Edit: I thank my friend on Discord, Rage, for making the art for this chapter!! If you are reading this, Rage, I cannot thank you enough for this!!! You truly are a great Artist!!!

(Y/N POV)

Well, it's been at least 5 weeks since this whole outbreak occurred, or as what the rest of Starlight City has called, "The Corruption Incident". Ever since me, Sunday, and Whitty split up to stay hidden, we've been trying to keep in touch with each other. Key word here being "Trying". I've been texting Whitty, trying to see how he usually is, but I don't get a response until a few days later. Though, he does crash at my place when he's nearby, even if it's only for a day or two.

Meanwhile, living with Sunday isn't that hard, but it isn't that easy either. For starters, she wants to play her guitar, but I had to tell her many times that she can't because that level of noise could risk us getting spotted and corrupted. Next, she loves to sleep on the couch, nothing wrong with that, but that means if I want to watch TV, I have to rely on the internet, which is slowly losing more people, or Netflix, and who even likes watching Netflix on your phone?!

Lastly, she likes to eat and drink. Now, this wouldn't be a problem, if our supplies weren't usually running low after a week. Good news is that there a few gas stations I can sneak out to and grab some stuff from. Bad news is that I've drained those stations, and the current closest store is a few blocks away, which means if I want to head over there, I have to make sure no corrupted people spot me.

Still, we're running low on food and drinks, and I don't want to rely on eating insects, dust particles, or animal food, so I enter my room, grab my trusty knife from the mall, as well as a bag for carrying any supplies, and head over to the front door, passing Sunday as she's watching some kind of garage sale show.

(Y/N): Hey, Sunday. I'm heading out for supplies. If I don't return in at least half a day, either search for me, or abandon the place.

Sunday: Got it, you can trust me to keep this fort safe.

I give her a nod and close the door as I head towards the elevator, hitting the ground floor button, and descending down. On the way down, my mind starts to drift off, thinking about other possible survivors. I already know Whitty, Sunday, Mr Dearest, and Mrs Mearest are alright, but what if there are others? I mean, I saw Pico, Nene, Hex, and even that Tankman at the mall during the incident, so could they be fine as well?

I'm brought out of my thoughts as the metal doors open, showing the building's ruined lobby, and allowing me to walk to the main exit. Going through the double doors, I'm greeted with what has happened to Starlight City now, with it becoming nothing more than a few cracked buildings, silence across the streets, and the constant feeling of dread in the air, worrying about possibly getting spotted, or worse.

Even knowing what may come, I press on, heading towards where the store is located, taking any necessary shortcuts or pathways, in order to stay hidden from any corrupted citizens. Speaking of the citizens, they were corrupted, but they all looked the same person. Strange. Not to mention, they seemed to be getting along together, heading off in even numbered groups, and... playing games of Russian Roulette?!

Okay, (Y/N), enough questioning the corrupted. Just continue going to the store. I press onward, heading towards the store, until I eventually reach it. Unfortunately, the doors seem to be barricaded from the inside, since I can see some nails sticking out through the door. Fortunately, there is a gas station nearby, so I make my way over to it. I'm just about to enter the door, when I hear a gun click behind me.

???: All right, you. I'll give you one chance to step away from the door, or else you'll be a bloody stain all over it.

Hold on a minute, that voice sounds familiar. I quickly turn around, seeing a ginger with white eyes wearing a green shirt, beige pants, marron shoes, and holding two Uzis in his hands. However, part of the left side of him has been corrupted, turning his eye pink, and he now has chains wrapped around his body. We have a bit of a stare down, until I break the ice with just one word.

(Y/N): Pico?

Pico: (lowers his guns) Wait, is that you, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): It is. Dude, I haven't seen you since graduation! Though, to be honest, the reunion could've been during a less stressful time.

Pico: No lying there. Still, how are you holding up?

(Y/N): I'm doing fine. I was just coming here for supplies, due to the other gas stations nearby no longer having anything good. How about you?

Pico: Had the same idea as you, except I'm not going on a dangerous mission alone.

(Y/N): Alone? What do you mean?

Pico soon gestures to two figures nearby, ducking next to a bush in order to avoid getting spotted. The first one was the other kid in a Halloween costume, this one being a skeleton costume instead of a pumpkin one. The other person was a female with a pink headband going through her black hair, and was wearing some pink and white clothes. She also had a knife in her hand, probably for self-defence, but she was also familiar, as her name soon pops into my head.

(Y/N): You brought Nene with you, too?

Pico: Of course I did. After the whole fiasco at the mall, me and Nene booked it outta there, the minute things went to shit. We also grabbed the poor kid on the way out, seeing him about to get corrupted by his own friend.

(Y/N): Damn. The more I hear stuff like this, the more I really despise that Monster. I swear, when this is all over with, I'm gonna make him wish he never thought of this whole plan!

Pico: Same here, except I'm gonna use him for target practice, and miss on purpose.

Nene: (slowly approaches) Pico? How long does it take for you to get some supplies? (spots (Y/N)) (Y/N)? Is that you?

(Y/N): It is, Nene. (gets pulled into a hug) Nice to see you, too.

Nene: How have you been surviving? I remember seeing you still in the mall!!

(Y/N): Well, I had to defend myself, plus Whitty helped me escape. As for surviving, I've been doing the same thing you guys are doing right now.

Pico: Do you even have a place to stay? Cause if you do, can we crash there as well?

(Y/N): Sure, let me just message my temporary roommate about what's about to happen, then we can grab as many stuff as we can carry and get the hell outta here!

Pico: (chuckles) You read my mind. Let's do it.

(3rd Person POV)

And so, the plan was set into motion. (Y/N) let Sunday know that there would be more survivors soon, which she was okay with, then gave the address to both Pico and Nene, before all four of them entered the gas station to gather whatever they needed. Pico had to be honest, he didn't know that (Y/N)'s partner in survival was a chick, but he won't ask any questions. After all, he dated Boyfriend when they were in high school, until one of their dates went wrong.

Soon, everyone grabbed what they were looking for, and were beginning to head to (Y/N)'s apartment, when all of them stopped after leaving the gas station, and it was because of some noise getting louder with each passing second. Soon, a familiar looking limo drives up to the station, parking a good distance away from the quartet of survivors, with both front doors opening.

(Y/N) begins to feel hopeful, ready to see Mr Dearest and Mrs Mearest again, hoping they have a plan to solve this crisis. But like most fairy tales, hopes and dreams are nothing more than lies and illusions. Instead of seeing the famous married musician couple, the Corrupted Boyfriend and Girlfriend hop out, twitching with each approaching step. As they creep closer, Pico draws his duel Uzis, while (Y/N) and Nene pull out their respective knives.

Corrupted BF: Ah, Pico. Always pulling your weapons out the moment you see or hear something dangerous. You really haven't changed.

Pico: Hey! You knew what happened that day, and I still regret what I did!

Corrupted BF: You can't escape the past, no matter how far you run from it. Eventually, it will catch up, and make you regret your prior actions.

(Y/N): Cut the deep speaking, what are you after?

Corrupted GF: Isn't it obvious, dear (Y/N)? We want you. Our master has taken quite an interest into you, after you were able to catch him by surprise. Now, he thinks you'll be a great asset to his plan to take over this whole city!

(Y/N): Wait! That freaky Lemon Demon wants me in his ranks now?!

Corrupted BF: Of course he does, (Y/N)! Think about it. With you by our side, we'll lay waste to any foll who dares stand in our way. We'll collect any reward imaginable with our developing abilities! Best of all, we'll be together again, just like old times. What do you say?

(Y/N): (looks down) I... I...

(Y/N) starts fumbling at forming even the simplest of sentences, even having trouble to just say "No" to the corruption. He wants to save Boyfriend and Girlfriend, but at the same time, he's unsure if there's even a way to save them. He knows that Girlfriend's parents have the ability to remove it, but after seeing that their limo's been hijacked, he's beginning to have second thoughts.

Corrupted BF: (walks towards (Y/N)) I can see your troubled, dear (Y/N). Don't worry, as long as you don't resist, it will only hurt-

Corrupted Boyfriend is suddenly interrupted by a stray bullet flying past his face, causing him to jump back to the Corrupted Girlfriend. (Y/N) then looks up, to see Pico having fired a shot from his Uzi, with a pissed off expression on his face.

Pico: Don't you dare say anything. I know what tricks you're trying to pull. You're trying to manipulate him, play with his emotions, have him listen to what you want to say, and have him say what you want to hear. Well, here's a news flash for you fuckers, he's not going with you. Now leave, before I make you. (loads his Uzis)

Corrupted BF: (glares and groans) Of course you'd ruin our fun. Well, guess we can put down the guard dog, then claim our prize.

Pico: (irritated) Are you calling me a fucking dog?! Well, if that's how you want to play, prepare to get your throats ripped off!!

Corrupted GF: (cackles) Hit it, driver!!

https://youtu.be/7CQBDKm3pGQ

*Song name: Loaded (By AzuriParker)*

Music begins to blare out the limo, as both combatants take their sides on opposite sides of the limo, with Nene, Skid, and (Y/N) staying with Pico, and Corrupted Girlfriend staying with Corrupted Boyfriend. Soon, Pico and his corrupted ex start trading notes against each other, with the former firing bullets, but missing on purpose, trying to use this strategy to bring his old friend back.

As the song progresses, though, Boyfriend shows no sign of his corruption getting removed, while Pico is slowly getting more corrupted, as the black substance creeps up his body at a snail's pace. To make matters worse, Pico is beginning to get tired, both from the late hour, and the corruption draining away his stamina.

(Y/N): Dude, you okay?

Pico: (catching breaths) No... I'm too damn tired to focus.

(Y/N): Well, give me your Uzi. I'll fire at him, you focus on the song.

Nene: What?! Are you insane, (Y/N)?!

(Y/N): No, I want to help out as much as I can.

Pico: Fine, just make sure not to actually hit him.

(Y/N): I'll try.

Corrupted BF: Are you three all done talking amongst yourselves? Let's get back to this rap battle, so we can get our just reward.

Pico: Try us, you parasites.

https://youtu.be/XdME_kjMWXQ

*Song name: Unable (by MarStarBro)*

With the sound of a fully loaded Uzi, the driver starts up a more techno song, rolling down the window to get a better look at their future targets. Meanwhile, Pico and the Corrupted Boyfriend continue from where they left off, with (Y/N) providing the former with covering fire. The two begin to try their hardest, and it begins to pay off, as both are treated to a nice surprise...

...Boyfriend is beginning to get uncorrupted, as part of his left face is now visible.

This fills both Pico and (Y/N) with hope, as they continue to push on with their charge. But soon, they're charge grinds to a dead halt. Soon, Pico begins to experience headaches, Nene and Skid start getting tiny splotches of corruption on them, and (Y/N) begins to hesitate firing. To make matters worse, Boyfriend goes back to becoming fully corrupted, and Pico is now in a worse state, as the song ends.

(Y/N): It's no use, we can't win. Even if we escape, they'll just follow us back to my place.

Pico: (clutches his head) I can't handle this anymore... Nene! Cut the chains!

Nene: (scared) Y-You can't go and face him! Look at you, idiot! He's corrupting you like he was!

Pico: (snaps) AND YOU THINK I STILL WON'T FUCKING TURN OUT LIKE HIM IF I STAY HERE OR FLEE?! CUT. THE. DAMN. CHAINS.

Pico then stops, gritting his teeth as pain flows through his body, making him wish he could just claw off whatever part of him is corrupted with his teeth and nails, but he's soon brought back by feeling (Y/N)'s hand on his shoulder.

(Y/N): If you're choosing to stay and fight, then I'm joining you. Don't tell me I can't, this is my choice. Besides, if I run with Nene, they'll just chase me down and get them.

Pico: You make a good point. Alright, you can stay. Just... Hold onto that Uzi for me, would ya? You can keep it until this is all over.

(Y/N): Okay.

Skid: (nervous) Are you two gonna be alright, sir?

Pico: Sure we will, kid. We'll join you soon, we just need to talk with Boyfriend, face to face.

(Y/N): We'll catch you both later. Nene, take care of him, just follow the directions to my place. You'll both be safer there.

Nene gives them both a nod and takes Skid's hand, leading him towards (Y/N)'s apartment for safety. Meanwhile, Pico and (Y/N) march from behind the limo, to it's front, ready to confront their friend. With every step, Pico's body gets more corrupted, until only part of the right side of his face isn't corrupted.

Pico: Alright, Boyfriend. It's time to end this. We both saw what that Lemon Demon did to you in the mall.

(Y/N): I know you told me to run, but if I just do that, then how can I help you? From now on, I won't run away from danger, unless absolutely necessary.

Pico: Yeah, also, I suggest you start talking now, unless you want both me and (Y/N) to not MISS bullets on purpose.

Corrupted Boyfriend gives both of his opponents a creepy stare in his eyes, with it being more focused on (Y/N), until he finally gives a response.

Corrupted BF: Heh. So be it.

Corrupted GF: I have some business to take care of, so I have to go for now. But don't worry, BF, I've invited some friends over while you were busy. You three make sure to give them a warm welcome.

In a flash of bright red, the Corrupted Girlfriend flies off, leaving those guests to arrive and surround the three at the limo. First, it is only Darnell, but soon, corrupted members of the Goth Kids arrive, minus Cassandra. Those figures being Alucard, Cyclops, and Hanzou. Even the corrupted driver hops out, wishing to get a better view. Pico and (Y/N) look around, before the former glares back at Boyfriend, and the latter hops onto the limo, weapons drawn and ready.

Pico: (sighs) I'm really at my limit. In just a few short minutes, more of your friends have decided to turn up. And what's worse, me and (Y/N) know most of them...

(Y/N): Hanzou, Alucard, Cyclops, Darnell. All of them have fallen to your tricks. But now's not the time to mope, now's the time to get vengeance. For the ones you've corrupted...

Pico: So, it's all come down to this, huh? Trying to play with our feelings, like you did earlier? Well, it's obvious that neither me or (Y/N) don't stand a chance against all of them, only someone who's lost their mind could make it out of here alive. Not only that, but now my condition's at its worse. Because of you, I'm unable to stop hearing those voices, damn it.

(Y/N): Still, even with Pico's condition, we can at least try and stall for time by shooting, even if it turns out to be ineffective. But, at least it allows Nene and the kid to reach a safe place more easily.

Pico: (sighs) Maybe this is my last goodbye, (Y/N). But do you know what we say to the faces of danger?

Pico and (Y/N) both give one final stare to Corrupted Boyfriend and the other corrupted figures around them, as they utter the final words before their last stand.

Pico + (Y/N): We're ready. Do your worst!

https://youtu.be/7Qttz9wFJ2A

*Song name: One-Shot (by AzuriParker)*

The song hasn't even started, and instantly, bullets shoot out of Pico's Uzis. This is more than just another fight to him, this is his last stand against the corruption. While (Y/N) deals with the audience members, slashing and shooting them every time they get close, Pico deals with the Corrupted Boyfriend, trading notes and defiant glares with each other. However, this fight is a difficult one for the ginger, as with every passing moment, not only does pain shoot through his body, but constant images of past memories flash in his mind, reminding him of what their lives were once.

But that's not the only thing that's hindering Pico, as he occasionally takes a few glances at (Y/N). He sees the (H/C) boy almost like a brother, and after some unfortunate circumstances before high school, Pico made a promise to look out for him, even if it may cost him his life in the future. As the song begins to reach it's climax, Pico's mind rushes with thoughts about Starlight City's scenario, and how it all went downhill in just a few weeks.

Pico: (thinking) Why is this happening? Everything about this place is falling apart, as if it's being wiped away from the rest of the world. And it's all because of that damn Monster...

Meanwhile, all across Starlight City, there's more happening than just this rap battle. Across the streets, Nene and Skid are making their way to safety. In the alleyways, Whitty and a figure with a goat skull are facing many corrupted faces. At a church, a Russian figure and a pink nun are getting cornered by the corruption. In the Badlands, many black-and-white soldiers are confused from hearing the current news.

And back where it all started, in the Starlight City mall, Daddy Dearest arrives to have a showdown with his own corrupted daughter, as the masterminds behind this chaos watch on with unsettling smiles.

Pico: (thoughts) Damn it... Damn you... Damn it all to hell... Damn You All To Hell!!!

With one final push of anger, Pico unleashes as many bullets as his twin Uzis can hold, not letting a single one get unused, and refusing to lift his finger away from the trigger. However, his frustrated push proves pointless, as not only has Corrupted BF evaded every single shot, but the rapid firing has left Pico fully exhausted.

By the end of the song, Pico is left on his knees, taking deep breaths as the corruption continues to spread. Noticing his friend's predicament, (Y/N) leaps off the limo hood and lands beside him, ready to defend him in case anything happens.

(Y/N): Are you all right, Pico? I can carry you to-

Pico: (panting) Don't... The corruption... I can't... Continue... Please... Just run... If not for me... Then for Boyfriend...

(Y/N): No, I'm not running. Not while there's a chance to save you. (looks to Corrupted BF) Hey! Boyfriend! How about we have a rap battle.

Corrupted BF: (gasps) Did my own ears deceive me, because I thought I heard you say you wanted a rap battle.

(Y/N): That wasn't any trickery. I'm being honest. Here and now, no cheating, just you and me. If I win, I go free.

Corrupted BF: Playing some risky conditions, are we? (laughs) I accept. But when I win, you're staying with me and GF. Forever.

(Y/N) swallows down some saliva, he had never heard Boyfriend this demanding before. Still, he gives his friend a nod, confirming the winning conditions, as one last song begins to play for this encounter.

https://youtu.be/MXXQN_9FlfM

*Song name: Full-Clip (by SimplyCrispy ft. Kospi)*

*Imagine it's still at the gas station, the showdown being (Y/N) vs Corrupted Boyfriend, and the previously mentioned corrupted faces, plus Pico, are there)

The final song plays, with it being a rendition of one of Pico's most well known songs, but changed up to sound more dreadful and menacing. Even the most little details paint a pretty obvious outcome approaching, as (Y/N) grows more nervous, which becomes more evident when his borrowed Uzi starts acting up, refusing to fire anymore bullets.

As the song draws to a close, (Y/N) is left clutching his right arm, with Corruption forming on it, and Pico falling to the ground unconscious, as Boyfriend laughs in victory. However, something that the other corrupted spectators notice is that even when getting corrupted, (Y/N), for some reason, is smirking.

Corrupted BF: (cackles) Well, dear (Y/N), I'm afraid you lost. There's nowhere for you to run now, after all, you're surrounded. (notices the smirk) Why are you smirking? It isn't like you to be happy in a moment of despair.

(Y/N): That's because you forgot to check if my fingers were crossed.

Before any of the corrupted audience members can even react, (Y/N) reloads his Uzi and starts firing at all of them, pushing them away. At the same time, he quickly snatches Pico's phone and stabs it with his knife, before running off deep into Starlight City. As the corrupted recover from that barrage, Boyfriend sees that (Y/N) is nowhere to be found.

Corrupted Darnell: Dammit, he tricked us! You should've attacked him when you had the chance, you fucking dwarf!

Corrupted BF: Shut it, you egotistical pyromaniac! We may have failed in getting (Y/N), but at least we have a new member joining us.

At that moment, a newly Corrupted Pico rises up, clutching his head and snapping his glowing teeth, as his illuminating eyes drift to his own Uzis.

Corrupted BF: Ah, Pico. So glad you could join us. I'm afraid (Y/N) outsmarted us while you were forming, and managed to get away.

Corrupted Pico: (scoffs) No matter. We can always track him down, like the fragile mouse he is. (notices his broken phone) Shit! There goes our only chance of tracking him! Fuck!

Corrupted Darnell: Woah, woah, my dude. What do you mean by "tracking him"? Did you really shoot him with a tracking device?

Corrupted Pico: No, you dipshit. That phone had (Y/N)'s contacts on it! We could've found his location, and captured him there! But now that it's impaled, this phone is FUCKING USELESS!!!

Corrupted BF: Calm yourself, Pico. He must've ran off into Starlight City. We can still hunt him down, in a fun little game of hide and seek. Now everyone, spread out! If you spot (Y/N), let the others know, so that way, we can corner him more easily. (everyone nods and scatters) You may have won this battle, dear (Y/N), but you haven't won the war. Soon enough, you'll be corrupted, and you'll spend all eternity with me and GF, as one big couple...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pico has been overpowered by the Corruption!!

Nene and Skid have joined the Party!!

Current Party: (Y/N), Sunday, Nene, Skid.