FADE IN
EXT. CLIFF
RYAN lays on the ground in front of NICK who pokes at him with his foot, RYAN not moving as KRIS, the WRAITH, eyeballs NICK.
KRIS
The WOMAN really knocked him out...
NICK
She has the capacity to do that.
KRIS
She really is the real deal.
NICK
There is no denying that...but it is RYAN...
KRIS
True...
NICK
Well...how shall we do this?
KRIS bends down and touches RYAN'S head, KRIS feeling his gash as he nods.
KRIS
I could infiltrate his mind and give him the visions?
NICK
No..he needs to remember the past clearly...just implant what happened, nothing more.
KRIS
Yes sir.
NICK folds his hands together and begins to move them into strange symbols as he chants, before he holds his hand out with a SMALL BLUE BALL OF FLAME.
KRIS takes it into his hand and comes back over to RYAN, KRIS'S MONSTROUS FORM, suddenly showing itself in quick flashes as KRIS begins to slowly pushes it's ghostly arm into RYAN'S WOUND, into his BRAIN.
NICK
Remember what happened all those years ago RYAN...remember what you have clearly forgotten...remember...VICKY JAYMES...
FIVE YEARS AGO
INT. MOTEL ROOM
RYAN'S EYES OPEN quickly as he sits up and looks around, RYAN breathing in deep as he rubs his head as we hear a familiar voice.
THE SHADE
(O.S.)
Good morning, boy...feeling a little crazy today?
RYAN winces and reaches into his pants pocket on the ground, RYAN grabbing the VILE as he takes a bump of cocaine, RYAN looking to see a MAN sleeping on the TWIN BED a few feet away.
RYAN rubs his nose and stands as he walks to the bathroom, the MAN in the bed turning over as it's revealed to be NICK.
SOME time LATER
RYAN and NICK are walking down the street in TUCSON, ARIZONA. NICK is drinking a COFFEE as the TWO take a seat in an outdoor PATIO by the COFFEE SHOP as RYAN sets out a MAP.
RYAN
Seems to be these SLASHERS are taking victims about sixteen miles west from their first initial kidnapping. If we've done this right, they'll be coming here next.
NICK
All the victims are WHITE FEMALES, age 22, with one similar trait all about them.
RYAN
They all recently lost their virginity.
NICK
Good girls gone bad.
RYAN
Fucked up world we live in when virgins aren't even the ones worth saving nowadays.
SAMANTHA
Why am I not surprised to hear you say that.
RYAN scoots over as SAMANTHA, CHARLES, and JARED all take a seat as one more chair is open at their table.
RYAN
Where's AUSTIN?
SAMANTHA
He hasn't shown up yet.
RYAN
That guy is so weird.
CHARLES
He'll be here.
NICK
What kind of info did y'all get on the SLASHERS?
JARED
Brother, sister combo, a SHANE and FRANKIE YATES...and get this, FRANKIE was killed a day after she lost her virginity in a very brutal gang rape by a group of men and women in their hometown.
NICK
Lemme guess, TUCSON?
JARED
Exactly.
SAMANTHA
She was also 22.
RYAN
Fits the MO, but what does the brother have to do with it?
SAMANTHA
He found his sister brutally raped, and wanted revenge, went and killed a few of the guys who did it but got ambushed by the rest who formed a lynch mob basically.
CHARLES
They not only beat SHANE, they broke into his house, took FRANKIE, brought her to the middle of it all, raped her again in front of him, and then slit her throat before they shot him in the back of the head.
NICK
Jesus...
CHARLES
Buried them in a shallow grave just outside of TUCSON.
RYAN
These people were never apprehended?
CHARLES
Some of the people were COPS, one was a local POLITICIAN, a few DRUG RUNNERS, a HUSBAND and WIFE. This wasn't just a small group, this group was massive, we're talking 60-80 people, all having their turns with both of them.
RYAN
You would still think a massive 80 person gang rape and murder wouldn't just go un looked?
SAMANTHA
That's TUCSON for ya.
RYAN
Fuck this place.
CHARLES
So it's no surprise that ten years later, these SLASHERS have come back.
NICK
But why attack women that fit FRANKIE'S MO? Why are they not going after those who killed them? This sounds like it should be a revenge case, but it's clearly not.
SAMANTHA
That's the part that throws us. It doesn't make much sense. So all we can do is find out why, and stop them.
SAMANTHA keeps talking as RYAN seems to be zoning out as he notices as a VERY ATTRACTIVE WOMAN going into the COFFEE SHOP, RYAN quickly standing up as he hurries off towards her, CHARLES looking at him confused as the others just ignore him.
INT. COFFEE SHOP
RYAN stands behind the WOMAN as RYAN checks his breath and gags, RYAN quickly digging in his pockets as he pulls out some ALTOS breath mints and puts them into his mouth as he steps up behind the WOMAN as she begins ordering, RYAN tapping her as she looks at him.
RYAN
You don't want that.
WOMAN
S'cuse me?
RYAN
You don't want that, it's filth.
WOMAN
It's what I always get...
RYAN
Yeah, well...what ya should get is the Grande Verde...
WOMAN
I'll keep with what I got.
She turns back as RYAN nods and looks about before he taps her again.
WOMAN
Yes?
RYAN
I think we got off on the wrong foot, HI, RYAN JAMES...MONSTER HUNTER.
The WOMAN raises an eyebrow as RYAN nods and holds a hand out.
VICKY
VICKY JAYMES.
RYAN
You're quite beautiful VICKY JAYMES.
VICKY
You're to the point aren't ya?
RYAN
I don't like dicking around when I don't have to. I saw you, I said to myself, damn...she was hot. I need that. I want that. So in I came, away from preparing for a HUNT. And now I stand here telling you what's what. Hoping maybe you'll see me tonight...maybe play a little underpants dance game I call...FUCK.
VICKY
Wow.
RYAN
Like that?
VICKY
That's something...
RYAN
Of course that's all up to you. I'll be here...8 O'clock. If you're there, you're there, if not...well...
RYAN writes it on a piece of paper and hands it to her, VICKY looking at him confused as he slowly rubs a hand down her face.
RYAN
...Maybe I'll find you again one day.
RYAN turns and walks out as VICKY just watches on in pure confusion of what had just happened.
EXT. THE STING
NICK is eating a hamburger as RYAN looks over some DATA on a MINI LAPTOP as RYAN was sitting on the hood of the STING, NICK looking about at some SCANTILY DRESSED TEENS walk by.
NICK
God what I wouldn't give for some pussy right about now.
RYAN
How about that hamburger you fat ass.
NICK
You're fatter than me, Look at me...
NICK holds up his shirt, revealing his rock hard ABS.
NICK
I'm chiseled like fucking Michelangelo's DAVID, motherfucker.
RYAN
You're about as chiseled as MAYOR MC'CHEESE.
NICK takes a huge chunk out of his burger as RYAN closes the COMPUTER and looks about at the busy street crowd.
RYAN
It's going to be a fucking nightmare figuring out where the hell these SLASHERS are going to pop up.
NICK
No denying that.
RYAN eyes NICK as RYAN looks about.
RYAN
You happy with us, NICK?
NICK
Huh?
RYAN looks at him.
RYAN
Look man, We haven't been real good with FIFTH members in the past, the fact that you've survived six months with us, is a testament to you being a good hunter.
NICK
And you are not trying to kill me...
RYAN
I have NEVER fucking killed any of...
NICK
Calm down, just a saying.
RYAN
Point is...Are you happy?
NICK
I'm saving people's lives. Stopping monsters. Killers. Why wouldn't I be happy?
RYAN
No one ever is in this business. It's just one big fuck ball of misery. You can be doing the right thing all the time, but you're the ones always having to deal with the blow back. Anyways, glad you are. Means we're doing something right.
RYAN gets off the hood and goes around to the DRIVERS side as NICK throws the last bit of his hamburger away, and gets in.
NICK
Where are we going?
RYAN
I'm dropping you off back at the MOTEL, I've got a date.
NICK
...A date?
The STING starts up before RYAN revs it and takes off.
EXT. FOUNTAIN
VICKY JAYMES stands nicely dressed around the TOWERING FOUNTAIN as RYAN comes up to her, VICKY turning as she smiles.
VICKY
Is it crazy that I showed up because I wanted to know why the hell you acted like how you did?
RYAN
I think you came because you wanted to see if the mystery that is me was going to show up to have a nice little date, or to rape you.
VICKY
What?
RYAN
Just kidding, I wouldn't rape you. I don't think I would need to, seeing how I have a 13 inch penis.
VICKY
You're the weirdest man I have ever met...
RYAN
Come on, I wanna show you something.
VICKY
Okay...
RYAN
I'm not going to hurt you...Trust me...I'm a MONSTER HUNTER.
RYAN extends a hand as she looks at him confused, RYAN smiling as he assures her, VICKY taking it as he leads her off.
The TWO head off before RYAN brings her to the back end of the FOUNTAIN, VICKY watching as the HOLES all across the area were shooting up JETS of WATER.
VICKY
You think I've never been here before?
RYAN
Mm, I'm sure you have, but I haven't...
RYAN grabs her hand as he begins running towards the SPRINGS, VICKY laughing and trying to make him stop but the TWO are already doused with WATER as a JET hits RYAN and knocks him down, VICKY helping him up before she gets hit, VICKY screaming as she actually lifts up the ground a few inches before RYAN pulls her away, the TWO running for their lives as they try and navigate the Geysers, a FEW COUPLES and Families watching them with smiles as the TWO are drenched in water as they finally make it across, RYAN throwing his hands up.
RYAN
VICTORY!!
RYAN flips off the FOUNTAIN as people begin to clap, RYAN looking about as he bows as VICKY just shakes her head, waving at the people as RYAN seems to be basking in the applause.
SOME time LATER
RYAN and VICKY are laying side by side on a BLANKET by the FOUNTAINS, the STARS were vast and bright as the MOON was a shining crescent.
The TWO are still drying off as RYAN looks at VICKY before looking back up at the sky, VICKY doing the same.
VICKY
So how did you know I was single?
RYAN
What's that?
VICKY
You said I was beautiful right? Earlier? So why did you automatically assume that wasn't in a relationship?
RYAN
You just had a certain...look to you.
VICKY
Is that so?
RYAN
Yeah, you looked...so sure of yourself. Confident. Like you haven't had your heart broken before...
VICKY
Just by looking at me you saw all that?
RYAN
It's sorta my specialty. I take advantage of that vulnerability and I use it to have these sorts of evenings.
VICKY
So I'm just another notch on your belt huh?
RYAN
Maybe.
VICKY
How sad. And here I was thinking "this could be that magical moment, where two strangers actually meet and bond, and that fairy tale moment actually happens in life"
RYAN
Trust me when I say there are no fairytale endings out in this world. Least...not anymore.
VICKY
Mm...I think differently.
RYAN
You're not a hunter.
VICKY
Don't have to be.
RYAN
I'm lost.
VICKY
Why am I not surprised?
RYAN
That's the second time I've heard that today...
VICKY
Seems to be a true enough statement.
RYAN
Yeah I suppose.
She snickers as RYAN smiles, the TWO still looking up at the sky.
VICKY
So why haven't you made that move on me yet?
RYAN
Which one?
VICKY
The underpants dance game...
RYAN
Oh that...ha ha, I wasn't going to ever do that.
VICKY
Really? I'm kinda disappointed now.
RYAN
You are?
VICKY
No.
RYAN
Damn.
VICKY
But I am relieved to hear you say that. I was hoping you would've turned out like I thought you were.
RYAN
Like what?
VICKY
A gentleman.
RYAN
I am a gentleman. A sex gentleman.
VICKY
look at me.
RYAN looks at her as she looks into his eyes.
VICKY
You say you saw the kind of person I was. Well I can say I saw the same in you. You're brash. A little foul mouth, and random. But you have these kind eyes...this gentleness to you...something I had to be sure was real tonight.
RYAN
What the hell have you been smoking?
She taps him in the shoulder with a fist as RYAN smiles, VICKY looking back up at the sky as RYAN reaches down and holds her hand.
VICKY
So this is what? You find a girl...hook up with her, but don't sleep with her. Have a romantic night or week or how ever long it takes before you make your monster kill and then you what, just leave?
RYAN
That's usually how it goes...
VICKY
What's so different this time?
RYAN
I don't know. I just need...someone to be able to look at these stars with...someone who doesn't make my life more complicated you know? Just...someone to be just...there...with me. For an evening.
VICKY
Is that all I am...just someone?
RYAN
What else could you be? I just met you 10 hours ago.
VICKY
That's an evening killer.
RYAN
It doesn't have to be a bad thing...
VICKY
You're right though. I'm not looking for an easy lay, or a one night stand. Lord knows my older brother would probably have a cow.
RYAN
Older brother?
VICKY
Yeah, we live on our own, but he's always looking around the corner for something to just...get me.
RYAN
He's got the right attitude then.
VICKY
Maybe.
RYAN
It's good to have someone. Lord knows I miss my family.
VICKY
What happened?
RYAN
It's a long story.
VICKY
I don't mind.
RYAN
I do.
VICKY
Sorry.
RYAN
No, it's alright it's just...all hunters have a tragic past...a sordid story to coincide with their morbid lifestyle. It's just a lot of pain...to bring those memories back up.
VICKY
I understand.
VICKY squeezes RYAN'S hand as RYAN squeezes it back.
VICKY
So do you really have a 13 inch cock?
RYAN
Oh yeah...I'm hung like a goddamned zoo animal.
VICKY
Impressive, must have loved the girl for a long time.
RYAN
Like the fox in the woodchuck cage.
VICKY
What?
RYAN
I don't know.
The TWO snicker as the STARS twinkle above them.
INT. MOTEL ROOM
RYAN comes inside as it is late, NICK is sitting on his bed, reading from a BLACK BOOK with a strange SYMBOL but he quickly closes it and puts it away in his back as RYAN only catches a glimpse of it.
RYAN
Doing some reading?
NICK
Yeah, reading up on some monster lore from the middle east.
RYAN
Sounds fun.
NICK
You have a fun night?
RYAN
It was...pretty good.
NICK
You don't smell like sex?
RYAN
That's cuz we didn't have sex.
NICK
You went out with a broad and you didn't bang her? You sick?
RYAN
I didn't have a condom.
NICK
I could've spotted you man.
RYAN
I need a condom that didn't expire in 1989.
NICK
Oh hardy fucking har.
RYAN
No man, it was just...a date. It was nice.
NICK
Yeah, Well...SAMANTHA came by...
RYAN
Did she now?
NICK
She seemed a little off that you were on a date...
RYAN
You told her!
NICK
Yeah, you didn't tell me not too!
RYAN
Are you fucking high!
NICK
Not at the moment?
RYAN
Goddamnit...what she say...?
NICK
Just to tell you to go to her room once you got back for some recon info.
RYAN
You ass.
NICK
Sorry bro.
RYAN
Goddamnit.
RYAN turns and walks out the door, slamming it.
RYAN walks down the MOTEL lobby and comes to another room, RYAN knocking on it as SAMANTHA swings the door open.
SAMANTHA
You went on a fucking date!
RYAN
Where are...
SAMANTHA
They're out, doing what you should be doing too and that's looking for the SLASHERS, not gallivanting around with some whore you just fucking met!
RYAN barges past her as SAMANTHA slams the door, RYAN rubbing his chin as he turns to her.
RYAN
I'm sorry...
SAMANTHA
Don't give me that shit, you know this isn't about the fucking hunt...!
RYAN
Then what is it about then! What more do you want from me, honestly.
SAMANTHA
I want to know what the fuck are we! You fuck me, and then we don't talk about it, we don't say anything we just keep putting it off and here I'm thinking we're just waiting for the right fucking time, and then you come here and meet some fucking bimbo at a coffee shop and decide that oh, I'm just going to go back to dicking dumb blondes!
RYAN
It's not like that...
SAMANTHA
Oh then what is it, please, enlighten me ole' wise one!
RYAN
You said you didn't want this to be anything! You called it a mistake...you called us a mistake...what...what the fuck else was I suppose to go off of huh?! That we would finally just have a heart to heart one day and fall madly in love?!
SAMANTHA
Yeah, I thought maybe it would be in the cards, I thought maybe the one person who understands me, who understands what we go through, who I can count on, even when he fucks everything up, I thought maybe he is the right one for me, maybe this is the guy I deserve...you think I want to admit that after having that...shame sex!
RYAN
Shame sex?!
SAMANTHA
You prayed on my insecurities after what happened, and I did the same...so just call it like it was, okay
RYAN
Fine maybe it was, even though I don't know what the fuck that means. But know this, I didn't sleep with her, I just needed someone to talk to, a beautiful woman, who just for once, I could have an honest conversation with...
SAMANTHA
Oh yeah, about what, about how to slip your balls and unsuspecting ghetto trash!
RYAN
About you!
SAMANTHA
...What?
RYAN
I talked to her...about you...and what I should do, what I could say...how...how I could make this work...
SAMANTHA
Yeah, I'm sure you did.
RYAN
And there it is...you don't even trust me, you never have, and now you're using this as an excuse to build your defenses back up and to make me feel like shit! So I don't really care what happens from here. I'm done with it. I'm done with you on this. No matter, you're always going to want me, but you're never going to let me prove it, never gonna admit without resisting it. So what do I care?
SAMANTHA
Typical man response.
RYAN
It's just a response. A reasonable one. Now if you want to talk this over...rationally...
SAMANTHA
I don't want to talk about this with you. It's a dead issue. Just like you.
RYAN
SAMANTHA...
SAMANTHA
Do your RECON...and do your fucking job like a man.
SAMANTHA turns and heads out as RYAN shakes and curses to himself as he kicks the bedpost and hurts his foot, RYAN cursing as he falls over screaming in pain.
INT. BAR
SAMANTHA sits at the bar top and knocks back another one, the BARTENDER eyeballing her as she flashes him her MONSTER HUNTING I.D., the BARTENDER nodding as he pours her another shot.
MAN
So you get to drink for free?
SAMANTHA
It's a perk. The only one we HUNTERS get sometimes.
SAMANTHA turns to see the lengthy man sitting beside her nodding as he looks up at the BASEBALL GAME on the FLAT SCREEN.
MAN
Can you believe this, it's the world series and no one in here aside from me really seems to care that it's on.
SAMANTHA
I don't care.
MAN
You don't have to. You're not a schmo. You're the real deal, out there doing what you can to keep us safe from all those creatures.
SAMANTHA
Suppose I am.
ADAM
ADAM.
SAMANTHA
SAMANTHA.
ADAM
Nice to meet you.
SAMANTHA
If I'm not in the most cheerful talkative mood, don't hold it against me. Nothing against you but I've a real rough couple of hours.
ADAM
Guy trouble?
SAMANTHA
Of sorts. Been busy with this hunt in town, and trying to figure out what to do with this guy...
ADAM
Well..what's more important?
SAMANTHA
S'cuse me?
ADAM
You just have to ask yourself what is more important? I tell my sister all the time that dating and everything, that will always be there, but you won't be alive if you're not cautious out there, if you're not sticking to your principles and being clear headed.
SAMANTHA
Is that why you're alone in a bar, watching a baseball game with no one to care whether you lived or died?
ADAM
Damn, you are in a mood.
SAMANTHA
I said I was.
ADAM smiles as he orders another drink, SAMANTHA smiling as she raises a finger to the bartender for another.
SAMANTHA
Put his on mine.
ADAM
You don't have to.
SAMANTHA
If you're going to sit here and listen to me, you're in for a night of belittlement and put downs...so take what you can get.
ADAM
Then I shall.
The TWO smile as they take a moment to drink before slipping back into a conversation.
FADE OUT.