The Tick/Transcript

*“Peace of mind is a fucking illusion. You'd need ten fucking years of peace and quiet to convince yourself everything is okay.”* *—Daniel*

**Starring:**

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

David Emge as ALDUS PAXTON

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Michael Shannon as GERALD ROLAND

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

**Also Starring**

Owen Wilson as TOBIAS DUKE

Ming-Na Wen as LEONA HOLLOWAY

Kat Dennings as NANCY WARNER

Christopher Mintz-Plasse as ELLIOTT ROWE

Mimi Keene as VIOLET GLOVER

Toni Collette as NAOMI STAFFORD

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

Michael Kelly as ALLAN WHITE

Emma Stone as GENNA BROHEM

Karen Fukuhara as KAYUMI SHIZUKO

Yuri Lowenthal as SHIRO SHIZUKO

**Guest Starring**

Clancy Brown as DON CLEMENTS

Sean Gunn as STANLEY PECK

Ha-Seung-lee as KYORI HYOTEKI

Pete Davidson as DAMIAN HOLT

Austin Crute as LAMAR ADAMS

Gaylen Ross as MARY DAVIS

John Lithgow as BUD DAVIS

Cara Buono as ELEANOR BENSON

Lochlyn Munro as TODD GLOVER

Joey Ritcher as JOSEPH BENSON

Dylan O'Brien as CHRISTOPHER WOODS

Emma Mackey as LILLIAN MAKAROV

Michael Nyqvist as ROMAN STROUD

Abigail Breslin as MACKENZIE BROHEM

Bill Paxton as TEX

Takaya Kuroda as HEIWATEKI KOROSUKU

**Co-Starring**

Charlie Tahan as SETH HAYNES

Ivanna Sakhno as ULGA

Noah Taylor as ERIK

Rebel Wilson as EVELYN NELSON

Kathryn Hahn as MAGGIE HOPKINS

Dianne Wiest as MADELYN OCONNELL

Kathryn Erbe as CAROLYN WOODS

Ed Oxenbould as HENRY STAFFORD

Kedar Williams-Stirling as BLAKE CHRISTIAN

Judah Lewis as TRISTAN

Angourie Rice as MELANIE HOPKINS

Hope Davis as BARBARA RHODES

Jake Gyllenhall as CODY WAKEFIELD

Joe Anderson as KEVIN NORTON

Richard Riehle as BARRY CHALLIS

Vince Valenzuela as JOHNNY

Curtiss Cook as LELAND

Nick Wechsler as AXEL

Dori Sakurada as KAIDO

Sho Aoyagi as DAIKI

Yuri Tsunematsu as ASUKA

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #1**

**FOREST - RAILYARD - NOON**

EDWARD REMAR digs his cane into the gravel, eyes shooting around wildly. He sees the destroyed train car, now just a flaming wreck, and he sees DON CLEMENTS standing on the overpass above. Men with guns stand along the railing of the overpass with him, guns pointed down into the railyard. He frantically turns to TOBIAS DUKE.

***Edward:*** *What is the meaning of this? What is going on?*

***Tobias:*** *It’s, uh… well…*

***Edward:*** *It's uh, uh, uh, well--- WHAT?*

***Tobias:*** *Relax, relax… It's an old friend.*

***Edward:*** *An old friend… And is shooting a rocket launcher a common greeting where you’re from?!*

***Tobias:*** *I’ll handle this* ***(He nods)***. *Just watch.*

Tobias steps forward with a grin, swinging his arms out to the side.

***Tobias:*** *Don Clements! What a pleasant surprise! I mean, fancy seeing you out on a stroll.*

Clements raises the megaphone to his mouth again.

***Don Clements:*** *I won’t be falling for any of your tricks, Tobias. You’ve overplayed your hand before. You won’t be able to wriggle your way out of this one. You killed three of my men.*

***Tobias:*** *Huh, so I did… About that… Don, buddy, those guys were harassing me, I mean, really just… being dicks* ***(He shrugs)***. *I mean… you have so many guys as it is, that like, in a way, surely we did you… a favour.*

Rolling his eyes, Edward steps forward hastily, cutting Tobias off.

***Edward:*** *Okay, that’s enough… Don Clements!*

***Tobias:*** *Wh-- uh-- what’re you doing there, pal? This isn’t part of the--*

***Edward:*** *My name is Edward Remar. And I think that there’s some kind of misunderstanding here. You see, me and my people, we are NOT meant to be mixed up in all of this madness* ***(He shakes his head)***.

***Tobias: (He raises a hand)*** *Uh! Yes they are! They are! These guys are friends of mine!*

Edward turns to Tobias again, glaring.

***Edward:*** *You take that back.*

***Tobias:*** ***(He shakes his head)*** *Nuh-uh.*

***Edward:*** *Take it back now!*

***Tobias:*** *Nope. We’re practically best friends now, trust me. That guy up there is not reasonable in the slightest.*

Clements looks down at them from the overpass, hearing them bicker, but not able to make out what they’re saying. He raises the megaphone again.

***Don Clements:*** *We have you surrounded. Get down on your knees and surrender, or we’ll open fire and kill you where you stand.*

***Edward:*** ***(To Clements)*** *I am NOT part of this! Whatever quarrel you have with this man, I have NO interest in it! Me and my people will be going now and leaving you gentlemen to your business! Come on, everyone, get up.*

STANLEY PECK pokes his head out from behind a nearby railcar.

***Stanley:*** *For real? We, uh, just leavin’?*

***Seth:*** *No, no, no, no, no, no--*

SETH HAYNES steps out from cover, raising his hands and getting down to his knees.

***Seth:*** *I surrender!*

***Edward:*** *Oh for the love of fucking Christ.*

***Don Clements:*** *All of you are trespassers. This is my territory. You’re all guilty one way or another. I’m only going to ask this one more time. Get down on your knees and SURRENDER.*

DAMIAN HOLT looks over at Tobias, his hands resting on both of his holsters, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.

***Damian:*** *What’s the plan here, big man?*

***Tobias:*** *The gears are… spinning in my head right now. Trust me. It’s like clockwork. Just, uh… thinking it through and…*

***Edward:*** *Were you dropped as a baby? What are you doing?*

***Tobias:*** *Okay, okay. I have a plan, and… you’re probably not gonna like it, but we’re friends now, whether you like it or not, okay? So just… trust the process… and… THREE-TWO-ONE TAKE COVER!*

***Edward:*** *WHAT ARE YOU--*

Tobias dives to the side, tackling Edward into cover with him.

***Don Clements:*** *OPEN FIRE!*

A barrage of gunfire erupts from the overpass above, raining down onto the railyard. LAMAR ADAMS slides into cover behind a train car with Damian, while Stanley and KYORI HYOTEKI get behind a train car of their own, and Tobias and Edward are behind another one.

***Seth:*** *AHH!*

Seth drops down, and rolls to the side, climbing underneath the train car Stanley and Kyori are hiding behind.

***Edward:*** *Fucking… FUCK! Why did you DO THAT?!*

***Tobias:*** *Trust me… there was no getting out of that, alright? Don Clements really doesn’t like me.*

***Edward:*** *Well you screwed me over, you stupid fucking IDIOT!*

He prods at Tobias with his cane in anger.

***Tobias:*** *Ow, Jesus, ow! Can you not poke me with your walking stick like an angry old man? God.*

***Edward:*** *You got me into this mess! What are we gonna do now?!*

***Tobias:*** *Technically, you got yourself into this mess. I mean, you were trespassing on private property…*

Edward smacks him with the cane again.

***Tobias:*** *Ow, fuck, okay, okay! Look, my guys are good, they’ll do some of the heavy lifting, it’ll give us some time to figure something out.*

Damian, crouched in cover beside Lamar, pulls out both of his pistols, giving one to Lamar.

***Damian:*** *Lamar. Let’s give them the one-two punch. Me, then you.*

Quickly, Damian pops out of cover on his side of the train car, locking aim onto a man shooting down at them on the overpass. He shoots the man in his throat, causing him to drop his gun, falling forward and down to the ground below, his body splattering.

As Damian turns back into cover, Lamar pops out on his side, setting his sights on a man on the overpass, and shooting him once in his chest. The man droops forward into the ledge, his gun falling below.

Tobias smirks, watching them.

***Tobias:*** *Heh. What’d I tell you? Hell of a pair.*

***Edward:*** *What, you think I stuck my head out to LOOK?*

***Tobias: (He sighs)*** *Wow… you have a really bad attitude. You’ve got a lot of rage for such a little guy.*

***Edward:*** *SHUT UP ALREADY, WILL YOU? FOCUS ON GETTING US OUT OF THIS!*

On the overpass above, Don Clements is standing just out of view from them down below. He looks over at one of his soldiers, ULGA.

***Don Clements:*** *Ulga. Fire another rocket in the direction of their best shots. Force them out of cover.*

***Ulga:*** *With pleasure.*

She nods, and hoists the rocket launcher out of the back of a jeep. Approaching the ledge, Ulga lines the barrel up with the train car Damian and Lamar are hiding behind. Steadying it with one hand, she simply squeezes the trigger with her other hand, and the rocket propels outward.

***Damian:*** *Shit, Up and at ‘em!*

***Lamar:*** *Fuck, fuck, fuckkkk!*

The two men throw themselves into the open, out of harm’s way, as the train car obliterates the train car they were hiding behind, pieces of metal being thrown in all directions like shrapnel.

Edward flinches, shielding his face, keeping down behind cover. Damian comes hauling ass over to him and Tobias, while Lamar rushes to get behind cover with Stanley and Kyori.

***Edward:*** *Why do these people hate you so much?!*

***Tobias:*** *No reason in particular.*

***Edward:*** *You know I’m not gonna believe that!*

***Tobias:*** *Okay, fine, I may have kind of accidentally pushed the Don’s brother out of a window to his death, but…*

***Edward:*** *What?!*

***Tobias:*** *Okay, fine, it maybe wasn’t an accident either. Happy now?*

***Edward:*** *What… no…? Why?!*

***Tobias:*** *Because these guys are bad news, okay? Real bad news. They are like… post-apocalyptic ISIS.*

***Edward:*** *What the hell are you talking about?*

***Tobias:*** *I’m saying they can’t be reasoned with and really suck, like really suck. I mean, come on, they’re trying to kill you and your folks for simply stepping on their property, which, by the way, is really poorly marked, they did a terrible job with their branding.*

Damian lays in cover with them, still catching his breath.

***Damian:*** *He’s right. Just a bunch of bad dudes being bad dudes. But that one chick who is holding the rocket launcher is kinda hot.*

***Tobias:*** *Oh, well, don’t get your hopes up, Dami. She’s a loopy one. A real nutcase, okay? The lot of them are.*

***Damian:*** *I can fix her* ***(He smiles)***.

***Tobias:*** *Can you shut up and focus on… firing back or something.*

***Edward:*** *Oh, that’s just rich coming from you.*

***Tobias:*** *I told you that I’m thinking, okay?*

On the overpass, Clements takes the rocket launcher off of Ulga, placing it back into the jeep.

***Don Clements:*** *Ulga. Take ten of the boys down below and kill all of the trespassers.*

***Ulga:*** *Yes, sir.*

Ulga goes around, gathering ten men.

***Ulga:*** *You ten, arm up and on me!*

Back down below, Tobias looks over at Edward, having come up with a plan.

***Tobias:*** *Okay, our best bet is just to scatter into the woods and disperse, okay? We can use the trees for cover and it’ll be easier to pick them off one by one.*

***Edward:*** *That’s your grand idea?*

***Tobias:*** *Yes, in two groups. I’ll just… signal over to the guys on the other side of the carriage the plan. They can run one way… and we’ll run the… you know…*

***Edward:*** *…opposite way?*

***Tobias:*** *Yeah. Exactly.*

Tobias nods, then waves over to Lamar, Stanley and Kyori to get their attention. He quickly starts doing all sorts of random hand signs and gibberish, trying to pass on his plan.

***Stanley:*** *What… the fuck is he doin’?*

***Lamar:*** *I don’t fucking know… Shadow Clone Jutsu?*

***Edward: (To Tobias)*** *What are you doing? No really, what the fuck are you doing?*

***Tobias:*** *I’m… tryna pass on the plan. You know, disperse into the trees.*

He continues to wave his arms over to Lamar and the others, as if he was directing a plane to land.

Damian sighs, standing up, and looking over at Lamar.

***Damian:*** *Into the woods! Scatter into the woods!*

***Lamar:*** *Finally, goddamn.*

Lamar facepalms, then looks at Stanley and Kyori.

***Lamar:*** *With me, let’s bounce.*

***Stanley:*** *Gotcha. Hold up a sec.*

Stanley ducks down to look underneath the train car, looking at Seth.

***Stanley:*** *Hey, Seth! You still under here, buddy?*

***Seth:*** *HUH-- What’s going on?!*

***Stanley:*** *Time to go, come on. Move it.*

***Seth:*** *Okay -- okay!*

Seth crawls out, and they sprint down into the woods with Lamar and Kyori.

***Tobias:*** *Okay, now us, double time, let’s go.* ***(He claps)*** *We’re making moves, fellas.*

***Damian:*** *Fuck yeah we are.*

Edward simply sighs, as he starts to hurry after Tobias and Damian to the trees.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #2**

**FOREST - WOODS - NOON**

Struggling to keep up with TOBIAS DUKE and DAMIAN HOLT because of his bad leg, EDWARD REMAR is forced to stop, leaning against a tree.

***Edward:*** *Will you two just hold up a second?!*

***Damian:*** *Oh, my bad, man. I totally didn’t realize you were a cripple.*

***Edward:*** *Not a cripple, thank you very much.*

***Damian:*** *Like a… a semi-cripple? Sorry, I don’t really know like… wheelchair lingo.*

Edward stares at him in disbelief, an eye twitching.

***Edward:*** *…Wheelchair lingo? Do you see me getting around on… on WHEELS? WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THE CHAIR FROM?*

***Damian:*** *Jesus, man. My bad. I’m just tryna understand you* ***(He shrugs)***. *Fuck.*

***Tobias:*** *Look. It’s fine, Damian, just, let’s not use terms that could demean the disabled. We have bigger fish to fry right now.*

***Edward:*** ***(Muttering and shaking his head)*** *The disabled…? That is enough. What do we do now that we’re scattered, are you expecting them to follow us?*

***Tobias:*** *Oh, I’m counting on it* ***(He nods, smiling)***. *In the railyard, they had the advantage. They were up on an overpass and had us pinned down behind some flimsy carriages. Here? This is a level playing field. I mean, Jesus, Lamar is going to be like the damn Predator to those guys out here. And with how good of a shot Dami here is? We’re set, no matter how many sorry tools they throw at us. Trust me, everything’s gonna be just--*

A bullet whizzes past him, ricocheting off a tree nearby.

***Tobias:*** *--fine.*

He quickly rushes into cover.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #3**

**FOREST - WOODS - NOON**

LAMAR ADAMS' katana cuts right through the midsection of one of the Don's men, cleanly bisecting him. Guts and gore stain the cold steel, as the man's two halves fall to the forest floor with two thuds, scattering leaves on collision.

He pounces back towards the second man, diagonally slashing his blade across the throat, ripping the man’s jugular wide open. Blood sprays onto neighbouring trees, his corpse falling to the side.

A third man that was previously sneaking up behind Lamar suddenly angles his rifle at Lamar, preparing to fire. But just before his finger can catch the trigger, KYORI HYOTEKI lets an arrow loose, shooting it through the man’s forehead and out the other side, pinning him to a tree.

STANLEY PECK looks on from nearby, a dumbfounded look of admiration on his face. He glances towards SETH HAYNES, who’s hiding behind a tree next to him.

***Stanley:*** *Seth. There’s one creeping up on your six! No, wait, your three! Or… one of those…*

***Seth:*** *What?! What do you m--*

Seth spins frighteningly, where he sees a man wearing a black coat crouched in some bushes, actively trying to remain unseen. Seth sprints away, cowering behind a different tree.

***Stanley:*** *I dunno, uh, sit tight! You, uh, when you see him come close just whack him in the knee with your hammer. I got a little surprise, heh.* ***(He reaches for his pistol)*** *This’ll--*

***Bandit:*** *I can hear you, asshole!*

***Stanley:*** *Well, shit. Guess we’re just going for it.*

Stanley steps right out of cover, aiming his pistol towards the armed man, who was now standing out of the bushes. He fires once, hitting the man and just barely grazing his cheek. The man yells out in pain, a chunk of his skin hanging off.

***Stanley:*** *NOW SETH, CHARGE THE BASTARD! CHARGE HIM!*

Seth looks down at his hammer, and after building up courage, runs out from behind the tree right at the man, swinging the hammer blindly, hitting his face. The man is struck in the temple, and sinks to the side, gun slipping out of his hands. Seth kicks the gun away in a panic, and looks down at the man in the black coat, who’s still alive and moving on the ground.

Stanley rushes over.

***Stanley:*** *Wowee, what a thrill!*

Stanley shoots the man point blank in the head without so much as a glance down at his victim.

***Stanley:*** *Good job, buddy* ***(He pats Seth on the shoulder)***.

***Seth:*** *Y-ye--yeah…*

Lamar and Kyori make their way over to the two of them.

***Lamar:*** *Y’all good here? We’ve dealt with the ones on our end, let’s go help the others out ‘cross the way.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #4**

**FOREST - WOODS - NOON**

ULGA, crouched down behind a tree log, suddenly stands, looking down her ironsights, before dropping back down into cover. As she does, the man beside her goes to do the same thing, but as he’s looking through the scope of his rifle, there’s a loud crack that echoes through the woods. Ulga finds herself being splattered with the man’s blood, his head having been shot.

DAMIAN HOLT swiftly returns to cover after taking the shot.

***Tobias:*** *Did you get one?*

***Damian:*** *Yeah, uh, coach, I’m running low on bullets here. Gave my other pistol to Lamar back at the railyard.*

***Tobias:*** *Here.*

TOBIAS DUKE tosses over his snubnosed revolver.

***Tobias:*** *You’ll do more with it than I could. Make it count.*

***Damian:*** *You know it.*

Clutching his shotgun nearby, EDWARD REMAR begins to hear footsteps crunching leaves nearby. Without hesitation, he reveals himself from behind a tree, spotting a man just a few feet ahead of him, unprepared. He obliterates the man’s chest with a single shotgun shell, before returning to cover.

Damian pokes his head out of cover again, scanning through the trees, but sees no enemies.

Ulga, crouched low, approaches two men, and speaks quietly to them.

***Ulga:*** *You two, with me, now. Listen up, and follow my plan.*

The next moments are filled with unsettling silence. Edward narrows his eyes, his ears pricked for the slightest sound of movement. He looks over at Tobias and Damian.

***Edward: (Whispering)*** *Do you see anyone?*

***Tobias: (Whispering back)*** *What?*

Edward clenches a fist, and whisper yells back to him.

***Edward:*** *Do you see anyone?!*

***Tobias:*** *I can’t make out what you’re saying you fuckin-- cuckoo head!*

Edward rolls his eyes, flipping the man off.

***Tobias:*** *Oh, real mature, asshole! Well I still can’t hear you! Besides, I don’t even have a weap--*

A sudden gunshot that nearly misses Tobias sends him cowering back down into cover. Damian and Edward are put on high alert, eyes flicking around, holding their guns tightly. Edward attempts to quietly load a shell into his shotgun, but just as he gets started, there’s a loud *snap* beside him, as a man gets the jump on Edward, overpowering him and throwing him to the ground. Edward’s shotgun is thrown aside, as the man tries sticking a knife into his chest.

Damian looks over from afar, watching Edward desperately hold the man off. He tries to get a shot, but the two are constantly moving around.

***Tobias:*** *Damian!*

Tobias’ warning is just a moment too late, and Damian finds himself being punched in the face by Ulga. She follows that up with another two hooks, knocking his head back and forth. He stumbles back, grabbing at his face.

***Damian:*** *Ow, fuck. You hit like a rock. I don’t really wanna hit a girl, though…*

***Ulga:*** *Well that’s too bad, I feel like I’m hitting one too.*

She dashes forward, striking Damian again and again. Tobias looks between him and Edward.

***Tobias:*** *Shit.*

He starts to move towards Damian, but a gunshot from a third man forces him back into cover.

***Tobias:*** *Fuck!*

Ulga continued to beat the ever living hell out of Damian, who spits blood, and wipes his face.

***Ulga:*** *If only you could fight half as good as you can shoot.*

***Damian:*** *I stick to what I’m good at.*

Edward yells in pain, as the man he’s struggling with slowly pushes the knife into his chest, piercing through his skin. Desperately, Edward cries out and bites onto the man’s right hand with as much force as he can. This causes the man to scream out, blood leaking from his hand, but instead of pulling away, he starts to smack Edward in the head.

Tobias looks at Edward and Damian uselessly, still pinned down in cover. Slowly, he hears footsteps creeping up on him, and before he can do anything, Tobias sees the third man step around a tree, rifle pointed down at him. Tobias raises his hands.

***Tobias:*** *Oh, shit.*

***Bandit:*** *If I’d known you were unarmed this whole time, shit, I’d have done this sooner.*

***Tobias: (Standing up slowly)*** *Hey, hey, watch it with that thing. There’s no need to… shoot me? I mean, come on, we can work this out.*

***Bandit:*** *Shut your fucking mouth, you little snake.*

***Tobias: (He frowns)*** *Easy now… just like you said, I’m unarmed… Take me in alive, yeah? There is nothing I can do to retaliate. My hands are in the air. See? Now, if my hands could… shoot bullets out of them, surely they would have by now, right?*

***Bandit:*** ***(Narrowing his eyes)*** *Could you stop running your fuckin’ mouth already--*

A bullet rips through the bandit’s forehead, his body being sent to the ground instantly. Tobias turns his hands around, looking at his palms.

***Tobias:*** *Well, holy shit.*

The man on top of Edward throws another punch at his face, running out of energy. Edward lays there defenseless, his face bruised and lip swollen from the beating. The man grabs the knife again, ready to execute him, before he too is shot through the side of his head. His brains splatter, as his corpse collapses down onto Edward.

Edward spits and coughs in disgust, wriggling out from underneath the man’s body, his clothes now soaked in blood. He then sits there for a moment, before breaking into laughter. Tobias stares at him with a dazed expression.

Ulga, now on top of Damian, drives another fist into his face, completely focused in on fighting him, and completely unaware of her surroundings.

Finally, she takes a second to do a once-over of the battle in the woods - where she sees her two other men dead.

***Ulga:*** *Shit…*

Damian weakly reaches for his pistol, blindly firing up, hitting Ulga in her hip. She cries out in pain, desperately slamming her fist into his head once more, before she scrambles up, clutching her hand over the wound. She starts to tear through the woods, not looking back.

***Damian:*** ***(Quietly)*** *Aww fuck. Everything hurts.*

LEONA HOLLOWAY approaches the sight of the battle with her sniper rifle lowered. She looks down at Edward.

***Edward: (He grins)*** *I knew you’d come back.*

***Leona:*** *Did you?*

***Edward:*** *No. But thank god you did.*

He laughs some more, flicking a piece of brain off his shoulder.

***Tobias:*** *Great work, team. Heh.* ***(He looks at Leona)*** *I take it this is a… friend?*

***Edward: (To Tobias)*** *You, sir… have a lot of explaining to do* ***(He grits his teeth)***.

***Tobias:*** *Okay, can you not be so mad at me while looking like a zombie? It’s really creeping me out.*

STANLEY PECK, KYORI HYOTEKI, LAMAR ADAMS and SETH HAYNES come running over.

***Stanley:*** *Y'all handle everything okay over here?*

Lamar does a double-take upon seeing the state of Damian, and hurries over to him.

***Lamar:*** *Fuck happened to you?*

***Damian:*** *That crazy hot chick kicked the shit outta me… But I’m all good. Promise* ***(He sticks his thumb up)***.

***Lamar:*** *Never stick your dick in crazy.*

He helps Damian to his feet.

***Stanley:*** *Well, I dunno ‘bout the rest of y’all, but we should clear out of these here woods real fast. The rotters are starting to swarm in from all around.*

He points out a few zombies in the distance.

***Edward:*** *We get back to the camp.* ***(He turns to Tobias)*** *You and your friends are coming with us.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #5**

**FOREST - RAILYARD - AFTERNOON**

DON CLEMENTS stands atop the overpass, hands pocketed into his trench coat. Men all around him are standing around and talking.

Slowly, the Don walks over to ULGA, who’s standing by a truck being tended to by one of their people. He towers over her, staring her down.

***Don Clements:*** ***(Coldly)*** *They humiliated you, my dear.*

Ulga tilts her head down to avoid eye contact.

***Ulga:*** *…I’m sorry. I’ll try harder next time.*

***Don Clements:*** *Of course* ***(He nods)***. *I believe you. I hope you’ll do better next time.*

The man then kneels down, grasping her chin to force her to look at him.

***Don Clements:*** *Look at me, Ulga. You come from nothing. You are nothing without me. Remember that, and do not dishonour my name by failing me again.*

***Ulga:*** *It won’t happen again, sir.*

Clements abruptly lets go of her, standing back up. He looks around at all of his people.

***Don Clements:*** *Pack it up! We return to base at once!*

As men start to get back to the vehicles, Don Clements calls over someone.

***Don Clements:*** *Erik.*

ERIK approaches from afar, a man cloaked in leathers and furs from head to toe, with a bow strung across his back, and another light crossbow hanging from his belt. Upon his approach, he respectfully bows his head.

***Erik:*** *At your service, sir.*

***Don Clements:*** *I leave the rest to you. Go on the hunt.*

Erik’s face remains stoic, but a fire lights up behind his eyes.

***Erik:*** *As you command.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #6**

**FOREST - CABIN - LATE EVENING**

GENNA BROHEM stands by a window inside a cabin, peeking outside. It’s pitch black outside, and she can’t see anything past the treeline. Her eyes start to close as she steps away from the window, but they shoot open again, as Genna reminds herself that she can’t fall asleep.

Slowly, she walks towards MACKENZIE BROHEM, who’s covered up with a dingy, blood stained blanket in the corner. She breathes raspy, exhausted breaths, staring into nothingness.

***Genna:*** *Mackenzie-- It’ll be okay - I’m going to get us out of here, okay? Just-- it’ll be okay.*

Mackenzie answers with another raspy breath, and a whimpery croak, as if she were trying to speak, but couldn’t.

***Genna:*** *Don’t-- it’s okay.* ***(She grabs her hand)*** *Get some rest - I’ll be here. I’ll protect you. Nobody’ll hurt us. I promise.*

She lets go, and stands back up, approaching the window again to look out.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #7**

**FOREST - FUNERAL HOME**

AUSTIN KINGSTON awakes with a loud grunt, turning his head around to examine his surroundings. There’s a tiny window with nothing but darkness outside it, and the room he’s in is filled with large shelves, most of which have caskets laying on them.

***Austin:*** *What the fuck…*

He tries to get up off the table he’s laying on, but sharp pain in his hip stops him from doing so.

***Austin:*** *Gah-- goddamn it…*

KAYUMI SHIZUKO steps into Austin’s view, having heard him muttering to himself. She walks towards him, cautiously.

***Kayumi:*** *Hey, take it easy, mister. I’ve tried tending to your injuries as best as I could, but I’m no professional.*

***Austin:*** *Huh…? Injuries-- what happened? Who-- who are you?*

He tries to sit up at the very least, but he can’t even do that, and lays back down with a groan.

***Kayumi:*** *My name is Kayumi. Please, take it easy… you were in a real bad state when I found you… still are.*

***Austin:*** *No shit…*

He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to remember what happened. And he does, remember having been shot by Tex, and tumbling down the hill. He thinks of his family again, and shakes his head.

***Austin:*** *Shoulda left me there--*

***Kayumi:*** *…Why? You a bad person or something?*

***Austin:*** *…I ain’t all that good.* ***(He pauses briefly)*** *Ah, I don’t know what I’m saying -- don’t listen to me.*

***Kayumi:*** *Well, nobody’s really* ***all*** *good anymore, right? It’s not so black and white. I mean, it never was…* ***(She shrugs)*** *But it especially isn’t now. Let me tell you, you got lucky, mister. You didn’t collapse too far from this place. I… come here often. Bucklin Funeral Home. It’s just… I don’t know. But it had enough supplies that could help patch you up. Though, it was pretty tiring having to haul your ass here… but hey, it was the right thing to do… I think.*

Austin stares at the floor, still thinking to himself, trying to remember.

***Austin:*** *Hmph-- Yeah -- thanks, I guess.*

His mind continues to wander, until he remembers more of what happened. Everything starts to come back to him.

***Austin: (Quietly)*** *Bikers… Shit…*

He grunts in pain, moving his legs off the table, trying to stand. Kayumi noticeably becomes a little uncomfortable at the word *bikers*, but then springs into action.

***Kayumi:*** *Hey, mister, no, no. I said to take it easy, come on.*

***Austin:*** *I need to get to them--*

Wincing in pain, Austin stands on both legs, his hip feeling like it’s on fire. He takes just a couple of steps, before gasping and falling forward, out cold.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #8**

**FOREST - FUNERAL HOME**

When AUSTIN KINGSTON next wakes up, it’s morning. This time, it only takes seconds for everything to come flooding into his head. He sits up in pain, looking around the room in somewhat of a panic.

KAYUMI SHIZUKO looks at him from across the room, sitting atop a sleeping bag.

***Kayumi:*** *Good morning. You should take my advice this time unless you want to pass out again.*

He narrows his eyes, thinking about just getting up anyways - but he can already feel his hip in moderate pain, so he remains where he is begrudgingly.

***Austin:*** *I- I need to find them. The women I was with. They’re injured. Did you see them?*

***Kayumi:*** *No… no, I didn’t. I’m sorry* ***(She shakes her head)***. *You know, I never did get your name. I’m Kayumi Shizuko. Just in case you… y’know, didn’t catch it last time. You seemed a little out of it.*

***Austin:*** *Right, right. Yeah - Austin Kingston. But -- look, I’ve got to go and find them. There were these bikers in the road, crashed our RV. The women I was with - they were injured - I don’t know what happened to them.*

Kayumi simply frowns, while nodding her head slowly.

***Kayumi:*** *I can help you. You’ll need me.*

***Austin:*** *That - would be helpful. Yeah. Thank you.*

***Kayumi:*** *So what’s your deal? You guys travelers? Need to get back to your RV?*

***Austin:*** *Uh-- something like that. But that RV won’t do us any good no more. I just need to find them - get ourselves another vehicle, and get back to Worthwood. Er-- it’s the place we come from.*

***Kayumi:*** *Worthwood… That’s a small town a few hours from here. You’re from there?*

***Austin: (Nodding)*** *Yeah - that’s it. Got a whole community there. We, uh-- We drove out here - looking to recruit some people, I guess. I don’t know - I just got to the damn community last week, this was my first time going out recruiting. Guess I’m bad luck…* ***(He sighs)***

***Kayumi:*** *You came out to… recruit people? Like… just random people? You go out searching for… signs of life, or…?*

***Austin:*** *Hey, I’m a bit confused myself how Genna and Mackenzie do it. But - that’s the gist of it… I think.*

***Kayumi:*** *Genna and Mackenzie… Those are your friends who are missing?*

He nods, not even realizing he hadn’t said their names until now.

***Austin:*** *Yeah. That’s them.*

***Kayumi:*** *Well, Austin Kingston. I can help you get a ride, help you get home. We can also… try to find your friends. The… bikers… Did they… Did it seem like they were… following you? Do you think they went after your friends?*

***Austin:*** *Following us? No - they were just blocking the road when we ran into them. Did they follow Genna and Mackenzie after the crash? I-- Well, I fucking hope not* ***(He grunts)***. *But, uh-- thank you. For helping me with this. I just-- gotta do it, I need to make sure they’re okay.*

She nods slowly, now starting to approach him.

***Kayumi:*** *Well, before we can do anything, we need to make sure you can at least move. Let’s… Let’s try to get you up, see how you fare on your feet, yeah?*

Austin begins to move himself, inching his way off the table. He keeps his hands firmly held on the table to keep himself from falling, as sharp doses of pain rush up his entire body.

***Austin:*** *Fucking dammit--*

***Kayumi:*** *It’s okay, take your time. It’s not gonna be easy, and it’s gonna hurt no matter what, but if you want to find your friends, that’s just something you’re gonna have to accept* ***(She nods)***. *I have a ride outside, so… as long as we can get you that far, we’ll be making good progress. Here, come on. I’ll help you along, okay? On three.*

***Austin:*** *Alright--*

She grabs one of his arms to support him. Austin scrunches his face, then lets go of the table, not bothering to wait for a countdown. He grits his teeth, moving slowly towards the back door with a bad limp.

***Austin: (Muttering through pain)*** *Thank you--*

***Kayumi: (She nods)*** *So, uh… I know this might not be the best time, but it’s about my ride, and I just wanted to kinda like prepare you because it might prove a little difficult… and…*

**Scene #8 Cont.**

**FOREST - FUNERAL HOME - MORNING**

Outside, Austin and Kayumi look on at a motorcycle parked in the front parking lot.

***Kayumi:*** *Yeah, it’s a motorcycle… So you’ll have to like… hold on?* ***(She grimaces)*** *I mean… it’s probably still better than walking, right?*

***Austin:*** *Jesus Christ. Better than walking…*

He starts to hobble towards it, staring angrily.

***Kayumi:*** *I promise I’ll make sure to drive… moderately. Like… drive slowly, I guess? But not so slowly that it’s like… not with urgency, because I know you need to find your friends, but what I mean is… I’ll drive safely, yeah, safely* ***(She smiles)***. *Oh, and if you feel like you’re gonna fall off or something, just like, tell me? Because then I can try to… well, prevent that.*

***Austin:*** *I’ll have to take your word for it. And if I start to fall - you’ll know, don’t worry.*

He shakes his head, nearing the motorcycle. Kayumi gets on first.

***Kayumi:*** *Awesome. Alright. Just, uh, hop on. Sorry, I don’t have a helmet… or two. No helmets.*

Austin stops, looking at her, and then around the area for a few moments. Something comes over him - a feeling that makes him think he’s being played for a fool, that this is all a trap.

***Austin:*** *Say - why are you even helping me?*

***Kayumi:*** *You’re deciding to get suspicious* ***now***? *I already saved your life.*

She squints at him, before deciding to play ball.

***Kayumi:*** *Okay… I’m helping you because… it’s the right thing to do? And I care about people.*

***Austin:*** *Right… It’s just that there aren’t too many people that go out of their way to rescue strangers. But I know a few people who are like you - so I'll trust you.*

***Kayumi:*** *I mean… isn't that what you guys do? You venture out, far from your home, to recruit strangers, right? How is what I'm doing... really any different to that?*

Austin ponders her words carefully, realizing she’s right. That’s exactly what he was doing. He starts to climb onto the bike, his whole hip throbbing in pain.

***Kayumi:*** *Hold on tight, by the way.*

When he’s on, she drives off.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #9**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - MORNING**

ALDUS PAXTON and MARY DAVIS stroll down a street together, chatting idly.

***Mary:*** *Yeah, Gerald’s a really good person. When me and my dad made it here early on, he agreed with him being a hunter for the group since it was his other hobby besides architecture.*

***Aldus:*** *I’m just glad he’s letting me go back to hunting. But this place, it really feels like home like you said. That mall, when I got there I unfortunately didn’t get to remain long, but the time I spent there really was similar to this place with a community of people, friends and family. You mentioned your grandparents were in Willamette, what was it they did there exactly?*

***Mary:*** *They owned a coffee shop in town, family owned since my dad was a kid but you know how age is when you’re getting up there, so they eventually retired and sold it off by the time I graduated from high school.*

She glances at the man, seeing how alien he looks.

***Mary:*** *How are you liking it here so far now that you’ve settled in?*

***Aldus:*** *For the first time in months, this place just makes me happy. That mall, like I said, was nice but it was sadly only temporary. When the Rastas, this gang from what Kate mentioned, destroyed it, I thought we’d just be moving from place to place, town to town. Didn’t feel like I’d ever find a home again since before this whole thing began with the dead coming back. It’s also nice having some fresh clothes that I’m not taking from a house or somewhere else, then stuffing it in a case and taking it from point A to point B over and over* ***(He chuckles quietly)***. *And I’m glad to meet some new people, we were on the road for so long. The last person we met, he didn’t make it sadly.*

***Mary:*** *I’m sure if there’s anywhere after life that he’s proud you and your friends got to make it. You can honour the dead by staying alive and never forgetting them.*

***Aldus:*** *…Thanks, but it’s just a shame that his death was what essentially brought us all back after so much inner conflict. While we were traveling from Willamette, things got heated and I just stayed in between as the two sides there were was right on things. I debated just running off at one point, I could have done it and never looked back, but a part of me still held out hope.* ***(He looks at her)*** *How long ago did you say you got here?*

***Mary:*** *To be more exact, just before the walls were made. It was a scarier time then, as someone would have to be on guard for the night but over the weeks and months we expanded and Gerald and his council made a construction crew to make walls that’d keep the zombies out.*

Mary abruptly stops, pointing ahead at a wooden lodge. She smiles courteously at Aldus.

***Mary:*** *This is the place.*

***Aldus:*** *Looks cozy.*

She walks forward, opening the front door.

**Scene #9 Cont.**

**WORTHWOOD - DAVIS’ LODGE - MORNING**

Aldus enters the lodge after Mary, instantly becoming a lot warmer. There’s a rich, fragrant smell from a scented candle nearby - and Aldus can’t believe how *normal* the place looks. There’s a living room with a couch, and a television with a VHS player hooked up to it. There are shelves around the house with books, and photos, and everything you’d expect to see in a regular household.

***Aldus: (Looking at some VHS tapes)*** *Woah, haven’t seen these in years.*

***Mary:*** *Yeah, when the Green Flu hit, dad and I took what we were able to and drove as far as we could.*

She frowns, looking over at a few pictures on the wall.

***Mary:*** *Not everyone got to make it though. But we were able to take some memories with us.*

Aldus examines the photo she’s looking at, one with a presumably younger Mary, her parents, and another male teenager, who Aldus assumes must be a brother.

***Aldus:*** *This your family?*

***Mary:*** *Yep, minus the grandparents but that was us.*

***Aldus:*** *You mentioned it being just you and your father. What happened to your brother?*

***Mary:*** *Long story for another day, Aldus. But dad should be out in the backyard.*

Aldus nods, and steps away, following her out into the back.

Outside, tending to a garden, is an older man, somewhere in his 50s or 60s. When the man notices Aldus and Mary, he sets down a watering can, standing to greet them.

***Bud:*** *You must be her boyfriend* ***(He chuckles)***.

***Mary:*** *Dad! He’s just my friend!*

***Bud:*** *Relax.* ***(He extends a hand to Aldus)*** *Name’s Bud Davis.*

Aldus goes to shake BUD DAVIS’ hand firmly.

***Bud:*** *I was only joking about that, but she’s told me all about what you said at the welcoming party. It’s just nice having some fresh faces and new people to chat with. We’ve been here since November pretty much, and it’d been a little while since a new group of folks arrived.*

Aldus nods slowly, looking around the yard. He starts helping Bud pack away some of his gardening tools.

***Aldus:*** *Nice garden, by the way. Haven’t gotten to tend to one in years.*

***Bud:*** *Thanks, and thanks for the help. Did some housework this morning and went to get some seeds earlier to plant. You want a drink?*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, is it fine if I just grab some water from the fridge if there’s any?*

***Bud:*** *Sure.*

The two men head inside, while Mary follows slowly. Aldus gets himself a cold bottle of water from the refrigerator, while Bud pours himself a glass of bourbon.

***Mary:*** *You two can get to know each other more, I’ve gotta go help Doctor Larkin at the infirmary.*

***Aldus:*** *Were you working in the medical field before this?*

***Mary:*** ***(She smirks)*** *No, I was working on getting a degree in college before the world changed. I’ll see you later, dad.*

***Bud:*** *See you later, kiddo.*

When she leaves through the front door, Bud looks towards Aldus, as he lifts his glass of bourbon.

***Bud:*** *Guess we can chat out back if that’s fine with you?*

***Aldus:*** *Suits me.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #10**

**WORTHWOOD - DAVIS’ LODGE - MORNING**

In the backyard, ALDUS PAXTON and BUD DAVIS sit at a glass patio table, their drinks in front of them on the table.

***Bud:*** *So how’s life for you at Worthwood?*

***Aldus:*** *Like I said to Mary, I think it’s changed for the better. You all have a community of* ***mostly*** *good people, a police force, a leadership of sorts. For this place not even being a year old yet, it’s quickly been shaped up to be a home for everyone pretty much.*

***Bud:*** *Glad to hear it. I may not really agree with the council on too much but Gerald has his heart set in the right place for this sort of thing. You’re lucky you haven’t met the cops. They are a sight to behold is how I’ll put it* ***(He chuckles)***.

Aldus smiles and laughs with him, before going to take a sip from his water bottle.

***Aldus:*** *So how’s hunting for you, Bud?*

***Bud:*** *It’s really refreshing. You’ll probably agree, but it’s nice to be out and about, though Worthwood is nice to live in, so I don’t wanna be out there forever. What’d you do before all this?*

***Aldus:*** *I was pretty much a floater, graduated but I didn’t feel like I had any career path* ***(He shrugs)***. *Eventually I was passing the newspapers where I lived, and then the world changed. Mary mentioned you did architecture. Where did you work?*

***Bud:*** *You’re in for a long story, Aldus. Basically, when I got into high school, I had an interest in it and basically went to college to get those fancy things called degrees. After that, I got a job in the state of the big apple itself. Did architecture for the government there for a long, long time. Eventually met-- I met Christine… Greatest person on this planet besides Mary. But eventually-- I got into hunting full time, and decided to move to Kansas. I had enough money to last the family, so I took up some architecture around the area, and did hunting when I wasn’t working or busy with anything. Besides that, I did construction before I got the job I wanted, forgot to mention that. I wanted to ask since you like it here, how was life for you before this?*

Aldus sits there a moment, pondering how to answer that question.

***Aldus:*** *Hm, well the best way to put it is - it wasn’t pretty. I went through hell for a good bit of it. I was just your usual kid, went to school, had some friends, but like back at home-- it got depressing as the years went on. Eventually I got my own place with a roommate and-- Look, I’m not really comfortable talking about it right now. I’m- I’m sorry, it’s just a lot for me.*

***Bud: (He pats him on the shoulder)*** *I understand, Aldus. My life-- You went through loss too, I can tell.*

***Aldus:*** *Christine… She was your wife?*

Bud nods slowly, gazing at the ground as his eyes tear up slightly.

***Bud:*** *She was bitten on day one. We didn’t know how the infection worked at the time, and she’d just gotten off of work, got jumped by some crazy guy that just bit her. As soon as we were gonna head out to the hospital, the news dropped the big bombshell of these ‘cannibalistic attacks’. Eventually it just - it became clear it wasn’t some crazed group of lunatics. It was the undead.*

He pauses, taking a moment to keep himself together.

***Bud:*** *She didn’t make it to day two. We didn’t have time to take everything and I-- I couldn’t do it. Aldus, you can’t tell Mary this but… I left Christine-- that thing that took her. I left her in the basement. I couldn’t put her down - it was too much for me.*

He covers his face with his hands, sobbing silently into them.

Aldus looks at him in shock, clearly not condoning what Bud did, but he keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself, patting Bud on his shoulder.

***Aldus:*** *It’s okay, Bud, it’s okay. You-- It happened quick, I understand. Couldn’t do something like that. The world just changed quickly that day.*

***Bud:*** *I-- I can’t just leave her to suffer. If there’s anything left, it isn’t right* ***(He wipes his eyes)***.

Aldus sits there for close to a minute, before hesitantly replying, unsure if what he’d say would anger Bud.

***Aldus:*** *I can put her out of her misery.*

To his surprise, Bud looks up at him not with fury in his eyes, but instead with soft and understanding eyes. He nods in agreement.

***Bud:*** *Not without me. We lived in Colby, about twenty miles or so from Worthwood. I can get you there but-- I can’t be the one to do it. I’m sorry if I ruined your day, Aldus, I didn’t mean to--*

***Aldus:*** *It’s alright, Bud. I understand your situation. I understand and I promise I won’t tell Mary.*

***Bud:*** *Speaking of Mary, I-- I’d appreciate it if you could take her hunting with you sometime, teach her the ropes and all. I would, but I’m not as young or as good as I used to be. You’re still in your twenties, right?*

***Aldus:*** *Twenty-five to be exact, yeah. I can sometime when she’s not working, my schedule is always open* ***(He chuckles)***.

Bud chuckles quietly with him, their minds being taken off what they were just previously talking about momentarily.

***Bud:*** *Thanks for chatting, Aldus. I’m glad to have gotten to know you, and it just pains me how long I’ve held off on this. I can’t make this trip today, I just need some time to collect myself and get ready.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, I don’t wanna make this trip myself either today.*

With the conversation coming to a close, both men head back into the lodge. Bud puts the bottle of bourbon away, and places his empty glass into the sink.

***Aldus:*** *Well, I’m glad we got to meet and know each other. I’m sorry that it went sad though. I’ve gotta get ready and head ba--*

***Bud:*** *Before you do, I’ve gotta tell you something else that’s important.*

***Aldus:*** *What is it?*

***Bud:*** *I’m sure you and your friends are good people but… if for some reason I find out you’re one of those bad people out there, and hurt my daughter-- There would be no friend of yours, no wall, nothing that would stop me from hurting you. Do we have an understanding?*

Aldus stares at him, and answers sternly.

***Aldus:*** *We do, sir. We do.*

***Bud:*** *Good. I’ll let you know when we’ve gotta make the trip but thanks-- thanks for coming by, Aldus.*

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

Aldus heads towards the front door, and exits the lodge.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #11**

**WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE**

WILLIAM REYNES sits inside his lodge, clutching the bottom of his chin and resting an elbow against his chair, thinking.

***William:*** *…I don’t want to betray his trust and step in when he’s asked me to give him a chance to talk Violet into coming forward with all this herself. But at the same time… I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I just can’t.*

KATE BLOODSTONE stands from a seat opposite William, pacing around, while JON MATTHEWS leans back in his own seat.

***Kate:*** *…And what do you propose be done about Todd?*

***Jon:*** *What do you think? What’s happening can’t be allowed to go unpunished. People like him… They are the scum of the earth.*

***William: (He nods at Jon)*** *Exactly that. Things are bad enough out there beyond the walls - the children shouldn’t have to be forced between a rock and a hard place. What I want to do… doesn’t matter. I want to play by Worthwood’s rules… live life the way they want us to. If that means staying my hand, then I have to. I can’t pick and choose what rules to follow.*

***Kate:*** *I can bring this up with Gerald? He might appreciate us playing by his rules, not just rushing in to deal with this ourselves. We can give him the chance to sort this out.*

***William:*** *…Do you see that working? In your honest opinion.*

***Kate:*** *I’ve forced the council to start playing ball with me. It’s… required a great deal of patience, but I’m getting there. I’m even sitting in on their meetings now, don’t ask me how… I may or may not have… threatened them. Only a bit.*

Jon raises an eyebrow at her, smirking.

***Jon:*** *Well shit, Kate. I didn’t know you had it in you.*

***William: (Nodding)*** *This is why we leave this stuff to you. If you think it can work, then I’d like to take that approach. Do it the right way.*

***Jon:*** *And… if Gerald doesn’t see eye to eye with us on this?*

***Kate:*** *Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I’d be going to him in good faith. Gerald is a father himself… surely he doesn’t condone what’s happening to Violet.*

***William:*** *Do you think you’d be able to get me a face-to-face with him? Maybe he’ll take it seriously if I bring it up as… a concerned teacher. Tell him that he shouldn’t be around children, let alone responsible for them.*

***Kate: (She nods)*** *Yeah. That might just be our best bet at making sure this gets through to him. I’ll set it up.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #12**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - MORNING**

Elsewhere that same morning, REBECCA DAWSON is sitting in her wheelchair by a picnic table, between one of the streets, and a small stream that runs through Worthwood. At the table are a few ladies, idly talking. There’s a few different plates of food on the table. ELEANOR BENSON goes around the table, pouring glasses of cold lemonade for everyone.

***Maggie:*** *Oh, Rebecca. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, I am so glad that you decided to come out and join us to enjoy this lovely weather. Oh, it’s just such a blessing when the sun is shining and the sky is blue.*

***Madelyn:*** *Maggie, when you get the chance, you just have to share that recipe for this casserole you’ve prepared for us. I mean it is just delicious.*

***Maggie:*** *Oh, Maddy, this chef just can’t bring herself to share her secrets. It’s a family recipe, passed down from my great grandmother, to my grandmother, to my mother, and then to me. This particular dish is special though, it’s for Rebecca* ***(She nods to her)***. *Rebecca, we are all praying for your speedy recovery. I just can’t imagine what you’ve been through on the outside… but you’re here with us now, and we want you to know that we are here for you.*

***Carolyn:*** *I couldn’t agree more with Maggie. It’s just so scary to try and think about what it was like for you and your group out there, Rebecca. Anything you need - anything at all - we’re always here, just ask.*

***Rebecca:*** *Thanks, guys… I really appreciate, uh… all of this.*

***Maggie:*** *Oh, don't sweat it. We really just want to make you feel welcome here. You're one of us now, and that means you're going to be hearing all of the latest gossip* ***(She snickers)***. *Oh my god, let me tell you guys, Charles was telling me about some of the drama with the construction crew… sounds like it's getting pretty serious out there. I mean, he's saying they are actually becoming a nightmare to keep happy. He was talking about how Dan, Marion Seltzer's husband, got into a fight with Steve Jordan the other day? Like, right out there in the open while on the job.*

***Madelyn:*** *I heard Marion mention that Dan has actually been having troubles in… you know, the bedroom recently. Maybe some of that negative energy is following him to work. Not that I can comment on a healthy sex life. Neil and I haven’t had a good night together in years, nevermind the apocalypse.*

***Maggie:*** *Oh, you are so bad, Maddy* ***(She snickers)***.

***Madelyn:*** *I’m serious… that man just gets off his shift and eats whatever he can until the sun goes down. Really, I just don’t think he finds sex all that appealing anymore. What about you, Carolyn?*

***Carolyn:*** *Oh-- you don’t want to know what Vincent and I do in bed.*

***Maggie:*** *Peach, sister. At least someone here has a healthy sex life. I’m telling you, girls, it’s important to be close with your man, especially these days. Rebecca, you and your man… William, right? How did you come to… meet?*

Rebecca looks up, having only been half-paying attention to the conversation.

***Rebecca:*** *Uh, William?*

Eleanor looks at her with a reassuring smile.

***Eleanor:*** *You met during the apocalypse, right? Out there?*

***Rebecca:*** *We did, yeah. We, uh…*

***Maggie:*** *Give us all the gory deets* ***(She grins)***.

***Rebecca:*** ***(Muttering)*** *The gory…*

She stops, mind flashing back to all sorts of horrors; the sight of Jim’s mutilated corpse outside the school, the battle at the football stadium, and the bandits who were torturing Ed moments before she was knocked unconscious.

***Rebecca:*** *I, uh… I’m sorry, guys. I wish the story was more interesting but… I don’t think it’s all that appropriate for this. It’d kill the mood.*

***Madelyn:*** *Oh…* ***(She frowns)***. *Well, tell us about William, at least.*

***Maggie:*** *You can’t just leave us hanging, Rebecca. We’re really interested in you. Help us understand.*

Rebecca sees Jared’s corpse hanging from the tree William hanged him from, and she opens her mouth slowly to speak.

***Rebecca:*** *William’s… really swell. We, uh, we really get on well, and have a deep understanding of one another. We came to meet because… we had a… mutual friend. And it…*

She stops, freezing up, remembering Jacob. Sensing the awkward tension around the table, Eleanor approaches Rebecca.

***Eleanor:*** *Rebecca, how about I take you back to the infirmary for a little while? I’ll bring you a piece of casserole, make sure you get there safely.*

***Rebecca:*** *That’d be… nice. Thanks, everyone.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #13**

**WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY**

ELEANOR BENSON wheels REBECCA DAWSON through the infirmary, heading towards a part of the building where her bed is.

***Eleanor: (She sighs)*** *I’m sorry. I know they can be a lot… It was my fault for forcing you into that. I just thought it’d be nice to try and make you feel more welcome.*

***Rebecca:*** *Eleanor… it’s okay, really. I appreciate it. You really did save me back there, though. I don’t know if I could’ve taken much more of that. It’s really… not my scene.*

***Eleanor:*** *I understand.*

She lets go of the wheelchair, and goes to sit down at a chair opposite Rebecca.

***Eleanor:*** *They really are nice ladies, they have great intentions, I just… Maybe it was a little soon to force you to endure all of that.*

***Rebecca:*** *I’ll be honest, I’m glad I have you to talk to about all of this. You… understand a lot better.*

***Eleanor: (She smiles softly, then sighs)*** *When I lost Michael out there, the gravity of the situation hit me like a pile of bricks. At that moment, I understood there would be no coming back from it. Being out there… whether it’s for a day, a week, a month… It changes you. You can’t just… block all of that out and forget. I’m grateful for Worthwood… because it gives me hope that… maybe Joseph can grow up safely and happily, to lead something resembling a normal life. That’s what I’m fighting for now, Rebecca. I imagine you are too, for Lloyd.*

***Rebecca:*** *I care so much for that kid… he and William both. I couldn't protect my baby boy, or my boyfriend Jaime. I didn't think there'd be any coming back from that. Those two… they keep me sane. I was at rock bottom before I met them. I was ready to die, to tell you the truth. I still think about my baby boy every single day, but Lloyd and William, and everyone else in my group, they are a reason to keep going. Protecting them is what drives me… in the hope of… exactly what you described, an actual life worth living. But now I’m here. Stuck in this chair, with my brain constantly failing me. I can’t protect anyone like this… If we were still out on the road, I’d be a burden to them.*

Eleanor looks at her, sniffling, and with watery eyes.

***Eleanor:*** *You’re a strong woman, Rebecca. I really admire you. I don’t think being stuck in this chair means it’s over for you… Maybe it’s a new chapter, maybe you will recover, but if you don’t, you’ll still find a purpose. Maybe… Maybe this place is it for you… where you can hang up your hat and live your life for your loved ones. For your baby boy, for Lloyd, for William. It doesn’t all have to be bad… just, my husband used to tell me that when you’re sitting in the darkness you always have to look to the light. That’s what I told Joseph every day after his father died before we came here, and it kept that boy going, and I am so, so proud of him. I’m glad we could be friends* ***(She smiles)***.

***Rebecca:*** *Yeah, me too. Thank you.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #14**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

On the road, KAYUMI SHIZUKO is speeding along on her motorcycle, while AUSTIN KINGSTON holds on for dear life behind her.

***Kayumi:*** *It’s not much farther. How are you holding up back there?*

***Austin:*** *Just fine!*

***Kayumi:*** *Cool!*

She looks ahead, seeing a zombie stumbling onto the road.

***Kayumi:*** *Wanna see something neat? Watch this.*

Grinning, she reaches over her shoulder to unsheathe a katana, and uses it to behead the zombie as they ride past it.

***Austin:*** *Christ! Can you focus on driving and not killing zombies?! Please, I don’t want us to crash!*

***Kayumi:*** *Okay, sorry, sorry!* ***(She giggles)*** *It was cool though, right?*

***Austin:*** *Maybe - a little bit. But - please don’t do it again.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #15**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - GAS STATION - MORNING**

After just another few minutes of driving, the motorcycle pulls into a rundown gas station by the side of the road. There’s a few rusty vehicles around the side of the building that look like they’ve been rotting there for decades, but there’s a couple other trucks parked next to the building in much better condition.

***Kayumi:*** *Here we are.*

She smiles and steps off, as AUSTIN KINGSTON climbs off as well, much slower than her.

***Austin:*** *Thank the Lord. And - why are we here exactly? I thought we were going after Genna and Mackenzie right away.*

***Kayumi:*** *We’re getting you a ride home first. If you find them in the middle of nowhere and they are injured, you’re gonna need an easy way to get them out of there. Not to mention, you can barely walk yourself. Okay?*

***Austin:*** *Of course - yeah. Sorry - yeah, that makes sense. It’s just-- I mean, it must be close to twenty-four hours now since I’ve last seen them. You didn’t see how injured they were. I just want to make sure they get out okay. As long as I know they get out of here, then I’m happy.*

***Kayumi:*** *Yeah… we’ll, uh… cross that bridge when we… get to it… when it comes, whatever that saying is. Come on, we’re gonna need to get one of these pickup trucks running. You seem like the kinda guy who would know how to hotwire a car… Do you know how to hotwire a car? Tell me you know how to hotwire a car…? I mean if not, it’s cool, I can do it, I’m just like… It takes me a little minute, and it would be easier if you did it, because, well, I’m gonna get the gasoline.*

***Austin:*** *It’s been a couple years… a couple decades, actually, but I probably remember how to hotwire a car. I’ll have a go at it* ***(He nods)***.

***Kayumi:*** *Cool, give it your best. Try that truck over there* ***(She points at one)***. *I’ll be with you in a sec.*

Austin watches her go, then turns to start hobbling over towards the truck.

KAYUMI SHIZUKO steps into the gas station, taking a flashlight from off her belt and shining it around as she goes. Taking slow and cautious steps, she makes her way further into the building, into a backroom.

Then, a loud crackle from her belt, practically making her jump. A man’s stern, yet soft spoken voice comes through a radio.

***[R] Heiwateki:*** *Come in, little bird.*

She frantically grabs for it, muttering to herself.

***Kayumi:*** *Shit…*

She holds down a button on the radio.

***Kayumi:*** *I’m… yeah, huh? I’m here.*

***[R] Heiwateki:*** *Where have you flown off to? Are you safe?*

***Kayumi:*** *I’m safe. I am, yeah. Just… you know, doing my thing. Why? Is Shiro…?*

***[R] Heiwateki:*** *Yes. He’s wondering where you’re gone. What do you want me to tell him?*

***Kayumi: (She rolls her eyes)*** *Tell him I don’t need to be babied, okay? He can shove his concern up his ass, or something. I’ll… see you when I see you.*

Abruptly, she cuts off the radio and clips it back to her belt, hiding the device underneath her jacket. She shakes her head, now a little on edge.

***Kayumi:*** *Fuck…*

She heads towards a storage closet in the backroom, and kneels down to take a look under some shelves. Then, after pulling out some boxes, she reveals a hatch. With a bit of a pull, she gets it open.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #16**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - GAS STATION - MORNING**

After fueling the truck, KAYUMI SHIZUKO places an empty jerry can to the side, smiling.

***Kayumi:*** *Well? What do you think? How’s the engine?*

AUSTIN KINGSTON gives the engine a start, and it turns on. Nodding to himself, he leans out of the truck.

***Austin:*** *I think we’re good. Yeah. Everything looks and sounds good.*

He climbs out carefully, grunting, his hip still sore and painful.

***Austin:*** *I’m surprised that you were able to find any gas left in there - you’d think most places would be picked clean by now.*

***Kayumi:*** *Well, uh, this place, it’s… a bit of a special case. There’s a lot of fuel stored inside. That’s why I brought you here. But hey, we’re up and running. We should return to the site of your RV now… Maybe we can get a lead from there as to where your friends might be.*

Austin nods a few times, then gazes down, frowning slightly.

***Austin:*** *I don’t know if I thanked you yet - you know, for saving my life. So-- Thank you, Kayumi. It’s probably a good thing you didn’t leave me there.*

***Kayumi: (She smiles)*** *Of course. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I’d just left you out there to die. I… wasn’t even sure if you’d make the trip to the funeral home, but hey, you did. Maybe that’s a sign.*

***Austin:*** *Mmm… Maybe it is.* ***(He scratches his beard)*** *Do you - live anywhere? You could always come back to Worthwood with us once we find Genna and Mackenzie. Me personally-- I might prefer it out here, but maybe you’ll find it nice there.*

***Kayumi:*** *Worthwood… You did mention you had a community. What’s it like there?*

***Austin:*** *Running water, power, nice people… for the most part. Place ain’t perfect, but it’s a lot safer living in there than out here.*

***Kayumi:*** *Running water… power… It does sound beautiful. I think a lot about the world now… It’s so… quiet, and different. It used to be so pretty. In a way, it still is. I mean, out here, like this, it's nice. But I… I get a little sick of it sometimes. I don't… live anywhere. I have little places I like to call when I stop by them on occasion… like the funeral home, or… well, even here. I think it's because… I've always gotten a little homesick. I was born here in the states, but most of my family grew up in Japan. They always talked so highly of it, and my brother, he-- Well he - he grew up with my dad there. I was with my mom. We only really got to see each other on occasion, but when we did, it was special. I just… I guess I've always wondered if home was meant to be where he was, with my dad. My mom never liked talking about it… They uh, my parents were divorced.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah… it’s alright. Just - you know, you can think about it. It’s a nice place* ***(He nods, then clears his throat quietly)***. *Sorry about your parents - and how you grew up. No one should have to go through that.*

***Kayumi:*** *It’s okay… But about your offer, I can’t* ***(She shakes her head)***. *It’s… complicated. I’d love to… but I can’t. Still, I’m happy to help you, Austin Kingston. I want to make sure you and your friends get home safe.*

He looks at her, a little confused, but understanding nevertheless.

***Austin:*** *I understand. Ain’t like I’m gonna force you to come back with us. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me - for me and my friends. And again-- Thank you. I was ready to die back in that stream, and you could’ve let that zombie eat me - but you didn’t* ***(He nods sincerely)***. *I’m ready to go when you are.*

***Kayumi:*** *Sure, just let me find a spot for my bike. I’ll leave it here.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #17**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - AFTERNOON**

At camp, EDWARD REMAR hisses in pain as EVELYN NELSON tends to his bruised and swollen face. Standing nearby with arms crossed is LEONA HOLLOWAY.

***Leona:*** *Are these men… friends with the thief we killed?*

***Edward:*** *I don’t know. Nancy is with them in her tent. As soon as I’m patched up, I’ll go and see what their deal is.*

***Leona:*** *Very well.*

***Edward:*** *I appreciate you coming to our rescue. Like I said, you’re an asset.*

***Leona:*** *Well, you were right, I’ve got no other place to be. You seem… interesting. Crazy, but interesting. I’ll take my chances with you for a while.*

***Edward:*** *Hmph.* ***(He smiles)*** *Very good. Welcome to the team.*

He sticks out his hand, and Leona takes a couple steps forward to shake it.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #18**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - AFTERNOON**

***Tobias:*** *Cute little place you’ve got here. It’s very… cozy.*

NANCY WARNER looks across at him.

***Nancy:*** *I’m glad you like it so much. Where do you, uh, where do you guys come from?*

***Tobias: (He scoffs)*** *Pfft. Yeah, right, like we’d answer that.*

TOBIAS DUKE chuckles, before noticing Nancy’s blank expression.

***Tobias:*** *Oh, you were serious? Well, ma’am, I’m afraid you’re gonna have to try a lot harder than that. I mean, if you think I’m gonna give the deets to a… secretary of all people, you would be mistaken.*

***Nancy:*** *A… a secretary?*

***Tobias:*** *Oh, I’m sorry. Did I offend you? I just figured because he had you babysitting us that you were his assistant or something.*

EDWARD REMAR steps into the tent with his cane, his face bandaged up.

***Edward:*** *I’d say I’m sorry to have kept you waiting all this time… but I’m really not.*

***Tobias:*** *Well… no offense taken, friend.*

***Edward:*** *I’m not your friend. Now tell me about Patrick.*

***Tobias:*** *How about… you tell me about Patrick?*

***Edward:*** *You tell me first.*

***Tobias:*** *Okay, we’re looking for a guy named Patrick… And you clearly know him, as you’ve already revealed to us, so if you could just--*

***Edward:*** *He’s dead.*

Tobias simply stares at Edward for a few moments, not looking particularly upset or sad - just emotionless.

***Edward: (He snaps his fingers)*** *Hello? I said he’s dead. Why are you spacing out?*

***Tobias:*** *Oh. Like… dead dead?*

***Edward:*** *Dead, yes.*

***Tobias:*** *Confirmed dead. Like… just dead?*

***Edward:*** *Dead, yes. Why, what of it?*

***Tobias: (He sniffs)*** *Okay. Cool, cool.*

***Edward:*** *Cool? What’s fucking cool? Tell me what’s going on!*

***Tobias:*** *Well… Why did you kill him you little freak?!*

***Edward:*** *Little WHAT?*

He lunges at Tobias, who leaps back into a corner, shielding himself.

***Tobias:*** *I DIDN’T MEAN THAT-- WAIT--*

***Nancy:*** *Oh, Jesus fucking Christ.*

***Edward:*** *I killed him because he tried to STEAL from us!*

***Tobias:*** *You KILLED a guy for that? Are you fucking insane?*

***Edward:*** *Was I supposed to ROLL OUT THE WELCOME WAGON, OFFER HIM A GIFT BASKET? WHAT DOES IT MATTER?*

***Tobias:*** *IT MATTERS BECAUSE… WELL, IT’S FRANKLY NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, OKAY?*

***Nancy:*** *Okay, seriously, you two are acting like a couple of raging kids. Can you both calm the fuck down and take a breather?*

***Edward:*** *Who were those men back there? You got us roped into all of that mayhem!*

***Tobias:*** *Okay, first of all, it is not my fault that you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, okay? And second of all, they are MANIACS. Nothing more than a group of bandits who are looking for an excuse to kill people. Listen, you can’t have been in Wichita for long, because the number one rule is you don’t FUCK with Don Clements.*

***Edward:*** *Then why did YOU? It’s YOUR head that he’s after, NOT MINE.*

***Tobias:*** *Oh believe me, he’s absolutely after your head now, pal. And he’s after me because… well… he was unreasonable, and he messed with me first.*

***Nancy:*** *Okay, I’m really confused here.* ***(She looks at Tobias)*** *Listen. The man you were looking for was going to kill one of our friends.* ***(She looks back at Edward)*** *Right? That’s… why he had to be killed?*

***Edward:*** *R-right. Yeah. That’s… that’s why* ***(He nods)***.

***Nancy:*** *Okay, you don’t even sound sure of yourself. He tried to kill Elliott, didn’t he?*

***Edward:*** *Yes, so Leona killed him.*

***Nancy:*** *But… you took a party out just to hunt him. You were going to kill him either way, weren’t you?*

***Edward:*** *We’ve been over this, Nancy. It’s old news.*

***Nancy:*** *It seems… pretty current* ***(She shrugs)***.

***Edward:*** *HOW he died is irrelevant! What matters is that he is DEAD!*

Tobias paces, putting his head in his hands.

***Tobias:*** *Fuckkkkkk. This is so fucked. Okay, new plan. I’m fuckin’ working it.*

***Edward:*** *What are you on about? Just what is your deal?*

***Tobias:*** *You’re one crazy motherfucker, Ed. I mean, a real crazy motherfucker. And that… could be perfect. So… I have a proposition. Are you looking to… expand, by any chance?*

***Edward: (He narrows his eyes)*** *I’m listening.*

***Tobias:*** *If you promise to be on your best behaviour, and work with me here, I can take you to Wichita Bank.*

***Edward:*** *…I don’t have much use for money anymore.*

***Tobias:*** *Not for money you numbskull… It’s one of the best places in the state to stay! And right now, there are people living there that need* ***your*** *help.*

***Edward:*** *That need my help…?*

***Tobias:*** *Oh, yeah. It’s a real shitshow over there. They need a good, reliable person to step up and lead them in this time of… disarray* ***(He nods)***. *And frankly, I think you’re the guy.*

***Edward:*** *Why are you playing to my ego? What’s in this for you?*

***Tobias:*** *What’s in it for me is… irrelevant. What’s in it for you is… one of the greatest spots in the city and… a whole group of people. I mean, you and your folks here, alongside my guys, could take that place easily. No sweat. I mean, you saw what we did back there? Sure, we got a little bruised up, but we pulled through. Your crazy sniper lady sure showed those bad guys who’s boss. Listen… come back with me and my guys to Wichita Bank… Keep the whole Patrick thing secret… I’ll deal with that. My promise to you is that you’ll get to control the bank and lead its people, and… you don’t even have to do it with force. Just, uh, go on in there and be your usual, charismatic self. God knows they could use an attitude like that to… knock some common sense into them. Consider it, yeah? I’ll be outside if you’d like to talk it over with your… secretary.*

***Nancy:*** *Eat a dick.*

Smiling, Tobias exits the tent.

***Edward:*** *Huh…*

***Nancy:*** *You’re not… seriously considering this, are you? I mean, come on, that dude is sketchy as fuck. He played to your ego for all of two minutes and now you’re suddenly sold on this crazy plan? Edward, he’s clearly trying to use us for some scheme of his.*

***Edward:*** *And so what if he is…? It sounds like we get a good deal out of this. Nancy, this is the greatest opportunity I’ve had in years. Do you really want to keep moving around like a bunch of Gypsies forever? We could have a place to call home, and expand drastically. My goal, Nancy… has always been to carve out a piece of this new world we’re living in for myself. We can make life better for all of our people, and truly* ***rule*** *an ever-expanding group.*

***Nancy:*** *It’s just… There’s no way of telling that he’s being genuine. These people could be insane, he could be walking you into a trap.*

***Edward:*** *But what would he get out of that?*

***Nancy:*** *Edward… You killed the one guy he was looking for, and we don’t even know why that guy was so important to him, he refuses to mention it! Don’t you think he could have some kind of vendetta against you?*

***Edward:*** *Nancy… even though there are pieces to this puzzle we have yet to click into place, I still think this is the way to go. I always get my way. Always. It’ll work out in the end.*

***Nancy: (She sighs)*** *There’s really no convincing you, is there? Idiot.*

***Edward:*** *I need you by my side for this, Nancy. You’re one of the only people I can truly trust.*

She looks up at him, and slowly nods.

***Nancy:*** *You’ve gotten us this far. After Kurt, and everything before, I’ll be with you every step of the way… but you have to keep me in the loop, constantly.*

***Edward:*** *I will.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #19**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - COURTYARD - LATE MORNING**

GERALD ROLAND walks through the courtyard with WILLIAM REYNES by his side. During their little stroll together, Gerald stops to look up at the sky.

***Gerald:*** *I must say, William. I was pleased to hear you wanted to meet with me. We don’t often get the chance to catch-up. How are you settling in?*

***William:*** *It’s a slow process, but… we’re getting there. Maybe you were right about the teacher gig. The kids are great, and a pleasure to teach.*

They continue to walk along the courtyard.

***William:*** *Children of all ages deserve to be safe, fed and educated.*

***Gerald:*** *Of course* ***(He nods)***. *I knew I made the right decision placing you there. I have a knack for that sort of thing. People just seem to be able to slip back into their old professions like it was only yesterday that the world was normal.*

***William:*** *…But it’s actually about that, that I wanted to talk with you today.*

William comes to a stand-still, facing Gerald.

***William:*** *You’re a good man, and I know your heart is in the right place, so there’s something I want to bring to your attention. It’s about the safety of… one of my students.*

***Gerald:*** *Well, I did figure that this wasn’t a social call. We’re both busy men, after all. Well, uh, go on, William, tell me more.*

***William:*** *I don’t know how else to approach the topic, so I’m just going to come out and say it.* ***(He sighs)*** *Todd Glover is beating and abusing his daughter, Violet.*

Gerald stands there a moment, looking taken aback, as he clutches his cane in thought.

***Gerald:*** *And you… I’m sorry, that is a very serious accusation, William. How do you, uh, how do you know this?*

***William:*** *My… son is close friends with the daughter, Violet. She told him about it yesterday, in confidence. He… told me, in good faith, but I can’t just let it sit idle like this.*

***Gerald:*** *Gosh, you’d think this was a game of chinese whispers, the way that information has made it to you. Awful… complicated, don’t you think? You’re right though, Will, this is very concerning news… and as I said… a very serious accusation. You should be aware though, that Violet is a very clumsy girl who regularly sneaks out of the community, and it leads to her getting very hurt, William. She endangers herself, and her father, and even I, have tried to lecture her about this otherwise. You know how children are, she could just be considering a scolding from her father to be abuse, and, on that note, we really don't even know what she specifically said to your boy. I think we're going to need Violet to… come forward about this herself, quite frankly, before we could take any real action on the matter.*

William bits down on his lip in frustration.

***William:*** *…I see. So if the girl comes out and speaks up about it - you’ll do something about it?*

***Gerald:*** *It seems only right, don’t you think? If she was willing to come forward to your boy, she should be willing to share this matter with the rest of us so that it can be properly dealt with by the council and I. That said, I’m quite positive this must be some kind of misunderstanding. Todd is a very friendly man, he appears to care deeply for every single child in his class.*

***William:*** *…It’s all well and good caring in your class, when you get to take out your frustrations on your daughter when you get home. What if she’s too scared to speak? Put under as much pressure as she would be?*

***Gerald:*** *Will, with all due respect, she was willing to mention this to Lloyd, and he only just got here. You know Violet has friends, right? Don’t you think this would’ve come up and spread like wildfire if this were a serious situation? I am sure she would be more than comfortable coming forward to the council, I mean, it’s the safest bet anyone in this community has.*

***William:*** *Because what good would telling her friends do? If it wasn’t me bringing this up to you, it’d be one of the other parents - and they’d get the same response* ***(He grimaces)***. *She told someone she felt she could relate to - someone who didn’t quite fit in. Someone who wasn’t already a part of the establishment. Don’t you see how this all fits together? Those ‘injuries’ she gets beyond the walls? I bet if you had a real good look at them, you’d find a few nice fist-shaped black eyes underneath all those bandages.*

***Gerald:*** *Now you’re just speculating, William. I’m going to tell you again to back off, these are serious accusations you’re making, all based on wild theories. Best I can do, if the girl won’t step forward herself, is launch some kind of… police investigation into this matter. Maybe they can discreetly pull Violet aside and ask her about all of this… but do you have any idea how insulting that would be to Todd if he was accused of such horrible things as an innocent man?* ***(He sighs)*** *I am listening to you, Will. I am. Okay? Give me a few days, and I’ll get back to you on this. Really, thank you for telling me.*

William glares back at the man, and raises his voice.

***William:*** *A few days? We don’t have a few days. What if he gets drunk, off his face, whatever the fuck? A grown man his size, beating his daughter - he could KILL her. And you’re okay with just ‘giving it a few days’? What good is that?*

Gerald frowns, clutching his cane tighter.

***Gerald:*** *This is a delicate matter, William. We are a civilized people and that means we deal with things in a CIVILIZED way. We’re not going to handle it like… barbarians, or however you and your people used to operate. Again… Thank you for informing me of this, William. But I will warn you once more… stay in your lane. The council and I will discuss how to deal with this accordingly. In the meantime, Violet is welcome to come forward at any time. See yourself out. This discussion is over.*

Without another word, Gerald starts to hobble away, leaving William alone in the courtyard. William clenches his fists tight, rage etched into his face.

***William:*** *Discussion won’t be enough.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #20**

**WORTHWOOD - GLOVER’S LODGE - LATE MORNING**

LLOYD WALLER approaches a lodge just off the main cobblestone street running up the community, and knocks on the door.

A few moments later, TODD GLOVER opens the door halfway, peeking out, before he fully opens it, initially looking at Lloyd in disbelief, before grinning.

***Todd:*** *Lloyd? Well hey, sport. How can I help you?*

***Lloyd:*** *I was, uh… hoping to have a word with Violet on the way to school.*

***Todd:*** *Well, of course. She’s just getting ready. Heyyy… wait a second.*

Lloyd stares at him, swallowing.

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah?*

***Todd:*** *How did you know which lodge was ours? You some kind of psychic, kid?*

***Lloyd:*** *Joseph, uh… told me.*

***Todd:*** *Oh, of course. Right, well, uh, sure. Violet! Your friend is here to see you!* ***(He looks back at Lloyd)*** *I’m glad you’re making friends, Lloyd. Good to see you settling in.*

As VIOLET GLOVER approaches the door, Todd retreats back into the house, disappearing into a different room. Violet steps out the front door and down the path in front of their lodge to speak with Lloyd.

***Violet:*** *What is it?*

***Lloyd:*** *I just… You didn’t think I’d check up on you after last night…? I really wanna--*

***Violet:*** *I know, Lloyd. And I appreciate it. But I need you to understand something… Last night was all a… a big mistake. I shouldn’t have embarrassed myself like that… You know, I just, so many bottled up emotions and stress and it all just came loose, and frankly, it was like, really bad attention seeking. Yeah, a bad trait from my bitchy days in high school.*

***Lloyd:*** *Violet… This is really serious… He’s hurting you. All it takes is one lethal punch to really injure you… or worse…*

***Violet:*** *Lloyd, I came to you in confidence, okay? I’m dealing with this in my own way. Again, I’m really sorry for telling you, that wasn’t fair. I know I can’t expect you to ignore it… It’s my fault… but just… try to focus on school, yeah? Your concern is appreciated, but I’m fine. Like I said, I was being dramatic.*

She starts to walk away, and Lloyd stands there for a moment, thinking to himself.

***Violet:*** *You coming then? We’ve still got class, you know.*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah…*

He begins walking ahead to catch up with her.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #21**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL**

WILLIAM REYNES sits at his desk, silently, the class in front of him engaged with some schoolwork.

But the only thing William can focus on is the chime of the wall clock above him, its ticking like a heartbeat.

*Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.*

JOSEPH BENSON sits at his desk, idly twiddling a pencil, not bothering to do his work. CHRISTOPHER WOODS, sitting beside him, is already finished with his work.

At the back of the room, BLAKE CHRISTIAN and TRISTAN sit silently, bored, and noticeably without Jerry by their side. Meanwhile, sitting by himself is HENRY STAFFORD, focusing hard on his work.

LLOYD WALLER sits near Joseph and Christopher, watching VIOLET GLOVER from across the classroom, who, unlike him, is actually doing her schoolwork. Even MELANIE HOPKINS can’t believe Violet is doing her work.

***Melanie: (Whispering)*** *Uh… Vy?*

***Violet: (Whispering back)*** *Yeah?*

***Melanie:*** *You’re like… working. Working working. Don’t you just want to copy off of me?*

***Violet:*** *I’m good.*

Lloyd suddenly notices Christopher sliding his completed paper onto his desk, and then feels Christopher poke him on the shoulder.

***Christopher:*** *Here, you can copy off of me, I don’t care.*

***Lloyd: (Nodding)*** *…Thanks.*

Lloyd then immediately goes back to looking at Violet, and then to William, noticing how agitated he looks.

The silence is broken when NAOMI STAFFORD swings open the door, stomping in, before coming to an abrupt halt, placing her hands on her hips.

***Naomi:*** *Mr. Reynes.*

***William:*** *Ah, Miss… Stafford? What can I do for you?*

***Naomi:*** *Oh, nothing much, you could just maybe explain something to me… Perhaps an error on your part as a figure of authority in this classroom? You have neglected your duty. I have a very concerned mother with me right now and she is frankly shocked at the lack of… justice that has been brought about for her son.*

BARBARA RHODES edges her way into the room, hiding behind Naomi like some kind of rodent. She quietly clears her throat.

***Barbara:*** *Mr. Reynes…*

William stares, taking a moment to process Naomi’s words, caught off-guard by the bitchiness thrown his way.

***William:*** *Well, how about we step out into the hall and leave the kids to work in peace?*

He stands from the chair behind his desk, heading to the door.

***Naomi: (She huffs)*** *Fine.*

Naomi then directs her eyes over to Henry, and waves to him with a big smile.

***Naomi:*** *Hi, honeyyyy. Still top of the class? Oh of course you are, you know mommy is so proud of you.*

Henry lowers his head to his desk, cheeks flushing bright red.

Finally, William steps out of the room with Naomi and Barbara.

***William:*** *So… what’s this about? I can assure you there’s been no lack of justice in my classroom, but I’m here to help.*

***Naomi:*** *Let me stop you right there… First of all, there is a complete lack of justice in that classroom… and I believe it is fueled by your bias for that delinquent in there* ***(She points at Lloyd through the glass)***.

***Barbara:*** *You’ll notice that… Jerry isn’t at school today, because when I heard that… that you were letting that boy stay in that classroom with him yesterday, I was just… That’s putting my son’s life in danger and it’s frankly very irresponsible of you. He’s just a boy… He’s still recovering.*

***Naomi:*** *Exactly right. The boy should not be back among the other kids so soon. Frankly, it’s ridiculous. I expect something to be done about this immediately.*

William takes a long deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

***William:*** *…Firstly, all children have a right to an education. Secondly, and most importantly - Lloyd isn’t a delinquent. He is an honest, quiet boy who was provoked into an altercation with Jerry. Lloyd isn’t the type to hold things like this close to heart, and it was a once-off because someone else instigated it.*

***Naomi:*** *Oh, what a load of nonsense. As it happens, Mr. Reynes… I’m a member of the council… So what I say in this matter… goes. I am telling you to suspend that boy, whether you like it or not.*

Barbara nods along, while William finally loses his temper.

***William:*** *Oh get a fucking grip, would you? I’m not suspending him. Do something about it.* ***(He steps forward)*** *I couldn’t care less about what council you’re apart of. My classroom, my rules.*

Naomi steps back, shaking her head in shock, a look of horror dawning on her face. Barbara gasps.

***Naomi:*** *You… step away from me… How dare you…?*

***William:*** *I’ll do whatever the fuck I want. We’re done here. Get the fuck out* ***(He points down the hall)***.

Naomi pushes past him and enters the classroom.

***Naomi:*** *Henry, get up, pack your things. We’re getting you out of this classroom. I won’t leave you in here for another second with that man. Come on, now.*

***Henry:*** *…Huh? What’s… going on?*

***Naomi:*** *Get up, my sweet. Come on, we’re leaving.*

Henry carefully grabs his bag, as Naomi ushers him out of the room, looking back at William.

***Naomi:*** *You will REGRET this!*

She and Barbara speed off down the hall with Henry, while William begins to walk back to his desk, more bothered than before.

***Joseph:*** *Wow… your pops is one hell of a teacher* ***(He nudges Lloyd)***. *We’re even getting some drama lessons in our curriculum.*

William retakes his seat behind the desk.

***William:*** *…With that interval out of the way, let’s get back to work.*

He rests his arms on the desk, the sounds of the classroom and the world outside disappearing once more. All he returns to is the clock.

*Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #22**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL**

When class ends, LLOYD WALLER finds himself walking down the hall with JOSEPH BENSON and CHRISTOPHER WOODS. Further down the hall ahead of them stands VIOLET GLOVER, who’s chatting with MELANIE HOPKINS.

Joseph wraps his arm around Lloyd’s shoulder, pulling him in close. He grins.

***Joseph:*** *Sooooo… How’d it go, Mister Lady’s Man?*

***Lloyd:*** *Huh?*

***Joseph:*** *You know… your thingy! The meeting beneath the stars with your little lady? The star-crossed lovers, meeting in an open field - the cosmos stretched out in front of them! Spill!*

***Lloyd:*** *It… Yeah, we had… fun.* ***(He scratches his head)*** *Thanks. Would you guys, uh… excuse me a sec?*

Joseph releases him, nodding.

***Joseph:*** *…Yeah, yeah sure. Go get her, tiger.*

Lloyd begins walking ahead by himself, when he sees Violet step away from Melanie, walking towards the exit, waving Melanie goodbye.

Melanie then notices Lloyd approaching her.

***Melanie:*** *Oh. Hey, Lloyd.*

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, Melanie, uh… could we… have a word in private?*

***Melanie:*** *Sure… What’s up?*

***Lloyd:*** *Have you… noticed anything odd about Violet… you know how like, you’re always… tending to her injuries and stuff, and calling her clumsy, and…*

***Melanie:*** *…Yeah? What’s… What is it?*

***Lloyd:*** *You’re her best friend… so I’m gonna… just come clean here… because I can’t sit idly by any longer… I can’t. Melanie… Mr. Glover is…*

***Melanie: (Sadly)*** *He’s hitting her, isn’t he?*

***Lloyd:*** *Y-- You knew?*

***Melanie: (She shakes her head, tears welling)*** *No, but… I had my suspicions. She just… She just never talks about it, always shrugs it off, and I… It always seemed so weird to me, and I… I didn’t know whether to report it or… She just told me… She told me not… not to worry…*

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, no, no… I’m not blaming you or anything, you didn’t… It’s okay. I just… It’s all gonna get worked out. Violet is… gonna get the help she needs, okay? Even if… she doesn’t want it.*

Melanie looks up at him, nodding, as a tear streams down her cheek.

***Melanie:*** *…Who? How? What do you… mean?*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #23**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL**

In a now-empty classroom, WILLIAM REYNES sits in a chair at his desk, staring out the window, the same heartbeat of the clock ringing in the back of his head.

There’s a light knock at the door, and TODD GLOVER appears in the doorway with a smile.

***Todd:*** *Heya, pal. Just, uh, checking in to see how everything’s going with the new gig. If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know.*

The ringing in William’s head grows louder, not taking his eyes off the window.

***William:*** *I don’t need your help.*

***Todd: (He narrows his eyes)*** *Hey, uh… everything okay, Will?*

***William:*** *You can see yourself out.*

Frowning, Todd turns with a shrug, and leaves the room with a look of frustration.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #24**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

AUSTIN KINGSTON drives the pickup truck down the same road where the RV crashed, while KAYUMI SHIZUKO sits in the passenger seat, clearly struggling to say something.

***Kayumi:*** *The ditch I found you in is just off the side of the road about two miles from here. You said your RV is there?*

***Austin:*** *That’s right. Should be right up by the road. Can’t miss it.* ***(He shakes his head)*** *You’ve never run into these bikers before? There were three of them -- all mean, tough looking bastards.*

***Kayumi: (She frowns)*** *Austin… I… I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.*

He glances away from the road, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

***Austin:*** *What?*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #25**

**FOREST - CABIN - MORNING**

The crack of a gunshot nearby is what wakes GENNA BROHEM up. She sits in a panic, clambering to her feet in seconds, blinking rapidly, and heads to the window, looking out.

Far out in the woods, through a whole bunch of trees and bushes, she can see just make out a few figures moving around.

TEX fires a second shot at the zombie in front of him, causing it to stumble for a moment.

***Tex:*** *Not really much of a talker, huh?*

Then, without warning, Tex empties the rest of his bullets into the zombie, saving his final bullet for a headshot. He laughs maniacally, while reloading his revolver and looking at the other bikers. There’s three of them: JOHNNY, LELAND, and AXEL.

***Tex:*** *We ought to be getting close to finding those bitches. They couldn’t have gone far like I said yesterday, one of ‘em could barely speak!* ***(He chuckles)***

***Axel:*** *You’re real hung up over these girls, Tex* ***(He grins smugly)***. *They break your heart or somethin’?*

***Tex:*** *If they broke my heart, I’d break their faces. Nah, but I’ve got some unfinished business with ‘em. They were with beer belly before I killed the fat bastard, and got off right before I could chase after them.*

***Johnny:*** *I’m with Tex here. Those bitches need to be taken care of. They destroyed my bike - drove right over. You know how long I had that bike? Fifteen years. Fifteen fucking years. It was handed down to me by a friend of mine before he passed. Fucking bitches…*

Genna, unable to hear anything the bikers might be saying, steps away from the window, staying crouched as she goes towards MACKENZIE BROHEM, shaking her gently, waking up.

***Genna:*** *Mackenzie - I need you to go into that room over there* ***(She points to a door)***. *Okay? Those bikers - they’re outside, but they don’t know we’re here. Just go and hide in there - and I’ll stay out here. Don’t come out unless I tell you to, alright?*

***Mackenzie:*** *B-- bu--*

Struggling to speak, Mackenzie looks up at Genna with fearful eyes. She drops her blood-stained blanket, revealing a swollen bruised mess on the rest of her face. Genna helps her up, picking up the blanket and handing it back over to her.

***Genna:*** *Here, it’s okay.*

They move towards the door, and open it to reveal a small closet.

***Genna:*** *I’ll be right outside, okay? I’m not going anywhere.*

Wordlessly, Mackenzie shambles through into the closet, seating herself on the floor and clutching the blanket. She looks at Genna, with a look that says more than her speech ever could - a look that begs her to be okay, and to come back.

Outside, Leland is looking around the woods, when through the trees, he spots a cabin.

***Leland:*** *Y’all see that?*

***Tex:*** *Yeah, it looks like a good spot to hide from four friendly fellows.*

Johnny glances at Tex, narrowing his eyes.

***Johnny:*** *If I was running from four nasty looking bikers, that’s where I’d hide.*

***Axel:*** *Speak for yourself, asshole. Who you callin’ nasty-looking…*

***Johnny:*** *Hey, fuck you. Nasty motherfucker…*

Johnny starts to walk ahead.

***Johnny:*** *I’ll check it out.*

***Leland:*** *I’ll back you up--*

***Johnny:*** *No. Just me. Let me handle it. Don’t worry - if they’re in there, you’ll all know.*

***Axel:*** *Tsk… you don’t even have a bike no more. It’s like you’re a fucking cripple, pal.*

Johnny stops in his tracks, looking over his shoulder, staring daggers through Axel. He clenches a fist, but takes a deep breath and keeps going towards the cabin, deciding he’ll *talk* with Axel later.

***Tex:*** *Keep your guns ready in case they are inside, we don’t want another Donnie incident. We can cover if shit hits the fan, Johnnyboy.*

Johnny makes his way over to the cabin with a pistol now drawn, and Genna sees him approaching the front door through the window. She prepares herself, drawing a pistol and pointing it directly at the door.

Arriving at the front door, Johnny grips the doorknob and twists, finding it to be unlocked.

***Johnny:*** *Hello, hello. Anybody hom--*

Genna fires one shot, and it goes through the partially-open door, hitting Johnny directly on his shoulder.

***Johnny:*** *SHIT-- WHAT THE FUCK!*

***Tex:*** *Oh!*

***Axel:*** *The fuck?*

***Johnny:*** *THEY’RE IN HERE!*

***Tex:*** *No shit!*

Johnny runs around the side of the house, grabbing his wounded shoulder and gritting his teeth together in pain, while Tex, Axel and Leland take cover behind trees.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #26**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

***Kayumi:*** *I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you wouldn’t trust me. But just know that… I am on your side, okay? Really… I want to help you.*

AUSTIN KINGSTON slowly turns to look back at the road, biting his lip.

***Austin:*** *Well… I’m listening. Who really are you?*

***Kayumi:*** *I’m…*

There’s a loud crackle from underneath KAYUMI SHIZUKO’s jacket, and a man’s voice is heard.

***[R] Axel:*** *We’ve found those fucking girls. Johnny’s been hit. Two miles north of that fuckin’ RV. Group up there if possible.*

Kayumi simply frowns, looking at Austin, who glares over at her, scrunching his face up.

***Austin:*** *What the fuck… You better start fuckin’ talking, then. How you gonna explain that?*

***Kayumi:*** *I’m one of them. The RV is just up ahead. Pull up and I’ll explain everything, I promise. If we’re quick, we can still save your friends.*

***Austin:*** *One of* ***them***? *You’re with them? And you still expect me to fucking trust you.*

Austin slows down the truck in a hurry as he sees the crashed RV ahead, half of it still sticking out on the road. He stops the truck and climbs out, limping, fists clenched.

***Kayumi:*** *Wait, stop! I can help you!*

She jumps out of the truck after him, rushing around the front to stand in his way.

***Kayumi:*** *Please! I’ve gotten you this far. Yes, I’m one of them. I don’t condone what they do. When you told me some bikers had attacked you, I knew it was them. They’ve killed a lot of innocent people… I didn’t want the same to happen to you and your friends. You have to trust me, because if not, your friends are gonna die. We know where they are now… If we’re quick, I can distract the bikers and you and your friends can return to the truck and go home.*

Austin stares at him, his face tense. He feels betrayed - not wanting anything to do with her at this point - but what was he going to do on his own without a gun? He exhales, giving the slightest nod.

***Austin:*** *Fine.*

***Kayumi:*** *Okay… come on. Do your best to keep up.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #27**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - LATE AFTERNOON**

LOLIDA WINDFIELD and LILLIAN MAKAROV step through the streets of Worthwood. Lolida has himself a new cane to help with his troubled leg, and the two of them have just finished having an early dinner.

Lolida looks around, eyes halting when they reach the side of Lillian’s head, a sly smirk creeping across his face.

***Lolida:*** *Hmph.*

***Lillian:*** *What?*

***Lolida:*** *Nothing… nothing.*

***Lillian:*** *…Whatever you say, Union man.*

***Lolida:*** *Again, not a soldier* ***(He scoffs)***. *More-so pretend. Dinner was… enjoyable. Truly, it was. For the longest we’ve been out there… surviving hard living. It was nice to just… have a nice shift of pace.*

Lillian meets the man’s eyes, her lips mimicking his; a grin.

***Lillian:*** *Must’ve been tough out there. It’s tough in here, too, you know? Surrounded by arrogance and incompetence? Fools with no real contempt for the world around them? It’s nice to… have something new-- Someone new. Dinner was enjoyable on my behalf as well.*

***Lolida: (He nods)*** *Safety and security only reprimands weakness. Yet, is weakness really… bad?*

***Lillian:*** *Hm? Sure, weakness is… well, weak. In our life now, the reality is simple; weakness is your death.*

***Lolida:*** *But does it have to be? Sure, weakness is an inconvenience. Yet a weak man understands a fundamental those with strength fail to see.*

***Lillian:*** *And what’s that?*

***Lolida:*** *That alone, no matter how strong you are - there will always be someone stronger. Together, however… physical strength is not necessary. For when the weak protects the weak, not even the strongest can see them defeat.*

***Lillian:*** *Wow… Perhaps I’ve never seen it like that. Who knew such wonders provoked themselves in your mind?*

***Lolida:*** *Well… the world going to shit doesn’t mean we have to go to shit. Right?*

They continue walking, until a thought draws across Lolida’s mind.

***Lolida:*** *You know… I was in a couple of car crashes back in the day.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #28**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - LATE AFTERNOON**

Needing to take a break from everything going on this day, WILLIAM REYNES goes out for a walk down one street, keeping his hands pocketed as he goes.

It doesn’t take long for him to come across DANIEL ROCKWELL, who is leaning over a little wooden bridge, looking down in the distance at LOLIDA WINDFIELD and LILLIAN MAKAROV, the two of them slowly exiting his line of sight.

***William:*** *How’re you finding it?*

Daniel continues looking ahead.

***Daniel:*** *Just great.*

***William:*** *That good, huh? I know it’s not your kind of place… or mine, for that matter. But at least it’s… safe, right?*

***Daniel: (He nods slowly)*** *For now. It’s good for Lolida. I like seeing him happy… He deserves this. Everyone does. I just want to see him happy.*

***William:*** *I feel that. It’s a poor imitation of a normal life, but… seeing Lloyd and Rebecca able to sleep comfortably and eat well… makes me happy.*

***Daniel:*** *And yet it’s all bullshit.*

The man finally turns to look at William with his lifeless eyes.

***Daniel:*** *None of this is real, William. All of us have known it since the moment we got here. Just how long do you plan to indulge in all of this before deciding that playtime is over and it’s time to get back to reality?*

***William:*** *…I don’t know. All I do know is that this place? It’s good for… pretty much everyone. People like you, me, Jon… We’re pulling the short end of the stick on this. But like you said… everyone deserves the peace of mind.*

***Daniel:*** *They aren’t gonna have that peace of mind for long if this place doesn’t start to operate seriously. Sooner or later… some sick bastard like Badrick is gonna find this place… and you know what he's gonna see? A little town just… primed with loot ready for a bit of a raping… some murdering… all the goods. You really think those walls are gonna keep everyone out? No. You really think those of us who are actually capable of defending this place can be ready to do so if we aren't in charge? No… It’s all a sick fucking joke. Peace of mind is a fucking illusion. You'd need ten fucking years of peace and quiet to convince yourself everything is okay. Do you think the next ten years are going to be peaceful, William? All it takes is one fucking attack for all of that trauma to come flooding back to our people, and to make the bubble of this little fuckfest burst for everyone else. You know I'm right.*

Daniel looks back out again, leaning his arms against the railing. William stands in silence for a few seconds, letting the words sink into him.

***William:*** *…Yeah. You just might be.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #29**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR approaches SOLOMON REED at the edge of the campsite, limping up behind him with his cane.

***Edward:*** *We have a lot to talk about.*

***Solomon:*** *What is it this time?* ***(He turns around)***

***Edward:*** *New information has come to light… I’m sure you’ve heard by now that things got a little out of hand at the railyard… but from it, a new opportunity has been presented to us. That said, if I’m to follow through with this plan… I need my most trusted man by my side. I’m still mad about what happened before… but I can see where you were coming from. Perhaps it was a little barbaric to treat a prisoner that way… but an example had to be made. I'm not like Badrick, and I'm not like Kurt. They didn't care about their people, Solomon. They didn't have friends. I do. That's where we're different. I want to carve out a better world for me and my friends, and if I'm going to do that, it's inevitable that some blood will have to be spilled along the way.*

***Solomon:*** *Barbaric is putting it lightly. Why should I trust you with this when it’s just gonna be another mess that’s just part of your quest for power? Wasn’t that what the whole fiasco with Kurt was? You told me we’d be able to essentially make this group better when all that’s happened is a divide between all of us since then. How do I know this is going to be worth the risk, worth another arm probably, worth all of our lives to go to this group we barely even know that might not treat us much better than you did with Patrick?*

Edward twitches with frustration, staring at him.

***Edward:*** *Our group is better, Solomon. Far better off than it was with Kurt. And you're right, I'm on a quest for power, I've made no attempt to hide that. I want to make something of myself in this world, why shouldn't I? After all I've been through, I fully intend to rise above everyone around me. That doesn't make me a tyrant, Solomon… I just have no plan to remain a little fish in a big pond. I'm destined for greater things than that. I'm going ahead with this new plan with or without you, but it would be far easier to have you by my side. If we were to make something bigger than the two of us, a lasting legacy in this world, you realize you'd be right there at the top with me, don't you? I'm making this for all of us. I can't achieve anything without the help of people I can trust. That's what Badrick did wrong… he saw his men as nothing more than tools and sent them to their death by the dozen. Kurt ruled with fear and it meant that when push came to shove, nobody cared when he was killed. I plan to rule fairly, and properly, so that little girls like Sarah and good men like Clyde don't have to suffer. Only the rotten have to be punished.*

Solomon stands there, gazing at Edward, considering it all for a little while. Eventually, he nods.

***Solomon:*** *Fine, I’ll help, but don’t aim too high for the sky, Edward. Not everyone likes what they get in the end.*

He turns, beginning to walk back to his tent, while Edward watches him, huffing.

***Edward:*** *Hmph…*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #30**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - AFTERNOON**

Meanwhile, at the center of camp, TOBIAS DUKE sits on a log in front of the campfire, restlessly tapping his foot against the dirt.

DAMIAN HOLT and LAMAR ADAMS are sitting on logs adjacent to him, and KYORI HYOTEKI is seated across from them, fiddling with the knock on her bow.

***Damian: (To Kyori)*** *So, uh, what’s your deal?*

***Kyori: (She looks up)*** *My… deal?*

***Damian:*** *Yeah, like, I dunno, using a bow is… unique and shit. You been doing that for long?*

Kyori stares, taking a second to grasp the meaning of his question, and then hesitantly answers.

***Kyori:*** *Since high school. Professional.*

***Damian:*** *Neato.*

Damian exhales, turning to look at Tobias.

***Damian:*** *You seem a little restless there, boss man.*

***Tobias:*** *Because I am fucking restless, okay? But I’m improvising…*

***Damian:*** *You know if you were that worried about all of this shit, we could just up and leave.*

***Tobias:*** *Well… where’s the fun in that?* ***(He smirks)***

Damian shrugs, just as they see EDWARD REMAR approaching them, NANCY WARNER and ELLIOTT ROWE at his side.

***Edward:*** *Okay… I’ve considered your proposition.*

***Tobias:*** *Anddddd?*

Tobias stands, stretching his legs.

***Edward:*** *If we’re going to do this… you need to give me more details about what’s in it for you, and why Patrick is so important.*

***Tobias:*** *Okay… fair, I get you. Look… let’s just say that… Patrick was rather important because… well, long story really, I won’t bore you with the details, but he was a little loopy.*

***Nancy:*** *A little… loopy?*

***Tobias:*** *Mhm* ***(He nods)***. *Yeah. He, uh, he meant a great deal to… a lot of people, and he would just sometimes run off and endanger himself, and we were trying to bring him back home to everyone safe and sound so that… So that we could help him. What happened is… really unfortunate… but we don’t have to say that you killed him. We can just say he was… unfortunately taken out by a zombie or something.*

***Edward:*** *…I see. I’m not sure I believe you, after the big freakout you had in the tent. There’s something you aren’t telling me…*

***Tobias:*** *Hand to God… I am being honest… Wait, how does that saying go? Hand to my heart, I swear to God? Hand to heart, I swear on God?*

***Nancy:*** *And what do you get out of Edward leading all of the people at Wichita Bank, exactly?*

***Tobias:*** *Listen, if you knew the people at that bank like I do, you’d know that they are… frankly, a bunch of fucking idiots. They could use the guidance. And if I’m being honest… me and my buddies here, our chance at survival is increased if we’re being led by… someone capable.*

***Edward:*** *And you think I’m more capable? What about yourself, or the current leader at the bank?*

***Tobias:*** *Well there’s the catch… The current leader of the bank is no longer current.*

***Nancy:*** *What?*

***Tobias:*** *That means he died. He’s dead. And now, everyone close to him is just… squabbling in there, like a pack of vultures, trying to take over. Between you and me, none of those people are capable… and with tyrants like… Don Clements in the neighbourhood, well that’s just no use.*

***Edward: (To Elliott)*** *What do you think of all this? I want your take.*

***Elliott:*** *Me? Well, I, uhm-- It, uh-- Well, if I’m being candid -- I’m not sure I like the sound of it. What are the chances that these people you speak of at the bank will just let us stroll in and take over as leader? I don’t know, Edward… But whatever you think is best…*

***Tobias:*** *Oh they won’t just let you stroll in… but when it comes down to it, you’ll win. Listen, the people at Wichita Bank aren’t an organized unit, they aren’t all on the same page. If you manage to sway even just half of them to your side, you’ve already won.*

***Edward:*** *And how many people are there?*

***Tobias:*** *Seventeen, eighteen? Something like that.*

***Edward: (He nods)*** *At the very least, I’ll come and check it out. I’m willing to take the risk. Elliott, Kyori. I want both of you with me on this one. Stanley and Leona too.*

***Elliott: (He shrugs)*** *I-I guess I’ll come along.*

***Nancy:*** *And the rest of us?*

***Edward:*** *I need you to relocate… somewhere closeby, go and look at Elliott’s maps with him. Find somewhere you think is suitable.*

***Nancy: (She nods)*** *Come on, Elliott.*

Elliott turns slowly, and follows after her.

***Tobias:*** *Wow… this is just swell… I’m so glad you’re on board* ***(He smiles)***. *Trust me, this is the right call.*

***Edward:*** *I’m going off to inform my group on what’s happening, and get ready to go. Don’t make me regret this. Come on, Kyori.*

Kyori rises to her feet, and trails behind Edward as they walk off.

When they’re gone, Damian and Lamar stand, approaching Tobias slowly.

***Damian:*** *Are you sure it’s a good idea… complicating things even more by throwing these guys into the mix?*

***Tobias:*** *I’m… improvising. You guys know that’s what I do best.*

***Damian:*** *Hey, don’t come crying to me when the little maniac breaks your nose for lying through your teeth.*

***Tobias:*** *We can… cross that bridge when we get there* ***(He sighs)***.

***Lamar:*** *You’re not gonna have much of a… bridge… to cross for long.*

Lamar smiles, tapping the bridge of his nose.

***Tobias:*** *Fellas, one way or another, the three of us will come out of this just fine. It’s a curveball, but I can make it work. Something about this Edward is… different. Something tells me he’s going to fuck shit up.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #31**

**FOREST - CABIN - LATE MORNING**

***Johnny:*** *Motherfuckers… I’m gonna fucking kill you… I’M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU! YOU HEAR ME?! I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE!*

JOHNNY presses his back against the cabin, holding his wounded shoulder, as blood trickles down his arm, dripping to the grass below. He moves around the side of the cabin towards the back, and there, he sees a flimsy looking back door.

Out front, AXEL grips his pistol, looking over at TEX and LELAND. All of them are hidden behind some trees.

***Axel:*** *The fuck do we do now?*

***Tex:*** *We can’t just run in guns blazing!*

Tex steps out quickly, firing a shot off towards the window of the cabin. It shatters, shards of glass crashing to the ground.

***Tex:*** *I suggest we keep them held up until the rest of the crew joins up.*

***Leland:*** *Sounds like a solid plan to me.*

***Tex:*** *YOU LADIES OUGHTA COME OUT! WE CAN TAKE YOU IN ALIVE UNLESS YOU WANT TO END UP LIKE YOUR FRIEND!*

Tex waits a moment, looking at the window for anything - but sees nothing. Grimacing, he reaches for something - and throws it towards the window. The object flies through the window and bounces once off the floor, sliding to a stop. GENNA BROHEM, who’s laying on the ground inside the cabin, looks at it -- and sees that it’s a large chunk of someone’s tongue - the piece that Mackenzie bit off during the crash.

She frowns angrily, and crawls over to the window, blindly firing one shot out of it, before getting as far from the window as possible, laying back down.

The bullet she fires hits the tree Axel is hiding behind.

***Axel:*** *FUCK! DO THAT AGAIN, BITCH! I DARE YOU!*

In retaliation, Tex, with both revolvers drawn, rapid fires all twelve of his rounds towards the cabin. Leland fires off three shots in quick succession as well, before both men retreat to cover.

Genna stays low, as the bullets tear through the thin wooden walls of the building, some ricocheting around.

***Genna: (Muttering)*** *Please-- Please, Lord--*

As the gunfire ends, Genna points her pistol back at the front door, anticipating them to come charging in.

Behind the cabin and up a small hill beyond a few trees, AUSTIN KINGSTON and KAYUMI SHIZUKO arrive. They look on at the cabin ahead of them, hearing the gunfire.

***Kayumi:*** *In there. Go and get your friends! I’ll cover the back!*

Austin watches her rush ahead and to the side to behead a zombie without getting a word in. He then looks back at the cabin directly ahead of him, and begins hobbling as quickly as he can, trying to ignore the pain. He hears more gunshots - and knows there isn’t much time, giving him the boost he needs to move even faster. Ahead, he lays eyes on a back door to the cabin.

Hasty footsteps suddenly rush at Austin from the side. Johnny throws himself into him, both men falling to the ground with pain.

***Austin:*** *GAH--*

Johnny mounts the man, and draws his good arm back, delivering a hard punch to his face. The blow seems to take most of the energy out of Johnny, as he suddenly slants forward, wincing and grabbing at his shoulder.

***Austin:*** *MotherFUCKER!*

Austin takes the window of opportunity to push the weakened man off of him. Both of them crawl backwards, clambering to their feet. Johnny stares ahead, breathing heavily, his vest now soaked with his own blood.

***Johnny:*** *I thought you were dead, fatso.*

Austin lunges forward with a roar, grabbing Johnny as they both fall again. He throws a punch at Johnny’s face once, then twice, a tooth flying from the man’s mouth.

After the second punch, Johnny knees him in the groin, and Austin tilts over, falling onto his back. Johnny drags himself away, spitting blood, and stands back up, reaching for his gun.

But as soon as he draws his gun, it’s smacked out of his hand by Austin, vanishing behind some bushes nearby. Austin grabs the sides of Johnny’s head, and slams it against a tree beside them, grinding the man’s face along the bark, cutting and bruising his face.

***Johnny:*** *GHGRRAAAA!*

He elbows Austin in the jaw, causing him to let go and stumble backwards. Austin’s heel backs into a rock as he’s stumbling, making him trip up, landing on his back. He groans loudly, grabbing at the side of his hip.

Spitting more blood, Johnny searches the area nearby with his eyes, trying to find his gun. When he can’t, Johnny unsheathes a knife instead.

***Johnny:*** *I’m gonna kill you--* ***(He starts to approach him)*** *And then I’m gonna kill those girls. Slowly.*

Johnny nears Austin, his wounded arm hanging limp at his side, his shoulder practically numb at this point. He stomps onto Austin’s ankle.

***Austin:*** *ARGGG--- you-- you psychopath…*

Johnny raises his knife, and starts to bring it down towards Austin’s torso, but at the last second he rolls his upper body to the side, and the knife plants itself into the ground instead.

Austin raises one of his boots quickly, charging it into the center of Johnny’s face. The man falls to his side, grabbing at his face, feeling a broken nose and blood dribbling out of his nostrils. By the time he thinks about pulling his knife out of the ground, Austin already has it.

Austin slams the knife through the hand of Johnny’s wounded arm, the blade piercing through skin and flesh and then dirt, as it pins Johnny down. For good measure, Austin hammers the knife further into the ground. As Johnny screams in agony, Austin wraps both of his hands around his neck, starting to strangle him.

With only one functioning arm left, Johnny starts throwing punches as quick and hard as he can, his energy and strength dwindling by the second. His body tenses, and his face starts to go purple, as Johnny then begins tugging at Austin’s beard, pulling violently, and ripping a chunk of hair out - but it doesn’t even seem to affect Austin.

He goes back to throwing punches at Austin, who is now squeezing Johnny’s neck as hard as he can. Johnny’s punches become weaker and weaker, until finally his arm drops to the side, his body going limp. Even after Johnny is motionless, Austin continues to squeeze, his face red, teeth gnashed, spit dripping from his mouth, a ferocious look in his eyes.

When Austin simply has nothing left in him, he collapses to the side, breathless. A few moments pass, and Austin eventually forces himself to get up. He rips the knife out of Johnny’s hand, and leans against a tree for a second, breathing heavily, before he begins to limp towards the back door.

In the front of the cabin, Axel, Tex and Leland are busy dealing with a steady flow of zombies, who had been descending upon the area because of all the noise.

Austin enters through the back of the cabin, hobbling through.

***Austin:*** *Genna-- Mackenzie?*

He pushes through a second door - and enters the main area of the building, where he sees Genna aiming a pistol at him.

***Genna:*** *Oh-- Jesus, it’s you. Thank God--*

She lowers the gun, staying crouched as she heads over to the closet where Mackenzie is hiding. She opens it, and sees MACKENZIE BROHEM gasp and shield her face instinctively.

***Genna:*** *Mackenzie - it’s me. We’re going to get out of here now. Come on, we’re going home.*

Mackenzie lowers her arms, and reaches out to Genna, clinging onto her as they follow Austin out the back door.

Outside, Kayumi is waiting for them, swiftly cutting down two zombies. When she sees the three of them exit the cabin, she smiles lightly, happy to see that Austin’s friends are alive.

***Austin: (To Genna and Mackenzie)*** *There’s a truck - where the RV is. We’re gettin’ outta here.*

Austin then looks towards Kayumi.

***Austin:*** *You sure you don’t want to come with us? I insist - it’s safe there. You said you don’t condone what these bikers do -- so why stay with them?*

***Kayumi: (She frowns)*** *I wish I could… but… there’s no time to explain why I can’t. Besides, I need to stay and delay them from catching up to you. I’ll buy you enough time. Head straight home. But Austin… this isn’t over. If you live at Worthwood… you should know--*

***Axel:*** *ALL CLEAR IN THE CABIN! THEY’VE MOVED OUT!*

Kayumi jumps, her eyes flicking towards the cabin where Axel’s voice came from. Quickly, she grabs her radio and tosses it to Austin.

***Kayumi:*** *Take it and run. Trust me. We’ll meet again. Go! Quickly!*

Austin catches the radio, and nods to her, before immediately limping away, fast. Genna and Mackenzie follow behind him.

Not one minute later, Axel comes sprinting out of the building, Tex and Leland in tow.

***Axel:*** *Kayumi?*

He stares at her in disbelief, then looks in the distance, seeing three figures moving quickly, going over the crest of a hill and out of sight.

***Kayumi:*** *It’s over. Go back inside.*

Tex glares at the figures in the distance, seeing a familiar hat worn by one of them. His face grows red with rage.

***Tex:*** *THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN?! BEER BELLY’S ALIVE AND HIM AND THOSE GIRLS ARE GETTING AWAY! WHY ARE YOU IMPEDING THIS, WOMAN?!*

***Kayumi:*** *I said… drop it.*

***Tex:*** *I’ll shove that popsicle up your ass if you don’t get out of the FUCKING WAY AND LET US DO WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING FOR MONTHS!*

***Kayumi:*** *Eat a dick and take a breather, Tex. We’ve got clean-up to do.*

She points around to the zombies still lingering in the area. Then, wordlessly, she marches off to go and deal with some of them.

***Tex:*** *FUCK’S SAKE!*

Tex narrows his eyes at her as she walks away, glowering. Then, he stomps his way over to a zombie, and blows both of its kneecaps out, before crushing its head with his boot.

***Tex:*** *FUUUUUUUUUCK!*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #32**

**WORTHWOOD - GLOVER’S LODGE - LATE AFTERNOON**

It’s late in the afternoon, dusk already nearing. LLOYD WALLER stands across the street from the Glover’s lodge with a grimace. In one of his hands, gripped tightly, is a kitchen knife. Lloyd’s vision lowers to look at the steel, seeing himself in the reflection in it, but even then he knows that he’s not going to use this; it’s not something he could ever bring himself to do.

He finally decides to cross the street, and follows the short cobblestone path that leads up to the front door of the lodge. He’s about to knock, when a loud crash from instead stops him.

Needing to find out what’s going on, the boy sneaks around the side of the building to get access to a window. He sneakily peeks through the glass.

TODD GLOVER is seen inside, having fallen into a liquor cabinet. There’s booze spilled all over the floor in puddles, and shattered bottles.

***Todd:*** *Fucking… fuck. VIOLET!*

After a few moments, VIOLET GLOVER appears from down the hallway with tired looking eyes.

***Violet:*** *Dad… what the fuck are you doing?*

***Todd:*** *Don’t you talk to me like that, young lady. What… does it look like I’m doing? The fucking cabinet - it’s fucking down. Do you see? Do you see? Use your fucking eyes, will you?*

She glances between him, lying in the puddles of liquor, and the collapsed cabinet.

***Violet:*** *It’s late in the afternoon and you’re already drunk. Get a grip, will you?*

She turns to leave.

***Todd:*** *Get back here, Vy. Get back here right now and help me clean this shit up.*

He picks up one of the broken bottles, looking at it with a frown.

***Todd: (Muttering)*** *Was a fine fucking vintage too…*

***Violet:*** *Dad…*

***Todd:*** *FUCK!*

He throws the already shattered bottle into the wall, causing it to splinter into even more pieces, glass raining down on the floor. Violet flinches, stepping backwards.

***Violet:*** *I’ll… I’ll get the mop and brush.*

***Todd:*** *It’s all your fault, Vy. All of it.*

He sniffles, placing his hands against his head as he lightly sobs.

***Todd:*** *Why do you do this to me? Why do you look at me with such contempt? Like I’m some kind of monster?*

***Violet:*** *I don’t know what you’re talking about…*

***Todd:*** *You can’t even bring yourself to look at me, can you? I’m your father. You killed my wife… and my daughter… and you can’t even bring yourself to fucking look me in the eye.*

***Violet:*** *I didn’t…*

She stops herself, and takes a breath.

***Violet:*** *I know… I am sorry, okay? Let’s just clean this up and…*

***Todd:*** *No, I’m not fucking done. I’m not done* ***(He shakes his head)***. *Just you… you fucking listen to me, okay? You fucking listen…*

Todd slowly stands back up, his pants soaked and stinking of alcohol from lying in it. He starts to stumble towards Violet.

***Todd:*** *Don’t you ever… try to downplay what you did. Apologize… for killing your mother… for letting her and your sister die like that.*

***Violet:*** *I… I don’t… I… Dad… They…*

***Todd:*** *I left you for an hour, Vy. An hour. And you just… How could you let that happen to them? They were mutilated… because of you. BECAUSE OF YOU!*

He yells out, abruptly hitting her in the face. Violet is sent backwards into the wall. She looks back up at him, her nose now bleeding.

***Violet:*** *I didn’t… I don’t…*

***Todd:*** *Yes you fucking DID. YOU FUCKING DID!*

***Violet:*** *We BOTH FAILED TO PROTECT THEM. You did… I did… We both lost them. And now, you…*

***Todd:*** *You’re a fucking demon, Violet. One of these days… I hope you’ll just go out beyond those walls on one of your little trips and fucking die. Just fucking--*

She suddenly screams out, and lunges forward, punching him in the face. The man stumbles back a couple of feet, and holds his cheek in pain as he stares at her in shock.

***Todd:*** *You’re going to fucking regret that, young lady…*

He begins to advance quickly towards her, clenching a fist, but stops when he hears something.

***Lloyd:*** *Stop.*

Todd freezes, looking towards Lloyd, who’s standing in the hallway of their lodge.

***Todd:*** *Lloyd… Lloyd, hey. What are you… What are you doing… in my house?*

***Lloyd:*** *Step away from her. Right now.*

***Violet:*** *Lloyd…*

***Todd: (To Violet)*** *You shut the fuck up.*

The man then turns back to Lloyd, beginning to creep towards him.

***Todd:*** *What… are you doing in my house, Lloyd?*

***Lloyd:*** *What do you think? You’ve done enough. You won’t lay a hand on her again.*

***Todd: (He scrunches his face)*** *You don’t even know what you’re fucking talking about. You wouldn’t understand. A vicious brat like you could never understand… Ruthlessly beating down on your classmates… and you think you can come into my house… and what? WHAT?!*

He grabs Lloyd, violently shaking him. In fear, Lloyd grabs for his knife and swings it upward.

***Lloyd:*** *GET… OFF OF ME!*

The blade slashes across Todd’s cheek, leaving a nasty cut.

***Todd:*** *You fucking…!*

He rushes at Lloyd, slamming into him with all his might, knocking the boy back into a table, where he smacks his head and drops the knife.

***Violet:*** *Lloyd!*

The front door bursts open. Todd turns to see who it is - where he comes face to face with WILLIAM REYNES’ fist. It sends Todd staggering backwards to the floor, dazed.

***Todd:*** *What the…*

Another sledgehammer punch collides with Todd’s face, before William catches him by the scruff of his neck, dragging him down the hall, through the booze and shattered glass, and all the way to the front door, where William throws him into the open air. Todd tumbles down the steps, landing on the cobblestone path outside. He clambers, trying to recover.

William’s boot connects with the side of Todd’s head, sending him right back to the ground. From on the street, MADELYN OCONNELL and MAGGIE HOPKINS see what’s happening, and gasp, looking horrified.

***Madelyn:*** *Oh my god!*

***Maggie:*** *Maddy! Get the police!*

Madelyn rushes off. Todd grumbles, as he uses what little energy he has left to punch William in the stomach from on the ground.

***Todd:*** *GET OFF OF ME!*

William takes the hit, barely grimacing, before his hand coils around Todd’s neck, lifting him to his feet and then socking him back down with a right hook.

A small crowd starts to gather on the street, and among the crowd is MELANIE HOPKINS, JOSEPH BENSON, CHRISTOPHER WOODS and BARRY CHALLIS.

Violet appears in the doorway of the front door, looking on at the scene happening in front of her lodge. She opens her mouth to speak, but can’t bring herself to even say anything.

William continues to beat down on Todd, climbing on top of him and throwing punch after punch, each punch growing harder, arms moving like pistons. Todd lays there, covered in blood. He instinctively raises a hand to try and defend himself, as he gags up blood, spilling down across his chin.

***Todd:*** *Ghh--- sto---*

RANDALL FORSTER emerges from the police department just down the street, sprinting towards the scene with CODY WAKEFIELD and KEVIN NORTON just behind him.

***Randall:*** *William!*

Randall comes to a halt, breathless, while Kevin and Cody continue running ahead. Kevin’s arms lurch out as he attempts to restrain William, who continues to mercilessly beat Todd.

***Kevin:*** *STOP RESISTING, OFF!*

Cody tries a different approach, pulling out his pistol and training it towards William.

***Cody:*** *HEY! OFF HIM! NOW!*

Randall inches towards William, pleading with him.

***Randall:*** *William, bud.*

Out of nowhere, JON MATTHEWS rushes at Cody from the side, punching him in the face, causing him to fall and drop his gun.

***Cody:*** *WHAT--*

Jon charges at Kevin next, spearing him off of William.

***Kevin:*** *What the fuck!*

With nobody stopping William anymore, he continues to launch punches towards Todd’s face. By this point, the man isn’t even moving.

***Maggie:*** *Stop this!*

Jon begins to relentlessly beat on Kevin, punching him in the face once, twice, thrice.

***Randall:*** *Jon! Enough!*

Randall rushes in, pulling Jon back. Without even realizing who it is, Jon shoves Randall back. Randall stumbles, then wipes his face.

***Randall:*** *EASY!*

Cody, back on his feet with his pistol in hand, points it at Jon.

***Cody:*** *YOU PSYCHO! GET ON THE GROUND OR I’LL SHOOT YOU! I’LL DO IT!*

William’s pupils dilate, his beating continuing. Punch after punch.

***Jon:*** *Drop that fucking gun before I make you regret raising it.*

Fearlessly, Jon starts to speed walk towards Cody, before Randall steps in his way.

***Randall:*** *Jon! ENOUGH!*

Hammer fist after hammer fist clobbers down onto Todd.

***Cody:*** *What the FUCK are you doing, Randall? GO GET THAT PSYCHOTIC FRIEND OF YOURS OFF MR. GLOVER!*

Jon sighs, and allows himself to be handcuffed by Cody, while Randall sprints over to William, starting to pull him off.

***Randall:*** *Easy, man. Easy.*

Kevin clambers back to his feet and rushes over to assist Randall, and with both men restraining one of William’s arms, they finally get him off of Todd. William exhales shakily, as he looks around the street, eyes buzzing.

***Gerald:*** *WILLIAM!*

GERALD ROLAND comes stumbling over as fast as he can, cane in hand. ALLAN WHITE and ROMAN STROUD are with him.

As Gerald approaches the scene, he stares at William in anger as he and Jon are escorted away by the cops in handcuffs. And then, he turns his attention to the body lying by his feet, Gerald’s eyes widening.

Todd lays there, his head practically mush. It’s an unrecognizable mess of flesh and blood, puddling on the path. Todd Glover was dead.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #33**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - NOON**

AUSTIN KINGSTON drives silently, staring ahead at the road, not even blinking. GENNA BROHEM sits in the passenger seat beside him, and MACKENZIE BROHEM is lying down in the back, asleep.

Genna glances at him, seeing the bruises on his face, the chunk of hair missing from his beard. She sees how tense and uneasy he looks.

***Genna:*** *Are you-- okay? What… What happened? We heard a gunshot after the RV crashed, but didn’t see what happened.*

Austin lets the question sit for a few seconds.

***Austin:*** *I feel like shit, Genna. I got shot. And I killed a man, alright? One of those bikers. I just want to get back to Worthwood, and get some damn rest.*

***Genna: (She nods slowly)*** *And the woman? Who was she? You haven’t said…*

***Austin:*** *…Someone who was helping me. I’ll tell you more later -- I just can’t think straight right now, so - please.*

She looks away and out the window, sighing quietly.

***Genna:*** *Thanks for saving us. We’d be dead right now if not for you.*

***Austin:*** *Mhm.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #34**

**FOREST - CABIN - NOON**

KAYUMI SHIZUKO sheathes her katana, the last of the zombies finally taken out. AXEL exhales and lowers his crowbar.

***Axel:*** *Fuck me. Where the hell is Johnny?*

***Leland: (Wiping blood off his knife)*** *I’m curious about that myself.*

***Tex:*** *Maybe his blood pressure got to him? …No, but I wonder where.*

TEX puts away his knife and cleans some blood off of his shades, just as the sounds of several different engines are heard roaring, the purring of powerful motorcycles drawing closer to the cabin. A convoy of bikes was pulling up from an uneven dirt road beside the cabin. Twelve motorcycles in total, nearly all of them ridden by Japanese people. They park up in formation outside the cabin, organized.

KAIDO steps off of his bike near the back, swaggering forward, stretching his arms out. A scarred-man, DAIKI, gets off of his bike, crossing his arms as he looks on at the group in front of the cabin. ASUKA climbs off of her bike, a crossbow slung over her shoulder.

Stepping off of the biggest bike in the convoy is HEIWATEKI KOROSUKU, a man of herculean stature, standing a head and shoulders above even the tallest in the crowd of bikers. On his back, a sheathed sword, thick and heavy.

Finally, SHIRO SHIZUKO steps off of his motorcycle, making his way past everyone else in order to reach Kayumi. He’s got an ornate katana sheathed on his back, and seems to be dressed more for modeling than the apocalypse, with a slick, expensive jacket and shades resting on his head.

***Shiro:*** *I’m glad to see you’re alive, little sis.*

***Kayumi:*** *Of course I am.*

***Shiro:*** *You really gotta stop running off constantly… You know I worry about you, right? It’s an older sibling thing. Family sticks together, Kayumi.*

Then, Shiro walks right past her to meet Tex, LELAND and Axel, his expression changing from one of relief to one of frustration.

***Shiro:*** *What the fuck happened here?*

It’s Tex that answers for them, and he’s furious.

***Tex:*** *So that little whore didn’t want us to do our jobs. She PURPOSEFULLY --* ***PURPOSEFULLY*** *STANDS THERE AS THE THREE WE WERE TRACKING GOT AWAY! She’s a goddamn loose end, probably was fucking that beer belly, that’s why she was all like ‘IT’S OVER, IT’S OVER, ME NO WANT TO DO OUR JOBS!’.*

Tex takes a second to try and compose himself, as he stares at Kayumi, his face growing red like a bomb waiting to go off. He then looks towards Shiro, and sees him hardly paying attention - instead lighting a cigarette and smoking.

***Tex:*** *Are you even-- SHE’S A BITCH!*

Heiwateki takes slow steps forward, glaring down at Tex with cold, impassionate eyes. He calmly rests one of his hands on Tex’s shoulder.

***Heiwateki:*** *Wash out your mouth, while you still have hands to do it with. And watch your tone when you address Shiro. Clear?*

Tex shudders, looking up at the giant, who releases his grip on him.

***Tex:*** *Y-yeah, Heiwateki.*

***Shiro:*** *Don’t ever call my sister a bitch… or a whore… ever again. Do you hear me?*

He blows a cloud of smoke into Tex’s face.

***Shiro:*** *Walk away, Tex. Don’t come back until you’ve calmed down.*

***Tex:*** *Gotc-- gotcha, Shiro.*

Tex turns, and wanders off. When the man is gone, Shiro suddenly turns back to Kayumi, grabbing her arm.

***Shiro:*** *Is what he’s saying true? Did you help them escape?*

***Kayumi:*** *They weren’t worth the trouble, Shiro.*

Shiro simply shakes his head, and lets go of her, looking at Axel and Leland.

***Shiro:*** *Were they worth the trouble? Where… is Johnny?*

***Axel:*** *We dunno where the fuck Johnny went, he could be anywh--*

A twig snaps nearby, as the bikers could then see JOHNNY hobbling out from behind the side of the cabin. He sways from side to side, head bobbling back and forth. He groans quietly, pale, white eyes staring back at the bikers. He raises his arms, starting to approach them.

Shiro pushes past Axel, looking at Johnny. He inhales slowly, then exhales as he unsheathes his katana.

***Shiro:*** *They… did this, didn’t they?*

***Kayumi:*** *Shiro…*

***Shiro:*** *Asuka. Get on your bike. They can’t have gotten far. I want you to track them to the end of the fucking Earth if you have to, do you understand?*

***Asuka:*** *Yes, Shiro* ***(She nods)***.

Shiro looks around at the other bikers.

***Shiro:*** *We’re going to find WHOEVER THE FUCK DID THIS… AND MAKE THEM PAY!*

He turns around, raising his katana and swiftly beheading the zombified Johnny.