Chapter 5 - The Trio
Hey there guys, gals, and non binary pals! Tardispilot297 here bringing you a brand new chapter of Godzilla: New Dawn. This will probably be the largest chapter in this story at least I'm terms of length. Anyway, I hope you guys all enjoy!
Goji and Jaime trek along a long rural road. Surrounding them are woodlands. Jaime looks to the side and spots something on some hills in the distance.
Jaime: Holy shit.
They both stop to look at the remains of a crashed plane split into several pieces.
Jaime: You ever fly in one of those?
Goji: Not really. But from what I was told it wasn't all that was cracked up to be. Get shoved into a middle seat, barely any room to move around, and pay 12 bucks for a sandwich.
Jaime: Dude, you got to go up in the sky.
Goji: Yeah, well, so did they.
Goji continues walking forward up the road.
Jaime: Grim.
Jaime runs after Goji to catch up. The two continue to walk in silence before Jaime lets out a motorboat sound with her lips.
Jaime: So, everything came crashing down in one day?
Goji: Pretty much.
Jaime: How? I mean... No one started out as KKs, everybody's fine, eating in restaurants and flying in planes. And then, all at once? How did it even start? If you have to have G-Cells in your blood to become a KK, then who had them first? Was it a monkey? I bet it was a monkey.
Goji: It wasn't a monkey. I thought you went to school.
Jaime: Military school. They don't teach us how their shitty government failed to prevent a mutant apocalypse.
Goji thinks for a few moments and tries to explain things as best he can.
Goji: No one knows for sure, but, best guess... the energy of the weapons used to destroy the titans dispersed and became airborne. And some of it got into the food supply. Probably a basic ingredient like flour or sugar. There were certain brands of food that were sold everywhere, all across the country, across the world. Bread, cereal... pancake mix. You eat enough of it, it'll mutate your cells. So the tainted food all hits the store shelves around the same time, Thursday. People bought it, ate some Thursday night or Friday morning. Day goes on... they start to change. Weeks, months, the changes become more extreme. Then babies start getting born with mutations. People become scared, confused, and begin debating over human rights or racial equality which eventually erupts into a full blown conflict between humans and KKs. And about 5 or 6 years later, everything was gone.
Jaime and Goji walk in silence for a few minutes.
Jaime: It makes more sense than monkeys. Thanks.
Goji: Sure.
They continue walking until Goji stops and smells something in the air. Something very familiar to him.
Jaime: What?
Goji stares ahead and turns to look at the woods.
Goji: We'll cut across the woods here.
Jaime: Isn't the road easier?
Goji: Yeah, it's just... There's stuff up there you shouldn't see.
Jaime looks ahead at the road and continues walking.
Jaime: Well, now I have to see.
Goji: I don't want you to.
Jaime continues walking ignoring Goji's words.
Goji: I'm serious. Jaime!
Jaime: Can it hurt me?
Goji: No.
Jaime: You're too honest, man. Should've said axe murderer.
Goji lets out an irritated sigh and follows after her. Jaime looks around as she walks.
Jaime: Uh... whatever it was... think it's gone.
Jaime looks to her right and stops looking down in a nearby dried up river. Inside countless skeletons litter the ground with shreds of tattered clothing just barely clinging to some of the bones, swaying in the breeze. Goji walks up and stands next to her looking down at the mass grave.
Goji: About a week after the KK attacks started, soldiers... went through the countryside, evacuated the small towns. Told you you were going to a Safe Zone, and you were... if there was room.
Jaime: And if there wasn't...
Goji just stands next to her silent.
Jaime: These people weren't KKs?
Goji: No, probably not.
Jaime: Why kill them? Why not just leave 'em be?
Goji: Dead people can't be mutated.
Goji and Jaime start to walk up the road away from the grave site. After a few miles Goji stops to look over at the horizon and points off into the distance.
Goji: Now there we go…
A mile awaya town can be seen in the distance. He looks down over the nearby guardrail.
Goji: Yeah, it'll be faster to go through here.
Goji and Jaime vault over into the forest. As they walk forward Jaime marvels at their surroundings.
Jaime: Man…
Goji: What?
Jaime: Nothing. It's just… I'll never get used to stuff like this, that's all.
Goji: You mean walking through the woods?
Jaime: Yeah. Never walked through the woods. It's kinda cool.
Goji continues leading the way. Small animals can be spotted in the woods around them.
Jaime: Hey so remind me again why we had to ditch the jeep back there?
Goji: If the JSDF are after us, we can't trust that they don't have their vehicles tagged with trackers.
Jaime: Well we haven't seen them since yesterday. Maybe they've given up.
Goji: Kid, I don't mean to upset you, but when you end up on the JSDF's hit list chances of them just "giving up" aren't too high to begin with.
Jaime: I thought they were supposed to be the good guys. You know, like Monarch.
Goji: After KKs started to pop up world wide, Most of the world's old governments dedicated a number of resources to either contain them or eradicate them. Overnight the JSDF went from being national peacekeepers to international mercenaries. They even subjected KKs to all manner of cruel science experiments. Even forced them into doing manual labor like sewage cleanup. All in the name of "Equality and Understanding".
Jaime: And people were just ok with that?
Goji: When it comes to racial differences, the lines between humane and cruel begin to blur into a gray area. Trust me, I wish it was different.
They emerge from the woods and arrive at the town's far gate. Goji attempts to open it, but discovers that it's locked.
Goji: Well, shit. [Sighs]
Jaime: Should we climb it?
Goji: Nah, wire on top of it. We gotta find a way to go around.
Goji walks around and vaults over a log on the left side of the gate.
Jaime: [Laughs] Whoa, look.
Goji turns around and sees Jaime surrounded by fireflies.
Jaime: Fireflies. I mean, real fireflies.
Goji: Yeah, I see that.
Jaime pauses and shakes her head before following behind Goji.
Jaime: Sorry, I… I lost myself for a sec.
Goji attempts to walk around the back side of the fence, only to find it leads to a dead end.
Goji: Shit. Yeah, not around here either.
He turns around and climbs onto the top of a small building.
Goji: Let me get up here, and I'll get a look.
He looks around and finds a nearby plank. He picks it up and positions it to span the gap between the two buildings.
Goji: Here we go.
Goji goes to the edge and pulls Jaime up onto the roof with him. The pair cross the plank onto the other roof. Goji examines the town in the distance.
Goji: There's gotta be something over there worth salvaging.
Jaime: Where do you usually find stuff?
Goji: Huh? Different places.
Jaime: You've never searched in a town like this, have you?
Goji: I know this is where most supplies can be found, but… no, I've never scavenged in one like this, personally.
Jaime: And you think there's a working car and stuff here?
Goji: Sure as hell better be.
Jaime: Well, let's go check it out then.
Goji: All right, come on.
They drop down from the roof, now on the other side of the fence, and continue towards the town. Joel approaches a fence to the right made out of strong metal.
Goji: Yeah, no way am I breaking that. C'mon, let's see if there's another way around here.
Goji and Jaime walk along until they find an opening in a nearby fence.
Goji: Down here. Just watch your step. It's a good drop.
They drop down and approach a brick building. They take a few steps forward before they start to hear a clicking noise nearby.
Jaime: What is that?
Goji turns a corner and stops cold.
Goji: [Quietly] Oh, shit.
Goji spots a mantis-like KK in the shed in front of them. He quickly gestures for Jaime to stick to the wall next to him.
Goji: [Whispers] Jaime, get back.
Jaime peeks out and spots the mantis KK.
Jaime: Is that another KK?
Goji: Yeah but it looks feral.
Jaime: Is that good or bad?
Goji: It's what happens when KKs let their primal instincts get out of control. And where there's one, there's bound to be more. Just stay close and keep quiet.
They continue through the back alley. Goji whispers for Jaime to stay put and goes a little ahead to check if the coast is clear. Instead he finds another mantis KK skulking behind a wall. Goji tries to stay still as it movespast him like an animal searching for prey. Its mantis blade arms outstretched as it moves its head around searching with its two large orange blub eyes and half human/half insect-like mandibles making a loud clicking sound as a clear yellow goo drips from its mouth. He waits for it to get far enough away before he signals Jaime to come over towards him. They approach another locked fence nearby which Goji boosts Jaime over while he quickly pulls himself up and climbs over.
He turns around and enters the nearby building through the backdoor, leading to the first floor of a liquor store.
Goji: Through here.
They start to forage the second floor for supplies. Goji hears a strange sound behind him and turns around to see Jaime begin blowing air.
Goji: Are you all right?
Jaime: I'm trying to learn how to whistle. [Continues blowing.]
Goji: You don't know how to whistle?
Jaime: Well does it sound like I know how to whistle? [Continues blowing.]
Goji just shakes his head and continues looking around. They finish scavenging and exit the building. Goji goes to open the fence on the opposite side, but it is blocked by a pipe.
Goji: Ah, shit. It's jammed from the other side.
Jaime: Here, boost me up.
Goji: No, no, that's not such a good idea.
Jaime: Well, I can't boost you up. How else are we gonna get over there?
Eventually Goji concedes and approaches the gate to prepare to boost her.
Goji: All right, c'mere. Gimme your foot.
Jaime places her foot in Goji's hands which helps to boost her up over the fence.
Goji: Now listen, you just open it, okay? Nothing else.
Jaime: Sure thing.
She drops down to the other side.
Jaime: Okay.
She removes the pipe and opens the gate.
Jaime: Okay. Ta-da.
Goji: Good job.
Jaime: Thank you.
They enter onto the main street of the town which appears to be very peaceful and quiet. Goji leads Jaime as they walk around.
Jaime: So, let's say we manage to find a new car and supplies. Then what?
Goji: Well, then we go back on the road and continue to head up north.
Jaime: And if the JSDF manages to catch back up with us?
Goji: Let's just cross that bridge when we get to it.
Jaime: Hey so I've been meaning to task, Did you know that woman back there? The one who wanted to shoot you in the head?
Goji: You don't survive out here long without making a few enemies along the way.
Jaime: Oh, okay. You wanna talk about it?
Goji: Let's just say we have a history.
Jaime: What did you guys used to date or something?
Goji gives her a serious look over his shoulder.
Jaime: Ok sorry, I was just joking.
They walk into the backyard of a flower shop. Spread on the ground are garden gnomes.
Jaime: Hey, look. Gnomes.
Goji: Yeah. Those are gnomes.
Jaime: Man, I had an art book filled with these. I always thought they were super cute. Not fairies though. They creep me out.
Goji: All right, then.
They walk across the street and into an abandoned pizzeria. There's an old arcade machine against the wall with the words "Mortal Kombat 2" painted on the side.
Jaime: Oh… look at that.
Jaime approaches the arcade machine and Goji follows close behind.
Goji: What, have you played this before?
Jaime: Nah. But I had a friend that knew everything about this game. Apparently, there's this character called Mileena who'd… What was it? She'd punch a hole through your stomach before kicking your head off.
Goji: [Scoffs] Actually she'd remove her mask and show that she had a monster mouth full of teeth and suck you up into her mouth and spit out your bones.
Jaime: Wait, Have you played this game?
Goji: Once. A long time ago.
Jaime: Lucky. I wish I could play it.
Goji: Come on. Let's keep moving.
The pair move back outside and continue walking down the street. It is filled with abandoned cars. Jaime spots an old emergency sign.
Jaime: [Reading] "Mandatory evacuation." So people really just up and left because of KK attacks?
Goji: Not always. See, in the past some places got a head's up before a Titan showed up. Most didn't.
Jaime: Man, must be hard. Just… leaving all your stuff behind like that.
Goji: Some would argue that that wasn't the hard part.
They keep walking down the street until they notice a makeshift barbed wire barricade blocking off a side street. Goji crouches down to examine it.
Goji: Hmm. Looks like someone tried to make this place more secure.
Jaime: You think anybody still lives in this town?
Goji: If they did, I doubt they'd be friendly to outsiders.
Goji and Jaime climb on top of a nearby RV and spot an abandoned SUV with a Monarch symbol on the side.
Jaime: Monarch was everywhere, huh?
Goji: Yeah, they were. [Sarcastically] Hoping to maintain peace and restore the planet to what it was.
Jaime: Well… with the G-Cells in my DNA, maybe they will.
Goji: [Scoffs] Maybe.
The two continue down the street and enter a nearby Marquis Music Store.
Jaime: Whoa. Look at this place.
Jaime looks around as Goji loots the back room. He comes back out as she starts inspecting some vinyl records on display.
Jaime: Man, this is kinda sad.
Gojil: What is?
Jaime: All this music that's just sitting here. No one's around to listen to it. [Pauses] I don't know. Doesn't seem right does it?
Goji: Let's just keep moving.
They exit and enter an alley on the side of the music store. A mantis KK comes out from around the corner, but it stumbles into a tripwire attached to a hidden bomb, killing it in a loud explosion.
Goji: Jesus!
Jaime: Whoa, Nelly. Wha—? What the hell was that?
Goji: That… would be a boobytrap.
Jaime: Wha—? You think the locals were a bit paranoid, maybe?
Goji: Now that's putting it lightly.
Jaime: What's the deal with people like this?
Goji: Well, much like that elderly couple, some people were against the idea of just abandoning their homes. It … It gave them a sense of hope to keep on living.
Ellie: Well, let's hope we don't blow up because of them.
Goji: Just watch your step. You'll be fine.
The pair turn the corner to find a mantis KK corpse stuck full of arrows. Goji goes up to inspect it and starts to collect the arrows.
Jaime: Geez. Guess someone was good with a bow?
Goji: Certainly looks that way.
They continue on and Goji spots something above them. He uses a nearby ladder to climb onto the box truck. On top, a bow leans against a chair, representing a lookout spot. He picks up the bow and examines it testing the string and bow strength.
Goji: Hmm… Pretty decent quality.
Goji jumps back down next to Jaime.
Jaime: Cool. Let me use that. I'm a pretty good shot with that thing.
Goji: How 'bout we just leave this kind of stuff to me.
Jaime: Well, I figured we could both be armed. Cover each other you know?
Goji: Yeah, I don't think so.
Goji stashes the bow in his pack. The two cross a plank onto a nearby building. Goji waits for Jaime to cross and picks up the plank.
Goji: Here, we can actually use this.
He sets the plank against the wall and climbs a ladder.
Goji: It's all clear, come on up.
Jaime: All right.
Jaime climbs up as Goji walks towards the ledge of the roof, in-between him and the opposite building is a gap. He looks straight down to the concrete street below.
Goji: Well, shit.
He turns around and picks up the plank, positioning it so they can cross onto the opposite roof. They do so, only to find a mantis KK just up ahead.
Goji: Shit. [Draws bow] Let's give this baby a whirl.
Goji quickly fires an arrow at the mantis KK and pierces its head, killing it.
Jaime: Great shot!
Goji: Yeah well, I've had some practice.
They continue traversing the rooftops. Upon reaching the end, they descend a ladder and drop down to an alley. In front of them is another tripwire bomb.
Goji: See that wire? Stay underneath it, okay? Just keep your head low and you'll be fine.
Jamie: All right.
They carefully duck under the tripwire. Suddenly banging erupts from a door to their left.
Jaime: You hear that?
Goji: Yeah.
He approaches the door and the banging suddenly stops.
Jaime: Oh, shit, you're gonna go in there?
Goji: I wanna see what we can find.
Jaime: You're gonna find my body when I die from a heart attack.
Goji: Don't worry. I got this.
Goji enters the building and climbs the stairs to an apartment. Suddenly a mantis KK bursts out from the bathroom and towards Goji. He quickly evades its blades and swings his machete to cut its head clean off. Its body lies on the floor twitching slightly as both Goji and Jaime start panting.
Jaime: Geez! That thing scared the shit outta me.
Goji: Well, while we're here, let's—let's search the place.
They start searching the apartment for supplies. Jaime approaches a table with the word "Rachel" and an arrow written on the wall above it.
Jaime: Rachel…
Lying on the table is a note. Goji comes over and examines it.
Goji: [Reading] Rachel, Soldiers are going door to door forcing people onto buses. I hear yelling a couple of buildings down - time's running out. I tried calling, waiting, I don't know what to do, but I can't wait anymore. I've thrown most of our stuff into a couple of suitcases. I'll be waiting for you in the safe zone. Come find me. I'll see you soon! -Ezra.
Jaime: You think they ever found each other?
Goji: How the hell would I know?
Jaime: Well, I'd like to think they did.
Goji puts the note back on the table as they leave the apartment and Goji starts descending the stairs.
Goji: C'mon, let's get the hell outta here.
Jaime: Okay.
They exit the building and back into the alley. They find two tripwire bombs blocking a fence door. Goji looks around for another way through but then gets an idea. He reaches down and picks up a brick off the ground and aims it at the bombs.
Goji: All right, stand back.
Jaime: All right.
He throws the brick and hits a bomb, tripping them and causing them to explode.
Jaime: Oh, shit. Those things are kinda awesome.
Goji: I guess that's one way to do it.
They go through the door and continue down the alley, shortly before coming across another tripwire.
Goji: Ok, Get back.
He triggers the trap andenters a nearby building. He opens the next door.
Goji: Jaime, come on, just…
As he opens the door into a garage, he sets off a weight trap, stringing him by his leg.
Goji: Oh, shit!
It slams him into the ground then hangs him upside down from the ceiling.
Jaime: Goji!
Jaime runs over to Goji to help steady him.
Jaime: Here… I got you.
Goji: Goddammit, Can't believe I fell for this again…
Jaime: What just happened?
Goji: It's another one of those old stupid traps!
Goji looks around the inside of the garage and follows the rope along to see the other end tied to an old fridge.
Goji: There, that fridge. It looks like that's the counterweight.
Jaime: Okay.
She runs to the fridge and climbs on it.
Goji: Cut that rope and it'll bring me down!
Jaime: On it!
She reaches over and starts cutting the rope with her switchblade. She goes slowly at first until she starts to hear a distant screeching sound getting closer towards them. She glances up and sees a large pack of mantis KKs start approaching in the distance.
Jaime: Goji?
Goji: [Draws his pistol] Shit, I see them!
Goji defends himself from the incoming pack as Jaime continues to cut the rope. She stops briefly to look at him.
Jaime: Goji!
Goji: Just tend to the rope!
He continues shooting the pack one after the other carefully aiming his shots so as not to waste ammo.
Goji: Jaime, how's it looking?
Jaime: I'm going as fast as I can!
More mantis KKs continue to appear like a seemingly endless swarm.
Goji: Jaime!
Jaime: Agh, I need a bit more time!
Goji manages to kill the first wave of mantis KKs before having to quickly reload his pistol.
Goji: Anytime, Jaime.
Jaime: Hold on!
She causes the fridge to drop, but it only strings Goji higher, who now finds it difficult to aim.
Jaime: Fuck!
Goji: You all right?
Jaime: Yeah!
Goji: C'mon. You can do it.
Jaime: Okay…Here!
She reaches into her pack and tosses him some ammunition and continues cutting the rope.
Goji: Thanks.
Goji notices more mantis KKs breaking through the fence in the distance.
Goji: Shit.
Jaime: [Struggling] Come on! It's not cutting!
Goji: Just hurry!
More mantis KKs charge into the garage as Goji defends Jaime, shooting them dead.
Goji: Jaime, they're gettin' close!
Jaime finally cuts the counterweight, dropping Goji hard to the ground.
Jaime: Got it!
Goji: Damn it…
As Goji begins to stand, a mantis KK charges at him.
Jaime: Goji, watch out!
Goji: All right—
The mantis KK tackles Goji back into the ground. He struggles to push it off but it is suddenly struck in the head by a modified metal pipe. After Goji pushes the KK away a hand holds out to him. He looks up to see a woman, wearing boots, leather gloves, a light brown jumpsuit, a white tank top, and a gas mask. He also notices a pair of floppy dog-like ears covered in faded golden yellow fur. Goji grabs his hand.
Stranger: Come with me if your ass wants to live.
She lifts Goji to his feet with seemingly little effort. She runs up and swings her pipe at another incoming mantis KK smashing its skull like a melon and goes to pull Jaime up off the ground next.
Stranger: You too shrimp.
Jaime: Wha—?
The woman then pulls out a small sawed off shotgun and shoots another mantis KK running at her, killing it. She leads them out of the garage. Once outside, she shoots a chain with her sawed off, causing the garage door behind them to fall down, blocking off the pack.
Stranger: All right kiddies. This way. Try to keep up.
She starts to bolt off with Goji and Jaime running after to catch up. They turn a corner only to come face to face with another KK pack that were attracted by all the sounds.
Goji: Oh, shit.
Jaime: Oh, fuck.
Stranger: Ah, yeah that ain't good.
Goji shoots at the invading pack.
Stranger: Right so this path's a no-go! Gonna need an alternate exit!
Goji: Which way?
Stranger: All right, we'll, ah… We'll cut through… Here!
She leads them down an alley. Jaime follows behind while Goji covers the rear shooting mantis KKs as they come.
Goji: Run, Jaime!
Jaime: I'm going.
The womanleads them down an alleyway to a locked door.
Stranger: Oh shoot! Now where's that key?
As she goes to take out her keys, the pack closes in.
Jaime: Guys—behind us!
Goji: Lady, come on!
Stranger: Ok hold on I almost… Aw screw it!
She starts kicking the door, opening it just in time. The three rush inside a laundromat as the woman slams the door behind them.
Jaime: Shit.
Stranger: Don't get comfortable now. We ain't out of the killing jar just yet.
Mantis KKs start coming in from the other side.
Goji: They're coming through the door!
Stranger: Well then fuckin' take 'em out genius. That's our only way through.
Goji: Jaime, stay back! Stay back!
Jaime gets behind Goji as he and the woman are forced to kill the oncoming pack. After gunning down two more KKs, Goji runs out of ammo and switches to his machete. He starts cleaving through KKs like a butcher through meat while the woman starts cheering and laughing like a madwoman swinging her pipe and using all kinds of spinning kicks to get the upper hand on the pack. She jumps in the air and flips over one of them and grabs them from behind to use as a meat shield from an incoming blade attack from another. She then shoves them forward and jumps up to swing her pipe down smashing their skull like an egg hitting the pavement. She then straightens up and takes a deep breath in.
Stranger: All right, let's go—we're in the home stretch now. Follow me.
She leads them outside the other end of the laundromat. A pack of mantis KKs start to break through a barricade.
Goji: Oh, shit. They're coming over!
Suddenly one of the KKs gets shot in the head from above. Goji looks up and sees a man wearing a faded tan t-shirt,denim trousers with pockets, a simple dusty sleeveless denim jacket with shoulder pad, a shin guard, and a bandana covering his face with red spiky hair on his head standing on top of a nearby box truck. In his hands he's holding an old hunting rifle and looking through the mounted scope.
Stranger 2: C'mon! They're gettin' through! Keep going, this way—through the truck!
He fires another shot killing another mantis KK. The trio climb through a box truck and out the other end. Not far off a large man in stretched out clothes waves them over outside a door.
Stranger 3: All right. This way! Hurry!
Goji: Move, Jaime! Move!
Jaime: I'm going, I'm going!
The woman and Jaime reach the door as a mantis KK continues to chase Goji.
Stranger 3: Rodney, c'mon!
The man on the truck throws the rifle over his shoulder on his back and jumps off the truck. He throws his arms out and extends a pair of red leathery wings to help him glide over and fly through the door followed closely by Goji and the large man. The three run into a diner and slam the metal door shut. The mantis KK on the other side bangs against the door. The large man eventually seals the door shut. Everyone starts gasping and panting trying to catch their breath. Goji takes note of the trio in the room. The woman takes off the gas mask and shakes out a mess of hair the same color as her fur along with a small tail with a tuft of fur at the end sticking out of the back of the pants of her jumpsuit. The one named Rodney removed the bandana to reveal a beak-like mouth resembling that of a bird or even a pterodactyl. His wings were folded slightly under his arms. The large man had a number of spikes poking out of his back through his shirt and a spiked tail dragging behind him on the floor. He had a tuft of grayish green hair on his head with a small horn sticking out of one side of his head. He had a few jagged fang-like teeth poking out of his mouth.
There was no doubt in his mind. All three of them were KKs. The only question now was whether or not they were friends or foes.
Jaime: Man… that was close.
Rodney looks over and approaches Jaime.
Jaime: Uh… thanks for the heroics and all.
Rodney looks down at her and reaches behind his back.
Jaime: Uh, HI. I'm Jaime.
Jaime reaches out her arm for a handshake. Rodney grabs her wrist and quickly handcuffs it.
Jaime: Hey, what are you—Goji?!
Goji tries to move to stop him but stops when he feels a blade at his throat. He takes a sideways glance and sees the woman now in possession of his machete.
Stranger: Easy now big boy.
Jaime: What are you doing?!
Rodney handcuffs her to a pipe.
Goji: Hey!
Jaime: [Struggling] Let me go!
Stranger 3: Sorry about this.
Rodney turns to look at the woman.
Rodney: Dammit CeCe how many times have I told you not to make so much noise? You know it attracts them.
CeCe: Hey, blame Wyatt Earp here. He was the one shooting the place up like it's the OK Corral.
Rodney: [Pulls out a pistol on Goji.] Get on your knees.
Goji: [Hands up] Just calm down a second.
Rodney: [Demanding] Turn around and get on your knees!
Goji: All right!
CeCe knees him in the back of the leg, causing him to fall to the floor.
Rodney: Don't test me! CeCe, check him!
CeCe: With pleasure darlin.
Goji: Just… [Winces] take it easy.
Jaime forcefully tugs to get free and the weak pipe begins to wiggle.
CeCe: [Searching Goji] You got any pals we should be worried about?
Goji: No.
Rodney: Don't lie to us!
Goji: No, goddammit, It's just me and the girl!
CeCe: Ok he's clean.
Rodney: Well you just stay right there, if I see so much as a twitch—
Jaime successfully loosens the pipe from the wall and whacks the large man with it.
Stranger 3: OW! JESUS!
As Rodney turns to her, she strikes him in the arm with the pipe.
Rodney: Ow! Son of a- [Falters back.]
CeCe: [Catches Jaime's next swing and takes the pipe.] Whoa! Easy there spitfire.
CeCe grabs Jaime by the shirt collar and tosses her to the floor. She quickly draws her sawed off to aim it at her head stopping Jaime in her tracks. CeCe looks over at the large man gripping his head.
CeCe: You good over there Ang?
Ang: [Painfully groaning] I think she cracked my horn.
CeCe: [Pauses and looks at Rodney] You good?!
Rodney: [Looks up at CeCe] Am I good…? You lead these two yahoos into our house, they set off all our traps, They damn near break my shootin' arm. [Looks at Goji and Jaime] Wh-who the fuck are these punks and what're they doing here?
Jaime: [Aggressively] We are none of your goddamn business, and we're here because Goji and I are searching for a car.
The three look at eachother and CeCe goes over and brings the sawed off closer to Jaime's head.
CeCe: Is that right?
Goji: Look, we don't want any trouble. We just need a car.
Rodney: Well, it's a bit late for that. Every creepy crawly in the neighborhood heard you popping off rounds.
Jaime: So?
Rodney: So congrats to your friend Clint Eastwood here, you just rang the dinner bell and fucked us all.
Jaime: Then why save us in the first place?
Rodney: I wasn't saving you. I was saving my friend.
Jaime: Then how come she saved us?
Rodney: Good question. Why the hell did you save them CeCe?
All eyes fell on the woman still holding a shotgun to Jaime's head. She just looked around at everyone and a moment later she just shrugged and held the gun up.
CeCe: Honestly I was bored. Saving these loser's asses seemed like a good bit of fun.
Rodney: [Facepalms] Goddammit CeCe.
Goji stands up and goes over to help Jaime.
Goji: Look what if instead of blaming each other over whose fault it is, we work together to get out of this alive?
Ang: What do you mean?
Goji: Put simply we help you get out of this town alive, and in return you three give us a car. Fair trade?
The trio exchanges glances with each other in silent deliberation.
Ang: That sounds fair to me.
CeCe: Honestly all I care about is getting to ditch this two bit shithole.
Rodney: Well, if we had a car that works, which we sure as hell don't, what makes you think we'd just give it to you? Huh? [Sarcastically] Yeah, sure, go ahead, take our car. Take all of our food too while you're at it.
Jaime: By the looks of it, you could lose some of that food.
Ang: Hey that was uncalled for.
CeCe: I don't know I'd have to agree with the shrimp on that one Angelo.
Angelo: Oh screw you CeCe!
CeCe: Only in your dreams, fat boy.
Goji: [Holds Jaime back] I need you to shut up. All right?
Jaime: But–
Goji: I mean it.
Jaime: [Scoffs] Fine.
Goji walks up to Rodney leaning against a table.
Goji: We could really use your help.
Rodney: Whatever help you think we can give ya, it ain't worth that much.
Goji: Actually, it is.
Rodney looks at Goji who just gives him a look mixed with seriousness and desperation. Rodney's hard expression seems to soften a bit and looks over back at Jaime. He catches out of the corner of his eye CeCe and Angelo looking at him expecting a decision from him.
Rodney: Well, it don't matter 'cause we don't have a car that works.
Angelo: But there is one in this town.
Rodney: Parts. There are parts in this town, Ang.
CeCe: Meaning that I could fix one up.
Ang: Yeah c'mon Rodney.
Goji: We'd owe you one after this. Whatever you want.
Rodney: [Exhales] All right. [Straightens out a map] If we're gonna do this, there's some gear we're gonna need.
Goji: All right.
Everybody gathers around to look at the map.
Rodney: [Points at map] It's on the other side of town. Now you help us go gather it, and maybe CeCe can put something together that runs.
CeCe: Bitch what are you talkin about "maybe"?
Rodney: But after this, [Reaches into pocket] you owe us. Big time. [Slams keys on the table.]
Goji: That's fine. Chances are we'll probably all be dead anyway. [Uses keys to remove Jaime's cuff.]
Rodney: Good. Follow us. Whole goddamn town's booby trapped, best stay right on our ass.
Jaime: Can't miss it…
CeCe: [Chuckles] I'm starting to like this kid.
Ang: Shut up.
Goji: [Turns around. Quietly] Knock it off.
He pulls Jaime forward as they follow the Trio.Inside the diner all manner of supplies, weapons, and resources are gathered up in a bunch of small boxes and packs.
Rodney: All right. Whatever supplies you may want or need, I suggest you grab them.
Goji: All right, thank you. Jaime, take a look around and see if there's anything we can use.
Jaime: All righty.
They go through all the supplies for what they need. Jaime goes up to Goji while the others pack up to leave.
Jaime: Man. He's got a fuckin' stick up his ass.
Goji: Just… stay out of his way.
The pair catches up to the Trio. Goji approaches a chessboard at one of the booths. Goji looks at the board, reminiscing about the person who first taught him how to play this game. 'I wonder if I ever would've beaten them if things turned out different.' Jaime walks in from behind, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Jaime: Hey, you know how to play this?
Goji: Yeah. Pretty badly, but yeah.
Jaime: I always wanted to learn.
She reaches out to touch the board. Only to have CeCe shout over at her.
CeCe: Whoa Hey there, Bobby Fischer—don't touch anything on that board!
CeCe comes over and looks over the chessboard for a few seconds before packing it up with everything else.
Jaime: Bobby what?
Goji: Just let it go.
After a few minutes everyone regroups with Rodney at the exit. Angelo carrying everything in multiple packs strapped to his back.
Rodney: Got everything we need?
Angelo: All set Rodney.
Rodney: [Looking at Goji and Jaime] And you?
Goji: We're good.
Rodney unlocks the door and heads up the staircase. Goji holds the door open for everyone else.
Goji: All right, Jaime. Come on.
Jaime steps through the door last.
Rodney: Don't leave the door open. We don't need any of those bugs sneaking up on us from behind.
Goji: I got it.
He turns around and closes the door tight behind them.
Rodney: Alright. We have to cross to the other building. Up the stairs. Let's move it.
Jaime: Psh.
Goji: [To Jaime, quietly] Just, stay with me.
They begin to ascend the stairs and follow Rodney and the others.
Rodney: [To himself] "Honestly I was bored." Jesus CeCe, Can't believe you sometimes. What you shoulda done was just left them back there.
Jaime: [To Angelo] Your friend's a real piece of work huh?
Angelo: Yeah, But he means well. He's actually a nice guy once you get to know him.
Jaime: Right.
Angelo: I'm Angelo by the way. Sorry about earlier.
Jaime: Yeah. Sorry about hitting you with that pipe.
Angelo: No worries. I have a hard skull.
CeCe: You also got a fat ass.
Angelo: Shut up CeCe. Nobody asked you.
CeCe: Just sayin.
Jaime: Is she a kind person when you get to know her too?
Angelo: I'll let you know when I figure that out myself.
At the top of the stairs, They follow Rodney through a destroyed portion of the building.
Rodney: So what's the deal with you guys anyway? Why do you need a car so bad?
Goji: It's sort of a job. A simple drop-off.
Rodney: What are you delivering?
Goji looks over at Jaime. Rodney chuckles a little.
Rodney: Seriously? That little brat?
Jaime: [Sarcastically] Haha. Fuck you, too.
CeCe: [Belly laughs] Y'know, I—I hope you get a chance to tell us the full story if we make it out of this alive.
Jaime: [Scoffs] Are you kidding me with this chick?
They continue to follow Rodney through the building.
Goji: So, where are we going?
Rodney: Our other safehouse.
CeCe: It's more of an armory really.
Jaime: Wait, I thought we were gonna fix up a car?
CeCe: We? You know how to fix a—
Goji: Guys, just…
Rodney: It's like I said, what we need is on the other side of town.
CeCe: Now, that side we don't ever go to 'cause it's where the nasty little buggers have set up their own little nest. So, we're gonna need more guns.
They continue into a different section of the building. They descend a staircase and enter a hears a mantis KK knock something over and cry in the next room.
Goji: Shhh. There's one inside.
They enter the room to find a mantis KK caught in one of the Trio's traps.
Angelo: I thought you said you took care of that?
CeCe: Oh… I've been meaning to take care of that. Relax, it's nothin'.
Rodney looks over at Goji.
Rodney: So, you didn't answer my question about the car. I mean, what's so special about this kid that you'd willingly brave this living nightmare?
Goji: She's important.
Rodney: Yeah, sure… important.
CeCe walks over to the feral KK and starts smashing it with her pipe.
CeCe: Sounds to… me… like there may be more… to the story… than just… a simple drop off.
She kills the feral KK, its blood splattering all over the floor.
Jaime: Aw, gross.
Goji: Yeah, something like that.
CeCe: Ok. Got that taken care of.
Rodney: All right… here we go.
Rodney unlocks a door and holds it open for everyone. They exit into a parking lot full of abandoned cars.
Jaime: [To CeCe] So… why don't you fix one of these cars?
CeCe: [Sarcastically] Oh, my God, you're a genius. I mean the whole time, why on earth hadn't we thought about fixin' one of these cars?
Jaime: Okay… don't be a dick.
CeCe: The fact is their tires are rotted and their batteries are dead.
Jaime: [Sighs] Are you done?
CeCe: Can't even begin to think what the inside of the engine blocks look like. Only ones making new car batteries are the JSDF.
The group takes a few steps forward when Goji picks up on a small sound.
Goji: Hold on, You all hear that?
Angelo: Hear what?
CeCe's ears perk up and she starts to grin. Much to Angelo's dismay.
Angelo: Oh no.
CeCe: Ohhh yeah.
Rodney readies his rifle while Goji reloads his pistol. All the while the clicking sound gets louder and louder.
CeCe: Here we go!
Suddenly a pack of mantis KKs emerge from around the back of the parking lot and start attacking the group.
Rodney: Goddammit.
Angelo: They found us!
Goji: Stick together!
The group starts shooting up the pack with their respective weapons. Angelo sticks close to Jaime to protect her using his spiked tail to smash any KKs that get close. Rodney and Goji both expertly shoot one feral KK after another in the head. Eventually CeCe pulls out a small homemade pipe bomb and tosses it in the center of the pack.
CeCe: Fire in the hole!
The loud beeping sound successfully lures the remaining feral KKs toward the device who practically pile onto it. After a few seconds the device explodes and kills the pack.
CeCe: Alright it worked!
Rodney lets out a heavy sigh.
Rodney: All right… This way.
He walks ahead and unlocks a nearby gate leading to a dilapidated church.
Rodney: And up we go.
The rest of the group follow him inside. Goji takes a look around the place.
Goji: You guys picked a hell of a place to hole up, didn't ya?
Rodney: You know, as bad as those things are, at least they're predictable.
CeCe: Yeah, It's the normal people that you gotta watch out for.
Rodney shuts the gate behind them.
CeCe: [To Goji] I figure you of all people should understand that.
Jaime: What does that mean?
CeCe: Nothin'.
They start ascending the stairs to the church. Goji looks back at the gate.
Goji: You sure that gate's gonna hold 'em?
Rodney: Well, I locked it. And last I checked they don't have a key.
They arrive and come to the church's backyard.
Goji: So, which way?
Rodney: We're here. It's in the cellar.
Angelo walks over and opens the cellar door.
Rodney: All right, down here.
The Trio leads Jaime and Goji down the steps to the church's basement.
CeCe: Well, here we are. [Turns to Jaime] You. Don't touch anything.
Jaime shrugs in response. Rodney stops and turns to Goji.
Rodney: Close the door.
Goji complies and closes the cellar doors. They walk into the dark basement as Rodney lights a nearby lamp.
Rodney: Alright. Let's gear up.
Goji starts to follow Rodney but stops to reach his arm out to stop Jaime.
Goji: Uh-uh.
Jaime: What? I need a gun.
Goji: No you don't.
Jaime: Goji, [Softly] I can handle myself.
Goji: No. Just… stay here.
He walks away to catch up with Rodney.
Jaime: [Scoffs] Fine. I'll just wait around for you guys to get me killed.
Rodney opens a container and takes out a shotgun.
Rodney: Well I just wanna say that this goes on record as the worst fucking desicion I've ever made.
Goji: Yeah, I suppose we all have our off days.
Rodney shuts the container and stands up to go over towards a table.
Rodney: So if you don't mind my asking, where exactly are you heading with that kid?
Goji: You really wanna know?
Rodney: Just wanna make sure I'm not dying for something stupid or anything like that.
Goji thinks about it for a moment before finally answering Rodney's question.
Goji: I'm taking her up north actually.
Rodney places the shotgun on the counter. Surprised.
Rodney: Really? Well, then you're not as smart as I thought you were.
Goji just shrugs in response.
Rodney: But hey… fuck it. You wanna commit suicide then be my guest. Not like you're the first person to believe that rumor.
Goji: What rumor?
Rodney: The one going around about a Monarch facility somewhere up north that's gonna supposedly change the planet.
Goji: And you don't believe that it could possibly be real?
Rodney: Do you?
Rodney reaches over and puts a bucket on the table.
Rodney: Seriously though, If I were you I'd take that kid back to where ya found her.
Goji: I can't just take her back.
Rodney: Then send her packing, let her find her own way.
Goji: I can't do that either.
Rodney: Look, let me tell you a story. [Loads shotgun] Once upon a time, I had something that I believed in. [Pauses. Goji looks at him.] It was a sort of dream you might say. Something I wanted to strive for. [Pumps the shotgun and drops it on the counter] And in this world, that sort of shit's good for one thing: gettin' ya and your friends killed. [Grabs another shotgun] So, you know what I did? I wisened the fuck up. And I realized it's more important to look after me and mine. Nothing else.
Goji: [Looks away. Hesitantly] Look, it's not… it's not like that. It's—
Rodney: Bullshit. I may not have known you for long but to me it sounds exactly just like that—
CeCe: Hey! What did I say to you when we walked down the steps?
Goji and Rodney look over to see CeCe yelling at Jaime who hesitates to stop touching a pile of old books.
CeCe: What'd I say?!
Jaime: [Stops touching] I'm just fixing your stupid pile!
CeCe: [Sternly] Don't. Touch!
Jaime just scoffs and gives CeCe the middle finger.
CeCe: Goddammit.
Angelo stands nearby chuckling a little.
Angelo: So much for "I'm starting to like this kid" huh?
CeCe: [Glaring at Angelo] Who asked you fat ass?
Rodney lets out a small sigh and turns back to Goji.
Rodney: All I'm saying is, You keep dreaming long enough and eventually it's gonna blow up in your face.
Goji stands up and faces him.
Goji: Look I know we didn't start out on the best of terms and I get you want to protect your friends, but like it or not we're in this together. So let's just get on with it.
Rodney: [Loads final shell] Here. [Tosses shotgun to Goji] Let's get on with it!
Rodney picks up his own shotgun and pumps it before walking away from Goji.
Goji inspects his newly-acquired shotgunand slings it over his shoulder. He turns and walks to rejoin the others.
Rodney: All right, before we go any further, we got somethin' else to show you.
Goji: What have you got?
Rodney: Show em CeCe.
CeCe: New toy from CeCe's toy chest.
She approaches a table, and reaches down under to pull out a metal can filled with nails, small blades, and a small device taped to the top. She sets it on the table and steps away.
CeCe: This little beauty is what I like to call … a nail bomb. Now you gotta be really careful when handling one of these. Cause when this thing blows, it shreds anybody standing nearby.
Goji: Yeah I know, I've seen your handiwork.
CeCe: Pretty good, huh?
Jaime: I mean they are pretty awesome.
Goji picks up the nail bomb and inspects it.
Goji: Do you have any more of these?
CeCe: I'd say about 5 more. Plus they're easier to make than you think.
Goji stores the bomb in his backpack.
Goji: So we got shotguns and bombs. What are we doing with them?
Rodney: Well, every few weeks this JSDF caravan rides through town. I assume they're out looking for supplies. I mean, you'd be amazed at the shit they overlook. Anyway. Few months back, they were rolling through and they got overrun by this pack of feral KKs. They were all over the truck. It plows right into the side of the high school. Still sitting there with the battery in it.
Goji: So we take that battery and put it in another car.
CeCe: Bingo. Now I wanted to get it, but Rodney felt it seemed too dangerous with all the bugs in that part of town.
Rodney: Yeah but, fuck it… Goji and the kid need a car.
Goji: What if it's damaged?
CeCe: Nah. Those trucks are like tanks. It's just sittin' there.
Goji gives it some thought.
Goji: Hmm. Actually might work.
CeCe glances over to Jaime, still looking at CeCe's magazines.
CeCe: Kid, I swear to God… if you took anything—
Jaime: Hey, lady. I don't need any of your shit. Trust me.
CeCe: Ang, you are keeping an eye on her, right?
Angelo: Like a hawk.
Rodney leads the group upstairs and into the church's nave. Goji and Jaime look around.
Jaime: Wow.
Goji: Nice place you guys got here.
Rodney: Well, if you got anything to confess, this'd be the place to do it.
The group walks through the church and meets up at one of the windows.
Rodney looks over the group.
Rodney: Ready?
Everyone gives a nod.
Rodney: All right… time to nut up or shut up.
He opens the window and climbs out. CeCe and Angelo follow suit and Goji looks back at Jaime.
Goji: Stick close now Jaime, c'mon.
They climb outside onto a roof overlooking the nearby graveyard. Rodney points into the distance.
Rodney: Look. There's the school.
Goji: All right.
Rodney: Angelo, look after the kid ok?
Angelo: Ok Rodney.
They jump down to ground level and start walking towards the graveyard's gate. Jaime approaches a pile of burning corpses.
Jaime: Oh, man.
Angelo: Yeah, c'mon, you don't need to be lookin' at that.
Jaime: [Scoffs] I've seen worse.
Angelo: Oh. Alright then.
Rodney: Let's get a move on.
The group joins Rodney at the graveyard's entrance.
Rodney: Ok, Past this gate, it's all new territory. Even to the three of us.
Goji: I'm on it.
They enter the graveyard. Within a few minutes they hear clicking coming from the area ahead.
Jaime: Hey, hey. You guys hear that?
Goji: Keep quiet.
They enter the next area where many mantis KKs wander around. The group carefully sneaks past the pack, sometimes barely avoiding getting caught as they move through the area. Angelo keeps Jaime covered pulling her back behind a car just before she gets spotted. Until finally they manage to make it to the other side.
Goji: I think that's it.
Jaime: Thanks for the save Ang.
Angelo: No problem.
Rodney: We ain't in the clear yet.
They reach a locked gate at the end of the graveyard. Goji tries to open it.
Goji: Ah, shit. Locked.
CeCe: Hold up. I got a key for that gate.
She unlocks the gate and peeks around the corner with her ears perked up.
CeCe: I suggest we move quietly.
They enter an alley leading to a residential neighborhood. It isn't long until they spot several mantis KKs lurking around in the area.
Goji: Easy, easy.
They turn onto the street, where another feral KK stands with its back to them. They quietly back up and get out of sight just before it turns around and skulks away. Goji glances over at Rodney.
Goji: You weren't kidding about this place, were you?
Rodney: And we're not even in the thick of it yet.
Goji: Where to now?
Rodney: Up the street. This way.
They make their way to the end of the street, which is blocked by a large truck.
Rodney: Street's blocked.
Angelo: Now what do we do?
Rodney looks around the area.
Rodney: There. Let's go through those backyards.
The group sneaks past through the area. They barely avoid a pack of feral KKs.
Jaime: If you guys would give me a gun, I could help you kill some of these fuckers!
CeCe: I'm actually starting to side with the shrimp on this one. All this constant sneaking around is making me antsy.
Rodney: [Quietly] Just shut up. The both of you.
After cutting through the backyards, they enter a garage on the other end of the street. Goji goes to open the side door.
Goji: This way.
He tries to open the door, but it's tied shut.
Goji: It's tied on the other side.
Jaime: What about going through here?
Jaime points out the small door at the bottom.
Rodney: What, the doggy door?
Jaime: You got any better ideas?
Goji reaches down and pries the plank off the lower flap.
Goji: Be very careful.
Jaime: Of course.
She crouches down and crawls through the doggy door.
CeCe: Maybe you should've given her a gun.
Rodney: Okay, CeCe.
After a minute Jaime unlocks the door and opens it.
Goji: NIce work.
Jaime: Careful. There's more of those mantis things inside the house.
Goji: [Mutters] Oh, shit.
They quietly approach the house.
Rodney: They ain't seen us yet. Just stay down.
They sneak through the house being as quiet as possible. Angelo's tail swings and knocks over a small vase which Jaime manages to catch before it can shatter on the floor.
Jaime: Careful.
Angelo: Sorry.
They manage to make it through the house and out the other side without arousing suspicion from the feral pack.
Rodney: All right, c'mon, let's get up. On the RV and over. After that we should be clear.
They climb onto the RV and cross a plank into a treehouse.
Jaime: Who the hell left this here? I thought you said you guys never went into this part of town?
Rodney: No. Although I have got idea who mighta come through here.
Glances over at CeCe with an accusing look.
CeCe: [Shrugs] What? I said I wanted to try and go for it.
Goji: Exactly how far did you get?
CeCe: Let's just say I wasn't crazy enough to try and go further solo.
Rodney: Anyway, School's on the other side of this house. Let's get inside.
They drop out of the treehouse and into another backyard. CeCe checks around the house with her ears standing straight up.
CeCe: All right, I think we're good.
Rodney: For now. Goddamn those things. Everybody's holding up, right?
Jaime: Yep. I'm good.
Angelo: Same here.
Goji: We're all fine. Let's just keep going.
They enter the house and rummage for supplies. Rodney goes over by the door to the garage.
Rodney: Hey, CeCe!
CeCe: Yeah?
She joins Rodney in the garage.
Rodney: Gimme a hand with this.
They both raise the garage door and the group walks out and quickly takes cover behind a few cars overlooking the high school. A large sum of mantis KKs roam the parking lot. Rodney and Goji peek over.
Rodney: What'd I tell ya. There's that truck, [Points at it] sticking outta the school right there.
Goji: I see it.
Rodney: C'mon. There's a bunch of 'em up there, so try not to make a sound.
They start sneaking their way through the parking lot. Both Rodney and Goji go up and each use a knife to stealth kill two ferals along the path. As they pass between two buses, the rest of the pack become aware of the group's presence and attack them.
Goji: Jaime, run! Run!
The pack swarms them seemingly from all directions.
Jaime: Oh, they're coming from everywhere!
Rodney: Christ!
The group each draw weapons and defend themselves against the horde of incoming ferals. Goji and Rodney draw their shotguns and start shooting. CeCe tosses her sawed off to Angelo and swings her pipe weapon to smash a few skulls. Jaime sticks close behind Angelo as he timidly shoots at two feral KKs, killing them both. After a few minutes of fighting Goji shoots the last feral in the head, killing it.
Goji: Looks like the last of them.
CeCe: Well, that was easier than I thought it'd be.
Rodney: They must be holed up somewhere else.
Goji: Well, let's not test our luck. How do we get inside?
They briefly look around until Jaime spots a nearby ladder.
Jaime: Someone left a ladder on the bus. Here, get me up there and I'll drop it to you.
Goji walks over and boosts Jaime on top of the school bus.
CeCe: [jokingly] Don't get killed up there.
Jaime: Gee Thanks, CeCe.
Jaime drops the ladder down. Goji and the Trio use it to climb up.
Rodney: We're okay. We just need to get to the hood of the truck.
They drop down the other side of the bus and get moving. CeCe's ears shoot up as she hears an oncoming swarm of mantis KKs in the distance.
CeCe: Shit. They're coming.
Rodney: Move it!
They start running towards the entrance of the school building.
Rodney: All right, we're gonna get in quick. We're gonna get the battery. We're gonna get the hell outta here.
Angelo: Sounds good to me.
Rodney and Goji run towards the main doors and try to open them. Jaime notices the horde of ferals beginning to run towards the fence.
Jaime: Oh, fuck. They're piling on this fence over here. [Pauses] It's not gonna hold!
Rodney: Shit! The door's locked!
Goji: We need another way in!
They run around to the side of the school. There, they find a nearby window. CeCe runs to the window and uses her pipe to try and pry it open. Goji goes back around and shoots a few of the ferals that manage to make it over the fence.
Rodney: Come on, CeCe!
CeCe: Almost… [opens it] I got it—window's open! Hurry!
She climbs in and Rodney follows behind her. Angelo helps Jaime through the window and calls after Goji.
Angelo: Goji! We got a way in! Come on!
Goji begins to run back to the window just as Angelo climbs through. Just as Goji goes to follow him through the window, a mantis KK jumps on him and scratches into his back.
Jaime: Goji!
Rodney: Shit.
Goji manages to headbutt the feral and kick them off of him, only for it to grab his leg and try to pull him back through. Angelo and Jaime grab hold of his arms and pull him back in.
Angelo: All right, come on!
Rodney grabs Goji by the shoulder and helps pull him through the window. CeCe walks up and then shoves the barrel of her sawed off in the feral's mouth.
CeCe: Eat this fucker!
She pulls the trigger and kills the KK. Jaime quickly closes the window before any more can climb through.
Jaime: Shit! That's not gonna hold.
Rodney: CeCe, make it fast!
CeCe runs over to the truck as the feral pack starts banging on the main doors.
Goji: Quick! Grab this.
Goji, Jaime, and Angelo barricade the main doors with a metal shelf and hold it in place as CeCe attempts to open the truck's hood.
Angelo: CeCe! [Struggling] Please tell me you're done!
She uses her pipe to break open the hood. She looks inside only to be shocked at what she found.
CeCe: It's empty.
Rodney: What?!
Rodney moves to the truck next to CeCe, seeing what she said is true.
CeCe: It's fuckin' empty!
Angelo and Jaime continue to hold back the barricade.
Angelo: Guys! It's getting harder to keep this door closed!
Goji goes over to Rodney.
Goji: Rodney, where to?
Rodney: Uh.
Goji: [Shouting] Rodney, where?!
Rodney: Anywhere but here.
CeCe: Over here. This way.
CeCe kicks open a pair of double doors as Goji runs to Jaime and pulls her from the door.
Goji: Get ready to haul ass. C'mon.
The group runs through the pair of doors leading into the main school. The feral pack breaks through the barricaded door behind them.
Angelo: They've broken through!
The horde of KKs come rushing towards them but Goji and CeCe manage to close the doors with Jaime reaching down and grabbing a metal rod to jam them shut.
Angelo: I thought you said you never made it this far?
CeCe: I didn't. I swear to god I thought it was in there.
Angelo: Well obviously it wasn't which means we came all this way for nothing. Which means now we're all gonna die because you were "bored"!
CeCe: Fuck you Angelo! At least I'm not a whiny little bitch!
Goji: Ok knock it off! Rodney, Do you have any ideas on how to get out of here?
Rodney: Yeah let's, um… We'll sneak out the back.
Goji reloads his shotgun.
Goji: Ok, you guys follow me. I'll get us outta here.
CeCe: Be my guest.
Goji leads the group through the school corridors, where several mantis KKs roam. Goji takes out his machete and signals for CeCe to take the ones on one side while he takes the other. She nods and readies her pipe. They quickly rush forward and kill the group of ferals. CeCe looks down a hallway and whistles for the others.
CeCe: Down the hall. I bet we can cut through those classrooms.
They enter a science classroom. CeCe's ears stand up and she quickly gestures for everyone to get down behind some overturned desks as several more ferals enter the room from the opposite side. Rodney briefly pokes his head out to get a quick look ahead.
Rodney: There's a way through. We gotta make it past these guys.
Goji readies his shotgun. Rodney and CeCe do the same and Rodney silently counts down from 3 with his fingers. Once he hits 1 the three of them spring up and gun down the ferals and enter another corridor.
Goji: Looks like there's a path down this hallway.
They reach the end of the hallway as Goji attempts to open a set of doors blocked on the other side.
Goji: [To Rodney] Help me open this.
Rodney complies and stands next to him.
Rodney: All right. Ready?
They start pushing but the doors don't open.
Rodney: One more time.
The doors open, allowing the group to run inside to enter a gymnasium.
Goji: C'mon.
CeCe: Shit. There's more on the way. Barricade the doors.
Goji and Rodney push the barricade back to the door.
Rodney: This ain't gonna hold them for long.
They suddenly hear a loud cry at the other end of the gym.
Goji: That doesn't sound good.
A large, grotesque mantis KK bursts through the doors of the equipment room. It stands at a height of over 8 feet with two large blades growing out of its arms. Its legs appear more bug-like with a set of wings sticking out of its back. In place of the lower jaw a set of scissor-like mandibles move about like a pair of knives. Its eyes, resembling that of an insect, bulge out of the sides of its distorted face as it moves its head around the room. It then emits a loud shrill cry that nearly shatters all the glass in the area.
Goji: Oh, no…
Jaime: What the fuck is that?
Rodney: It's a goddamn Alpha!
Jaime: A what?
Goji: Jaime, take cover. I got this.
Meanwhile, more feral KKs attack the group from different angles. As the trio fight off the others, the Alpha leaps into the air and lunges its blade appendages Goji who blocks both with his machete. It pushes down on him but he manages to hold his own and push back with almost equal strength, His muscles slowly growing and his teeth closely resembling fangs. He plants his feet and shoves the Alpha back as he takes a swing at it with the machete. The Alpha uses its wings to fly off and dodge out of his reach. Goji takes this brief moment to look around the room and spot an open window by the stacked bleachers.
Goji: We gotta get up there!
Rodney: We can't climb those bleachers with all these bugs around!
Rodney swings his empty shotgun at a feral KK, knocking it back as he jumps into the air and glides to the top of the bleacher to switch to his hunting rifle. CeCe, simultaneously switching between her pipe and her sawed off, kills ferals left and right while Angelo uses his arms and tail to smash ferals into the floor and ground, crushing them like bugs. Jaime takes cover by some old army crates as she shouts a warning at Goji.
Jaime: Goji! Above you!
Goji looks up just in time to see the Alpha plunge down ready to stab him. He leaps out of the way and gets back up to try and swing the machete at them. Instead it's knocked out of his hand by the Alpha swinging their arm at him and sending him flying. He lands hard onto the floor and looks up to see the Alpha bring their arm down to stab him. Acting on instinct he quickly grabs the blade with his hands, getting his gloves shredded and his hands cut in the process. As the blade slowly moves toward his chest, Goji grinds his teeth to fight through the pain in his hands. Suddenly patches of the skin on his hands start to turn a dark shade of gray as it slowly begins to resemble lizard scales and act as armor against the blade. This allows him to get a better grip on the blade and slowly push it away from himself. Under an unexpected new pressure the blade begins to show signs of cracking while Goji places his legs underneath the Alpha and kicks it off him, ripping its arm off in the process.
The Alpha cries out in pain as blood from its arm stump splatters all over the floor. Goji stands back up still holding onto the arm. His eyes glowing a subtle shade of dark blue as he starts breathing heavily revealing his now razor sharp teeth. He holds the arm up as if wielding it as a sword and charges at the Alpha swinging his improvised weapon at it. Like a knife through butter, the blade at the end slices into the Alpha's flesh causing blood to spray everywhere. Goji drags the arm across its belly effectively disemboweling the Alpha. Letting out one last shriek the Alpha drops to floor with its innards spilled out and a massive pool of blood forming underneath it. As it lays there twitching Goji tosses the arm away and pants heavily as he falls to his knees. In that moment, the Trio have killed the remaining ferals and stare in awe at what just happened. Jaime jumps out of cover and runs over to Goji who begins to desperately dig into his pack. As she gets closer she sees parts of Goji's face become dark patches of gray scales on his skin and his hand twitching and showing signs of claws slowly growing out of his fingers. He pulls out the container full of shots and tries to open it only for his hands to shake uncontrollably and drop it on the floor. He reaches out to try and grab it but Jaime reaches down and picks it up for him.
Jaime: It's ok. I got it.
Jaime reaches over and places her hands on top of his own and suddenly they both feel a sharp pain. However they both manage to bear it as his body starts to revert back to normal.
Jaime: There.
Goji stands up and lets out a deep breath.
Goji: Thanks kid.
Jaime smiles a little and looks over the dead corpse of the Alpha still lying on the floor.
Jaime: Ah, geez… What was up with that big guy?
Goji: He must've been the strongest one of their pack. We call them Alphas.
Jaime: Alpha… Okay. Got it.
CeCe: Hey, I hate to interrupt your little biology lesson, but can we get the fuck outta here? Please?
Rodney: Yeah c'mon. Let's get you on top of these bleachers. Gimme your hand, Angelo.
Rodney crouches down and prepares to pull people up onto the bleachers.
Angelo: Could you give me a boost, guys?
Goji: All right.
CeCe: Here we go.
CeCe and Goji boost him up to grab onto Rodney's hand to be pulled up. He reaches his hand down for CeCe next and pulls her up.
Rodney: All right, c'mon, c'mon.
Goji boosts Jaime up for Rodney to grab her. As Rodney turns to help Goji, the Alpha starts to stand back up behind him.
Rodney: Goji, behind ya!
Goji turns around to face them just as they lunge forward to try and take a bite out of him.
Goji: Son of a bitch!
Jaime: Holy shit.
Goji holds onto its head to keep it from biting his face off. Its ravenous maw mere inches away from him. Left with no other option and steadily losing strength, He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in. The Alpha slowly moves in closer ready to feast on his flesh. Instead however Goji opens his now light blue glowing eyes as he opens his mouth and unleashes a massive beam practically disintegrating the top half of the Alpha along with a part of the roof above. When the beam dies down Goji tosses the charred remains of the Alphaback onto the floor.
CeCe: Holy shit!
Goji looks up at them and offers up his hand.
Goji: You gonna pull me up now?
Rodney snaps out of his shocked daze.
Rodney: Oh, Right. Let's go. Come on up.
He extends his arm down to Goji and pulls him up. They climb through the open window and drop out the backside of the school.
Rodney: This way!
They go through an opening in the nearby fence and into a ditch. The sounds of more feral KKs closing in around them.
CeCe: We're sittin' ducks here.
Jaime: There's another ladder over here!
The group runs to the ladder with Angelo climbing up first. Goji looks back and sees the feral pack leaping into the ditch a few feet away from them. Goji draws his pistol and takes aim.
Gojil: Keep going! I'm right behind you!
Feral KKs close in on them as they climb the ladder and over the picket fence into another residential area.
Rodney: Hurry up Goji!
Goji fires off a few more shots and races to the ladder and quickly climbs up. He drops down from the fence with mantis KKs banging and shouting on the other side. Angelo uses a rake to knock down the ladder. Rodney looks behind them at the house and sees an open screen glass door.
Rodney: Inside the house. Now!
They take refuge inside of the nearby house. Rodney slides the door shut behind him. Everyone takes a moment to finally catch their breath.
Jaime: So, that worked out well.
Goji glares at her, anxiously.
Jaime: Okay, ah, I'll go check out this side of the house.
Angelo starts to feel a little awkward himself.
Angelo: I think I'll go along with her. Safety in numbers.
As they both leave the room Goji turns to look at Rodney and CeCe.
Goji: Guys?
CeCe: Obviously somebody had the same idea. And they stole our shit.
Goji: [Angrily] Well then what the hell is plan B?
Rodney: [Irritated] Hey! You ought to be thankful you're still drawing breath. That was plan A, B, C, all the way to fucking Z. And furthermore, you and that little brat can take this little quest of yours—
Goji: [Points at Rodney and shouts] Don't you bring that kid into this!
CeCe: Guys.
Rodney: [Shouts over Joel] —and you can shove it right up—
CeCe: Guys!
Goji: [Even louder] You have no idea what's really at—!
CeCe: [Shouts at both of them] GUYS!
Rodney stops and turns to look at CeCe staring behind Goji. Goji and Rodney turn around to see a hung body.
Goji: [mutters] Jesus.
Goji looks at CeCe and back at the corpse.
Goji: What? You know this guy or something?
Goji walks towards the body.
CeCe: [Somberly] Frank.
Goji: Who the hell's Frank?
CeCe: He was my dad.
Goji stares at CeCe and looks back at the body. CeCe takes out a knife.
CeCe: And he's the only idiot that would wear a shirt like that.
She cuts the rope, causing the body to fall on the floor. Rodney examines the body.
Rodney: He looks malnourished… looks like he might've tried to hold up here. And…
Rodney hears a sniveling sound and looks over at CeCe continuing to stare at the body on the floor with her eyes slightly glazed over. Goji looks over and walks up to stand next to her.
Goji: I figure he didn't want to starve, so he…
CeCe: Yeah, I guess not.
CeCe realizes Rodney and Goji are watching her and wipes her eyes to recollect herself.
CeCe: Well fuck him. Was a shitty dad anyway.
Suddenly, all three of them turn their heads to the sound of a car engine revving up. They run to the garage to see Angelo standing next to Jaime sitting in the front seat of a pickup truck.
Angelo: [Looks at the trio] Look what we found.
Jaime: It's got some juice in it.
CeCe walks to the open hood of the truck.
CeCe: That's our battery! [mutters to herself] That fuckin' asshole.
She slams the hood shut and walks over to Jaime.
CeCe: Get out. [Walks closer. Demanding] Get. Out.
Jaime: Okay, geez.
Jaime climbs out of the driver's seat as CeCe replaces her spot. She attempts to start up the truck only for it to stall.
CeCe: Battery's drained… but the cells are alive.
Goji: Meaning?
CeCe: [Climbs out] Meaning we push it, get it started and the alternator will recharge the battery.
She walks past Goji and Rodney.
Goji: [Scoffs] Is that your guess?
CeCe: [Turns to Goji] Look, you wanted a "plan B". This is as good as it gets. [Continues walking]
Goji: [To Rodney] What do you think?
Rodney looks over the truck and then back to Jaime.
Rodney: I'm thinkin' the kid drives and we push.
Goji: [nods] Sounds good to me.
Jaime climbs back into the driver's seat as CeCe moves to the corner of the garage, where she finds a duffel bag with several tools and metal parts stored inside.
CeCe: Jesus… that's more of my stuff.
She stands up and leans against the front of the truck and starts talking to herself.
CeCe: So what? You just… just gonna steal my shit and run off? Is that it, Old Man?
Angelo goes over to Rodney to ask what's wrong with CeCe and sees the body on the floor in the other room.
Angelo: Oh my god.
Rodney: Ang, You should probably stay here with the girls while Goji and I search the house. I'm sure there's more supplies.
Angelo: Sure thing Rodney.
Goji: Gimme a minute will ya?
Rodney: Sure.
Goji walks over to Jaime in the driver's seat and approaches the window.
Goji: You gonna be okay with this?
Jaime: Yeah, not a problem.
Goji: You're doin' a good job. I figured you should know that.
Jaime: [Nods] I won't let you down with this.
Goji: All right… [He backs away.]
Goji exits the garage to join Rodney in searching the house for supplies.
Rodney: Ok you take the bedroom, and I'll take the kitchen. Let me know when you find something!
Goji: I'll give you a holler.
Goji begins searching the room on the opposite end, where he finds a note by Frank. He picks it up and looks it over.
Goji: Hey Rodney, I found something.
Rodney walks into the room to stand next to him. Goji shows him the note. Rodney reads it aloud.
Rodney: [Reading] Well, CeCe, I doubt you'd ever find this note cause you and your two friends were too scared to ever make it to this part of town. But if for some reason you did, I want you to know that you were an annoying little shit. I grew tired of this shitty town and your shithead freind's set-in-your-ways attitude. I wanted more from life than this and you little punks could never get that.
And that stupid battery you kept moaning about - - I got it. But I guess Rodney was right. Trying to leave this town will kill me. Still better than spending another day with you. Good Luck, Dad.
Goji: That's all I could find. You?
Rodney: Naw. Kitchens' completely empty.
Goji hands the note over to Rodney.
Goji: I'm sure she'd prefer getting this from you.
Rodney nods and takes the note. They both walk out of the room and return to the garage.
Angelo finishes loading everything into the truck.
Angelo: You guys ready?
Rodney: Yeah just one sec.
Rodney walks over to CeCe still hanging around on the front of the truck.
Rodney: CeCe, I, uh… I found this in there and I… I figured you should have it.
He hands the note to CeCe.
CeCe: [Reads it] So that's how you feel. Well, fuck you too, Dad. [He crumples up the note and throws it to the ground.] Fuckin' idiot. [Snivels]
Angelo goes over and wraps his arms around her shoulders. She tries to shove him off but eventually caves and hugs him back. Rodney walks over to join in as she quietly cries in between them. Goji just watches them silently until the group hug finishes with CeCe wiping away a stray tear.
CeCe: So we ready to go or what?
Goji, Rodney, and Angelo move to the back of the truck. All three prepare to start pushing.
Rodney: All right, CeCe, let's do it.
CeCe: [Crouches down and opens the garage door. To Jaime] All right, put 'er in first.
Jaime: Already did it.
CeCe: [Moves to join the boys behind the truck.] Just keep your foot on the clutch and when we get to roll—
Jaime: [Interrupts her] I know how to pop a clutch.
CeCe: How the hell do—?
Rodney: Y'know what, who cares. Just don't fuck it up!
All four of them start to slowly push the truck out of the garage.
Goji: All right, Jaime, get ready…
The truck begins to roll down the driveway.
Goji: Now! Now, hit it. Hit it!
The pickup rolls into the road before dying. It sits stationary in the street.
Rodney: [Mutters] Perfect.
CeCe: [Sarcastically] Hey—good job, kid.
Angelo: CeCe, not helping.
Goji: Jaime—we're gonna give it another go. Just stay focused!
Jaime: Focused on what?
CeCe: Jesus. Just keep turning right. Let's get to the hill at the end of the street.
They walk up and keep pushing the truck forward.
Rodney: Look, if we just make it to the hill. We just get it over the edge…
CeCe's ears pick up on a few mantis KKs wandering from the nearby houses towards the truck.
CeCe: Oh, shit.
Goji: Rodney and I will keep you covered. You two just keep pushing.
Goji and Rodney draw their weapons and start to kill the incoming ferals.
CeCe and Angelo continue pushing the truck down the road.
Jaime: We gotta go faster!
CeCe: Keep pushing, keep pushing.
More ferals, attracted by all the sounds, linger towards them from a house on the right. Goji and Rodney focus on them.
Jaime: C'mon I see the hill. We're almost there!
Angelo: [Struggling] This has really been the most fucked up day ever! Of all time!
CeCe: Shut up and keep pushing!
Another wave of feral KKs rush at the truck, and the two defenders once again defend it and kill the onslaught of enemies.
Rodney: I'm running low on ammo over here.
Goji: [Tosses him some shotgun shells] Here!
Enemies continue to pour from both sides as the truck continues towards the hill, finally reaching it.
Angelo: All right, Jaime, get ready…
The truck rolls down the hill.
CeCe: All right, Shrimp, start it up!
Jaime manages to start the truck. A horde of mantis KKs suddenly rush out from the surrounding area.
Goji: You hear that sound, Rodney?
Rodney: Yeah, well that means the bugs hear it, too. Let's get in the fuckin' truck.
Goji and Rodney bolt it down the hill along with CeCe and Angelo towards the truck with a swarm of ferals chasing after them.
Angelo: Let's get the hell outta here!
CeCe: Go, go, go! Jump in the truck.
The four of themjump into the bed of the truck as feral KKs close in on them.
Rodney: We're all in! Go, go!
Jaime: [Taps on the window] Floor it!
Jaime accelerates and drives the group down the road as they outrun the swarm of mantis KKs chasing them. An hour or so later Goji and the trio are still sitting in the truck bed as Jaime drives out of town. The sun begins to set over the horizon. Rodney checks to make sure the coast is clear.
Rodney: [To Jaime] All right, this'll do! [Pounds on the side of the truck] Stop!
Jaime stops the truck as the trio climbs out. She and Goji look at each other through the rear window.
Goji: Just keep 'er running, all right?
Jaime gives a thumbs up as Goji stands up.
Rodney: That girl nearly got us killed.
Goji: You gotta admit though— [Jumps out] she did hold her own back there.
Rodney shrugs while CeCe just scoffs.
CeCe: She did… alright. I guess.
Goji: Well, a deal's a deal. You helped us out and now we owe you one.
Rodney: In that case you wouldn't mind giving us a straight answer then. Why are you taking that kid up north?
Goji: … Because there's a Monarch lab somewhere up there that's gonna help that kid save the world.
CeCe: [Chuckling] You can't be serious.
Goji: Believe it or not but that's the truth.
Rodney: This got something to do with what she did back at the school?
Goji looks Rodney straight in the eye.
Rodney: Yeah, I saw what she can do. Speaking of which it looks like you could use another touch up there pretty boy.
Goji turns to look at his reflection in the truck's window. He could see his eyes once again glowing a faint blue and patches of dark gray scales on his face. He looks back at the trio, CeCe and Angelo looking confused, and walks back to the truck and tells Jaime to get out of the truck. She steps out and Goji crouches down for her to reach his face. Jaime looks back at Rodney and the others looking nervous.
Goji: It's ok. Go ahead.
Jaime places her hands on his face and they both start to wince at the pain as he reverts back to human. CeCe and Angelo loudly gasp in shock while Rodney just stands there watching closely. Goji stands back up and turns to face them.
Rodney: I'll be damned.
Goji: The fact is the world's going to end. I'm taking Jaime here up north to try and stop it.
Rodney: You're never gonna make it ya know.
Goji: Probably right.
Rodney lets out a deep sigh and grabs his pack and walks back to the truck. He surprises both Goji and Jaime by throwing it into the bed. He looks back at CeCe and Angelo.
Rodney: You comin' or what?
CeCe and Angelo look at each other for a minute until CeCe cracks her knuckles.
CeCe: Alright. Let's go save the world.
CeCe picks up her pack and walks over to join Rodney.
Goji: Wait, Now you guys are coming?
CeCe: Trekking through miles and miles of hostile wilderness, facing down both jackers and wild KKs, risking death from exposure, [Turns and grins] sounds like fun.
Goji just grins and turns to Angelo.
Goji: How about you? You wanna tag along as well?
Angelo stands there looking timid and unsure.
Angelo: I don't know…
Rodney: Angelo.
CeCe: Come on Ang.
Rodney and CeCe walk over to Angelo slowly and suddenly pounce on him with a double head lock while CeCe gives him a noogie, messing up his hair. The two continue to egg him on until he finally caves and agrees to tag along.
CeCe: Right on! Oh, oh, ah… [Runs over and bends over to reach into her bag] Here.
She tosses a siphoning hose over to Goji.
Goji: [Catches it] What's this?
CeCe: You'd be amazed at how many cars still got gas in 'em.
Goji: Appreciate it.
As Rodney helps Angelo back into the truck bed, Goji inches over to CeCe.
Goji: Look, CeCe, um… about your dad back there. Uh… That's a tough deal. And I'm, uh…
CeCe: [Holds up her hand to silence him] Let's just focus on getting the shrimp up north alive, alright?
Goji just nods then turns back to the pickup truck. The group gets in and drives off as the sky begins showing signs of lightning and rumbling thunder in the distance.
And done! Told you guys this was a long one. (Probably the longest chapter I've ever written in my entire life.) Anyway I hope you all enjoyed reading it and are looking forward to what happens next. Course it probably won't be as long as this one.
List of KKs
Goji: Godzilla
Jaime: ?
Rodney: Rodan
CeCe: King Caesar
Angelo: Anguirus
Feral Mantis KKs: Kamacuras
And now for the first time, replies to reviews for this story! (Thank you so much!)
M0b1uz: Yeah I was hoping that would grab people's attention. Also I made the combo work because I have no idea. I literally just take concept ideas and mash 'em together to form a story. Whether it works or not I leave it up to fate or karma. And as for the gas mask guy's death, let me explain that while he may have characteristics of Hedorah he is still technically an organic being. One chop at the neck is all it takes. Finally in regards to which Kaiju Jaime takes after you make two good suggestions. Of course I already had something in mind for Destoryah but I'll definitely take the other option into consideration.
Well guys until next time, this is Tardispilot297 saying… ALLONSY!