are, Clyde. Lighten the fuck up.*

He pats Clyde on the shoulder roughly, before walking ahead.

***Claire:*** *Oh my god… you’re scared of him, aren’t you?*

***Clyde:*** *What? I am not. That is nonsense.*

***Claire:*** *You’re scared of Jon. Oh my god.*

***Clyde:*** *Well, look here, he’s a big guy, and he’s… he’s knocked me down before. I know what it’s like. He’s knocked you down before too.*

Jon looks back, having been listening to them.

***Jon:*** *Yeah. About that. I never got around to apologizing for that.*

***Claire:*** *Don’t. I tackled you first. I was asking for it. We were all intense… Nobody is to blame.*

***Jon:*** *Still, it gave you a nasty head wound, and it could’ve been a whole lot worse. I am sorry for doing you dirty like that.*

***Claire:*** *Seriously, it’s alright.* ***(She nods)*** *I get it.*

Behind the three of them, Daniel and Lolida are walking along slowly, not saying anything -- until Daniel finally mutters something.

***Daniel:*** *…I was a dickhead. I have been pretty awful these last few days. I shouldn’t have kept dragging you into my fights. I should’ve never been getting into fights in the first place…*

Lolida slowly turns his head to look at him.

***Daniel:*** *Look… everything I did… I was doing it because I was angry at them, because everything that was happening was putting you in danger.* ***(He sighs)*** *You’re the one true friend I’ve got left, Lolida… I need you by my side because… without you I’d just be some asshole.*

***Lolida:*** *I was… never mad at you, Daniel. I was just sad that you lost your way… but now you found it. I knew you would. Look, you might be an asshole sometimes, you might say and do some questionable stuff, but… don’t think I would ever leave you. After all, you’re all I got.*

***Daniel: (He smiles lightly)*** *I talked to Kate. I think that… I think we’re on the mend now. What I said to her was atrocious but she seems willing to forgive me. I’m not proud of any of it. I own it. I said those things and I regret saying them. But… I’ll do better to restrain myself. I’ll listen to you more. I promise.*

***Lolida: (He smiles)*** *I’m glad to hear it, Danny boy.*

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**Scene #16**

**FOREST - CHURCH**

JON MATTHEWS enters the church’s office to find WILLIAM REYNES and GENNA BROHEM standing around the map from before, discussing plans.

***Jon:*** *We got lucky. Three cars. All without fuel, of course, but I trust you’ll be able to help us with that?*

***William:*** *With three cars and the RV… we’ll have enough room, I trust.*

***Genna:*** *As I said, plenty of fuel to go around. We brought the RV back-- We should be all ready to go then?*

***Jon:*** *We’ll start packing up and then that’ll be us* ***(He nods)***. *But there is one more thing.*

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**Scene #17**

**FOREST - CHURCH - LATE AFTERNOON**

A little while later, the entire group is standing out around the back of the church, where Brenden has been buried, a makeshift cross behind the grave.

***Mackenzie: (Whispering to Genna)*** *Genna - the cross. I know I gave it to you, but-- do you mind if I place it? For them? It’s… the least I could do. I really didn’t help much earlier.*

***Genna:*** *Of course.*

***Mackenzie:*** *Thank you.*

She takes the cross out of her pocket, handing it to MACKENZIE BROHEM. She slowly walks up past everyone to Brenden’s grave, kneeling down, and placing the cross delicately. She slowly steps back again, taking her place beside Genna. DEAN HOWARDS glances over at her.

***Dean:*** *…That was a nice thing for you to do, kid. Thank you.*

She nods, smiling softly.

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**Scene #18**

**FOREST - CHURCH - EARLY EVENING**

As dusk is nearing, the group starts packing everything into the vehicles, preparing to depart. WILLIAM REYNES and LLOYD WALLER come walking out of the church, helping to carry REBECCA DAWSON. They place her inside the RV, covering her with a blanket gently. Lloyd glances over at William.

***Lloyd:*** *Like they said… They have a doctor.*

***William:*** *Yeah… a doctor* ***(He nods slowly)***. *I don’t know… what I was thinking - when I rejected their offer. I wish it hadn’t cost what it had to open my eyes.*

***Lloyd:*** *It feels… weird. He wasn’t that much older than I am. But… he was so positive about everything, even while he was bleeding out in front of us - that… it didn’t feel the same, like my friends Kyle and Bernie* ***(He frowns)***.

***William:*** *Because you’ve gotten… used to it, as miserable as it is to say. The more people you see die - the less it starts to weigh on your shoulders. It becomes normalized. But what Brenden wanted you to do -- was to hold onto your humanity, despite all that. So do that for him, yeah?*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah. Yeah. You’re right* ***(He nods assertively)***.

William turns, walking back out of the RV, where he is immediately greeted by JON MATTHEWS.

***Jon:*** *We’re ready to go, and we have a long trip ahead, so what do you say?*

***William:*** *I’ve never been one for long journeys… I get travel sick.*

***Jon:*** *Well, worst case scenario, we can stick your head out of the window and let the vomit fly… but anything is better than sticking around here, right?*

William looks up at the church, thinking to himself.

***William:*** *You’re right… we’ve been cooped up in tiny fucking stow-away dens like this shithole and the motel for… far too long. I guess having a -- new experience like this won’t hurt.*

***Jon:*** *Hey. I hope you know you’re doing a good thing. This really is our best option, and for a minute back there, it really seemed like we were gonna pass it up. I may not be entirely trusting of these people myself, but they’ve proven themselves to be decent, and they’ve told nothing but the truth so far. We can still be cautious, you and I… but I think you made the right call on behalf of all of us.*

***William:*** *Yeah… Sometimes I wonder how better things would be if I had done any differently. Like if I didn’t send those people off on their own -- maybe Brenden wouldn’t have lost a hand. Maybe we wouldn’t have had our own civil war on our hands. Maybe we’d all be dead - who knows? But… that being said - it’s good to finally flip the page on this shitty, shitty chapter we’ve been through.*

***Jon:*** *Yeah.*

Jon looks away, clapping his hands loudly.

***Jon:*** *Alright, people! We’re moving out!*

Before long, everyone gathers into the vehicles, and they begin to drive off down the dirt path leading away from the church.

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**Scene #19**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - EARLY EVENING**

KURT KLEIN stands at the site of MOLLY MASSEY’s death, having been summoned to it by LANDON KIMBER. He stares down at the scene, visibly fuming.

***Landon:*** *It was that little goblin bastard, wasn’t it?*

***Kurt:*** *Who the fuck else? That little twisted fucker… I’m gonna make him rue the day I laid eyes on him. Ungrateful, spineless wretch. Killing a poor girl like this… God, I’ll make him pay.*

***Landon:*** *You shouldn’t get your hands dirty, boss-man. Let me handle him.*

***Kurt:*** *No. No. This time it’s FUCKING PERSONAL! The honour of snapping his twig spine will be mine. And mine only.*

***Landon:*** *You got it, you got it… What do you want me to do?*

***Kurt:*** *Do me a favour… That bumbling old fool, Leonard - bring him to me. I’ve got a job for him.*

***Landon:*** *Gotcha.*

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**Scene #20**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - EARLY EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR sits on a bench on his own, finishing up loading his shotgun. Once it’s full, he tucks the remaining shells away in his backpack, before grabbing his water bottle, clutching it in his hand.

***Kurt:*** *There’s my favourite little man.*

KURT KLEIN comes swaggering over to Edward, leaning onto his bench.

***Edward:*** *You.*

***Kurt:*** *How does… a little expedition sound? Me, you, Landon. Out and about.*

***Edward:*** *That sounds truly awful. Why would I want to do that?*

***Kurt:*** *Some bonding time… us three boys. Tell you what.*

Kurt grabs Edward, whispering into his ear.

***Kurt:*** *I’ll even let you bring your shotgun. Happy?*

Edward shuffles away from him.

***Edward:*** *You could start by letting go of me. Why are you trying to lure me out of the park?*

***Kurt:*** *‘Cause we need to look for Molly. I know that us three haven’t exactly gotten along with you, but now’s the chance to make all that go away. You’ll help me, won’t you, Eddie?*

***Edward:*** *Why would I want to help find her?*

***Kurt:*** *‘Cause I’m getting really, really damn sick of your… behaviour, lately. You do your part, and help out - or we’ll be having words. Got it?*

Kurt glares at him, as he snatches his water bottle from him, guzzling it down. He crunches the bottle up, before sticking it in the back of Edward’s shirt, and patting him on the back.

***Kurt:*** *I know you’ll make the right decision.*

Edward frowns, looking up at Kurt.

***Edward:*** *Fine. I’ll play along.*

***Kurt:*** *Good dog.*

Kurt turns around, walking away. As soon as he’s gone, Edward’s frown turns into a look of disbelief and satisfaction.

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**Scene #21**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - EARLY EVENING**

***Solomon:*** *So are you sure you’ll be fine? It sounds exactly like a trap.*

EDWARD REMAR nods to SOLOMON REED.

***Edward:*** *It does. It is. But as risky as it is, I’m going to join them. I think everything is going to be fine.*

***Solomon:*** *Well, still - just be careful of what they do.*

***Edward: (He nods)*** *We’ll speak more when I return.*

Edward walks off, cane in one hand, shotgun in the other.

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**Scene #22**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - EARLY EVENING**

ELLIOTT ROWE opens the stall door, falling to his knees and vomiting into a toilet. Once it’s all out, he groans, standing up, wiping his mouth. He stumbles out of the stall and over to the sink, looking up at the mirror, ashamed, guilty, panicked.

***Elliott:*** *Keep it together -- come on, Elliott.*

He turns away, walking towards the exit.

***Elliott:*** *You idiot-- you goddamn idiot.*

Elliott steps out of the bathroom, where he sees SOLOMON REED walking by.

***Solomon:*** *Are you alright?*

***Elliott:*** *Oh-- Solomon. Yeah… No, no, I’m not alright, man* ***(He rubs his face)***. *I’ve never killed a person before-- I-- I don’t know what to do. I didn’t intend for this when I said I wanted to help Edward* ***(He shakes his head)***. *I-- Have you ever killed anyone before?*

***Solomon:*** *Sadly, yeah. I don’t know how many exactly, but they were bad people. There wasn’t no negotiating or anything to stop them. I understand how you feel. I had never really killed anyone up to that point but when I did it felt like a part of me was gone. Still is, I think, but I’ve been able to accept it for what it was somehow, and I’m sure in time you’ll be fine. I know that you knew that person for what? A few months, weeks? Then the next thing you know is you had to save Edward which meant killing her. I understand it’s something that’ll eat away at you, but believe me, Elliott, you’ll get over it, and if not, I’m no psychiatrist nor is Edward, but I guess just talk to us.*

***Elliott: (He nods slowly)*** *I hope you’re right - I really do. I, uh… I think I’m going to go lay down - I’ll be fine soon. Just need to clear my head and get over this. Thank you, Solomon - I appreciate it.*

***Solomon:*** *No problem.*

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**Scene #23**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - EVENING**

Now on the road to Worthwood, ED ANDERSON is behind the wheel of one of three cars. LAYTON ZIMMERS sits in the front passenger seat beside him, while ALEX WEISS is relaxing in the back seats.

***Layton:*** *So. How much longer until we get there?*

***Ed:*** *Layton this place is like 200 miles away.*

***Layton:*** *Whaaaat?* ***(To Alex)*** *200 miles -- can- can you believe that?*

***Alex:*** *200 miles? Where are we heading?? How is that place that far away?*

***Ed:*** *A town called Worthwood… I guess those girls really do travel far and wide to recruit people.*

***Layton:*** *You know one of my favourite pastimes for a long journey?*

Ed frowns, looking at him.

***Layton: (He clears his throat)*** *Feel free to join in.*

***Ed:*** *I’m sorry?*

***Layton:*** *10,000 bottles of milk on the wall… 10,000 bottles of milk on the wall. Take one down, pass it around. 9999 bottles of milk on the wall. Come on, Ed. Get into it. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us. 9999 bottles of milk on the wall.*

Ed looks ahead with a deep frown.

***Ed:*** *Please… Please.*

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**Scene #24**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - EVENING**

Meanwhile, in the RV, KATE BLOODSTONE is sitting next to a window, looking out. MARCUS DOWNES sits opposite her.

***Marcus:*** *What’s on your mind?*

***Kate:*** *I’m actually kind of nervous* ***(She chuckles)***. *This could be the place we’ve been looking for all this time and, well, we haven’t had that since the mall.*

***Marcus:*** *Yeah* ***(He smiles)***. *Yeah. I guess you’re right, huh. But it’s… it’s good nervousness, right?*

***Kate: (Nodding)*** *For once… yeah. It is.*

Nearby, WILLIAM REYNES and LLOYD WALLER are sitting beside REBECCA DAWSON. William bites his tongue, looking out of a window with a pale face.

***Lloyd:*** *You’re uh… not gonna be sick, are you?*

***William:*** *Huh-- no. No. I’m not, don’t worry. All good.*

***Lloyd: (He smirks)*** *The great William Reynes… seemingly untouchable… until you uncover his greatest weakness.*

***William:*** *It’s - it’s just a one time thing is all… a stomach bug.*

William sighs, looking up at the ceiling of the RV.

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**Scene #25**

**KANSAS HIGHWAY - EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR, KURT KLEIN and LANDON KIMBER walk along the highway, as the sun is setting before them. Edward clutches onto his shotgun, while keeping an eye on Kurt and Landon, who’re walking just ahead of him.

***Kurt:*** *Y’know, Eddie… I really wish we could’ve gotten along better. We’d have been a good team.*

***Edward:*** *Getting sentimental already?*

***Kurt:*** *Yeah… I mean with Molly gone, it’s really made me realize that I need to treasure the people I care about more. For all I know, she could be dead. I don’t know what twisted bastard would do that to her, though. Sure, we’re mean from time to time, but we’re still human.*

***Edward:*** *And what do you think walking around aimlessly is going to do about it? We’ve been on the move for twenty minutes. There’s no hint at all on where she could be…*

***Kurt:*** *She’s probably gone off to scavenge in one of the shops nearby… I’m just trying to figure out which one. Where do you think she is?*

***Edward:*** *I don’t really care to think about it. But here I am anyways, helping you look for her. You’re welcome.*

***Kurt: (He nods slowly)*** *It’s been one hell of a journey, Eddie. A little bumpy, but we got here. I know we don’t exactly see eye-to-eye, but I’m really thankful I found you, and took you in.*

***Edward: (He sighs)*** *You keep bringing me out on all these trips. Soon enough you’ll give me the idea you actually do like me. But it’s not all bad, if you agree to let me keep my shotgun, of course.*

***Kurt:*** *Of course you can… you’ve been good up till now… sort of. So I see no reason not to. You’re one of us now. The trusted ones* ***(He puts on a fake smile)***.

Edward shrugs, as they continue walking.

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**Scene #26**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - AFTERNOON**

GENNA BROHEM sits behind the wheel of the RV, slowly driving along the road. A day has passed since they first left the church, and it won’t be long until they’ve arrived at their destination. However, as they’re driving, Genna sees something in the sky up ahead -- a flare. She reaches her hand over to MACKENZIE BROHEM beside her, shaking her shoulder.

***Genna:*** *You see that?*

***Mackenzie:*** *Yeah- yeah I see it. Do you think- someone might be hurt?*

***Genna:*** *I-- I don’t know. It could be somebody from Worthwood. We need to check it out.*

Genna speeds up, taking the nearest turn-off to the road they’re on. She briefly glances back into the back of the RV.

***Genna:*** *Hey -- guys!*

KATE BLOODSTONE and the others come hurrying over.

***Kate:*** *What is it?*

***Genna:*** *You see it? A flare.*

***Kate: (She nods slowly)*** *We can check it out. Stop the RV… We can tell the others that we’ll be taking a detour while they continue on course.* ***(She looks back at William)*** *…Willian. Is that okay?*

***William:*** *Yeah… Yeah - we can do that.*

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**Scene #27**

**TOWN - AFTERNOON**

***Sebastian:*** *Ah ah ah! No piece of Sebastian for you!*

SEBASTIAN DOMINGUEZ kicks a zombie in its jaw, sending it flying back. He’s standing atop a car, while quite a few zombies have surrounded it. He looks over across the street, where TYSON LYSAGHT is trapped on top of a second car.

***Sebastian:*** *Ah, so bothersome. How’re you holding up, my friend?!*

***Tyson:*** *Stop focusing so much on me, and worry about your own damn situation… you’re gonna get yourself killed.*

***Sebastian:*** *Ah ah ah ah! We’ve been through far worse than this, brother. Besides, who can blame these feral bloodsuckers for wanting to tear into me, the life of the party is right over here!*

Sebastian pulls out his pistol, laughing, as he opens fire into their heads one by one. Tyson looks over at him, and can’t help but smile.

***Tyson:*** *You just now noticed, huh? There’ll be a way outta this mess… just give me a sec.*

Tyson looks around the area, noticing a large vehicle driving up towards them; an RV. Inside, KATE BLOODSTONE points ahead at the two trapped men.

***Kate:*** *There they are.*

***Marcus:*** *They look like they could use our help.*

***Genna:*** *What the hell? That’s Sebastian and Tyson--*

***Marcus:*** *So you know them. It’s a good thing we came then. Come on! Let’s get out and help to clear them.*

***Lloyd:*** *Got it.*

MARCUS DOWNES hurries out, followed by Kate, LLOYD WALLER, WILLIAM REYNES, GENNA BROHEM and MACKENZIE BROHEM. They run over, attacking the zombies from behind.

***Sebastian:*** *Look at that, Ty! We have ourselves some guardian angels! If it isn’t Genna Brohem herself, in the flesh!*

***Tyson:*** *And she’s brought company, too… Colour me surprised.*

***Sebastian:*** *Is that lil Mackenzie I spy from afar? How have you been, my girl?!*

***Mackenzie: (She waves)*** *You know, trying to help where we can. Are you two okay?*

***Genna:*** *How the hell did you end up like this?*

***Sebastian:*** *It’s all part of the job, don’t worry about it, friend! We didn’t anticipate there being this many, got separated. Tyson fired a flare so we could regroup. But now that you are here, it’s just gotten very interesting. Come on, Ty! We don’t want to miss out on the fun!*

Sebastian continues to open fire at the zombies, as the others deal with them with melee weapons.

***Tyson:*** *It’s always the loud-ass option for you…*

Tyson pulls out a deagle, popping the heads off zombies near him. With everyone’s combined efforts, it isn’t long before nearly the entire horde is dealt with. Eventually, Sebastian and Tyson are able to hop off the cars, dealing with the last few zombies with their knives. A silence fills the air once the last zombie has been killed.

***Sebastian:*** ***(To Genna and Mackenzie)*** *We owe that one to you. And your new friends, of course.*

***Kate:*** *Don’t mention it.*

***Genna:*** *No problem. We’re bringing these people back to Worthwood.*

***Sebastian:*** *Ah ah ah, very well, very well. We’ll go back and get our car, we’ll follow behind you. I am glad to see you have both finally made your return.*

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**Scene #28**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - AFTERNOON**

After their short detour, KATE BLOODSTONE and the others return to their RV and drive out of town, with Sebastian and Tyson’s car now following behind. As the RV sets off, Kate approaches WILLIAM REYNES, who’s sitting alone at one of the tables. She looks at the seat opposite him.

***Kate:*** *Do you mind?*

***William:*** *Yeah… yeah, feel free.*

She nods slowly, taking a seat across from him.

***Kate:*** *I felt we should finally sit down and talk.*

***William:*** *Probably a good idea, yeah… Things have been - chaotic, until now. To say the least.*

***Kate:*** *This place… it’s looking like it could be a new beginning for all of us. Though, I know we’ve had a lot of problems on the road up until now, so I wanted to clear the air.*

***William:*** *I suppose I’ll start, then… given that most of it was my wrongdoing. I’m- sorry for being a little… erratic - when it came to making such decisive calls like that.*

***Kate:*** *Okay. I… I’m sorry we defied you and went after those people. I know that… you were just trying to look out for all of us before anyone else, that it was stressful for you being in charge when… when things weren’t going so well, and everyone was looking to you. I know that everything with Jared really got to you, and that you blamed yourself for that, but we couldn’t let those people die, William. We had to try something, so we did. It’s what we’ve always done, no matter how tough things got. Look at the courage of the two girls who came and invited us to this community, and look at what we just did for their friends mere minutes ago.*

***William:*** *No… no - you’re right. You were right to do what you did, despite the cost. Had the roles been reversed, I’d have done the same thing. The truth is - I never entirely wanted to be that guy. I don’t have it in me to… I don’t know… govern? Govern a group like that. It’s not what I’m good at. It’s not what I wanted to do. It was a position I was forced into, ‘cause nobody else stood up to the task… after Jacob’s death. I felt I had to… keep everyone safe, ‘cause nobody else would. But I can see that’s changed now. You had the support of the people, to stand up to William the Tyrant. You’d probably be a whole lot better at all this than I am.*

***Kate:*** *William… I want you to know that… even if it wasn’t the role for you… you kept us alive on the road for a long time. That’s your achievement. And… And I know that Jacob and Erin would be so proud of everything you’ve done for us.*

***William: (He smiles lightly)*** *Yeah… yeah, I hope so. But I think right now they’d - tell me to hang up the hat. Relax a little. I can almost see Jacob standing there -- goofy smile on his face -- telling me that I need to chill out. So I think I should do just that. I think that I should pass the torch to you. You’re cut out for the job - and I can tell you - deep down - you actually want to lead like this. It suits you.*

***Kate:*** *I think that… if anything… The motel was a learning experience for all of us, myself included. You’ve done a lot for us, William… and you’re a lot better at dealing with threats and wars and… all of our enemies than I am. You do what needs to be done. So keep doing that, at my side… and I’ll handle the rest. How about we agree now that… whatever comes next, whatever we face… we deal with it together.*

***William:*** *Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good to me.*

Kate leans back, smiling in relief.

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**Scene #29**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - MID EVENING**

The wind howls, as SOLOMON REED walks through the park alone. The sun has long set, darkness having filled the sky. Solomon looks around at the different buildings, seeing that he’s entered some kind of wild west themed section of the park.

***Leonard:*** *STOP!*

His voice echoes out, as Solomon comes to a halt, turning around, laying eyes on LEONARD THORNE, who’s standing some distance behind him.

***Leonard:*** *I know what you people are! You’re traitors to the gift - THE GIFT KURT GAVE! That gift was your life being saved, and you and your fucking fellow wendigos have been causing us NOTHING but trouble! NOTHING,YOU HEAR ME! I HEARD you both earlier. You’re going to overthrow Kurt! I’m not allowing it. Not going to let you walk free this time.*

Leonard stares at him, his eyes full of rage, his mouth tightening with anger.

***Solomon:*** *Listen, Leonard, this Kurt guy isn’t the saint you make him out to believe. He’s manipulated you into helping him and you’ve just let that manipulation control you! DO YOU NOT SEE WHAT THE FUCK YOU GUYS HAVE DONE?! You’re gonna say no, and then say something that’s just absolutely bullshit. I’m only gonna ask you once, you lunatic… Don’t try it. You won’t win. If you just let me explain, you’ll see that you’ve been on the wrong side! I don’t want to kill you!*

***Leonard:*** *Fuck you! You’re just trying to fill my head with lies! I know how you wendigos work! Manipulation, betrayal, it’s a WELL KNOWN FACT! But since you’re not gonna let this be easy, I’ll be fair. This is the wild west… You know there’s only one way to settle this. And that’s me killing you!*

Leonard slowly lowers his hand towards his holster, as a bunch of leaves blow across the pavement between them. Solomon puts his hand to his holster, waiting for Leonard’s move. Beads of sweat trickle down their faces, silence filling the air.

Leonard draws first, but it’s not quick enough. Three gunshots ring out. Leonard drops his pistol, as he looks down at his torso, seeing two bullet holes. The third gunshot had come from his own gun - but missed Solomon by mere inches. Chuckling, Leonard falls to the ground, blood soaking his chest. Solomon holsters his gun, slowly approaching Leonard, and kneeling down beside him.

***Solomon:*** *I didn’t want to do this* ***(He frowns)***.

***Leonard:*** *You--* ***(He coughs)*** *You aren’t gonna eat me?*

***Solomon:*** *I’m not a fucking wendigo.*

***Leonard:*** *Ve-- very well. I’ll let you know, traitor--* ***(He coughs up blood)*** *I’m not actually named Leonard.*

***Solomon:*** *Then who are you?*

***Leonard:*** *My name -- my name is…*

Leonard's mouth hangs open, his eyes staring off into space. He goes limp, dead. Frowning, Solomon takes out his knife, stabbing Leonard in the head to prevent him from turning. He’s about to get up, when he suddenly notices something sticking out of Leonard’s pocket. Curious, he grabs it, seeing that it’s some kind of name tag, but most of the words have been scratched out. However, Solomon is able to make out a single word on it: Asylum.

Slowly, Solomon stands up, walking off.

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**Scene #30**

**GAS STATION - MID EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR stands just outside of the gas station, narrowing his eyes, while KURT KLEIN and LANDON KIMBER are inside the building checking it out. It’s dark out, and they’d left the amusement park over an hour ago.

Kurt comes swaggering out of the gas station, looking towards Edward.

***Kurt:*** *So… Wanna explain why you’re not helping?*

***Edward:*** *Thought you had it covered. A little man like me is of no help at a mere gas station, surely I should just stay out of the way of the pros.*

***Kurt:*** *You came here to help, didn’t you? We’re breaking our backs inside, you should do your part, no matter what build you are.*

Kurt wipes sweat from his forehead, as Edward notices him breathing rather loudly, clearly unusual for him.

***Edward:*** *Huh. Maybe you’re right. You don’t look so good. Are you really tiring yourself out so soon?*

Kurt, in an instant, drops the whole act, lunging at Edward, grabbing him. He pulls out a knife, putting it against Edward’s throat.

***Kurt:*** *Put your shotgun on the floor.*

Edward frowns, but keeps hold of his gun.

***Edward:*** *It was only a matter of time. I was wondering how long you’d keep up with your bullshit. But of course you’d make killing me so elaborate. Luring me out this far.*

***Kurt:*** *I said drop your gun, Eduardo.*

Edward gives in, and drops his gun. Kurt coughs into Edward’s face, still holding up his form, just as Landon is seen exiting the gas station, a pistol in hand.

***Kurt:*** *You’re a sick little puppy. Yeah… Yeah, we saw what you did to Molly.* ***(He coughs)*** *You’re a dirty little virus, infecting all my people… and I wanna take my time curing you.*

***Landon:*** *You aren’t leaving alive, you little penguin fuckwit.*

***Edward:*** *Of course. I knew this was coming. Look at how surprised I am. You’re a fanatic. A tyrant! You’re responsible for killing Calvin, and you sure as hell don’t care about the people back at the park. The only thing you care about is getting your ego stroked. The only thing that matters to you is making sure everyone is BENEATH you. No wonder you surround yourself with yes-men.*

***Kurt:*** *And you, my dear Eddie… are a freak. A no-good, carousing bacteria. You knew this was coming, yet you walked right into it. You’re some pseudo-intellectual. You like to imagine yourself as somehow above everybody else… but look at you. The situation you’re in…*

Kurt lets out another few coughs, lowering the knife from Edward’s throat. Landon looks at Kurt concerningly, while keeping his pistol trained on Edward. Slowly, Kurt regains his posture.

***Edward:*** *Fine. That’s right. I let you lure me out to kill me. How foolish of me, but WHY DON’T YOU TELL ME WHY I AREN’T DEAD YET? You brought me out here because you couldn’t beat me into submission and tame me like you did EVERYONE else! Your ego is too big to send me out on a HIGH NOTE! FACE IT, YOU’RE PATHETIC, KURT KLEIN!*

Edward grins at him, before Kurt throws his fist straight into Edward’s face. The punch is enough to throw Kurt off-balance, as he breaks into a coughing fit, covering his mouth with his hand. When he looks at his hand after his coughing subsides, he sees a greenish-red fluid covering it. Landon looks towards Kurt, now visibly worried. With his eyes taken off of Edward, Edward seizes the opportunity, pulling out Molly’s revolver that he had tucked away. He aims it up, firing straight into Landon’s chest. The man collapses backwards with a thud, his gun dropping and firing off, the bullet hitting the gas station wall behind him. Pools of blood start to pour into his mouth, as he lays there, dying.

Edward slowly stands back up, aiming at Kurt, with a huge grin on his face.

***Edward:*** *You’re not looking so good. Do you need some… water?*

Kurt collapses to one knee, as he barfs up his insides. His arms shake, as he looks up at Edward.

***Kurt:*** *You… you little fucking weasel… You poisoned me. YOU POISONED--*

Kurt is cut off by another set of coughs, and green and red mucus fly out of his mouth.

***Edward:*** *Save yourself the energy. You know, as bad as Molly was, I do have to thank her for bringing back all those drugs and chemicals. I mean, really* ***(He chuckles)***. *Look at you! You downed an entire bottle with thallium in it! I didn’t even have to DO anything! I was unsure of how I’d go about it, but you, in your greatest moment of arrogance, DID IT FOR ME!*

***Kurt:*** *It’s just like you… you piece of human vermin. Using poison… a woman’s weapon. Too scared… to fight me fairly.*

***Edward:*** *This is too good. It’s as if I’m dreaming.*

Kurt collapses onto his back now, his body giving up. Cackling, Edward walks over to Kurt, kicking him while he’s on the ground. He then walks over to Landon, stomping on his chest with glee, causing blood to spurt out of the man’s mouth, his face being covered in dark red blood.

***Edward:*** *AND NOW YOU’RE BOTH GOING TO DIE OUT HERE ALONE! PATHETICALLY CRAWLING ALONG THE GROUND LIKE WORMS! And you know…*

Edward approaches Kurt again, who’s coughing up his insides again, his face going pale, his body growing tired.

***Kurt:*** *I knew that I should’ve… snapped that little twig neck of yours… while I had the chance.*

***Edward:*** *I’m going to go back to the park and take* ***everything*** *you have. As for Molly… Yes… seeing her get crushed by a dolphin was… amusing to say the least. Elliott really did a number on her.*

Kurt goes to speak again, but is physically unable to, as only grunts and mumbles are heard. His lips turn blue, foam building in his mouth. Landon, meanwhile, finally goes motionless, blood seeping out of his mouth, onto the asphalt.

***Edward:*** *But this… This takes the cake. You’ve won me over. This might just be one of the best things I’ve seen. I have a front row seat to your slow, painful deaths.*

Smiling, Edward aims the revolver at Kurt’s head, pulling back the hammer.

***Edward:*** *You know, Kurt… I really wish we could’ve gotten along better. We’d have been a good team.*

Kurt looks up at him with pain, anguish and fury in his eyes all at the same time. He grumbles a final time, before Edward pulls the trigger. Kurt slumps over, as his blood and brains cover the ground.

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**Scene #31**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - LATE EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR returns to the park, his shotgun and cane in hand. As soon as he enters, SOLOMON REED approaches him speedily.

***Solomon:*** *They’re dead?*

***Edward: (He smiles)*** *They’re dead.*

***Solomon:*** *Good. Leonard tried to get the jump on me and I had to kill him. He won’t be a zombie, I made sure of it, but I’m happy you’re safe.*

***Edward:*** *It’s over, Solomon. We won. They’re all dead.*

***Solomon:*** *Indeed. Should I go gather everyone for a meeting since we’ve had a change of leadership?*

***Edward:*** *That would be wonderful.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #32**

**AMUSEMENT PARK - LATE EVENING**

Minutes later, EDWARD REMAR stands up on a small stage, likely used for performances at the park. In front of him is what’s left of both Kurt and Shaun’s group.

***Edward: (He clears his throat)*** *Kurt… is dead. Alongside all three of his minions. I come before you, following their various attempts on my life, to tell you what’s really been going on recently. Kurt and his minions ruled with an iron fist. They were control freaks. They were bad people. They didn’t care about any of you. You were a means to an end. To Kurt Klein, you were all merely an expansion of his ego. Not only were they responsible for the death of one Calvin Schultz, they tried to have both me and my friend Solomon KILLED for refusing to bow to their tyranny. CALVIN would still be here with us today if it were not for their irrational hatred towards him.* ***(He looks at Waita’s group)*** *As would those who you new folks lost recently. Your leader, your other people, all of that was Kurt’s doing. Those who refused to bow before him would pay the price… and unfortunately, your people paid that price.*

***Waita:*** *How do you know this? How can we trust anything you’re saying to be true?*

***Edward:*** *Because I have witnesses… and everyone who was IN Kurt’s group knows exactly how things were. We all know what happened to Calvin. Molly tried to kill me, so Elliott helped me to bring her down in self defense. Elliott is a GOOD man, he would not kill someone for no reason. What he did saved my life, and he should be commended for his heroic actions.*

***Nancy:*** *It’s true… The way Jose died was mysterious… I did suspect foul play.*

***Edward:*** *Kurt and his people were leading us down a dark and dangerous path. There was no salvation for any of you. It was all about them. I promised I’d make a change… I promised I’d see it through. Just tonight, Kurt and his goon tried to lure me out far away to kill me in secret, JUST like they did to the others, because THAT’S all they do! Put your faith in ME moving forward and I will ENSURE our safety. Show me respect and it will be shown in return. Travel alongside me and you will learn what it’s like to be free. Free of Kurt and the danger he posed to everyone around him. Free of his threats, his rules and his LIES! MOVING FORWARD, I will be taking FULL control of the group. There’s a whole world out there for the TAKING now, and I propose we do just that. I have a vision. I want to BUILD something. I want to ACHIEVE something. Join me on my journey, stay by my side, and you too, can be a part of that. Kurt’s reign of terror is over. Allow me to take things from here and reorganize our group so that it is STRONG, STABLE and most of all PREPARED for whatever the world throws at us. So… Here’s to a new beginning.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #33**

**WORTHWOOD - FRONT ENTRANCE - LATE AFTERNOON**

Two men stand atop a large wall, looking down the road leading up to the front gate of Worthwood. MORRIS FINKLE is busy cleaning his shovel, while NEIL OCONNELL rubs his hands together, cold and bored. When he sees nothing coming from down the road, he turns his attention over to Morris.

***Neil:*** *Jesus, kid… boredoms got you giving that shovel a handjob, huh? I mean, it’s just a shovel. He consent to it first? You’re looking a little Dahmer-y there, kid.*

***Morris:*** *It’s a she. And yeah, SHE loves it. At least I get action.*

Neil blinks, staring at Morris blankly.

***Neil:*** *I’m… going to pretend that everything you’ve just said did not happen. I will say though, my wife and I - have plenty of beautiful action. Only problem is, lady hasn’t been cooking for me lately. Jeez, what’s it take to get a decent meal around here, eh? I mean, c’mon - I do work like this, sit on the wall, put up with your weird scrawny ass.*

Morris stops what he’s doing, looking towards him in shock.

***Morris:*** *You…*

***Neil: (Continuing)*** *You’d think - maybe - just maybe, lil’ bit of decency would go around.*

***Morris:*** *You know… She’s been giving that guy Matheson down the street plenty of action…*

***Neil:*** *Guy… Matheson. Who the hell is Matheson? What are you talking about?*

Neil stands up straight, looking for an answer. Morris, however, turns his head to the road leading to the gate, seeing a convoy of vehicles approaching.

***Neil:*** *You’re just trying to rile me up, huh, kid? Come on, you--*

***Morris:*** *Forget I said anything, Neil.*

Neil looks down over the wall, seeing the convoy of vehicles rolling to a halt in front of the gate. An RV is leading them. TYSON LYSAGHT and SEBASTIAN DOMINGUEZ are seen exiting a car, while GENNA BROHEM and MACKENZIE BROHEM step out of the RV.

***Sebastian:*** *My friends!*

***Neil: (To Morris)*** *We’ll talk about this again later.* ***(He looks down at Sebastian)*** *Hey gang! Welcome back! See you got some friends, huh?*

***Morris:*** *Yo. New people, huh, Genna? Welcome to our medieval kingdom!*

***Neil:*** *Yeah… Medieval kingdom of a bunch of scrawny weirdos who rub shovels. What’dya say we introduce this lot, huh?*

***Morris:*** *Shut the hell up. Old weirdo.*

***Genna:*** *New people* ***(She nods)***. *You can trust them, don’t worry. We’ve been with them a while now.*

***Sebastian:*** *It would be ever so lovely if you fine gentlemen would open the gates for us.*

***Morris:*** *Alright…* ***(He turns to Neil)*** *Open the gate! Can’t you see how weary these travelers are, old man?!*

***Neil:*** *Jeez, don’t have to tell me twice. And hey - I may be old-- ‘least I don’t vaguely resemble a mole rat, okay?*

***Morris:*** *Fuck you… I don’t…*

Neil opens up the gate from the top of the wall, as giant doors slowly open below. Sebastian laughs out, as he stands to the side, directing all of the vehicles through the gate, inside the community.

As the vehicles are parking, PAUL BAIRD is seen approaching from afar, flanked by two of his officers: CODY WAKEFIELD and KEVIN NORTON.

***Paul:*** *What have we here? Well, well… You girls made it back okay.*

***Genna:*** *That we did… not without difficulty, though. Brought some new folk back with us.*

Up above, Neil and Morris are heard talking loudly still.

***Neil:*** *You wanna talk about medieval kingdommmmms… - think you’d fit in PERFECTLY as one of those moat crocodiles. You even got the same snaggled up grill.*

***Morris:*** *You could land a plane on that there runway you call a head, jackass* ***(He cackles)***. *Goddamn… I never asked but… What happened to your hair? Lose it in ‘Nam?*

***Neil:*** *My hair held me back. Becoming bald was the best thing I could’ve done. I’ve got skin, and I’m showing as much of it as I can, BOSS.*

***Paul:*** *Neil, Morris. Get your heads out of your asses and close the gates.*

***Morris:*** *What?*

***Neil:*** *Yeah, yeah, Paul… Sure.*

Neil starts to close up the gates, while humming to himself. Meanwhile, KATE BLOODSTONE is seen stepping out of the RV, WILLIAM REYNES following behind her. As they approach Paul, William’s eyes dart around the place, taking notes in his head of everything.

***Paul:*** *Alright. First things first. You’re gonna have to turn over all of your weapons.*

***Morris:*** *Listen to the mall cop! He means business!*

Up on the wall, Morris turns to Neil.

***Neil:*** *Hey… hey. Enough yapping around. About what you were saying earlier, kid…*

***Morris:*** *I didn’t say anything… Ohhh-- You mean about your hair? It’s okay, pal. It happens to us all when we get older.*

***Paul:*** *Listen, assholes, you’re relieved of talking for now. I’ll take it from here.*

Paul grunts, as Morris and Neil go quiet, talking quietly to each other. Paul looks back down, now seeing that JON MATTHEWS had joined Kate and William.

***Paul:*** *You are the representatives?*

***William:*** *We are.*

***Paul:*** *Kevin, Cody. Pat them down and make sure they have no weapons on them. We’re going to take you to the castle to meet the council.*

***Cody:*** *Right on.*

***Jon: (Quietly)*** *…The council.*

Cody and Kevin swagger over to them. Kevin walks up to Jon, while Cody approaches William, holding his hand out, expecting him to hand over his gun. Jon, meanwhile, hands over his gun without question to Kevin.

***Kevin:*** *Nice piece, nice piece. This fella’s got some good taste.*

William slowly and reluctantly takes out his pistol, all while keeping eye contact with Cody. He offers it to him, and Cody snatches it.

***Cody:*** *Thank you very much. You don’t have anything else now, do you?*

Sighing, William reaches down to his boot, where he pulls out a second, hidden pistol. He hands it to Cody, who grins, shaking his head.

***Cody:*** *Trying to be sneaky, are we?*

He tucks away both of William’s guns, before turning around.

Up on the wall, Morris gestures towards Jon and William.

***Morris:*** *Holy shit. Look at angry eyes down there… Looking like they’re trying to figure out the simplest way of ripping me limb from limb.*

***Neil:*** *Don’t think it’d take much mauling to pop that sucker right off your shoulders. I’ll bet it’d be like yanking at silly putty. Giraffe neck, it suits you though, the whole mole rat - crocodile vibes.*

***Morris: (He rolls his eyes)*** *I’m about to beat the shit out of you if you don’t shut your greasy maw up…*

***Neil:*** *Alright, alright, I’m just fluffing you up, kid, believe me.*

***Morris:*** *Gay weirdo…*

***Neil:*** *Gay - as in happy? For the most part! Minus the potroast I’m owed.*

Back below, Paul finishes patting down Kate, taking her gun away. He nods slowly.

***Paul:*** *Alright, if you three would come with us, we’ll escort you to the castle. The rest of your people will remain here for now.*

Paul turns, starting to lead the three of them up the road, where a large castle is seen waiting ahead at the top of a hill.

As they walk off, Morris looks back at Neil.

***Morris:*** *So… you were talking about your wife earlier, right? Your marriage doing well?* ***(He snickers quietly)***

***Neil:*** *I’ve got no reason to believe you’re serious, bud. However, I’ll take your little… warning… and at least investigate it so - I’ll give you a thank you for sending a heads up. Thanks for that, at least. Other than that - my wife’s a sweet lady, and I know she couldn’t do anything without me, of course, so-- can’t see her scampering off to some other stud.*

Morris sighs, a look of pity on his face.

***Morris:*** *Your wife is getting dick from pretty much every guy on your street, Neil.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #34**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - RECEPTION ROOM**

KATE BLOODSTONE, WILLIAM REYNES and JON MATTHEWS sit awkwardly and silently in some sort of reception room after having been led into the castle. Looking around, it’s clear to tell that it was some sort of visitor’s center before everything. CODY WAKEFIELD and KEVIN NORTON are standing at the exit, guarding the door, while a receptionist is sitting behind the desk, looking at something.

***Kate:*** *…Can you guys believe this place?*

***Jon:*** *Mm.*

William remains silent, as he does once-overs of the two cops at the door. He anxiously taps his foot, until a door on the other side of the room opens, PAUL BAIRD stepping out. He approaches the receptionist, HEATHER SOLIS.

***Paul:*** *I’ve explained it all to Gerald, he’s ready for them.*

***Heather:*** *Oh. Right. I’ll take them to his office right away.*

***Paul:*** *Hold on just a minute, Heather. Gerald has requested a one-to-one meeting with the leader.*

Kate slowly looks at William.

***Kate:*** ***(Quietly)*** *You should go. If they’re sizing us up, we need someone to do the same.*

***Jon:*** *That… I agree with.*

William nods slowly, rising to his feet.

***William:*** *I’ve got it handled, don’t worry.*

***Paul:*** *Alrighty then. Heather, if you will.*

***Heather: (To William)*** *Come with me.*

Heather smiles, as she leads William through a door and down a hall, out of sight.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #35**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - GERALD’S OFFICE**

HEATHER SOLIS leads WILLIAM REYNES up a set of stairs, and down another couple of hallways until she arrives at a door. She opens it, revealing a luxurious office inside. There, GERALD ROLAND is seen sitting behind his desk, speaking to ROMAN STROUD. However, when he sees Heather and William, he dismisses the conversation.

***Heather:*** *Mr. Roland, this is the group’s leader.*

***Gerald:*** *Thank you, Heather.*

Heather nods respectfully, before exiting the office.

***Gerald: (To Roman)*** *Leave me with him.*

Roman gives a simple nod, before he walks past William, stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Gerald stands up, walking over to William, using a cane for support. He extends his hand for a handshake.

***Gerald:*** *Gerald Roland.*

William gazes down at his hand, almost like it was some foreign object, before he looks back up at Gerald, and shakes his hand.

***William:*** *William Reynes.*

***Gerald:*** *Most pleasing to meet you, Will. I understand you must have a lot of questions, so, allow me to alleviate many of your concerns with a little introduction.*

Gerald paces over to a large fireplace, resting his hand on it.

***Gerald:*** *Welcome to Worthwood Castle.*

***William:*** *It’s… certainly more grandiose than I was expecting.*

***Gerald:*** *Oh, of course. Worthwood is a historic fort dating back centuries. Formerly a popular tourist attraction, it is one of the most renowned castles in the USA… Strikingly similar to that of a European castle. The grandiose look of the castle is because of the original landlord who owned it, he was a wealthy man who built it for the spectacle -- to really have a show of strength and wealth and power.*

***William: (He nods slowly)*** *So I assume… you people live comfortably. With such a… fortress - you don’t seem like you want for much, in here.*

***Gerald:*** *Isn’t that how it should be? It’s true, here at Worthwood we’ve worked hard to achieve a life worth living… and it has paid off. We have a functioning society here with plenty of splendid opportunities for those who want to live a normal life again. We have rules, we have jobs, we have safety and security. Best of all, we have space, so that we can take in fortunate people such as yourself to join us… You see, not only is the castle a part of our community, but the town surrounding it comes as a package. It was a good deal, impossible to pass up, so I made something of it.*

***William:*** *And in this - functioning society of yours-- you are sure my people would have a place here? That they’d be better off in here, under your rule, than they would out there, under mine?*

***Gerald:*** *If you'd rather live out there fighting for your life every single day in that wasteland, then so be it. Do you want your people to have a roof over their head? Do you want to know that every day you'll be able to wake up safe and sound, without having to worry about what lurks around every corner? Do you want to have the guarantee that you will always have food on your table, and that your family will never go thirsty? Our community is an impenetrable fortress, the dead have never even come* ***close*** *to getting in. Our walls are too high, too sturdy. Do you think the dead can knock through stone? That they can scale a wall that high? We have guards, we have a police force, and we have two well fortified entrances with large wooden gates. Tell me, Will… does it sound like you'd be better off out there?*

William bites his tongue, staring into the fireplace, thinking. He closes his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath.

***William:*** *I’ll put my faith in your word here… and I’ll trust that what you’ve said so far is true. Though - I will say that it’ll take my people some getting used to. We’ve been out on the road for weeks, and it… has not been easy on a lot of them. But so long as they have a place to sleep, and some food in their stomach - I’ll hand over the reins to your community here.*

***Gerald:*** *What did you do before all of this?*

William looks over at him, taken aback by the question.

***William:*** *I was… a teacher. A biology teacher, in high school.*

***Gerald: (He nods)*** *And what if I told you… you could be a teacher once more? We have a school here… We're offering children an education again. That's just one of the many opportunities waiting for you here at Worthwood. You worked in a school, so no doubt you are familiar with Roland Publishing, which was my company before all of this, having guided many best-selling authors to their success… That's actually how I ended up here, you see. Worthwood Castle was eventually bought by a private organization, so it became sort of a getaway… a relic for hosting fancy events and fundraisers and private dinners for business people… and I was doing just that, for a group of my esteemed patrons and business partners and shareholders… and then of course, shit hit the fan, and everything went to hell out there. But we were in here. We took in a lot of people from the surrounding areas… people who, in return for shelter and safety behind our walls, agreed to help defend the community from the dead. Everyone does their part here to contribute… You and your people will all be given jobs suited to your skill sets, so that you can excel and help us to grow even stronger.*

Gerald smiles, as he approaches a window, looking out over the community.

***William:*** *That's… definitely quite an offer you make. Part of me thinks it sounds almost too good, but I suppose… I don't have many more reasons to doubt the credibility of all this. I suppose I should thank you, at the very least. A week ago, my people wouldn't have thought a place like this existed outside of a fairy tale… To see it exists, is well… jarring, but in the best way possible. So thank you for - giving my people something to strive for* ***(He nods)***.

***Gerald:*** *Don’t let it sound too good to be true. Don’t let it exist only as a fairy tale. Let me… show you.*

Gerald approaches a set of doors, opening them, which lead out onto a large balcony overlooking the community. William slowly follows him out onto it, looking down at all the buildings, at the people walking the streets, at all the vegetation, and at the stone wall surrounding the community.

***William:*** *It brings me back, almost… to before all this. Makes me feel like I can kick off my shoes, for once.*

***Gerald:*** *Believe me. Because it’s real. Worthwood is going to change everything for you and your people, William. Get ready for a brighter future, and a better life.*

He smiles, looking out at the community proudly.