(Y/N POV)

After Sunday and Hanzou got us out of possibly getting corrupted or worse, we silently agreed to split up, and attempt to make sure no infected followers are looking for us, before sneaking back to he apartment. While Sunday was against the idea, due to the possibility of Skid knowing where we currently reside, but Skid may not recognise which apartment we're hiding, due to the other apartments nearby looking the same.

For where we each scattered to, Hanzou chose to escape via the highway, even if the damage there when he was corrupted wasn't fixed. Sunday chose to flee towards some abandoned facilities, saying how since there's gonna be nobody else there, she can trick any followers by getting in, barricading the door shut, and climbing out a window before they have the chance to enter, which is smart. As for me, I'm running over to some small stores, hoping they have anything good I can use.

Unfortunately, the stores have already been ransacked and all that's left for me is nothing but some clothes, a few novelty items, and a watering can, all of which are completely unusable. I know, we can use the clothes while we clean our worn ones, but I've already went out for some of those, and I'm pretty sure we all don't need a new wardrobe of fashion at a time like this. So, after making sure the cost is clear, I begin to make my way to the back door, only to stop when I hear a gunshot on the other side.

I looked around for where it came from, finding no answer until another rings out, letting me know that whatever's making the noise is on the other side of the door. Luckily, there's a nearby window, so I peer out of that to get a look. Unluckily, on the other side is a Corrupted Pico, who's currently using some random junk he found as target practice.

Corrupted Pico: (fires again, missing) Arrgh! God dammit! I've unloaded probably three whole magazines of bullets, and I've only hit 4 out of 10 targets! What is it that I'm missing? Before, my shots always left my opponent with a hole leaking blood, but now, it's almost like I've lost my touch.

I see my corrupted friend soon sigh, before he sits on the floor, dropping his Uzi beside him. Call it strange, but I sorta feel bad for him. I know that he's currently infected, but he's still my friend in there. I really want to help him, but since I know Pico is never alone without his gun, that's going to be difficult. Right before I reach my hand out to the doorknob, I see the Corrupted duo of Skid and Pump hop over the fence, before spotting Pico and walking over to him.

Corrupted Skid: Ah! Friend Pico! Why are you so down? It's a Scary Month!

Corrupted Pico: Oh, it is? Well, good for you. I'm just trying to find out why my shots aren't hitting everything?

Corrupted Pump: (thinks, then gets an idea) I know! Maybe you need some motivation! Mom always said that if motivated, you can do better!

Corrupted Skid: Good idea, Pump! (looks to Pico) Maybe you need to think about something that'll help you, like getting your friend to join us!

Pico: You mean (Y/N)? (Skid and Pump nod) All right, I'll give it a try.

Pico soon stands up and grabs his gun, before aiming at his targets again. This time, when firing, he's able to hit every target there is. After shooting down the last target, he turns to the spooky kids, with a massive smile on his face.

Corrupted Pico: You know what? That actually worked! I actually owe you two something for later. Next time I see him, I'll get him on our side, and me, him, and Boyfriend can hang out again, just like old times!

Corrupted Skid: That's great, friend Pico! Maybe you can help us with something. You see...

I begin to slowly step away from the door, not wanting to hear anymore of what they're planning, but just as I'm about to turn around...

SMASH!!!

Oh, fuck. I look down, seeing a vase now shattered all over the floor, before turning over to the window, now seeing Pico spotting me on the over side. Immediately, I break out into a sprint, as bullets fly over my head before running out of the store.

Corrupted Pico: Come back, (Y/N)! Please!

I keep running away, hearing the bullets go by my head, until feel one pass throw my arm and chest, before falling to the ground, tired.

Corrupted Pico: (Y/N), I know you don't want this to continue, so please, (grabs his arm) Come with me.

(Y/N): (tired) Pico... Please. I know you're in there. Snap out of it, please.

Pico soon pauses for a minute, all while staring down at his gun. Did... Did I really get through to him? He quickly lets go of me, all while his hand shakily brings his gun up to his head. My eyes widen, knowing what's about to happen, and reach out to stop him, when I hear a voice. Pico's voice.

Pico: (Y/N)... Run... Please...

Pico then pulls the trigger, letting the bullet hit the side of his head as he unleashes an inhuman roar of pain. I take this moment to start running far away from this area, hopefully towards someplace I can take a moment to rest, my arm and chest are killing me.

(3rd Person POV)

(Y/N)'s running starts to be reduced to walking, as his stamina begins to grow shorter and shorter. He knows that if he keeps going without a place to rest, he'll pass out, and probably get captured and corrupted. He needs to stop, but where? There's no place for him to hide at.

Well, there isn't, until a few streets down, (Y/N) spots an arcade that hasn't been invaded by anybody corrupted. So, taking the chance he can get, (Y/N) breaks out into one final sprint, pushing his entire body towards the building before he can pass out. Just as his body begins to tire out, he bursts through the front door, and crashes right next to a change dispenser.

(Y/N): (panting) Made it... I think I... Can have a rest...

(Y/N)'s eyes start to close, as he feels himself drifting off into a deep slumber. In his dreams, he finds himself in a black void, until he spots another figure a good distance away from him, and attempts to approach him. However, what the young boy didn't know, was that there was another figure in the arcade with him. The figure soon spots (Y/N) resting, before walking up to the boy and stands over him, before...

???: Hey, are you okay there?

(Y/N) opens his eyes, leaving the dream and glancing at a nearby clock that shows that 15 minutes have passed, before turning over to the stranger that woke him up. The figure appears to be a grey-haired cat with his fur in a ponytail, while wearing a hoodie that has blue, yellow, and reddish-pink on it, dark grey pants, and blue shoes. The cat person also seems to have a clam expression, as well as not showing any corruption on him. (Y/N) sits up, knowing that this person isn't a threat, before taking a deep breath and answering the question.

(Y/N): I'm fine. It's just been... a few crazy nights all happening back-to-back.

???: Ouch. That must be rough, not getting any proper rest.

(Y/N): It is, especially when you're trying to house some close friends in the same apartment complex as you. You may not know what I mean, since you may live in a house-

???: (puts up his paws) No, no, I get what you mean. Anyway, what's your name, stranger, and why are you here at the arcade at this time?

(Y/N): Name's (Y/N), and I'm just here for a quick rest stop. What about you?

Kapi: I'm Kapi, and I'm here to enjoy the arcade for as long as I can! Since more people have been disappearing lately, the arcade's been super quiet, so I've been constantly dropping by, spending a lot of quarters to keep this place still afloat. Also, dig that cool Halloween costume, even if It's been a few months since the season.

(Y/N) tilts his head in confusion, not knowing what Kapi meant, until he takes a moment to look down at his chest. His eyes widen, seeing how far the corruption has suddenly spread. Aside from his right arm, now his entire body is covered in the black substance, as well as his right arm. Looking at the glass window behind Kapi shows that now his right eye is turning pink, with some splashes of corruption on his right cheek.

(Y/N): (sighs) Dammit, it's getting worse.

Kapi: (confused) What's getting worse? Isn't that a costume you have on?

Seeing that Kapi has no clear idea on what's been happening, (Y/N) takes a deep breath before explaining to the grey cat what has been happening ever since Christmas Eve, occasionally wincing at the burning feeling of the black substance on him. After stopping his explanation, he looks straight at Kapi, expecting him to have a shocked expression, only to see that he's instead confused.

Kapi: Wait, are you actually serious, or are you trying to pull my leg? I've heard others say that, yet none of these "infected people" haven't even stepped foot here. (shakes his head) Everyone's getting weirder and weirder by the day.

Before (Y/N) can try to continue explaining, both hear the sound of the glass window breaking, and turn around to see what the cause was. Standing in front of a hole in the window is the Corrupted Pico again, this time having a blood splatter on the side of his head, chains wrapped around his chest, and a more deranged look on his face.

Corrupted Pico: (Y/N)~ How nice of you to find a little cat for us. We should really repay you for this.

Kapi: Okay, first of all, don't refer to me as "a little cat", okay? Second, judging by the way you're staring at us, add on the fact that you look like a zombie... That's a really cool Halloween costume, man! Even if the season is over, you could really perform a good scare prank with those looks, especially that gun, it matches your friend here!

(Y/N): (grabs Kapi's shoulders) Kapi, that's what I'm trying to warn you about. He's not some guy in a costume, he's a friend that's been corrupted by some strange virus a week ago.

Kapi: Wait, really? (gets annoyed) Dude, quit the joke now. It's not getting funny.

Corrupted Pico: Sorry about my friend, he's just paranoid after watching a horror movie recently. Hey, since we have some time to kill, how about we have ourselves a rap battle?

Kapi: (oblivious) Sure, but we better make it quick, since the arcade's about to close soon.

(Y/N): Kapi, I'm serious! He'll corrupt you too, and then you'll be acting like him!

Kapi: Calm down, (Y/N). If he really has turned into a monster, then how is he gonna infect me? By using sound waves? (looks towards Pico, thinking to himself) Though, if he really is corrupted, and this kid's not being surreal, then I'm in some deep trouble. (speaks out) You're on!

https://youtu.be/EFNdaJrKpFQ

*Song Name: Pure Ignorance by Carlito049 (Imagine (Y/N) watching from behind Kapi)

Kapi slid a quarter into the disco machine, before standing on the dance-pad and preparing to dance against his opponent, while (Y/N) stands behind him and watches, with his hand hovering over his Uzi just in case. The song starts, with the speakers playing out something that would play during the need to run away from an unstoppable threat.

Kapi starts off the song by playing sound effects from the dance-pad instead of singing, while Pico chooses to actually use his voice in this battle, keeping up with whatever tricks Kapi attempts to catch him off guard with. Halfway through the song, (Y/N) notices some corruption engulfing Kapi's left arm and some forming on his right elbow, but the grey cat doesn't even notice it, continuing on like nothing's happening.

(Y/N) quickly reaches for his Uzi, planning to shoot the Corrupted Pico while Kapi's distracted, but Pico notices what he's up to, shooting the Uzi out of (Y/N)'s hands as it lands in a corner. Soon, the song reaches it's end, with more corruption forming on half of Kapi's face, as well as part of his left leg, and all over his tail, while Pico just lets out a cackle.

Kapi: You know, even though I won that match, you were actually pretty good.

Corrupted Pico: (sarcastically) Yeah, you were so good.

Kapi: (oblivious) I know! But you were awesome, too! I mean, you were an excellent rapper, unlike some bratty kid that came here during summer. (pauses for a moment) Wait a moment, I think I've heard of you! You're that gunslinger that's friends with the young rapper called "Boyfriend", am I right?

(Y/N): Wait, you know Boyfriend?

Kapi: Of course I do! He showed up during summer holidays just to show off his hot girlfriend, so I challenged him to a few rap battles in order to get him to leave. How do you know him?

(Y/N): I'm old high-school friends with him, same with Pico.

Kapi: (surprised) No way! This is so cool! If he were here, it would be something out of one of those school movies!

Corrupted Pico: (chuckles) Yeah, it would've. Too bad that he's a bit busy looking for someone important. No matter, I can just later tell him that I found him.

Before Kapi can ask what does the gun-wielding kid means, he suddenly feels an annoying sting on his face, like a mosquito landed there and is sucking some blood. He raises his hand up to his face, only to feel some kind of sticky liquid on him, seeing the corruption forming on him after puling his hand back.

Kapi: (confused) Wait a minute, what's with this icky paint-like goop on me? It almost looks like the stuff on your... (pauses and looks to Pico, who's smirk grows)

Corrupted Pico: How ingenious of you, (Y/N). This little specimen is so ignorant to what's happening to him, until it's too late. He'll be a fine victim for our army.

Kapi: (eyes widen) Wait, you weren't lying?! (looks to (Y/N), then back at Pico) Then you really are like how your friend described you: A monster. (groans in pain) This stuff is beginning to drive me crazy. I gotta get outta here!

(Y/N): (calls out) Don't, Kapi! Even if you do escape, there's nothing stopping him from just shooting you down! He tried to do the same with me earlier!

Corrupted Pico: He's right, you know. No matter what you do, you'll end up losing something. Now, what do you say to a second round, little kitty?

Kapi: (slouches for a moment) I thought I told you to not call me stuff like that. But if these songs really make you feel stronger, then I'm fine with another match. (stands back up) But know that from now on, I won't hold back, so you and your gross little sentient slime better watch yourselves.

Corrupted Pico: Go right ahead, but I'd recommend saving your breath. After all, your words are just meaningless. No matter the result, you'll either be a perfect pawn, or a corrupted carcass, so choose your next action carefully.

https://youtu.be/8Pd5cGxkv24

*Song Name: Claws by Carlito049 (Imagine (Y/N) watching from behind Kapi)*

Kapi slides another quarter into the machine, starting up another song as he stares down his opponent. Soon, the second song starts up, with Kapi not holding anything back, and dancing around the dance-pad faster than he was moving earlier. Pico still shows no sign of budging, just rapping back against the cat who's taking a stand, while (Y/N) tries to grab his gun without the corrupted threat spotting him. As he inches closer to the gun, he soon begins to hear the voice of something in his mind.

"Shame the cat didn't know you weren't joking, huh? No matter, It's his own stupidity that got him into this mess"

The voice soon disappears, right as (Y/N) grabs the gun, and spots something in the distance. A small crowd of corrupted civilians, lead by Skid and Pump, are heading to the arcade, probably drawn by the sound of the disco machine. (Y/N) turns over to Kapi, ready to warn him about the upcoming problem, but stops when he sees that Pico's eyes have vanished, before the left side of his head becomes uncorrupted.

Kapi sees this and smirks, believing that he has a chance to save him, but Pico soon gets re-corrupted and gets back to the battle at hand, retaliating against the cat and his attempts to stop him. By the end of the song, only Kapi's right side of his face and body haven't been corrupted yet, and he's wincing in pain from the constant stinging.

Kapi: (panting) Is... Is that your best? I can still go all night...

Corrupted Pico: Oh, really? Well, then, how about I make this quick?

Pico soon lifts up his Uzi and aims it towards Kapi, who puts his hands up, afraid of what will happen next. However, right as Pico is ready to pull the trigger, (Y/N) loads his Uzi and fires at Pico's hand, damaging it and forcing Pico to aim elsewhere.

Corrupted Pico: AAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! YOU LITTLE SHIT!!!! THAT STUNG!!!!!

In a blind rage, Pico pulls the trigger at wherever he was facing, which was the ceiling. The bullet begins bouncing around all over the place, causing the three in the arcade to duck down, hoping the bullet doesn't hit them. Luckily, the bullet doesn't pierce any of their flesh. Unluckily, the bullet instead hits Kapi's dance-pad, damaging it as some broken wires stick out.

Kapi: (panting) Damnit, my dance-pad's ruined. Now how am I gonna keep up with you? (takes a few deep breaths) I should really stop... (looks to (Y/N)) Hey, pal! Shoot at him again, and let's get out of here!

(Y/N): (looking out the window) Uh, Kapi? I think it's too late for that option.

Before Kapi can ask what he means, the doors crash open and the other windows shatter, as the corrupted crowd from earlier breaks into the arcade, surrounding the three with Skid and Pump sitting closer than the others.

(Y/N): (worried) Aw, great. We're cornered.

Corrupted Pico: (surprised) Skid? Pump? What are you doing here? And did you really bring a crowd with you?

Corrupted Skid: Yeah we did! We overheard the sounds of gunshots, music, and your voice coming from the arcade.

Corrupted Pump: So we found a group of survivors in a bunker, infected them, and lead them here so we can help our friend!

Corrupted Pico: (chuckles) Well, thanks for the backup, kids. With these fools, there's no way our two cornered animals can escape.

Every single corrupted person stares towards (Y/N) and Kapi, all with the same disturbing smile. (Y/N) feels more tense as he slowly reaches for his gun, feeling the corruption slowly continue to grow, while Kapi just looks around, before looking back at the corrupted Pico.

Kapi: So this is your sudden plan? Surround us with many innocent men, women, and children you corrupted, hoping that'll stop us? Well, you better think again. Even with this stuff becoming more irritating by the second, I won't let it hold me back. One more match. We settle this right here, right now!

Corrupted Pico: If that's your final wish, furball, then I'll be glad to make it come true.

Kapi: (grows angry) For the last time, STOP WITH THE NICKNAMES!!!

Corrupted Skid: Yay! One grand finale! (pulls out some bags of popcorn, before handing one to (Y/N)) Want some, mister?

(Y/N): (confused at the gesture) Uh... Sure... Why not? (cautiously takes the bag)

https://youtu.be/o6oBiMpGbv8

*Song Name: Growl by Carlito049 (Imagine (Y/N) watching from behind Kapi, eating some popcorn)*

As (Y/N) enjoys his popcorn, after making sure there isn't any corruption on it, while Kapi makes his final stand against the Corrupted Pico and the unexpected backup. He slides in one last quarter in, playing the final song before the night ends. Kapi begins by climbing back onto the broken dance-pad, slamming his feet down hard enough, hoping that it still has enough power to work, while Pico still raps against him.

A few seconds into the song, Kapi begins to pick up the pace, going as fast as his aching body can go, praying in his mind that it'll hopefully throw off the gunslinger in front of him, and surprisingly, it starts to work, as Pico's eyes start to fade away. Remembering what happened in the previous song, Kapi begins to try harder as Pico's eyes re-appear, as his eyes start to shut and sweat rolls down his face.

As the song reaches a moment of peace, (Y/N) stops eating his popcorn and notices Pump sneaking over to the generator lever and pulling it down, rendering the building pitch black for one minute. As the lights turn back on, Kapi looks around, seeing the crowd, (Y/N), and Pico all cured from the corruption, cheering and congratulating him on his success.

" You did it, Kapi... You saved all of us..."

Kapi soon looks at his reflection in one of the few remaining windows, seeing that he doesn't have any corruption on him. At this sight, his expression begins to soften, almost like he wants to let out his own cheer. Instead, a tired yawn escapes his mouth, as he feels his eyes drooping back down.

"You must be really tired, after all, saving everyone in this building must be hard work, right? Don't worry..."

Unfortunately, what Kapi is seeing is nothing more than an illusion, as back in the real world, only a small part of Kapi's chest remains uninfected, as the corruption has spread all over his head, and is closing in on the last remaining part.

"You don't need to waste your energy anymore... Why don't you take a nice long rest... FOREVER..."

The song ends, with Kapi letting out a distorted meow as the corruption fully takes over him, leaving him eternally trapped in a fantasy that may never become a reality. (Y/N) tries to stand up and free Kapi, reaching for his gun, but Skid and Pump latch onto his arms, preventing him from grabbing anything, as Kapi and Pico walk over to them.

Corrupted Kapi: I did it, (Y/N). I managed to save everyone here! Isn't this great? Now we can save the rest of the world, as one big resistance!

(Y/N): (shakes his head) Kapi! I know you can here me! This is not a real happy ending. The corruption has tricked you, it's messing with your mind. Snap out of it!

Corrupted Kapi: (tilts his head) What are you talking about, (Y/N)? There's no more trace of that creepy black stuff.

Corrupted Pico: Perhaps what's left of the corruption is messing with his mind, making him believe that it's still here. Maybe we should take him to our friends, and see if they know a way to fix this. ((Y/N) tries to thrash against Skid and Pump, but is unable to)

Corrupted Skid: Good idea, Pico! In fact, with the special recipe about to kick in, (Y/N) will be more easier to carry!

(Y/N) looks towards Skid in confusion as he suddenly starts to feel more tired. Soon, his eyes fully close and he falls forward, expecting to collide onto the floor, only to feel something catch him. As the four corrupted members carry (Y/N) out of the arcade and off towards somewhere, he stays trapped in his mind, seeing the same figure from earlier, still standing a good distance away, and now facing away from him.

(Y/N) tries to approach the figure, but suddenly black chains appear from nearby shadows, and leave him stuck in one spot, all while the voices of his friends echo around his mind, laughing and taunting him...

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

Kapi has been overpowered by the Corruption!!

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