(Y/N POV)

Well, another week has passed by, and things around here are starting to change. For example, a radio call for any survivors plays out at least three times a week, telling anybody who isn't corrupted to immediately locate a nearby shelter and take refuge there. While I want all of us to go there and hide out, that won't be possible for now, since the crowd of corrupted people is starting to grow by the passing day, and sneaking out for supplies won't be as easy as before.

The next difference is that now since our little group of survivors is starting to grow, we're going to need more vacant rooms for the others to stay in, to make sure my own apartment doesn't become to crowded. Luckily, I found a few room keys down in the lobby, probably from people trying to get out of Starlight City, and gave them to some of the group. Now, the room arrangements are that me and Hanzou are roommates, Darnell and Nene are roommates, and Sunday is looking after Skid in her room. So far, nothing bad has happened, plus me and Hanzou have been bonding over some anime, even if Darnell does say some... critical stuff about Hanzou's opinions.

Right now, I'm just resting on the roof, which luckily has no signs of any corrupted people trying to climb up, as I lay on my back and watch the stars pass by. Stargazing has been a hobby that I've been into since high school, even getting Pico and Boyfriend to join in when the chance comes, but now, I'm forced to just stargaze by myself. As I look to my corrupted arm, I remember what happened with the encounter with Hanzou, and get an idea in my head. I quickly text Darnell, Nene, and Hanzou to come up to the roof for something, and after a few more minutes of stargazing, they arrive.

Darnell: We got your text, what do you need us for?

(Y/N): Well, you remember how my arm healed really quickly while dealing with Hanzou when he was corrupted? (both Darnell and Hanzou nod) That little moment got me thinking about something. Just how durable is this stuff?

Darnell: Well, I won't lie, I've been wondering that back when Cassandra survived a gunshot to the eye and a few blasts of flames up close, and was still able to fight when she got infected.

(Y/N): All right then, guess we can spend some time running a few experiments.

I start by retrieving my Uzi from my room, before returning back to the rooftop, aim the Uzi at my corrupted arm, and pull the trigger. As expected, it hurt like hell with the bullet going right through, however, the bullet hole soon patched itself up after a few seconds, stopping the pain and looking like I was never shot there in the first place.

(Y/N): Okay, so bullets won't really do anything. Guess that's why Pico was unable to free Boyfriend with his.

Nene: Wait! Then how come Pico did free Boyfriend for a bit back at the gas station?

Darnell: Yeah, and how your bullets completely decimated those Uberkids, even when they were corrupted?

Hanzou: Perhaps for the bullets, while it can hurt the corruption, it can also remove some of it, if the area where the bullets hit has already been stricken multiple times before. That, or Boyfriend managed to temporary regain control from being corrupted.

Darnell: Yeah, well, that doesn't explain the Uberkids getting taken down so easily.

Hanzou: Simple, while the Uberkids were created to be superior than the average kid, they're still kids and have no possible way of ever aging, unlike us.

Darnell: (scratches his neck) Right. Forgot the professor said they can't age. Well, now that we know that the corruption may be bullet-proof, what next?

(Y/N): Since most of us carry melee weapons, I guess we can see if it's also stab-proof, as Nene would say.

Me and Nene get out our respective knives while Hanzou gets out his katana, as we each take turns seeing if this black substance can be removed by a bit of metal. The good news is that knives can't remove the corruption either, and we also found out that any sort of metal can't be corrupted either, as a bonus. Soon, we also tried out fire, which proved the same result, no corruption being removed. The bad news is that my arm will be seriously aching for a few days, maybe a week.

(Y/N): Alright, I think that's enough testing. My arm feels like it's about to fall off.

Darnell: Yeah, I agree that's enough of this. I'm not a fan of using a friend to get any needed answers.

Nene: (smirks) What about the time you had me write down the answers for that maths test back during primary school?

Darnell: (points accusingly) Hey! I helped you with your geography homework back then! You owed me!

Both me and Hanzou just look at the two arguing over some past deal, chuckling to ourselves about how ridiculous the argument really is. Soon, Darnell and Nene give us a stare, which gets us to stop laughing, as we all decide to head back to our rooms and call it a night. Just as we reach the door leading to the staircase, however, Sunday comes running up, bursting past the door as she gasps for some air. Was she really running around the apartment?

(Y/N): Sunday, what's wrong? You look tired.

Sunday: (panting for air) Skid's gone!

Nene: What?!

Sunday: (panicking) I-I don't know how it happened! One minute I'm resting asleep, then I wake up and find Skid missing, as well as the front door wide open!

Hanzou: Maybe he's playing hide-and-seek, and forgot to tell you?

Sunday: (shouts) He would've came out by now!!

(Y/N): Sunday, calm down! I know that this is serious, but we can't find him because we're currently worrying about you! (Sunday calms down) Alright, I'll go out and look for Skid. Knowing that he's a kid, he couldn't have gone far.

Hanzou: I'll be joining you on this quest. I refuse to let a young child face the demons that plague our home alone.

Sunday: I'm joining you too. I should've kept a better eye on Skid.

(Y/N): Okay then, Hanzou and Sunday are going with me. (looks to Darnell and Nene) I can trust you both to keep this place safe from any attackers, am I right?

Darnell: (gives a thumbs up) You can count on us to keep the apartments untouched by any trespassing parasites!

Nene: Exactly! We'll be fine!

(Y/N): If you say so. (looks to Hanzou and Sunday) Let's go, you two. The quicker we search, the better chances of us finding Skid before any corrupted people.

(3rd Person POV)

(Y/N), Hanzou, and Sunday soon leave the apartment, exiting out the front doors, and heading into Starlight City, where more corrupted citizens are roaming about. Even though the number of the infected has increased, they are able to safely maneuverer around without getting spotted, thanks to Hanzou. As they explore the nearby areas, they unfortunately are unable to spot Skid, until...

Hanzou: Over there! By the graveyard!

Hanzou points over to the entrance of a nearby graveyard, with (Y/N) and Sunday both seeing a familiar kid in a skeleton costume entering the territory of the dead. Without wasting too much time, the three quickly make their way to the graveyard, but soon quickly duck behind some tombstones due to someone beating them to the young child.

Standing in the same graveyard as them is skid, however, he is stuck being carried by his Corrupted friend, Pump. Across from them stands the Corrupted Boyfriend, looking excited at the fact that he's found another victim. At first, Hanzou begins to draw his katana, ready to jump in and provide some assistance, but is stopped when (Y/N) points to Boyfriend, who is currently looking around for any other people trying to hide. Eventually, the corrupted rapper cuts his search short, as he turns towards the scared child.

Corrupted BF: Ah, I remember you from the gas station, where you and that pink girl ran off before the show could get really interesting. No matter, your little game of chase must unfortunately come to reach its end.

Skid: (afraid) What... What do you mean?

Corrupted BF: Oh, isn't it simple? Me and your friend are here for you to reunite. He told me about how much he missed you, so I brought him along to find you! And here you are, all alone at this dark place.

Corrupted Pump: It's true, Skid! I told our friend about the scary stuff we used to do, and how it would be so much fun if we got others to join in! Wouldn't that be nice?

Skid: (unsure) I... I don't know, Pump. You know I like things to be spooky, not scary.

Corrupted BF: (tosses a microphone over) Well, how about we have a harmless little rap battle to take your mind off this scary stuff? Come on, don't you remember that Halloween, when we had a rap battle? Where you and your friend taught me and my dear friends how to do that spooky dance?

Corrupted Pump: Yeah! Let's do it, Skid! Let's show him our spooky skills!

Skid: (still unsure) Well, if you say so...

Corrupted BF: (places a radio down) Great! Let's begin!

https://youtu.be/4Wk0MI4-hxk

*Song Name: Distress by blazingrose (pretend it's Corrupted Boyfriend singing instead of Corrupted Pico)*

The radio soon turns itself on, playing the first song for this spooky rap battle, that being a track full of power and determination, almost like it's telling Skid to stand his ground and fight the foe in front of him. Speaking of Skid, he tries to best to sing with is infected friend, even though he chooses to hesitate when he's forced to sing. Meanwhile, (Y/N), Hanzou, and Sunday carefully peak out from their tombstones, watching this fight while quietly rooting for Skid. By the song's end, Skid is left with corruption starting to form on him, while tears begin to run down his face.

Skid: (shaking) What... What is this stuff? It... It hurts.

Corrupted BF: Don't worry, Skid. It'll only hurt if you keep trying to fight it.

As the Corrupted Boyfriend begins to get closer to Skid, with the intention of increasing the infection on him, (Y/N) turns to Hanzou and gives him a nod, while loading up his own Uzi. Hanzou then leaps out from his tombstone and slashes the Corrupted Boyfriend across the eye with his katana, getting him to stagger back.

Hanzou: Enough! You will leave this child alone!

Corrupted Boyfriend soon gets back up, staring at Hanzou with annoyance and rage, before charging right towards the ninja, with the intention of slashing him with his claws. However, the infected rapper is pushed back again, this time by a flurry of bullets pushing him back. After shielding his eyes, he looks towards the source of the bullet storm, and sees (Y/N) as his face forms a wicked smile.

Corrupted BF: Ah, my dear (Y/N). I see that you're here to help save this child from little old me?

(Y/N): Is it that obvious to you? I know that trying to talk you out of this won't work, but that doesn't mean I'll just let you corrupt everyone until I'm left. So, make your move, Boyfriend. I've already got Hanzou out of his situation, so that means I could free you from yours.

Corrupted BF: So, that's why our connection to Hanzou was severed. Such a shame. He was truly one of our greatest members, wouldn't you agree?

Hanzou: Keep that disgusting tongue of yours away from my name, or else I'll cut it clean off. From what the others have told me, I have done some terrible deeds when under your spell, so I now that I'm free, I'll stand by the side of my friends, and never let anyone else fall to your darkness.

Sunday: (pops up) Yeah! You tell him, guys!

Corrupted BF: (cackles) You really think that a mere defiant speech can sway me? Last I checked, my dear (Y/N) is carrying some of the infection himself, and eventually, he'll fall to our side. What will you do then?

(Y/N): Boyfriend, I suggest you stop talking, or else. (aims his Uzi at him)

Corrupted BF: I'm afraid I'll have to deny, since I still have a kid to corrupt. (looks to Skid) Now, keep a grip on that mic and get ready for round two!

Skid: (clutching his head) Mister, I'm scared.

(Y/N): Don't worry, I'll help you deal with him. Just stay calm, and keep your focus up. (looks to Boyfriend, and mutters) After last time, he probably knows I'll just distract him and flee. Better think of something, just in case things go wrong.

https://youtu.be/_UTRUA0yGGw

*Song Name: Xenophobia by Valor Genesect (Imagine Corrupted Boyfriend singing instead of Corrupted Pico, and add some bullets being fired by (Y/N))

Both the radio and Sunday's guitar begin the next song, which sounds more dangerous and deadly, like encountering a stranger that could potentially end your life. The mood of the song actually fits, since Skid's singing sounds more afraid, while Boyfriend keeps pressuring him to keep going, almost sounding aggressive. Meanwhile, (Y/N) is carefully firing at Boyfriend, who keeps evading every shot the Uzi unleashes at him.

Halfway through the song, Hanzou notices that a few figures are starting to approach the graveyard fence. Those figures turn out to be corrupted citizens, but looking more mangled and ripped apart, having their brains exposed and walking around like delusional zombies. Soon, the song reaches its end, and unfortunately, things aren't looking good for Skid. Due to his fear growing throughout the song, the corruption has spread much quicker than usual, leaving only half of his face remaining. (Y/N) turns to see Skid, now crying even harder, before looking to Boyfriend with a more angrier expression.

(Y/N): Alright, enough now! (loads his Uzi again) This is low, even for your corrupted kind! Let the kid go, now! Or else another bullet storm shall send you back to where you came from!

Corrupted BF: Aw, that's hilarious. Did you really think that I hadn't planned for this?

Suddenly, black tentacles shoot out of Boyfriend's back, and quickly grab (Y/N), causing him to drop his weapons before being pulled closer to his corrupted buddy. Hanzou and Sunday soon tense up, with the former pulling out some ninja stars as a blanket of rage covers his face.

Hanzou: Drop him, you fiend! Now!

Hanzou quickly throws his ninja stars, before lunging forward, aiming to slice the tentacles off and free his friend. However, what actually occurs is the ninja stars bouncing off the black substance, almost like it's actually rubber, and Hanzou getting smacked to the ground.

Corrupted BF: Now now, don't you know it's dangerous to be swinging that thing around? You could've hurt my dear (Y/N), you know?

Sunday: (scoffs) Oh, please. If you chose to actually read his expressions instead of guessing, then you would've known that the attack wasn't for him.

Corrupted BF: And do you assume I'm stupid? Well, perhaps my past self was, but not anymore. Now, I suggest we continue this rap battle, before I lose my patience with you all.

Skid: Mister, miss... I-I don't like this anymore. I-It's starting to hurt me...

Sunday: (looks to Skid, concerned) Don't worry, kid. We'll find a way to get that stuff off. (looks to Corrupted BF) I hope.

https://youtu.be/7sVBV7ILbfo

*Song Name: Killer by funny man and Valor Genesect (imagine it's Corrupted BF against Skid, as well as (Y/N), Hanzou, and Sunday being there)

The final song plays, with a bright red blood moon shining over the graveyard, making the showdown between the young kid and the corrupted rapper more ominous. Skid begins to try his best to save both himself and his friend, while Boyfriend just keeps pressuring the kid, trying to get him to make a major mistake. Meanwhile, Hanzou and Sunday are unable to intervene, as the same black tentacles holding (Y/N) keep blocking their path. Around the walls and fence, most of the corrupted spectators have managed to climb over and enter the graveyard.

Eventually, Boyfriend's attempts begin to pay off, as Skid begins to cry harder, making the corruption react to his emotions and spread faster, until only his right eye remains corrupted. (Y/N) soon notices that Boyfriend's eyes, teeth, and other parts of his corrupted body start glowing red like the moon, with the same happening to Skid and Pump. But now is not the time for him to begin thinking about that, as the song draws to a close, he remains trapped, and Skid now fully corrupted, dancing away on the shoulders of his partner.

Corrupted BF: (cackles) Even the most innocent stares will fade out, because no matter the location, there will always be one of us lurking around every corner. And now, your friend has learnt there's no more Spooky Month, only the Scary Month.

Hanzou: Truly despicable, going after innocent children.

Corrupted BF: Maybe I am, but you'll soon fall before you can even try anything to stop me. (points at the two) Now, Spooky Kids, our audience, attack them! (looks at (Y/N)) I'll help my dear (Y/N) get used to his new life.

The Corrupted Skid and Pump and audience then begin advancing towards Hanzou and Sunday, like a pack of hungry zombies, forcing the two to huddle next to a wall with their katana and guitar drawn. Watching from behind the horde, (Y/N) is stuck dangling upside down, forced to watch while some corruption begins to transfer onto his chest. Soon, he notices Boyfriend staring right at him, almost like a predator walking towards their prey, getting him to worry about what will happen to him. But before any of the corrupted can make a further move...

Sunday: (raises her arm) Get back!!!

Sunday soon begins playing her guitar, with the volume blasting all over the graveyard. The loud and disruptive frequency begins to drive the infected attackers insane, as they all fall to the floor and clutch their head in pain. Even Boyfriend falls victim to the noise, grabbing his cranium and screaming. The tentacles soon begin to dissolve away, due to their creator now stuck focusing on something else, dropping (Y/N) and allowing him to run over to Hanzou and Sunday, grabbing his weapons as he goes past them.

Sunday: (stops playing) (Y/N)! Are you okay?!

Hanzou: Yeah, the corruptions progress is getting stronger now.

(Y/N): (looks at his chest) It's fine, guys. As long as none of you are put in danger, I'll be happy.

Sunday: If you insist, but I'm confused about something. How did my guitar just repel an entire horde? (gets excited) Does this mean one note can obliterate their brains!?

Hanzou: I doubt it. It's more likely the frequency from the guitar gets them to act up. Perhaps they're sensitive to noise.

(Y/N): But that doesn't explain how they choose to have rap battles against their victims?

Hanzou: Could be that the longer you're corrupted, the more resilient you are to anything that could pose a threat to you. How your arm was able to heal from our earlier tests may be proof of that.

Sunday: (confused) Wait, what were you guys doing on the roof?

(Y/N): No time to explain, because we've got some mini menaces waking up!

(Y/N) points towards the Corrupted Skid and Pump, who are starting to rise back up from Sunday's performance, both still clutching their heads, showing that the noise has given them a headache. Soon, the infected friends notice the three survivors, before properly standing to their feet.

Corrupted Skid: Hey, Mr half-infected! Where are you going? The scary month is only beginning!

Corrupted Pump: Yeah! And your friends really want you to join in! Don't you want to make them happy?

Hanzou: Enough of this, you hell spawns! Shut those gaping jaws of lies this instant! Your words will not effect his mind as long as I stand!

Corrupted Pump: (sulks) Meany, we just want to help our friends feel happy again, like how the make us happy.

Corrupted Skid: (gets an idea) I have an idea! How about a rap battle? If we win, we get to take Mr half-infected to his friends, so they can have a happy reunion! If you win, you all can go free!

Corrupted Pump: (gets excited) Great idea, Skid! (looks to Hanzou) What do you say, Mr ninja man?

Hanzou: (thinks for a minute) I accept your conditions, but if you both or any of your little friends try anything, then you'll be regretting that decision. Is that clear?

Corrupted Skid: Of course! We promise! (gets onto Pumps shoulders) Ready?

Corrupted Pump: (picks up a microphone) Set...

Corrupted Kids: Scare!!

https://youtu.be/-UPjKMFkwk0

*Song Name: Chiller by fluffyhairs (Imagine it's the Corrupted Spooky Kids vs Hanzou)*

The Corrupted Spooky Kids turn on the stereo, playing a haunting track that could send chilling shivers down anyone's spine. Hanzou couldn't lie, this song did get to him at first, making him imagine a scenario where Sunday wasn't able to intervene in time, and their friend would've watched them both get corrupted, or worse. But, he shakes his head out of that thought, getting back to the battle at hand.

As the clouds begin to roll in, and thunder begins to crash around the graveyard, as some of the infected rise back up from the sudden loud noise, and turn their attentions to the rap battle, eagerly awaiting any outcome that may soon arrive. Meanwhile, standing atop a dead tree that looms over an abandoned structure, the Lemon Demon watches with excitement. This little project of theirs has worked wonders for him. Soon, the song reaches its end, and Hanzou stands tall with his katana in hand, before taking a moment to catch his breath.

Corrupted Skid: (mad) No fair! You weren't supposed to win! We were!

Corrupted Pump: Yeah! You're no fun!

Hanzou: Hmph. You should've thought about that before choosing to pick a fight that neither of you could win. Now, the deal stands. I won, so we go free.

Corrupted Skid: Forget about it! You're a mean player, and do you know what happens to mean players?

Corrupted: Pump: (smirks evilly) They get punished!

The Corrupted Spooky Kids and the remaining infected audience members soon lunge at the trio, only to be sent back to being in pain by Sunday shredding on her guitar. Seeing the right moment to escape, the trio take it, splitting off in order to confuse them if they ever wake back up. Speaking of waking up, Corrupted Boyfriend soon come to his senses, before noticing that (Y/N), Sunday, and Hanzou are no longer in the graveyard.

Corrupted BF: Where did they go? They were completely cornered, and dear (Y/N) about to be mine and GF'S!! (remembers Sunday's moment) Oh, that musician... (lets out a roar, waking the others up) Listen up, everyone. Our victims have escaped. I want everyone to split up into groups of three and go search for them. If you find one with (H/C), and is wearing a (F/C), bring them to me immediately. If it's anyone else, get them corrupted by any means necessary.

The corrupted crowd gives their ringleader a nod of understanding, before splitting into three groups and search off for their targets. The first group heads towards a bunch of abandoned buildings, consisting of the Hatzgang and Kevin the candy man. The second group begins to make their way to a couple of attractions that have giant neon signs still on, with Skid and Pump leading the group. And the final brigade, lead by Boyfriend, heads over to the highway, since the damage that was caused a week earlier there makes it more difficult for anyone to traverse it. Back at the dead tree, the Lemon Demon watches with interest, while muttering to himself.

Lemon Demon: Hmm, so it appears the infected are more sensitive to certain noise frequencies. I should inform my partner about this, in case they know of a way to remove this weakness. Otherwise, our armies will be continuously dealing with constant headaches and irritating ringing ears. (holds the side of his head) Even when half corrupted, I still suffer the same effects. Such a shame, for the carrier of this disease to still suffer...

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

Skid has been overpowered by the Corruption!!

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