(3rd Person POV)

(Y/N) and Darnell are continuing their trek on the highway across Starlight City, forced to take any necessary snack breaks when their stamina gets low, and observe the destruction that the place they call home is currently enduring. All the while, they pass corrupted civilians on the lower roads, which pay no mind to them, as well as a constant stinging from their corrupted parts. For (Y/N), that part is his right arm, and for Darnell, that part is a pink string-like item wrapped around his torso.

Darnell: (puffs) Man, this walk is getting boring. I feel like we've been walking for hours! How far even is your place?

(Y/N): (looks at his phone) Well, it's only been 50 minutes since we had to take this path, but I can understand your exhaustion. It's usually much quicker when you have a car here. As for your question, if we somehow found a way to get to the lower floors, we'd have made it there about a few minutes ago.

Darnell: Oh, okay. Still, I hate that Pico's corrupted. That dude has had enough happen to his life, and now he's been turned into some crazy zombie by some weird slime?! I swear, I'm gonna incinerate that monster for doing this! (grits his teeth) Speaking of that slime, think you know a way to get this string off me? It's the only thing Cass didn't get off.

(Y/N): I don't know. I could try and pull it off, but it may result in either you getting more hurt, me getting more corrupted, or both. The only way to get it off, from what I remember, is by a more powerful demon removing it for you.

Darnell: (groans) Great. You tell me this after Cassandra gets taken over.

(Y/N): Hey, don't worry. Hopefully, the Dearest's are still un-corrupted, they can help us remove this stuff off! Also, don't worry to much. Aside from spreading, which happens depending on your emotions and other corrupted people nearby, all it really does is just cause an annoying sting.

Darnell: That's nice to know. Still, I'm impressed you're getting used to this- (hears something behind them) Watch out, behind us! 

(Y/N) and Darnell quickly turn around, just barely being able to spot a Corrupted Cassandra, still in her Penilian form, charging right for them, with one of her eyes being slightly dimmer than the other. After spotting her rushing appearance, the tow boys quickly take opposite ends of the highway, forcing Cassandra to choose which one to attack. Instead of making the decision, the corrupted alien instead stands in-between the boys, constantly taking glances at them.

Corrupted Cassandra: Hmm... So you think splitting up will allow you to have a better chance at stopping us? Well, we find your attempts of survival pathetic. Many have tried to evade our scarlet skies, but were no match for our power alone.

Darnell: Okay, this stuff has definitely made her crazy. I mean, Cassandra has never referred to herself as an "us" before.

(Y/N): Well, maybe it's not Cassandra speaking. (Darnell gives him a look) I mean, someone, probably the lemon demon, is using her body as a way of communication. In short, possession.

Darnell: (nods) Ah, now I get what you mean. (looks to Cassandra) So you think using some giant bed-bug will be enough to scare us? Well, you better try harder than that, fool!

Corrupted Cassandra: (chuckles darkly) Then try harder, we shall.

The Corrupted Cassandra then swings her tail at (Y/N), while charging towards Darnell, with the intention of slashing his torso. Darnell quickly rolls out of the way and uses his lighter as a flamethrower, giving the infected alien some burn marks on her fangs and claws. Meanwhile behind her, (Y/N) is evading every jab the tail does to him, before climbing onto it and running towards the head.

Corrupted Cassandra: (grabs Darnell) Enough of your futile attempts to halt our progress! Now, for your actions, I'll make your corruption last as painful as possible. (raises a claw) Any final words of freedom?

Darnell: (looks up and smirks) Yeah. Watch your head.

The Corrupted Cassandra tilts her head in confusion, giving an opening for (Y/N) to drop down in front of her, and shoot both her eyes with his Uzi. The corrupted parasite screeches in both pain and anger, letting go of Darnell and swinging it's claws at its sudden attacker, only for her swings to be repelled by (Y/N) using his combat knife. After getting pushed back, the Penilian gets into one last position, one that takes Darnell's attention.

Darnell: She's gonna charge at us blind! We gotta go now!

(Y/N): Wait! If we run, she'll hear us and change direction. I have an idea, just stay put for now.

Darnell: (confused) What?! Do you want us to become intergalactic insect food?

(Y/N): Trust me, okay? (sees Cassandra getting closer) Wait for it... Wait for it... Roll! Now!

Darnell obliges and rolls at the same time as (Y/N), as they evade Cassandra's final charge. Due to the sudden dodge at the last second, the corrupted creature is unable to turn around in time, and crashes through the metal barriers of the highway, falling down to the lower parts of the city, before crashing down. (Y/N) and Darnell both look down to see if Cassandra is okay, seeing her now in her human form on the floor unconscious, with her burns and eyes slowly healing.

Darnell: Wait, are her injuries healing?

(Y/N): I guess so. Maybe that's how the corruption works, healing any damage taken after a while.

Darnell: Well, that's some crazy healing factor. I just hope it doesn't get too stronger, along with anything else this corruption causes.

(Y/N): You and me both, Darnell. Now, let's continue on. I think we're approaching a place where we can drop onto my street.

Darnell: Finally, I can't wait to rest these bones.

(Y/N) and Darnell continue on their way to (Y/N)'s place, aka, the only sanctuary that they know of so far, hoping that they don't run into any more corrupted enemies. As they walk, (Y/N) can't help but feel like there's something, or rather someone, watching their moves while following at a safe distance. But, without any proof of that, all he can do is shrug it off and continue on. After a few more minutes of walking, they both reach a fork in the road, with one path leading straight ahead, and the other leading down into the city.

Darnell: I'm guessing that we have to go down, correct?

(Y/N): Yep. Then we pass a few abandoned apartment complexes before reaching our final destination of the day. Best of all, I still have the supplies I got! (pulls out the bag)

Darnell: (surprised) How the- Where were you even storing them?

(Y/N): In my hood, it's surprisingly large for its size. (sees something heading their way) Behind you, dude!

(Y/N) shoves Darnell out of the way, as he feels something sharp enter his corrupted arm. At first, he winces in pain, only to soon realise that his arm doesn't hurt, for some reason. Looking down at it reveals a few ninja stars imbedded into it, even sticking out the other side, but no blood has been drawn.

Darnell: (covers his mouth) I think I'm gonna puke. Also, how are you not in pain?!

(Y/N): Probably that healing factor the corruption gives, but that's not important right now. What is important is the fact that someone has followed us. And I think I know who.

Almost like they heard (Y/N), the corrupted attacker soon steps forward, revealing themselves to be the Corrupted Hanzou, in his corrupted ninja attire and night vision visor, and a samurai blade drawn in his hand. The ninja continues walking towards (Y/N) and Darnell, only stopping after reaching a few steps away from them.

Corrupted Hanzou: I must admit, it is rather impressive that you've bested the blind beast, but your journey has reached its end. For the corruption, I shall be the ones who will infect you both, and bring you to the angel and her boyfriend alive.

(Y/N): Of course you were following us, Hanzou. Not only do you have literal ninja training, I think, but you also have that visor to track us. But still, we're not going anywhere, except to safety. You'll be saved soon, I promise.

Corrupted Hanzou: Don't try to persuade me of helping you achieve your perfect ending. The angel did warn me that you'd be cautious when being offered a chance to be in our new dynasty, so I will use that knowledge to help me gain an advantage in our duel.

Darnell: Dude, can you stop with the noble sensei speech? We get it, you're a weeb. Doesn't mean you have to speak all fancy.

Corrupted Hanzou: (outraged) YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH, YOU WALKING FOREST FIRE!!! JUST BECAUSE I ENJOY JAPANESE CULTURE DOES NOT MAKE ME A WEEB IN ANY DEFINITION!!!

(Y/N): Darnell, please stay quiet. Because if you don't, I think that blade will be put to good use. (Darnell gives him a thumbs up)

Corrupted Hanzou: Thank you for silencing your ally, dear opponent. Now, I think you know what will happen next. We will duel in a rap battle, with these conditions in place. If you win, I'll let you go, pretending I never saw you. If I win, you'll both come with me for infection. Deal?

(Y/N): Alright then. Darnell, play us some good tunes. Let's rap, swordsman.

Corrupted Hanzou: Let us commence the singing battle. I, Hanzou, will knock you both down!

https://youtu.be/Q_EFfUiWLuA

*Song Name: Gimu (Japanese for Obligation)*

*Original Song: Ashes by EthanTheDoodler (featuring Renyar)*

Darnell obliges, pulling out his phone and playing an intense and dramatic song for (Y/N), as he stares down his corrupted opponent, who shows off his sword skills while singing. (Y/N) joins in, doing tricks with his combat knife, surprising and impressing both Darnell and Hanzou as the song continues. Eventually, the song ends, with both singers ending it by striking a pose, but soon Darnell notices something: Hanzou's left arm has been freed from the corruption, as well as part of his face.

Corrupted Hanzou: I see. You're not an opponent that others should brush aside, but rather a powerful warrior, who won't rest until their mission has been fulfilled. This won't be easy, considering you've removed some of the corruption off me, but that doesn't mean this battle has ended.

(Y/N): You're right on both points, Hanzou. I'm not giving up on finding a way to save everyone while the world I know dies around me. I'll keep on fighting until I fall to my knees and succumb to the corruption in despair. But until then, I'll still be a thorn in your side.

Darnell: Yeah, but that doesn't explain how you got the corruption of him.

(Y/N): To be honest, I have no idea myself. I'm no demon, so how did I have an effect on Hanzou?

Corrupted Hanzou: Maybe by the combination of your spirit and determination, you have been successful in punching through my hardened body, and are now ready to strike me at my most venerable spot, my heart. But be warned, dear opponent, I'll try all I can to prevent you from winning.

(Y/N): (smirks) Then I guess I'll just have to try harder! Play us another one, Darnell!

Corrupted Hanzou: You heard your comrade, pyromaniac! Prepare our combat track for the second round!

https://youtu.be/n0vTR4g_y1k

*Song Name: Kokina tekitai-sha (Japanese for Noble Opponent)

*Original Song: Magmatic by Rozebud*

Without skipping a beat, Darnell starts up the next song, playing a more stronger track that gets the blood of the fighters pumping. The Corrupted Hanzou and (Y/N) match the tracks tempo, and start barraging each other with rapid and fast bars, hoping to outlast the other before getting fully tired out. Halfway through the song, Hanzou tries to slash at (Y/N), but he blocks it with his combat knife, before pushing the corrupted ninja back. By the time the song ends, Hanzou falls to his knees, panting for air, while (Y/N) stands triumphant.

Corrupted Hanzou: (gasping for air) You truly are a foe to be weary of. But I've yet to go down without a fight.

(Y/N): I'm not so sure about that, Hanzou. Half of your face is freed, and so is your right arm and half of your body. If you keep going, you'll lose.

Corrupted Hanzou: I know, which is why I'll have to break out my final resort!!!

Hanzou then lets out one cry of pain, as the corruption on him begins to crack, making (Y/N) and Darnell believe that he'll be saved. Instead, they see Hanzou get envolped int a black void, before growing to double his height. His visor then goes over his eyes, as his jaw turns into his fangs, and large purple crystals form on his arms. And the finishing touch, large crystal tendrils burst out of his back, leaving (Y/N) and Darnell speechless.

Darnell: What... The...

(Y/N): What even is that?! Is the corruption literally evolving?!

Nexus Hanzou: Since you'll be annihilated soon enough, I might as well tell you this skill I've been blessed with. This is a Nexus form, which has the corruption harden and crystallise when chances over victory are next to impossible, going into a last ditch effort situation. Nexus forms offer great offensive capabilities in exchange for the ability to infect others. By this point, the new object is to eliminate, not infect. However, this form drains the corruption dry due to requiring immense amounts of power. Now' let's have ourselves a change of scenery?

Nexus Hanzou then charges purple electricity on his fists, before slamming them down onto the highway, creating a massive whole that drops himself, (Y/N), and Darnell down to the lower sections of Starlight City, landing in an abandoned street. Meanwhile, on top of a massive skyscraper, the Lemon Demon is currently residing there, watching the final face-off, as a shadow figure watches from beside him.

Lemon Demon: Ah, this will be an interesting fight. I wonder how the early stages of the Nexus state will handle against this kid, don't you agree, partner? (the figure remains quiet) If you wish to remain silent, that's fine with me. But if you're worried about the Nexus form losing, we can always send a large number of corrupted henchmen to them.

True to what the Lemon Demon has said, nearby, multiple corrupted faces have heard the sound of the highway getting obliterated, and are now heading over to the streets, intriged at what could've made such destruction. Back with Nexus Hanzou, (Y/N) snaps out of his shock, before looking back up at him with determination, which creates a chuckle from the corrupted titan.

Nexus Hanzou: So, you still choose to fight an unstoppable force? Even after I gifted you the knowledge of the corruptions new abilities?

Darnell: Yeah, I gotta agree with the massive titan in front of us. There's no way that any of us can even fight it off without getting wrecked.

(Y/N): Darnell, you may be right, but there's still a chance that Hanzou could be saved. And there's no way that I'm letting that chance slip away. (equips combat knife and Uzi) So, I'll stay fighting in defiance. Bring it on, Hanzou! I'll keep on fighting until there's nothing left to fight for!

Nexus Hanzou: (laughs) Very well, then, noble opponent. I will grant you a warriors death. Now... Give me the greatest fight I could ask for!!!

https://youtu.be/348O9C2HJdk

*Song Name: Taiketsu (Japanese for Showdown)*

*Original Song: Boiling Point by EthanTheDoodler (featuring Rareblin)*

And so, with one last determined nod, Darnell reluctantly pressed the play button, having one last song for this duel, between (Y/N) and Nexus Hanzou. Just around the first few verses, (Y/N) was suddenly forced to dodge the tendrils of Nexus Hanzou, which moved as fast as bullets being fired from a basic gun. Soon, (Y/N) started fighting back, slashing at any close tendrils while firing away at Nexus Hanzou with his Uzi. However, this begins to get tiring to the male teen, as Darnell notices sweat running down his face.

Darnell: Dude, you okay? You're starting to get tired.

(Y/N): I'm fine. It's just hard trying to find an opening to defeat this titan.

Darnell: That may be hard, but he's not so invincible as he claims. All you gotta do is force him to get aggressive, to the point that he ends up making a mistake. That's when you give him the decisive blow and free him.

(Y/N): (smiles) Good idea, Darnell! (looks to Nexus Hanzou) Now then, Hanzou, time to know what happens when the "unstoppable force" meets the immovable object!

Continuing on the rap battle, (Y/N) continued on evading the tendrils Nexus Hanzou kept trying to impale him on, until the corrupted titan started to use a new technique: A thin destructive beam of purple lighting fired from his mouth, almost like he was a kaiju. This attack proved more challenging to dodge, as not only did (Y/N) have to avoid the lighting itself, but also the stray lightning bolts that come with it.

(Y/N): (thinking) Damn, this fight's getting more difficult. Plus, what happens when that opening comes? Will Hanzou counterattack? (gets an idea) Wait, if I can have Darnell assit in distracting him, then that'll make this whole process easier! (speaks up) Darnell! When I say so, I'll need you to use your lighter for something!

Darnell was confused by this request, but he shrugged and gave a thumbs up, signalling that he'll try to help. Now with a plan in mind, (Y/N) gets back to the battle at hand, now focusing on both tiring out and annoying Nexus Hanzou during the rap fight. Nearing the end, the corrupted titan realised that he's losing, so he makes one final attempt on trying to stop (Y/N), unleashing massive shockwaves from his hands across the ground.

Even though the shockwaves did catch (Y/N) off guard a first, but he soon got the hang of it. As the song reaches its end, Nexus Hanzou lets out a roar of outrage, as he pulls his arm back for one final swing, but as he gets close to unleashing his last attack...

(Y/N): Now, Darnell!!

Darnell quickly leaps up and unleashes a torrent of flames from his lighter, causing Nexus Hanzou to put up his hands in defence. Seeing the right moment, (Y/N) goes on the offensive, quickly slashing at the behemoth's chest, and shooting at the created scar. After that last blow, cracks begin to appear all over Nexus Hanzou, until he fully shatters, revealing an uncorrupted Hanzou, resting on the floor in an unconscious state.

Darnell: (stunned) Well... Holy shit. You actually did it! You freed him!

(Y/N): I did? (starts getting excited) Holy microphones! I actually pulled it off! I never thought I would actually do this!

Hanzou: (groans as he wakes up) What happened? Why am I out in the streets? Last I remember, I was using the bathroom in the prison.

(Y/N) and Darnell give each of a look, before turning back to the confused ninja teen, and begin explaining what has happened to the world. After a few minutes of catching him up, Hanzou is left speechless upon hearing what has occurred.

Hanzou: Then... The others... They're also gone as well?

(Y/N): Afraid so. However, there is a chance to free them, since I was somehow able to free you. But for right now, we need to get out of here before-

(Y/N) get cut off as all three of them hear footsteps from all directions growing louder, getting all three of them to grab their weapons and going on guard. Soon, surrounding them from all angles, is a massive crowd of Corrupted Uberkids, each of them looking as angry as the one next to them, and having a massive speaker being dragged through.

Darnell: Wait, are those some Uberkids? I thought me, Nene, and Pico got them all scrapped and abandoned?

Hanzou: (confused) What are you talking about, Darnell?

(Y/N): I'm with Hanzou, how do you know these guys?

Darnell: Oh, you were on vacation, (Y/N), I remember. Well, one week after the whole school shooting fiasco, the government brought in these genetically crafted kids that were superior in most ways, call Uberkids. Our school was in charge of testing them, and me, Pico, and Nene challenged them to Rock Paper Scissors Roulette.

(Y/N): (tilts his head) Rock Paper Scissors Roulette?

Darnell: Basically Rock Paper Scissors combined with Russian Roulette. Anyway, we beat them, and the government threw them into a canyon, dubbing them useless. However, a few did escape and tried to kill us while we were trying to get ice cream, so we brutally killed them all. Still doesn't explain why they're here.

Hanzou: Perhaps the Lemon Demon and his associates found them and infected them, planning to have a massive army made entirely of corrupted Uberkids.

Corrupted Uberkid: Silence, you traitor! Now, hand over the one with the gun and combat knife now, or face Uberkid wrath!

(Y/N): Wait, why the hell are you after me? Did your bosses order you to?

Corrupted Uberkid: Nein! You killed UberJim in cold blood! He was having a nice rap battle, then you shot him with your weapon and left him for dead!

Darnell: (surprised) Dude, you shot one?

(Y/N): In my defence, he wouldn't shut up and leave me alone. Plus, he was planning on attacking me, so it was technically in defence.

Corrupted Uberkid: Shut it with your tiresome excuses! Now, for your actions, you will have all your pathetic bones broken by us!

Darnell: (turns on his lighter) Sorry, but we ain't letting you walking arts-and-crafts failures do anything to him. Right, Hanzou?

Hanzou: (draws his blade) Correct. He has freed me from the inky void that you all forced me into, so you will all become nothing but martyrs for my blade.

(Y/N): (grabs his weapons) Thanks, guys. Now, if you all really want to take us all on, choose your weapon. (the uberkids grab a microphone, leaving (Y/N) confused) Okay... Strange option, but I'm still gonna shoot and slash you to ribbons.

Corrupted Uberkid: Oh yeah? Good luck doing that while having to sing our favourite tune. Hit it, UberMike!!!

https://youtu.be/GGFSdsoWW3w

*Song Name: Unloaded by Philiplol (imagine it's (Y/N) instead of Pico, and add stabbing noises)*

With the push of a button, the surprise battle begins, with (Y/N) keeping a steady grip on his weapons, while Darnell and Hanzou deal with any Corrupted Uberkid that tries to go up and attack them. At first, (Y/N) thought this would be easy, since the Uberkid he was facing went down from a single shot, but every time he shot or stabbed one, another would instantly run off and continue where the previous one left off. Eventually, (Y/N) gets an idea on how to make this fight go by quicker.

(Y/N): (smirks) Check out this, you lab rats!

(Y/N) begins rapping and break-dancing at the same time, while shooting and stabbing any Corrupted Uberkid that gets to close or too far way from him. By the time he's finished dancing, half of the Uberkid army has been obliterated, but he's not finished yet. Spotting a tow truck at the top of the road, (Y/N) waits for the right time to give the corrupted army, before shooting the hook and letting the bus it was carrying roll down, running over and crashing into nearly all of the Corrupted Uberkids.

By the time the song is wrapping up, there's only one Corrupted Uberkid left, and unfortunately, (Y/N)'s Uzi is now out of bullets. Fortunately, his opponent forgot he still had his knife, so when the song finished, both charged at each other, which allowed (Y/N) to finish him off with a quick stab to the skull.

(Y/N): (poses) And that's how you rap battle!

Darnell: (claps) Damn, man. Those are some impressive moves! You gotta teach me them when this is all over.

(Y/N): (smiles) Sure, Darnell. I'll give teaching you a try.

Hanzou: Not to interrupt, but might I suggest we retreat to (Y/N)'s current residence, before any more surprise corrupted enemies try to ambush us?

(Y/N) and Darnell give Hanzou a nod, before grabbing their stuff and walking off towards the former's apartment. Meanwhile, on the rooftop, the Lemon Demon and his partner watch them take their leave, with the former slamming his fists on the rail, causing more of him to get corrupted, while the latter just stares, intrigued that a random teen happened to find a way to free one soldier. They must make sure this won't happen again, this calls for constant observation.

(Y/N POV)

Well, it took us at least 15 more minutes, but we made it back. Darnell and Hanzou were surprised that the place hadn't been attacked yet, but I guess that the corruption hasn't bothered to look indoors yet. We reach my apartment room as I open the door, and call out to the other 3.

(Y/N): I'm back, and I brought both supplies and survivors!

Nene: (spots Darnell) Darnell!!! I thought you got corrupted! (pulls him into a hug)

Darnell: Woah, careful, Nene. I still have this string on me, and we don't know if touching it will spread any corruption onto us. Speaking of which, you know anything about this stuff, Hanzou?

Hanzou: I'm afraid not. All I can remember from my time being under that cursed slime's control was attacking the mall for any fool still hiding there.

(Y/N): It's fine. We can figure this out another time. For now, we can rest.

Sunday: (wakes up) About time you arrived, I thought the worst happened to you.

(Y/N): Well, apparently not. Anyway, more survivors are here, so you better get used to sharing supplies with others.

Sunday just flashes me a thumbs up before falling back asleep. Meanwhile, Hanzou was teaching that skeleton kid about some Japanese culture while Darnell and Nene were chatting away with each other. For me, I just walk into the kitchen to make everyone some food, smiling to myself as I sorta formed some kind of resistance against the corruption. And with today's end results, I have a feeling that Boyfriend and Girlfriend could be reached, and possibly saved.

You hear that, you two? I'm still alive, and still fighting for you both. Just hold on in there, I'll find a way to save you, eventually...

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

Week 1 has been Completed!!

Hanzou has been freed from the Corruption!!

Hanzou has joined the Party!!

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