CHAPTER 6: "REGROUPING"
FADE IN:
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
The fire crackles. Setsuko has fallen asleep, her head resting against a rock. Erett patrols the perimeter.
Keise isn't sleeping.
He leans against a tree, eyes fixed on the fire. But his mind is somewhere else.
KEISE (inner voice)
Why? Why is he helping us? He doesn't know us at all. He took an arrow in the back, followed us, jumped in front of those men…
His hand unconsciously moves to his chest. The 1SV+ text is still there. He touches it with his fingers.
KEISE (inner voice, cont'd)
Why did he take us in in this shitty world? What does he expect from us? What does he gain?
Erett's silhouette appears in the firelight. He finishes his patrol and returns.
ERETT (quietly)
You're not sleeping?
KEISE (without looking up)
Can't sleep.
Erett pauses for a moment. Then sits beside him. Stares into the fire.
ERETT (calm)
The first night is always like this. Your mind gets messy, questions come, answers don't.
KEISE (sudden outburst)
Why?
ERETT (surprised)
Why what?
KEISE (turning to him, eyes piercing)
Why are you helping us? You don't know us. We have nothing. You took an arrow in the back, followed us, jumped in front of those men. Why?
Erett is silent for a moment. He looks into the fire. A long pause.
ERETT (slowly)
I… was new once too.
Keise's eyes widen.
ERETT (continuing)
Years ago. I fell into this world. I was SV1. I was scared. I was hungry. I was alone. And a man… a stranger… helped me. Gave me food. Gave me shelter. Protected me.
His eyes lose focus in the flames.
ERETT (cont'd)
If it weren't for that man, I wouldn't be here now. I'd either be dead… or a slave to an echo hunter.
He turns to Keise.
ERETT (serious)
I could never repay that man. Because he… died. In a raid. Saving me.
There's a tremor in his voice.
ERETT (cont'd)
That day I understood: in this world, kindness is a debt. You receive it from someone, you pass it to someone else. The chain continues.
KEISE (whispering)
So… by helping us… you're repaying his debt?
ERETT (smiling faintly)
You could say that. But also… I liked you two. Setsuko's innocent side, your stubborn pride… it reminded me of my past.
KEISE (surprised)
Pride? I'm not proud.
ERETT (laughing softly)
Sure you're not.
They both smile lightly. For the first time, a bond forms between them.
KEISE (serious)
So… what's waiting for us at the camp we're heading to?
ERETT (turning to him)
A guild. Called NIGHT RAVENS. They gather SVs, train them, protect them. We'll be safe there.
KEISE (frowning)
Safe? Could Smonir come there?
ERETT (serious)
He could. But attacking on guild territory is hard. And… we won't be alone there.
KEISE (to himself)
Guild… training… power…
He stands up. Looks at the fire. Determined.
KEISE (firm)
I want to learn. How to fight. How to become strong. When I face that Smonir bastard again… I want to be ready.
ERETT (looking at him with pride)
That's exactly what I wanted to see.
He stands up, puts a hand on Keise's shoulder.
ERETT (cont'd)
We leave at dawn. Sleep now. The path to power passes through rest.
Keise nods. Lies down near the fire.
He closes his eyes. But questions still swirl in his mind.
KEISE (inner voice)
Guild… training… power… and that man's debt.
He pauses.
KEISE (inner voice, cont'd)
Maybe kindness really exists in this world. Maybe… one day I'll help someone too.
His eyes slowly close.
The fire keeps burning.
EXT. CAMPSITE - DAWN
The sun is rising. Birds sing.
Setsuko wakes, yawns. Looks for Keise.
Keise is already up, packing their things. His face has a new expression. Harder, more determined.
SETSUKO (surprised)
Keise? You're up early.
KEISE (without turning)
Get ready. We're leaving.
SETSUKO (smiling)
Where's the old Keise?
Keise stops. Thinks for a moment. Then smiles faintly.
KEISE (eyes burning)
The old Keise is dead. Get used to the new one.
They mount their horses. A new day, a new road on the horizon.
FADE TO BLACK.
[CHAPTER 6 END]