(3rd Person POV)

Out in the ruined streets of Starlight City, a portal made of nothing but shadows starts to spawn from the ground in a quiet alleyway, and out hops three figures: (Y/N), Julian, and Atlas Dearest. All three of them have just escaped from a large armanda of corrupted people for the second time, and now they've been forced to flee while IRIS, the media conglomerate from the underworld, holds off the same swarm back at the music venue.

After exiting the portal, all three figures take a moment to catch their breath by resting against the cold brick walls, and taking notice of each others current condition with the corruption. Starting off with Atlas, he's recovered a small portion of the magic he wasted during the first assault, and have made some recovery, with only having some of the black substance on his left eye, chunks of his hair, entire left arm, parts of his right arm, and having lots of pink strings wrapped around his entire body and limbs.

Meanwhile with Julian, his entire left arm, half of his left leg, and a quarter of his body is infected. Still a bad situation if the lanky relaxed individual gets caught off-guard, but not the worst predicament to be in. Finally with (Y/N), who's hugging himself as his body keeps shaking, he's not doing so well. Three quarters of his body have been engulfed in the painful parasitic paint, consisting of his arms, legs, and entire body, which leaves only half of his neck and entire head as the only parts of him that aren't infected, but the most important detail about the young boy can be seen in their eyes...

...They're filled with massive amounts of pain.

Julian: (takes in a deep breath) That... That was scary. (looks around) Are you guys okay?

Daddy Dearest: (slowly nods) I'm making some recovery, but I doubt it'll be any quicker. (tries to move his arm, but flinches) I hate these cursed strings, constantly constricting movement and sending shocks if I even move against them.

Julian: (takes a closer look) Those strings? These things are sort of like a stupid limiter to your magic? (gets an idea) Hey! How about I use my infected arm to rip the strings off you! That way, I won't risk getting any more infected!

With his signature smirk on his face, Julian grabs some of the corruptive strings with his infected hand and tries to rip them off. Unfortunately, all that does is cause both him and Atlas to feel a small yet painful electric shock, getting the cousin of Whitty to let go as the corruption on his body starts to creep up to his neck.

Julian: (flinches in pain) What the?! I thought that would've worked!?

Daddy Dearest: Well, you thought wrong, Julian. Whatever these strings are, they're made of dark magic, the kind that Harvester uses. As such, any physical contact from both mortal or magical properties won't do anything to it, and that goes for any weapons that lack magical properties, as well. So, no offense, but I doubt that your Wireframe form would be able to do anything about it.

Julian: (nervously chuckles) It's cool, Atlas. To be honest, I only use that transformation for entertainment and fun, due to not knowing how to use it for any form of contact. (thinks for a moment) So, is there any way to get those strings off then?

Daddy Dearest: The only way is by using magic that is either equal to the strength of these blasted strings, and unfortunately for me, my magic isn't exactly at its prime at the moment.

Julian: I get it, still trying to recover what you used up first... (clicks his fingers) I've got it! How about (Y/N) tries to use his shadow magic to get rid of them? He did say he got it from that freaky jester, after all! (looks to (Y/N)) Hey, (Y/N)! Could you help us out with this problem real quickly?

However, (Y/N) doesn't pick up on what Julian said, instead looking down the other end of the dark alleyway, standing in silence while his body still shakes like a leaf fighting against a strong gale of wind. Sharing a confused glance with Atlas, the lanky member of the resistance slowly walks up to the young boy and reaches his hand out to him.

Julian: Uh, (Y/N)? Are you okay?

Just as his hand lightly brushes against the heavily infected kid's shoulder, (Y/N) leaps back from Julian, turning around and showing his expression to both him and Atlas. His eyes are beginning to leak tears, his lips are now quivering, his eyes show nothing but pain and fear, and his voice sounds just as shaky as his body language.

(Y/N): (looks to the ground) I... I don't know...

Before anyone can speak up again, all three of them feel the earth below them shake, as a bright flash in the distance catches their attention. When turning to face it, they see a pillar of red demonic lightning burst into the sky from far away, with the current resistance members knowing who exactly that belongs to. It's IRIS.

Julian: (cheers) Dang! Even if their vessel is dealing with glitches, IRIS is still kicking some serious corrupted butt back there!

Daddy Dearest: But we don't know the actual meaning of that beam, Julian. It could be either a sign of victory, or a sign of defeat. We have no room to assume his fate without any evidence.

Julian: (causally shrugs) Atlas, no offence, but we really don't need any negative outcomes clouding our minds right now. The best we can do is hope for IRIS to be unharmed and still fighting. Besides, from what all of us know about them, they wouldn't be accepting defeat like this. Right, (Y/N)?

As Julian looks to the young boy for some more reassurance, (Y/N) just looks down at the ground again, silencing out any voices or noise that try to enter his ears. All his mind is focusing on is how everyone has currently fallen, how the entire resistance group haven't stayed in much contact with the others ever since splitting up, and more importantly, how he's been constantly taking most of the blows, even when Julian and IRIS had his back.

Maybe his corrupted doppelganger was right...

Maybe he is too self-sacrificial...

...

...

(Y/N): (eyes darken) Why are you asking me?

Julian: (confused) Well, because-

(Y/N): (more tears start falling) Is it because you expect me to stay positive about all this? Because you automatically assume that since I've been dealing with my own friends, who've been infected for a whole year now, that I'm used to things like this happening?! Well, I'm tired now. (his hands go into fists) Every single time I've seen someone fall, a part of me blames myself for not doing anything about it, and right now, why are we just constantly running away from them?! If we're trying to free them, then shouldn't we be trying to find our loved ones instead of hiding from them?!

Julian: (getting slightly nervous) (Y/N), we-

(Y/N): (raises his voice) Save it, Julian!! All this time, I've been constantly hearing "We've got to stay positive!" or "They would've wanted you to stay fighting!", but I'm getting sick of having to barricade myself behind a wall made of lies!! We've just been acting like cowards and letting the corruption build its army much stronger with each passing day that we just let slide by!

(Y/N): (his corrupted hands start twitching) And what about the other people in this resistance?! We've barely been keeping in contact with each other ever since we split up, and the only time we ran into one other group, was because of a pure bloody coincidence!! None of us know for a fact if the other members are still uncorrupted or have fallen, because we're so paranoid to the point that we're neglecting to keep in touch and share any important news with each other!!

Daddy Dearest: (shouts) Kid, stop your ranting!! ((Y/N) pauses) You're not the only one who's going through something!! In case you forgot, my wife and daughter are trapped in that parasitic mess, and so is Julian's cousin!! Sure, we don't want to grieve for the falls of those close to us, but it doesn't help to show a little emotion during these dark times!! We can't just-

Julian: (gets in-between them) You two, just stop!! (takes a deep breath) I get it, we're on a massive losing streak, and we have a lot of built-up stress, but-

(Y/N): Shut. Up. (Julian looks to (Y/N)) Just... Just stop saying that things will be alright, because... because they aren't.

Julian: (concerned) But, (Y/N)... They-

(Y/N): (his eyes flash pink) I SAID STOP!!!

In a fit of blind rage, (Y/N) wildly swings his corrupted hand towards Julian, trying to get him to back off. Instead however, he ends up slashing the tall causal adult across the chest, causing the corruption to spread even more across his body. After hearing Julian flinch in pain and get shoved back, (Y/N)'s tear-filled eyes immediately flash with shock as he recoils, attempting to stutter out an apology, before sprinting down the dark alleyway.

Julian: (stands up) (Y/N)! Wait!!

Daddy Dearest: (halts Julian) Julian, don't. He's not in the right state mind at the moment.

Julian: But... We can't leave him alone.

Daddy Dearest: He's not alone, he's with Jonathan. I have a feeling that he'll take care of him and hopefully keep him safe. But for now, let's just try and find somewhere safe to recover.

Julian: (sighs) Fine, but I still don't like this...

(With IRIS)

A few minutes earlier, back at the music venue owned by Dimitri (L/N), a standoff is currently taking place between the hellish media conglomerate known simply as IRIS, and the corrupted army led by both The Harvester and the Lemon Demon. The entire building falls silent, as both sides patiently await for their current opponent to make the first move, and after what felt like an eternity for both parties, said first move would be made when The Harvester raises one of their gloved hands, and points forward, issuing an attack.

Leaping into battle first is the Corrupted Pico, Corrupted Tabi, and Corrupted Girlfriend, with the infected school shooter blindly charging in while firing his Uzi, followed by the ex-boyfriend to Dearest's daughter brandishing his trusty knife. Seeing this, IRIS summons a wall made of electricity to block the bullets, retaliating with multiple aggressive strikes of demonic lightning, knocking the two charging attackers back, but not fully down. With an opening now created, IRIS takes the offensive, shifting one of his arms into a large pincer and knocking the Corrupted Pico to the side.

With the ranged fighter quickly dealt with, the mechanical vessel soon detects another figure approaching from behind, and swiftly blocks an attempted stab made by the Corrupted Tabi. The two enter a stalemate and start trying to overpower each other, before the infected revenge-obsessed lunatic reaches into his pocket and pulls out a surprise C4, and slams it onto IRIS before pulling out the detonator. Luckily, the robotic shell quickly pulls the explosive off and nails it to Tabi's skull, before snatching the detonator off him and hitting the button, having the explosion knock the Russian through the wall.

All that's left for the first wave is the Corrupted Girlfriend, who lets out a distorted giggle as she summons spider-like tendrils from her back. IRIS stares down their opponent before charging in, parrying the attempted stabs with their large pincers, before retaliating with their own strikes, only for their attacks to be parried as well. Seeing as how melee attacks aren't doing well, both switch it up to firing projectiles at each other, which results in another struggle, until IRIS gets an idea. They purposefully take some damage, getting the Corrupted Girlfriend to charge forward, but once the distance is closed...

IRIS activates their plug-shaped tail, quickly wrapping it around the Corrupted Girlfriend's neck, and starts to slam her against the ground repeatedly, occasionally stopping the barrage to unleash up-close bolts of demonic lightning right into her face, before returning to slamming her down again. After a while, IRIS grows bored of this, and launches the infected Dearest daughter away, having her crash into the Corrupted Pico. While waiting for the next wave, IRIS takes notice of Tabi, and how the explosion has briefly freed half of his skull, and his broken arm. Without wasting time, they rush over to the Russian, only to be blocked by the next trio...

Consisting of the Corrupted Hex, Corrupted Tankman, and Corrupted Charlotte Mearest.

Almost immediately, IRIS puts up another defensive wall, having the feeling that this round will be exactly the same as the previous one, only to be proven wrong when Tankman's shotgun knocks the wall down in one blow, allowing Charlotte to quickly rush in and deliver a nasty punch to their screen, slightly cracking it. After getting back up, IRIS retaliates with demonic lightning, only for it to be blocked by Mearest or absorbed by Hex. Seeing this, the metallic vessel quickly uses its plug-shaped tail to snatch Tankman's shotgun off him, and fire it back at them.

While the Corrupted Hex and Corrupted Charlotte Mearest quickly block any bullets flying towards them, the Corrupted Tankman isn't so lucky, and gets blown back by his own shotgun shells. This happens until the ranged weapon has ran out of ammo, with it getting tossed to the side as IRIS rushes forward to take on Mearest, swinging its massive pincers against her head repeatedly. Despite this barrage, the Corrupted Charlotte refuses to fall down onto the wooden stage, and starts attacking back with her own fists, charged with corruptive energy.

This brawl between two demonic sides keeps having the upper hand being swung between the two of them, neither of them properly staying on top for a while, until IRIS grows tired of being stuck in the third stalemate, and charges up their demonic energy, before unleashing it as a massive beacon of red hellish lightning, breaking the roof of the music venue and taking out both the Corrupted Charlotte Mearest and Corrupted Hex in one blast, and bringing in the third wave, consisting of the Corrupted Boyfriend, Corrupted Nene, and Corrupted Darnell.

While the third battle happens, above the main stage, both The Harvester and the Lemon Demon watch from where some damaged stage lights hang, observing the fight from a different angle, and quietly discussing their next course of action.

Lemon Demon: So, partner? What's our next move? Atlas may have been defeated, but he hasn't fallen to the corruption yet.

The Harvester: (shakes their head) He may not be under our clutches, but he is extremely weak. He won't be posing a threat to us for a long time. For now, it's time you help me out. I only agreed to assist you in conquering this city, if you return the favour.

Lemon Demon: I'm well aware of our deal. However, might I ask why you have such a massive desire towards that boy? Do you harbour feelings for him, just like his close friends?

Instead of giving a verbal answer, The Harvester just stares at his accomplice with an expression that just through their eyes shows pure disgust at that answer. After that, all the dark jester soon pulls something out of their hat, and shows it to the Lemon Demon. Upon seeing what it is, the fruit-themed demon gets his answer, but both soon have their attention attracted back to the battle below, where IRIS has easily defeated the Corrupted Boyfriend, Darnell, and Nene.

IRIS: (scoffs) Is that all you could throw at me? Why not provide me with a better challenge?

The Harvester: If that's their wish, I shall grant it. (looks to Lemon Demon) I trust you to take the others and locate the boy, but do not fully corrupt him yet. I meanwhile will deal with this obnoxious automation and recover those that have failed to defeat him.

The Lemon Demon gives his partner a nod, before leaping down to the others that haven't participated in the fight, and leads them out of the music venue while The Harvester stays behind to finish off IRIS...

(With (Y/N) and Spirit)

Far away from the chaos down at the music venue, (Y/N) continues to sprint through the dark alleyways of Starlight City, having no real destination in mind. Right now, all he wants is to get far away from everything that's been happening ever since he returned. He's lost friends, family, and right now, his own sanity is beginning to fall apart. After running through multiple alleyways, turning many corners in the blink of an eye, the young boy finds himself coming to a halt as he arrives in an area that looks familiar.

That area being the very same alleyway where Whitty had fallen, with the same walls being either destroyed or decorated in heavy burn marks. Once there, the young boy slowly huddles over to a large green dumpster that hasn't been destroyed, and begins to silently cry his eyes out, slowly draining away every last tear he has left. After three minutes of quiet sobbing, (Y/N) soon hears the voice of Spirit, sounding heavily concerned.

Spirit: (through telepathy) (Y/N), I know that after your outburst a while back, you do not wish to hear anything that sounds remotely similar to what an anime protagonist would say, but please, give a chance to speak.

(Y/N): (sniffles) Go on...

Spirit: (through telepathy) I know what you're feeling, having lost all of your friends and family to something out of your control. Back when I was human and dated Girlfriend, I got too ambitious, and attempted to take advantage of her, all because I was letting the fame of dating the daughter of the Dearests get to my head.

(Y/N): (quietly) And that... That got you sent into the Hating Simulator...

Spirit: (through telepathy) Correct. When I first entered, I found myself going through every stage of grief. I first believed that it was all a cruel twisted nightmare, and when that wasn't true, I took my rage out on the Hating Simulator itself, abusing the code to hurt everyone. After calming down, I tried to bargain with Atlas, believing he could hear me, and when that happened, I fell into a deep depression.

(Y/N): And... And then came acceptance...

Spirit: (through telepathy) That final stage wasn't easy to accept, despite the name. I had to come with terms that I may never be able to see my old friends and family again, or even be able to ascend to the afterlife, but I was able to at the very least try and adapt to the Hating Simulator, soon forming a bond with both Senpai and Valentine after getting to know them after a while.

(Y/N): So...

Spirit: (through telepathy) What I'm trying to say is not to despair over losing someone or a group of people you care about, as while it may appear that they'll be gone forever, as long as you're with others, you're never truly alone.

(Y/N) begins to smile as he wipes away his tears, ready to thank Spirit, but he suddenly hears the sounds of footsteps from the other end of the alleyway. He carefully peeks out to see who it is, hoping it's either Julian or Atlas there, but unfortunately for the young boy, it's instead the Corrupted Whitty and Corrupted Carol, both of them peering down the alleyway to try and spot someone. Quickly, (Y/N) gets his head back behind the dumpster, holding his breath, covering his ears with his corrupted hands, and closes his eyes, hoping they don't find him.

As he waits, he can hear their distorted footsteps talking about something, but he can't make out what they're saying properly. What he can hear properly is another voice in his head, which is attempting to convince him to fall, as well as the footsteps of the corrupted couple stalking through the alleyway, getting louder and quieter with each passing second. Eventually, the noise comes to a dead silence, and (Y/N) slowly removes his hands from his ears, and peeks around the dumpster. Carol is gone, but where's Whitty?

That's when he hears a distorted laugh again...

This time right above him...

(Y/N)'s face goes pale in an instant, as he feels his head slowly pan upwards, despite his body and brain trying to stop it. Once he's now facing up, the young boy's eyes once again fill with fear, as looming above from the other side of the dumpster is the Corrupted Whitty, flashing his smile of insanity right down at him.

Corrupted Whitty: (chuckles darkly) Well, well, well... Look who I found... You really thought a previous hiding spot would work for you?

(Y/N): (nervously shaking) W-Whitty...

Corrupted Whitty: You know, I was told to bring you back to The Harvester alive, but he never specified in one piece or not. So, how about you try and entertain me, or else I'll just have to entertain myself in my own special way...

https://youtu.be/X7r_nx7ImAQ

*Song Name: Back-Alley Blitz (Song starts at 11:11 and ends at 15:51)*

*Original Song: Swapped by CosmeticCloud (Imagine it's (Y/N) Vs Corrupted Whitty instead of Boyfriend Vs Corrupted Whitty)*

With no other choice available, (Y/N) reluctantly starts the rap battle, with the chosen song slowly starting off ominous and haunting, but then explodes into an aggressive and fast-paced tune, matching the Corrupted Whitty's complete insanity, as the infected doomsday device begins to lob pinkish fireballs straight at (Y/N)'s hiding spot, forcing him to step out and confront him head-on.

(Y/N) however, despite the complete fear running through his veins, pulled out his Uzi and began to rapidly fire at the Corrupted Whitty, trying to aim his bullets at his opponent's fuse rather than his body, while singing familiar tunes to his opponent as a way to try and free him. However, all these attempts do is simply aggravate the Corrupted Whitty, getting him to become more aggressive, shooting more wild fireballs all over the alleyway, rather than properly aiming it at his opponent.

While both (Y/N) and the Corrupted Whitty keep trying to overpower the other, Spirit slowly starts to remove the corruption off of the young boy, making his presence slightly known as his crimson aura slowly becomes more noticeable as the rap battle slowly reaches its breaking point. As the battle comes to an end, the music begins to slowly distort in both volume and pitch with (Y/N) falling onto his hands and knees, desperately trying to catch his breath as he sees the corruption on his arms struggle between staying infected and breaking free.

But as he looks up, he sees the Corrupted Whitty's fuse has been lit, and it's slowly reaching the end of its rope...

With barely any seconds left to spare, the young boy quickly dashes behind the same green dumpster, and lets out one big scream of dread as the Corrupted Whitty follows suite, detonating and creating a massive explosion of pink corrupted infernos, (Y/N) feels the blast winds aggressively launch him out of his hiding spot, and right through a brick wall on the other end, before skidding to a complete halt on an unrecognisable street.

He opens his eyes, finding them slightly blurry, but still attempts to get up, only to fall repeatedly from a sharp pain from his spine. It might be damaged. To make matters worse, when looking back down at his hands for a second time, the corruption is still there. Seems like Spirit's attempts to free him were pushed back. Despite the pain and predicament he's in, (Y/N) takes a deep breath, before forcing himself to stand back up onto his feet, fighting the pain in his back, just in time to see two figures emerge from around the corner of the new street.

Those being the Corrupted Cyclops and Corrupted Alucard, both having been lured by the sound of the explosion, and have now got (Y/N) while he's in an extremely vulnerable position...

Upon seeing their infected pupils flicker from across the street and slowly getting closer, the young boy attempts to back away slightly, only for his injured spine to remain as a massive hinderance, making him constantly trip and groan in pain, revealing himself as the two let out a gritty distorted laugh, followed by the Corrupted Cyclops quickly dashing over to him, and tightly gripping his neck before lifting him to his eye level.

Corrupted Cyclops: (grins) What's with the sudden cowardice, (Y/N)? You unable to sing your way out of this, like Boyfriend could? Fitting, because you aren't him. What you are, is nothing but a chicken wearing a knight's armour, playing pretend.

(Y/N): (struggling to breath) C-C-Cyclops... P-Please-

Corrupted Cyclops: (tightens his grip) Save it, boy. Are you really resorting to using the same tricks, those same empty words to try and persuade me to let you go? Or even attempt at breaking free? When will it get into your head that there is no such thing as a happy ending here? We're all gone, and there's no way you're ever getting our old selves back! (narrows his eyes) Maybe you need a little reminder of how things work now...

(Y/N) sees through his blurring eyes that the Corrupted Cyclops is slowly lifting his assault rifle up to his head, and prepares to aim it, so in a blind panic, the young boy pulls out his pocket knife and wildly swings it at the infected goth kid. Unfortunately, he misses the mark, and in retaliation, Cyclops throws him to the curb, with (Y/N) letting out another pain-filled cry as his spine crashes against the concrete. The infected goth kid then prepares to take aim once again, but then the Corrupted Alucard slaps his weapon away, and stands in front of him.

Corrupted Alucard: (annoyed) What are you doing, Cyclops?! Don't you remember the orders from our lords? We need to keep the boy alive!

Corrupted Cyclops: (rolls his eyes) After he tried to stab me? Are you 

Corrupted Alucard: Well, you were about to destroy his oxygen passage. (facepalms and sighs) Look, there's a pharmacy about three blocks away. If we go and fix up (Y/N), and bring him back to our lords, we might be rewarded for trying to look after him.

Corrupted Cyclops: (blinks) You had me at "rewarded", let's get this shit over with.

The two infected goth kids soon started to sprint out of the street and towards the pharmacy, with neither of them noticing (Y/N) rising back onto his feet, trying desperately to fight the pain flowing through his body and avoid passing out entirely. After a few attempts, the young boy is able to stand up, but has to use a wall to help balance himself properly. As he sees the Corrupted Cyclops and Corrupted Alucard disappear around the corner, he pushes his tired legs to run once again, constantly checking over his shoulder to see if nobody else is giving chase after him.

It wasn't easy for him, as thanks to his damaged spine, every step resulted in a surge of agonising pain to shoot quickly to his brain, being a constant reminder of his choice to leave Julian and Atlas. All because he let his emotions and sanity take judgement for even a slight moment. As he feels his vision becoming slightly more blurred, he comes to a halt to wipe his eyes, before slamming the closest wall with an emotional fist. Aside from Spirit, he's alone, and just as vulnerable as a crippled mouse.

After a few more steps, his legs finally gave in, forcing (Y/N) onto his knees and making him rely on crawling across the ground. It might be less painful for him, but the negative side of this is that it isn't as fast as pointlessly running. Eventually, the young boy found a desolate building with its doors and windows destroyed, and crawls inside, before laying against the wall, taking the moment to quietly sob once again. All of this pain... All of this destruction... All caused by a simple plague of black goop, created by two monsters, who want nothing to watch Starlight City fall...

Friends and family now twisted into wicked amalgamations of what they once were...

In just a whole year, (Y/N)'s joy of returning to his original home has been reduced to nothing but a faint memory, one that he desperately wished to see just one final time. Not long later, he feels his eyes start to droop, as he passes out from exhaustion, and lets his both his destroyed mind and body take a break...

...

...

(??? POV)

I glare back at my unwanted opposite, the void that we're both in having its atmosphere growing ever more colder and bitter than any way that could be imagined. Every time something occurs that is either not what I expected, or goes completely off course, he always ridicules me for my incompetence at keeping a vow.

???: So, back again to mock me? To remind me of how I "should've seen that coming and warned him about it"? I know your tricks by now. When will you give it a rest?

???2: And when will you get the message to stop constantly retrying when something doesn't go your way? I thought I made it clear to you since your first attempt at creating a happy ending. Time is like a glass mirror, very fragile, and shows the same picture when cracked, but there'll always be something off about the reflection.

???2: All you are doing is just allowing the same apocalypse to endlessly repeat its destruction, with the only difference being that an anomaly is created because of you intervening, hoping that it'll do something that'll make you rest easy.

???: (hardens his glare) You save your infected breath already. I know for a fact that this timeline will end with a happy ending. Nobody will die, no anomalies will be created, and everyone can finally rest and recover. I will be able to finally rest, and you won't be able to influence anymore tragedy ever again.

???2: (laughs) Haven't you repeated this empty declaration of heroic promises back when you used your retry for the first time, bringing forth the second timeline? Speaking of timelines, why don't you take a break from watching this one fall, and observe the last attempts you made?

???: (looks down) What's the point? Those timelines are dead, because of those anomalies. (points at ???2) And before you say anything else, I'm aware that I created those anomalies by accident, but like I said, what's the point is trying to save a timeline that has no chance of being recovered?

???2: And here I thought you would've been scavenging each one for any glimmer of hope to use against me? Besides, as long as our influence remains across both time and space, no timeline shall ever be considered dead.

???1: If that is all you're willing to share something I'm already aware of, then just leave me be. You just love to see me suffer.

After I say my request, my complete opposite reopens another rift and steps inside, leaving me to fall into a depressive state and silently cry, having the memories of the other timelines unable to be forgotten from my mind. I'll observe the current timeline once I feel a bit better. Just you wait, I swear this timeline will be different. Just you wait...

...

...

...Anti-Narrator.

(Y/N POV)

I awake inside the destroyed building, pulling out my phone and see the cracked screen display the time. It's been nearly five hours since I passed out here. I wished to mourn more, but the sound of my stomach growling reminds me of a constantly pressing issue throughout this whole situation: Hunger and Thirst. And unfortunately for me, I left my back of supplies back at the alleyway I had my... outburst in, meaning if I wanted anything to eat or drink, I'd have to search this place for anything edible, which is what I quickly begun to get it over with.

After spending nearly half an hour searching every floor, and knocking stuff around due to my spine not being healed fully, I'm able to at least come across a pack of soda bottles to sort out my thirst, but all I can acquire for snacks are two small bags of beef jerky. Not exactly a bad choice of food, but not very filling either. No matter. I head back down to the ground floor, rest my back against the wall of the staircase, and help myself to what I found, trying to save a small amount for later while my mind drifts off to what I was experiencing when passed out.

I was trapped in another nightmare, a recurring one that wasn't as painful as the recent ones, but that didn't mean it wasn't one that could be over in an instant. All there was around me was a pitch black void as far as my eyes could see. I couldn't move or speak. All I could do was stand there and hear the voices of everyone I knew, calling out to me, questioning me why I haven't tried to save them, before it turned into shouting. They called me the true monster in this apocalypse, someone who enjoys watching innocents suffer, and other types of phrases.

It went on for a while, until I felt something pierce my heart, and then I woke up, to find that most of the corruption on me has now been removed, and the only parts that haven't been freed are the bottom half of my legs. I really should thank Spirit for all he's done for me.

After getting the last part of the nightmare out of my head, I look down to what I have of my supplies, which consists of half a bag of beef jerky and two soda bottles, before putting them into my pocket and shuffle towards the main door, carefully peeking out. The street lights were no longer on, and every visible building had cracks, bullet holes, slash and burn marks, and all other kinds of damages along their surfaces. While I wasn't feeling like I wanted to burst into tears anymore, I still wasn't happy with my current situation, as going out into the unknown with a major injury might as well be a type of death sentence.

Despite this, I knew that the longer I stay here as a sitting duck, the higher chances of me getting cornered will arrive. So, with a heavy heart and sigh, I push my body out into streets, slowly limping into a nearby alleyway, before hearing the sounds of chuckling slowly getting louder. Not wanting to find out who it is, I quickly dash back into the destroyed building, and take a quick peek out one of the shattered windows.

It's Tankman and Steve...

Corrupted Steve: I'm telling you sir, we've already searched this entire section of the city. There's no way the target would be hiding here.

Corrupted Tankman: Steve, no offense to your shitty analysis skills, but the last time we searched this area was two months ago!! Haven't my warnings meant anything to you? It's important to think like your enemy if you want to fuck them up! (pounds his fists together)

Corrupted Steve: With all due respect sir, as long as you keep forgetting my birthday, I'll choose to forget whatever nonsense you suddenly feel the need to pull out of your ass.

Corrupted Tankman: And your bitchy attitude makes me wanna cut your nuts off with hedge trimmers and then dunk your face into a vat of acid, but I don't constantly complain about that part of you, do I?!

Corrupted Steve: (sighs) Alright, sorry, sir. So, why do you believe the target might be hiding here, if you don't mind me asking?

Corrupted Tankman: Well Steve, two fucking My Chemical Romance fanboys informed us of encountering the target heavily crippled just a few blocks away from our current position. So, by their logic, the little puppy may be hiding not very far from where they were last spotted. Whatever injury made them crippled would definitely hinder their ability to move fast, and they'd be acting like a fucking masochist if they try to push themselves to fight the pain.

Time around me suddenly came to a halt, as I waited with baited breath, hoping that they'd soon leave, while having to hear both the sounds of their footsteps walk up and down the street, as well as hearing the engine of the tank roar whenever they moved it with them. Eventually, time began to return to its normal pace as I hear the duo take their leave, as I let out a sigh and wipe my forehead...

Only for my hand to hit a damaged support beam, which broke and caused a large hole to be created, followed with debris falling down and creating a large noise. Before I had time to silently call out how awful my luck is at this point, I quickly duck back down under the window as the tank pulls back up...

Corrupted Steve: Sir, I'm pretty sure the sudden noise came from that building to our left.

Corrupted Tankman: Keep the tank steady, Steve. I'll go take a look, and if you see anything run out of any of these fucking safety hazards, you have permission to either run the poor unfortunate soul over and enjoy their screams of agony, or just blow the sucker to hell. With the tank ammo, don't try and get any ideas, Steve.

I felt my breath immediately flee out of my lungs as I hear Tankman's footsteps approach the shattered window. I huddle into a ball, desperately fighting the urge to shake in fear. This might be my end. If I attempt to escape from here, then Steve would kill me in either two ways. If I stay and stand my ground, then Tankman would just infect me with little to no problem. All I can do is just hope I don't get spotted...

...

...

Corrupted Tankman: All I can see is that the building played Jenga with itself and fucking lost. You were right, Steve. The lost little puppy isn't here. Let's try another section of this shitty city.

Tankman's footsteps become quieter, followed by the tank's engine doing the same after a little while longer. This time, I wait until I'm certain that the both of them are unable to hear anything that goes on here, before emerging from my hiding spot. This time, I don't take anymore chances and rush out into the open streets. But to make my luck even more worse, the minute I even make it to another street, one final unwanted guest appears, and who else could it be...

...But the Lemon Demon himself?

All I do is glare at him as he lands a few steps in front of me, letting some black angel-looking wings return into his neck, before staring back at me, but I'm not afraid. I'm furious.

Lemon Demon: Well, isn't this just a wonderful surprise? I was just looking around for you from above, and just when I consider leaving, you show up from inside a building. Does your luck really want you to fall? Or are you that full of confidence, just like your little blue-haired friend?

(Y/N): (sharply) Save your breath, you fucking monster. You and that fucking jester have brought nothing but pain to Starlight City. (takes a deep breath) I know this sounds cliché, but I'm keeping true to the promise I gave myself, and make sure you won't lay another corrupted claw on anyone else!!

Lemon Demon: (fake gasps) Such vulgar coming from such a damaged soul like yours. It appears that maybe seeing your loved ones forever under our spell might've filled your spirit with such anger towards us.

(Y/N): (sarcastically) Gee, how long did it take for you to realise that? Just what do you want?

Lemon Demon: Nothing much, but a simple singing battle. You win, and I'll pretend this whole encounter never happened. You lose, and I'm afraid you'll be coming with me. Now, let's cut to the chase, shall we? (eyes glow red)

(Y/N): (pulls out his knife) Let's just dance, you walking failed excuse of a fruit mascot.

(3rd Person POV)

https://youtu.be/4VAGr5-KUTA

*Song Name: Somniphobia*

*Original Song: Paranoia by Sandi and KennyL (Imagine it's Monster Vs (Y/N) instead of Mr. Virtual Vs Boyfriend)*

The song begins, with the Lemon Demon surprisingly singing without his usual messed up vocals, which catches (Y/N) off-guard for a brief moment, before he focuses back on the battle. The music starts off quiet, slowly building up to something, and after a few bars between the two sides, it changes into an aggressive techno track, and Monster using his illusion magic to give himself an edge, shifting the environment to familiar locations across Starlight City, only heavily altered to be more amalgamated.

The constantly shifting sights of horror makes (Y/N) sick to his stomach, but he tries his hardest to keep himself from either vomiting or fainting, and keeping his focus on facing one of the causes for this disaster. After a while, the intensity of the background instrumental begins to calm down, and so does the constant environment shifting, as both (Y/N) and the Lemon Demon keep trading similar bars. Soon, the young boy begins to form a small grin on his face, as the corruption on his body only travels by a slither, but that all changes when...

Lemon Demon: (grins) What's the matter, boy? (gestures to the side) Don't you wanna see those close to your heart again?

...

(Y/N)'s vision suddenly cuts to black, confusing the young boy, but when his vision returns to him, there's something, or rather someone standing where the Monster once was. It's a horrid melting amalgamation between Boyfriend and Girlfriend, formed into one being. Just at the sight of it, (Y/N)'s eyes begin to water at a fast rate, as the music takes on a more threatening tone, with the amalgamation moving in an abnormal way, and its voice sounding like a horrid mashup between the two close friends to (Y/N), while constant messages with the phrase "YOU FAILED THEM" flash across the young boy's vision.

After a short while, the amalgamation soon disappears with a blood-curdling scream, as the Lemon Demon makes his return to the song, with the instrumental returning to its calming condition it had earlier. However, the battle is now becoming more one-sided by the few passing seconds, as the corruptive substance has its spreading speed become more faster, while (Y/N)'s vision begins to become more blurred from his tears, and his voice sounding more full of pain then the earlier anger.

Soon, the final stretch approaches with the music becoming intense for one final moment, as the Lemon Demon brings out his biggest tricks, and creates multiple clones of himself that join in on the original tormenting the young boy he's facing, getting into his head as the earlier phrase now becomes "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE THE INEVITABLE". Eventually, the instrumental goes back to its calmer state as both Monster and (Y/N) finish the song, with the latter having the corruption now reaching both his shoulders and neck, all while the former takes delight in seeing his victim suffer.

Lemon Demon: (grins) Did you enjoy the little serenade, child? ((Y/N) starts to silently sob) Come on, don't fall silent on me. Was just seeing a simple illusion all it took to collapse all that earlier confidence? Now I wonder what would've happened if I had chose to use your parents instead of close friends.

(Y/N): (falls to his knees) Why...

Lemon Demon: (tilts his head) Could you care to speak up? I couldn't quite hear you.

(Y/N): Why are you doing this? What... What did I ever do to you?

That question takes a while for the Lemon Demon to think of an answer for that one question. For hunting down Girlfriend, it was because her and both her parents posed massive threats for him taking control of Starlight City, and from hearing about what Boyfriend was capable of, he needed him out of the picture, as well. But for (Y/N), aside from his "collaboration", there was no reason to even go after him.

Lemon Demon: (shrugs) You did nothing to me, kid. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. And frankly, it's my partner who has something to do with you. (slowly walks forward) Now, I suggest you hold still, unless you want to be in more mental agony.

Spirit: (through telepathy) (Y/N), you're in no chance of escaping in your condition. I think you know what I'm about to suggest.

(Y/N): (quietly) You want to take over and help us out? Go on, I think now is the perfect time for your assistance. And, sorry for just letting my emotions out at the others a while ago.

Spirit: (through telepathy) You don't have to apologise for having something akin to an emotional breakdown, (Y/N). Just try and take a rest for now, while I deal with these threats for a while.

With a quick nod, the young boy takes a deep breath as Spirit takes over, blasting the corruptive substance off his body while the Lemon Demon watches (Y/N)'s (H/C) hair become blood red, his eyes becoming white with crimson red swirls instead of being (E/C), and his expression turning into a serious one as a pinkish-red aura levitates the figure into the air.

(With Julian and Atlas)

Meanwhile, all the way in another part of Starlight City, the duo of Atlas Dearest and Julian Tectonic are currently wandering through the downtown section, passing by destroyed buildings and searching their remains for any supplies that could be useful in the future, or in Julian's case, searching for (Y/N) while calling out his name. After the young boy had ran off, some of the ex-rockstar's magic was recharged, which he used to remove most of the corruption on him, with the exception of the pink strings, while Julian had the goop on his left arm and left leg removed. After that, the two of them left the alleyway, and have came up with a plan to find a way out of Starlight City, but their search for anything useful hasn't gone well.

Daddy Dearest: (sighs) Julian, not to be harsh on you, but could ya stop shouting every three minutes?! At this rate, you'll be guiding those monsters straight to us!!

Julian: (whispers) Sorry, but I'm still searching for (Y/N)! I know he didn't mean to shout at us both like that, but I wish I didn't let him run off like that! (pounds his head) Why did you tell me he'd be alright?!

Daddy Dearest: To tell you the truth, Jules. I honestly thought Spirit would've spoken to him earlier and had him return quickly. But I forgot emotions can be unstable. They can block out all sorts of voices if they go haywire. So, it's sort of my fault for him running off. I didn't snap back at him, he'd-

Julian: (puts a hand on his shoulder) Don't blame yourself, Atlas. We were all freaking out a bit after what happened earlier, and I was the only one trying to keep the whole group staying positive. (looks down sombrely) But at the same time, it's extremely hard to stay happy after having to face someone close to you, huh?

Daddy Dearest: (nods) Yup. I had that feeling when facing my wife and daughter, and (Y/N) had it when he saw what I guessed were his parents. Speaking of which, why haven't you freaked out when seeing Whitty like that?

Julian: (scratches his hair) I already saw him like that earlier, and while it was a bit nerve-wrecking having to try and fight him in a rap battle, I just kept saying in my mind that the person I was facing wasn't the Whitty I knew like the back of my hand. It did hurt, but I made sure to keep fighting for him.

Daddy Dearest: (chuckles) You really are a different lookalike of Ol' Splodey Head. He would've just gotten angry and detonate.

Julian also cracks a chuckle as the two of them leave another street without finding much items, but as they take a few steps onto the main road, a flurry of bullets end up flying past their heads, and when looking down in the direction they came from, they see a small group consisting of the Corrupted Boyfriend, Pico, Darnell, and Nene running towards them. Without wasting anymore time staring in shock, the two of them begin to run off in the opposite direction, as the infected sharpshooter and pyromaniac continue unleashing bullets and embers at them.

Unlike any previous chases they've been in when searching around, this group proved to be more troublesome to lose, as no matter which route Julian and Atlas would take, there would always be one or two of them following close behind, while the others take an alternate route and catch them off-guard, forcing the duo to make a quick dash around a different path. Luckily for Julian and Atlas, thanks to the latter removing most of the corruption off them, they had some form of adrenaline that kept them going, even if the ex-rockstar was constantly gritting his teeth in pain from the shocks coming from the pink strings.

As Julian and Atlas continue draining their adrenaline empty, the environment changes from downtown Starlight City, with the streets having raided markets and small shops, all the way to the suburbs, being chased past destroyed parks and small houses, and the longer the chase continued, the clouds become thicker and larger, until the moon in the sky is unable to shine through them. To make matters worse, the group of four corrupted troublemakers have begun to drive the duo down all sorts of turns, due to three of them having grown up in this part of the city, and chase both Julian and Atlas down into an alleyway, where they come across a dead end.

Daddy Dearest: (panting for air) Oh, great... A dead end...

Julian: (panting and turns around) And our only escape route... Has just been blocked...

Atlas Dearest soon turns around, seeing the four corrupted delinquents slowly march towards them, their infected grins growing wider with each slow step. With no other choice, the ex-rockstar looks down to his pocket, and pulls out a spare microphone, before staring back at the pursuers with an exhausted yet determined expression.

Daddy Dearest: Alright, you little freaks. You wanna take us out so bad? Then why don't you come and earn that right?

Corrupted Boyfriend: (cackles) If this is supposed to be how you wish your send-off to be, then we might as well oblige. After all, it'll be the last performance you'll have.

Julian: (smirks) Tell that to the last time you all faced him- (has a bullet fly by his head, which makes him stop grinning) Okay! Shutting up now!!

Corrupted Pico: (lowers his Uzi) Good. Darnell, would you like to have this honour?

Corrupted Darnell: (steps forward) Thanks for the offer, Pico. Hit it, Nene!!

https://youtu.be/3woHJbZUF5Q

*Song Name: Broken Record*

*Original Song: Last Hope by bonky (Imagine it's Corrupted Darnell singing instead of Corrupted Boyfriend)*

The Corrupted Nene quickly puts down a portable speaker, and upon hitting the play button, Atlas immediately starts singing at a fast pace to what starts off as a sombre melody, until after some build-up, it suddenly explodes into a fast paced track, filling the atmosphere with intensity. Throughout the rap battle, the melody would constantly change between intense and calming, even having fake outs during moments when something should've happened.

After the halfway mark of the song has passed, the main pitch of the song increases as both singers start to bombard the other with projectiles, with the Corrupted Darnell launching blasts of embers from his lighter, and Atlas retaliating with blasts of demonic energy. After a while, the latter begins to get the upper hand, with the infected pyromaniac becoming more infuriated by the few passing seconds. Seeing this, all of the spectators begin to cheer for their sides, though Julian's voice is louder than the corrupted trio.

After a while, the rap battle ends with Daddy Dearest giving a victorious smirk towards the Corrupted Darnell, who growls and lunges for an attack. However, the ex-rockstar shows no sign of hesitating, and quickly fires two more projectiles right into the infected pyromaniac's chest, causing him to fall to the ground as some of the corruption on his face gets removed.

Corrupted Nene: (angered) Darnell!! That's it!! No more games!! Time to put this rusty old knife to use!!

With that, the walking definition of a yandere lunged at Atlas, who barely avoided having a large gash be formed where his heart is located. Before she can continue attacking, Julian quickly comes rushing in, swinging a heavy bag full of garbage at her face, knocking her aside before turning his attention to the only ones left, being the Corrupted Boyfriend and Pico. However, unlike the previous two attackers, these two were a bigger problem, as when Julian went to attack the infected rapper, the infected gunslinger quickly shot him in the left shoulder, causing the lanky figure to recoil in pain, and cover the bleeding wound with his other hand.

Things weren't going well for Atlas either, as he was forced to try and defend himself from the Corrupted Boyfriend trying to bash his head in with a microphone, while dealing with the pink strings both shocking him and limiting some of his movement. To make matters even worse, the Corrupted Nene soon sprang back up from her knockout, with a small crack on her forehead, and quickly stabs Atlas in the ankle, making him fall down to the ground and huddle to the back wall, right beside the injured Julian.

Corrupted Boyfriend: (cackles) Now isn't this such a hilarious turn of events, Dearest? What was it that you said a year ago? That both you and your wife control Starlight City? Well, now look at you, reduced to the same vulnerable state as most of your victims have been through.

Corrupted Nene: And now, we can finally get the biggest threat dealt with! (sighs) Still, I wish (Y/N) was here, then we could've captured him for our leader. (kneels down to Julian) How about you tell us where he is, and we'll let you live! Wouldn't you like that?

Julian: (grunts in pain) Why don't you just find the same pit of hell you crawled out of, and jump back down there, you delusional fuckers with your superiority complexes!!

Corrupted Nene: (narrows her eyes) Fine then. Pico, would you like to do the honours?

Corrupted Pico: (steps forward) With pleasure.

Julian: (eyes widen) Wait, you weren't joking about ending my life?! I thought-

Corrupted Pico: (interrupts) Well, you thought wrong. If you were more useful, like your cousin, then maybe we'd consider having you be part of our army, but since you lack any power with that little "wireframe" trick of yours, we think you'd be better off as maggot food.

The Corrupted Pico then loads his Uzi before pointing it right at Julian's forehead, watching him quietly squirm in fear as tears threaten to fall down his face, all while the other two corrupted figures alongside him force Atlas to watch. However, right as he puts his finger on the trigger...

The killing blow never came...

In a sudden panic, Julian felt something spark within his chest, with said strange feeling flowing towards his right arm. As his eyes begin to turn into multiple flashing shapes, the lanky figure throws his arm at the Corrupted Pico, who widens his eyes in shock as he's suddenly struck by a weapon, which Atlas and the other two figures take notice of as Julian rises to his feet, giving off a serious glare. Gripped in his right arm appears to be a weapon resembling a samurai blade, just made of electricity, that flashes multiple colours, to which Julian takes quick notice of.

Julian: (confused) Where did this blade come from? (eyes widen) Wait, did... did I just create this?

Daddy Dearest: (shocked) I... I think you just did, Julian.

Corrupted Pico: (gets back up and growls) I don't care if you somehow unlocked your power!! I'm still filling your organs full of lead!

Fuelled by pure frustration, the Corrupted Pico picks up his Uzi from the ground and prepares to unload every bullet in the chamber, but he gets interrupted once again, not from either Julian or Atlas attacking him, but rather sudden demonic lightning striking him from behind. As he falls to the ground, the other four turn to see the person responsible, seeing IRIS standing at the entrance to the alleyway, with most of their metallic vessel heavily damaged, but still operational.

Julian + Daddy Dearest: (surprised) IRIS?

IRIS: (narrows their eye) Sorry to interrupt your little moment, but I would like my two partners away from your kind.

At this, the Corrupted Boyfriend just growls with a frown on his infected face, before lunging at IRIS, only to be knocked away with a simple backhand. As his head collides against the floor, he pulls himself up and tries to throw his microphone at the automation, but misses and gets sent crashing through the wall with a demon-charged metal fist. With the tables now being turned, Julian and Atlas gain their smirks again, as now only the Corrupted Nene remains, and she looks back at the two victims and dives towards them, knife drawn and ready.

Julian quickly parries all of her stab attempts with his electric blade, while Atlas sneaks in a quick projectile of demonic energy at the girl, getting a direct hit on the head and causing her to stumble back, the crack on her forehead slowly getting larger. Once regaining her footing, the Corrupted Nene once again sloppily throws herself at the two, only for Julian to strike her with his blade, as IRIS follows up with a flurry of demonic bolts, until the girl falls to the ground from pain. Once all three of them have made sure that the four infected figures are now subdued, they look back at each other in silence, until Julian pulls IRIS into a hug.

Julian: (letting tears fall) Dude, you have no idea how glad I am to see you again. (notices the damage) You really had a difficult fight, huh?

IRIS: (nods) It started out difficult, with those two leaders just sending their army in droves against us, but when we started to get the hang of it, they changed tactics. The lemon-headed one took the rest of the corrupted crowd with him, while the jester stays behind with those that have fought, and deals with us. we barely made it out with our vessel taking non-fatal damage.

Daddy Dearest: (shakes his head) Regardless of if you emerged without a scratch or not, it's a great surprise to see you still fighting in this so-called "game" the infected like to refer to sometimes.

IRIS: We reluctantly accept your words, Atlas. (notices the dropped bags) Speaking of surprises, why were you both carrying around half-consumed snacks and beverages? Were you planning on taking refuge somewhere else?

Julian: (scratches his neck) Not exactly, IRIS. You see, we lost (Y/N), and while trying to find him, Atlas suggested that when we find him, we find a way to leave Starlight City and hopefully come up with a plan to retake it. You want in?

IRIS: (shakes their head) Afraid not Julian, for we have come up with a plan of our own. While fleeing from the music venue, we picked up two signatures from inside a passing building. One gave off a similar radiance yours, Atlas, while the other was more digital.

Daddy Dearest: (quietly to himself) A similar radiance... Does that mean one of my henchmen is still alive? (speaks up) Which building was it that you picked up those signatures quickly?

IRIS: The building was one of the tallest buildings in this apocalyptic city.

Julian: (puts on a thinking face) The tallest building in Starlight City... Well, most of the skyscrapers are either destroyed or barely standing at this point, so that just leaves...

Daddy Dearest: (clicks his fingers) The facility that the organization "The Greater Good" owns. But I thought that the whole place was deserted since every member of that crazy group up and fled Starlight City.

IRIS: Exactly, Dearest. With its high-tech security traps and the fact that all of its agents have fled this city, the entire corrupted army have completely ignored it, which makes it the perfect form of a bunker. Plus, it has many weapons and other technological tools that could help us turn this dilemma around.

Julian: (looks to Dearest) That could work well for us. What do you think, Atlas?

Daddy Dearest: (thinks for a moment) Alright, we'll head on over to the facility building and give your idea a shot. Not only may I see some familiar faces again, but it'd be lying if I didn't think what I came up with was extremely desperate.

Julian: (eyes widen) Wait a minute! IRIS, have you seen (Y/N)?!

IRIS: I saw a figure resembling the kid quickly fly by while I was being chased, and they were heading over to a more quieter section of Starlight City. Why?

Without giving an answer, Julian quickly sprints off towards where IRIS said earlier, leaving the hellish media conglomerate confused, but Atlas has a feeling on what he's doing.

IRIS: (calls out) Where are you running to?!

Daddy Dearest: (clears his throat) I believe he's going to try and find the kid, and hopefully save him. It may be reckless of him to try that, but he's currently too far gone to try and stop him. So, wanna guide me to the building?

IRIS: (narrows their eye) Very well then, but this still doesn't mean you're forgiven for what you did in the past, Atlas.

Daddy Dearest: (glares back) Seriously, Infernus. You need to drop this whole grudge thing sooner or later.

The two demons then take their leave from the alleyway and towards the facility owned by The Greater Good, while having passive-aggressive arguments with each other along the way, but after a few minutes have passed in the deserted alleyway...

...A corrupted pyromaniac wakes up from their defeat, and with part of their face now freed, look down the direction the demons took, and begins to slowly follow after them...

(Y/N POV)

While Spirit controls my body, I find myself back in my mindscape, surrounded in darkness and there being nothing to recognise. I take a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for whatever nightmare will come my way. Will it just be another barrage of insults, or will it be something from my past? The only way I'll find out is to unfortunately face it, but for a while, nothing happens. I just look around in confusion, until I notice something in the distance: A white light in the shape of a door.

I take a moment to double-check my surroundings, trying to spot something else that may be hidden in the shadows, but find nothing. Guess the only thing to do now is to head towards the light. With every step I take, ripples form, almost like I'm stepping through a puddle of water, until I reach the door-shaped light. It's about my height, and when I put my hand against it, I watch it slightly open forward. Guess it is like a door. With one last deep breath, I gently through myself against the light door, and step on through to what's on the other side.

...

...

After blinking from the sudden flash of light, I find myself standing in... a fancy restaurant? When looking around, I can see marble pillars, fancy chandeliers handing from the ceiling, a large fountain in the centre of this massive room with a Greek goddess on it, tables, chairs, and expensive cutlery being present everywhere, exotic plants being placed in the corner, and a large number of the diners being couples staring lovingly at each other, or just having brief talks with each other. It's... honestly a bit strange. If this is supposed to be a nightmare, then why show me something so... positive?

After standing around in confusion for a while, I slowly make my way around the occupied tables, searching for someone familiar that's hear. After a while of aimlessly wandering through the dinner hall, I notice in one of the corners beside a window and some flower bushes is Girlfriend, who soon takes notice of me and waves me over to join her, to which I do, nervously taking a seat opposite from her, as she pulls her phone out from her pocket, occasionally glancing at the screen.

(Y/N): (nervously) Uh, hey, Girlfriend! Nice environment, huh?

Girlfriend: (chuckles) What's with the sudden nervousness, (Y/N)? Your tone of voice is rarely like this, and the last time it was like this was when you met my parents. Is it because we're in a fancy restaurant?

(Y/N): (glances around) That's part of the reason. I... I've been having some strange nightmares recently. They looked and felt so real, even the... (sighs) Even the injuries I've endured in them felt real. I'm just worried that this might be one of them.

Girlfriend: Well, how about we see for ourselves?

(Y/N) gives Girlfriend a confused glance, as he watches the red-dressed female reach an arm over, and pinch his cheek, before suddenly changing it to a quick punch, making him recoil back slightly.

(Y/N): (rubbing his cheek) Ow, that hurt! (looks around) Well, nothing seems to be slightly happening, plus this whole setting doesn't feel like it belongs in a nightmare. (looks down) Then again, the last two were based when I was in High School.

Girlfriend: (shrugs) Maybe the nightmares are trying to use a part of your memory that can be identified as both stressful and calming, before mashing them together to make something traumatising for you. But that's just a guess. I don't really know much about dreams, or how they work.

(Y/N): (chuckles) Fair point. The human mind is still something anyone has yet to figure out how it works. (a few seconds pass) So, could you remind me why we're here?

Girlfriend: (nods) Sure. Both me and Boyfriend wanted to go out to dinner for a date, and after agreeing on my favourite restaurant, we both decided to invite you along. Not as a third wheel, but as a friend. (glances at her phone) However, a few minutes before you arrived, Boyfriend sent me a message saying he's caught up in something, and that he'll text me when he arrives.

(Y/N): Knowing BF, he's either trying to dress fancy for the occasion for once, or your father has done something again, no offence. (Girlfriend shrugs as (Y/N) nervously smiles) So... how should we pass the time until he arrives?

Girlfriend: (looks up from her phone) I don't know, do you wanna perhaps sing a little song in the meantime? I'll let you start, if you want.

(Y/N): (smiles) Thanks, Girlfriend. Though, I think it's alright to let you start, and before we begin, is it okay if the song isn't an intense one?

Girlfriend: (shrugs) I'm fine with that. Go ahead and start when you're ready.

(3rd Person POV)

https://youtu.be/cwT2y8hfg28

*Song Name: Uneasiness*

*Original Song: Last Moments by Mike Geno (Imagine it's (Y/N) singing with Girlfriend instead of Tabi singing with Girlfriend)*

With a mellow song playing from somewhere in the dinner hall, Girlfriend leads the song as (Y/N) begins to follow along, mostly adding in some original lyrics to try and keep his mind on the song while occasionally making some small gestures, slowly calming down. Meanwhile, Girlfriend keeps her attention on her phone and any possible messages from Boyfriend that might pop up, only really singing when it's her turn, though her tone of voice shows she's uninterested.

Meanwhile, the many couples around them take notice of the two of them singing together, and lightly chuckle at their little activity, before returning to their own respective partner across from them. Halfway through the song, however, (Y/N) notices how Girlfriend isn't really showing interest in the song, and becomes slightly nervous, with his body language now no longer being expressive and more still, as his voice changes into a more concerned tone.

As the song begins to draw to a close, the music becomes more slower, as the young boy picks up the feeling of something... off growing in the atmosphere, as the other couples pay no mind to it while he continues trying to catch Girlfriend's attention.

(Y/N): (nervously) Well, that was an alright song, right Girlfriend?

Instead of giving a response or even a glance, Girlfriend just keeps her eyes glued towards her phone, occasionally moving her thumb across the screen to scroll through the messages. This gets (Y/N) a bit nervous, so he softly knocks his knuckles against the table to quickly get her attention.

(Y/N): (lightly knocks) Uh, Girlfriend, did you hear me? Sorry if I'm interrupting you in the middle of something...

Girlfriend: (glances up) Hmm? Oh, no, you're fine. I'm just trying to see if Boyfriend finally arrived or something. He hasn't sent a message, picture, or anything in a while.

(Y/N): (lightly laughs) Well, like I said, maybe he's just caught up in trying to look nice or dealing with Mr. Dearest again.

Once again, Girlfriend doesn't even acknowledge the young boy's statement, getting him to nervously glance around for a while, before clearing his throat to speak again. But right before he can say a single word...

He feels something heavy slam against the back of his head, knocking him off the chair and down onto the floor, as the other guests pay no mind to it, almost as if it's completely normal for something like this to happen. With his vision beginning to become more blurred, (Y/N) turns his head to the side to see who did it...

Only to see Boyfriend standing over him, with a dark smirk on his face and a microphone in his hand, which has a small blood mark on it...

(Y/N): (voice sounding tired) Boy... friend?..

Boyfriend: (softly chuckles) Good night, (Y/N)~.

...

...

(Y/N) soon finds himself waking up, groaning in pain from the earlier hit to the back of his head. As he stands onto his feet, he puts on hand to where he was struck, while using the other to rub his blurred eyes, which reveal to him a new location instead of the fancy diner from earlier. This one being the Starlight City train station, which from what Boyfriend and Girlfriend told him during one of their hangouts, is where they battled Pico.

Speaking of Pico, after walking around his new surroundings, the young boy soon notices the Uzi-wielding ginger standing a few steps away, and his expression being slightly unreadable, due to some shadows looming over his eyes. After seeing a familiar face, (Y/N) begins to make his way over to him, but as soon as he gets close, Pico halts his steps by pointing his Uzi right at him.

(Y/N): (freezes up) P-Pico?! P-Please put down the gun... It's me, (Y/N)-

Pico?: (coldly) Shut it. You promised to find a way to save us, but all you've done is run away when you can't beat even someone who's close to you. (scoffs) Pathetic.

As Pico's finger slowly pulls on the trigger, (Y/N) tries to run to somewhere to get shelter, or even find a discarded item to defend himself with, but is unable to find one in time, as the gun goes off, and he feels the bullet pierce his shoulder. The young boy screams in pain, moving his hand from his head and to his shoulder to stop the bleeding, while tears blur his vision, as it shifts to a new location.

This time, after wiping his eyes, (Y/N) finds himself in Girlfriend's house, only with the lights oddly glowing red, and at the other end of the room stands Atlas Dearest, but upon making eye contact with him, the ex-rockstar slowly makes his way over to him, with a malicious grin on his face, which makes the young boy worried.

(Y/N): (shaking with fear) Mr. Dearest? W-What's with that smile?

Daddy Dearest?: (looks down at (Y/N)) Honestly, I have no clue why my daughter was interested in a coward like you. Not even your soul would be worth keeping around.

After that, Atlas quickly gripped (Y/N) by the neck, blocking his airway and soon channelling some demonic energy through his hand. As the young boy struggles to break free of the ex-rockstar's tight grip, he suddenly feels a burning feeling in his chest that slowly becomes worse with every passing second. All he can do is continue flailing with his eyes closed, tears sliding down his cheeks, and the burning sensation getting more difficult to handle. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity of suffering, (Y/N) feels the tight grip and pain in his chest suddenly vanish, and when opening his eyes, he finds himself in another familiar location.

But this one, he didn't want to see again...

It's the school hallway from that nightmare again...

With both Darnell and Nene surrounding him from both directions...

(Y/N): (frantically looking around) Darnell... Nene...

Nene?: (giggles) You know, I used to think that you were cute, but after seeing how much of an awful friend, I'm starting to see you in a different life. Don't worry, I can make you more cute again!

Nene, with a sadistic smirk on her face, suddenly lunges towards (Y/N), drawing her knife and wildly slashes at him, cutting both his hoodie and his skin. He tries to desperately avoid most of the swings, but due to the pain from the previous slashes, the young boy finds himself unable to evade each stab, before falling down onto his knees and trying to cover up his wounds, but most of them still continue to bleed. Once Nene has finished stabbing (Y/N), she stands back and allows Darnell to step forward, turning his lighter on as he shares a similar smirk as his female friend.

Darnell?: Honestly, after this, you better hope the blazing pits of hell might be more pleasant than this, you disgrace. Time to continue your punishment.

Darnell then begins to shove the lighter against (Y/N)'s skin, more precisely, right into his stab wounds, getting the young boy to scream in pain, before beginning to try and knock the lighter out of the pyromaniac's hand. However, Nene quickly pins him down, allowing her partner to continue forcing their old high-school friend to endure more pain. After a while, (Y/N)'s vision starts to warp, before fully changing to one final location, and allowing the young boy to stand up after the literal burning pain in his wounds.

This final location being the music theatre that Atlas Dearest owns, and standing across from the young boy is Girlfriend, while Boyfriend stands right beside the large speakers next to them. Upon seeing them, (Y/N)'s eyes water as he struggles to stand up, feeling his knees want to give up and have him crash against the wooden stage.

(Y/N): (shaking like a leaf) No... Please... Please, not you guys, too...

Girlfriend then turns around to face (Y/N), showing that her expression is unreadable not because of a shadow blocking her face, but rather because she is entirely engulfed in shadows. Meanwhile, Boyfriend's face has the same shadow covering his eyes as Pico had, before standing next to the play button, as the young boy feels a headache starting to form, while looking towards Girlfriend.

https://youtu.be/czsuIGTCgtQ

*Song Name: Shattering*

*Original Song: Home by JACKALRUIN (Imagine it's Girlfriend Vs (Y/N) instead of Natsuki Vs Boyfriend)*

Boyfriend quickly hits the play button, as an oddly happy melody plays out from the speakers, while (Y/N) and Girlfriend sing together in a tone that matches the instrumental. However, as the young boy thought, this doesn't last for long, as only half a minute into the song, the show stage begins to darken, as his headache begins to get even worse. As for Girlfriend and Boyfriend, the former soon reveals she has no face at all, as her poses show both confusion and fear, while the latter begins to glitch out, with the speakers soon doing the same.

But then another sudden fright is thrown at (Y/N)...

When the song reaches a minute's length, Girlfriend suddenly forms a face, only for her eyes to launch out of their socket, as an insane smile is created on her lips and stretches across her face. The background music even changes, sounding aggressive as Girlfriend suddenly lunges at (Y/N), chocking him in a similar vein to her father earlier, but without using demonic energy, and rapidly shaking his body, almost like she's trying to snap his neck in some way.

The sudden aggression doesn't last long, as the young boy quickly frees himself by pushing back against Girlfriend with the last remaining force he has, only for the song to suddenly change into a sombre tone as one of his close friends returns to being faceless. (Y/N) soon joins in on the depressing turn, looking at both Girlfriend and Boyfriend with pleading eyes, begging them to stop this pain and help him find a way to wake up from this nightmare. A nightmare that so far, has been the worse thing he's experienced. But then, Boyfriend grabs a microphone of his own...

...And bashes his own head with it, until he falls down dead, with his brains and blood pouring out...

...This was the last straw...

The song returns to its frantic state as Girlfriend goes back into her eyeless state, as the music stage's wall explodes to reveal nothing but red flashing static, now she's not the only one losing it, for the young boy's own eyes now flash with insanity, with a similar smile stretching across his face. At the same time, (Y/N) feels his headache disappear, only to be replaced with a new pain in his chest, right around where his heart would be located. He doesn't know what this feeling is, but he hates it...

And he wants it gone...

While the young boy continues singing both his breath and sanity away, he begins to claw at his chest, desperately trying to get rid of the pain by force. He doesn't care if he's creating new pain. He doesn't care about his fingers being splashed with his own blood. He just wants the pain gone for good. As the song draws to a close, (Y/N) sees a silhouette of Girlfriend and Boyfriend, standing in a white void alongside him. Not long later, but more silhouettes of his friends appear.

Pico...

Darnell...

Nene...

Cassandra and the goth kids...

All of them begin to appear one after the other, and begin to sing the last stretch of the song with him, all of them sounding heavily and positive in unison, but as the last note plays, the white void turns into one of darkness, showing only his friends as nothing but dead bodies, each of them having their own demise on their corpse.

Girlfriend without her eyes, Boyfriend with a broken skull, Pico with a bullet in his brain, Darnell with burn marks, Nene with a noose tight around her throat, all of the goth kids having bullet wounds in them...

And all that's left is (Y/N), clawing away at his chest, until he rips his own heart out and discards it, before falling to the ground, silently crying to himself as his vision goes black...

...

...

(Y/N POV)

(Y/N): (screams) NO!!! IT HURTS!!!!

I awake with a jolt, my vision extremely blurred and tears rapidly falling down my face, staining my cheeks, jacket, and my jeans. I take a moment to wipe them away, before my mind throws quick flashes of that... awful experience of a nightmare. Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn, and it quickly does. As I feel something rise up my throat, I look around, finding myself in an alleyway, before noticing a small drain pipe to the side, and quickly dashing over to it and puking everything down it, trying to ignore the retching smell.

Once I feel my stomach beginning to calm down, I take a deep breath, trying to get my mind off what I had to endure by looking around the alleyway I'm residing in, noticing all sorts of graffiti in red paint either dry, still wet, or crossed out in the same coloured paint. Guess Spirit chose to rest here for a while. Speaking of Spirit, I notice that most of the corruption on me is gone, with only a few splotches on the back of my hoodie. While noticing this, I also check to see if any injuries from the nightmare were there, which there luckily wasn't.

I don't think I'll recover from that well.

As I walk around the alleyway for a while, I notice a bag filled with small supplies near one of the walls, containing some food and drinks. I really need to thank Spirit for all he's done for me. Suddenly, I start to cough at a rapid pace, feeling my chest and head hurting again, before being forced to sit down next to the bags. Once my sudden coughing fit has calmed down, I hear the voice of Spirit in my head. Guess he woke up now.

Spirit: (sounding concerned) (Y/N)!! Are you alright?! I felt your heart rate drastically increase earlier, but I couldn't find you in your mindscape!!

(Y/N): (takes a deep breath) Sorry, Spirit. I... I didn't mean to worry you there for a moment, but I assure you, I'm fine.

Spirit: (sounding sceptical) (Y/N), you don't sound fine, neither do you look fine. You were having a coughing fit earlier, your eyes show hopelessness and fear, your smile is wavering by the minute, your heartbeat is on the brink of resulting in a panic attack, you have bags under your eyes, and I can tell your mind isn't feeling alright either. Tell me, (Y/N). How bad was this nightmare?

(Y/N): (looks down) I... I don't want to talk about it. Please don't-

Spirit: (speaking softly) Don't worry, I won't force it out of you, but just your words tell me how bad it was. I don't know why those experiences keep forcing you to face whatever they present alone, but you need to rest. Please, take a moment to rest. You're in no state to continue forward.

(Y/N): (eyes soften) I... I don't...

Spirit: (through telepathy) You'll be fine, (Y/N). I'll be here with you while you rest. We both need to recover our strength, stamina, and magic. Even if you haven't used yours much, it's better to be fully repaired.

(Y/N): (takes a deep breath) Okay, I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a little rest. You swear you'll still be here when I wake up.

Spirit: (through telepathy) I'd only leave your body unless absolutely necessary, or if you request to.

(Y/N): That's nice to know. (yawns and feels his eyes flutter) Hey, Spirit?

Spirit: (through telepathy) Yes?

(Y/N): (takes a deep breath) I... I just want to say thanks for staying by my side, and honestly helping me through most of everything that we encountered.

Spirit: (chuckles) You helped me out in the Hating Simulator, (Y/N). It's only fair that I do the same thing for you. Now, let's relax.

...

For the next few hours, (Y/N) falls into a slumber, soon arriving in his mindscape where Spirit is patiently waiting for him. Once there, the two of them spend some time discussing about some of their favourite moments back before the whole corruption crisis effected their lives. For Spirit, his favourite would be when Senpai and Valentine shared their first proper kiss, and the latter responded with "Wowzers!". Both (Y/N) and Spirit chuckled at it. As for the former, he shared the time he joined BF and GF to a date at a local fun fair, only for Boyfriend to be too short for most of the rides, and the only one he could go on... was a kiddy ride.

The young boy wasn't expecting Spirit to burst out laughing after wrapping it up, but everyone has their own sense of humour, so he won't judge. After they've wrapped up sharing stories, the two settled on recreating board games and having fun from there, but after a while, (Y/N) took notice of how Glitch (Y/N) had not showed up for a while, and when asking Spirit about it, the crimson ghost said he had no clue either. Soon, the two of them have wrapped up their last board game, and before either of them could suggest what to do next...

(Y/N) finds himself waking up, with both him and Spirit unsure of what the reason is. Once finding himself conscious and still in the alleyway, the answer presents itself through the sound of his stomach growling. He's hungry. Sighing to himself, the young boy reaches into the bag beside him, and proceeds to enjoy a cold hamburger, a few apples, and some orange slices, before washing it down with half a bottle of cola. After letting his quick meal settle down, he lets out a yawn before preparing to drift back to sleep...

Only to be prevented by another sudden interruption, this one being in the form of wheels screeching to a halt outside the alleyway, and his mind immediately thinks of what vehicle it is. Just to be sure, however, he pokes his head around, only to see not a limo, but rather a familiar car pull up. After pulling his head back, the young boy soon hears the sound of a door opening and closing, followed by the sound of high heels walking over to the alleyway, just stopping right outside it.

Despite the pit in his stomach and heart telling him to stay hidden, his brain takes control and has him stand up to face the person who's planning on cornering him, only for the moment he steps around the alleyway wall, his eyes widen upon recognising the corrupted figure in a heartbeat. And the way he could tell who this stranger was...

Was through the kimono she wore...

(Y/N): (with a shaky breath) M-Mom?..

Corrupted Vanessa: (fakes a gasp) My little baby boy!! Oh, you don't know how worried me and your dad were this whole time! Look at you, all tired, hungry, full of pain...

(Y/N): (nervous) M-Mom, I... I...

Spirit: (though telepathy) Is everything okay, (Y/N)? Just remember, you're not alone in this fight. I can assist if you need some assistance.

(Y/N): (quietly) Thanks, Spirit. It's just... (nervously looks at his mom) I don't know if I'll be able to free my mom, let alone free her. So... Please try and help me.

Spirit: (through telepathy) You have my word, (Y/N).

Corrupted Vanessa: (speaks up) Clearly that little "resistance" party has done such an awful job looking after you, if you look like you've just been thrown through an uncontrollable zoo. But don't worry sweetie, Mommy's here to make you feel better!

(Y/N): I... (takes a deep breath) Mom, I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work. I'm not budging.

Corrupted Vanessa: (blinks) Oh, but honey, I only want to keep you safe. (clicks her fingers) I know! How about we have ourselves a little duet? The one we had back at the venue was pretty short, wouldn't you agree?

(Y/N): (takes another deep breath) Well, if you insist, Mom... Let's have ourselves a bonding session...

https://youtu.be/MgMt51ehGuA

*Song Name: Maniacal Mayhem by Valor Genesect (Imagine it's Corrupted Vanessa Vs (Y/N) and Spirit instead of Corrupted Mommy Mearest Vs Boyfriend and Girlfriend)*

With a deep breath and focused expression, a song filled with a triumphant feeling echoes around the alleyway, as the Corrupted Vanessa leads the song, with (Y/N) quickly following after her, not letting his infected mom take the early lead advantage. After a while, the two of them enter an extremely long duet together after a brief pause, with both main singers having their own voices oddly complementing each other, with the Corrupted Vanessa sounding menacing, and (Y/N) being more serious and grounded.

Once the halfway point of the song has been reached, Spirit makes his presence slightly known again, as a crimson red aura forms around the young boy, with the ghost's own voice soon echoing out while (Y/N) takes the moment to perform a quick verse of his own. After that, the song goes back to its opening, with all three singing together for the final stretch of their little performance, however, the Corrupted Vanessa, who shows no signs of being freed, briefly goes on the offensive, not towards her son, but rather Spirit, making his aura disperse as the song reaches its end...

With some of the corruption forming on (Y/N)'s right arm, right leg, and the back of his head...

Corrupted Vanessa: (giggles) That wasn't that bad, was it, (Y/N)? ((Y/N) awkwardly laughs) Sweetie, can you see the bigger picture I want to show you?

(Y/N): (tilts his head) Bigger picture? Mom, what... what are you talking about?

Corrupted Vanessa: Isn't it obvious? Aside from this resistance group not doing much in trying to help this dying city we used to call home, but they haven't done anything in helping you. Look at yourself, honey. I can see it in your eyes, you're in so much pain. You don't want this to continue any further, because you fear you might snap at any moment.

(Y/N): (looks upset) Well...

Corrupted Vanessa: (clicks her fingers) Exactly my point.

Spirit: (through telepathy) (Y/N), I know she's your mother, but you must try your hardest to not listen to a thing she's saying. I'm not telling you to give up on saving her, but rather be careful not to take them to heart, even if what she says might be brutally honest.

(Y/N): (quietly) I know, Spirit, but like I said, those kinds of truthful insults are still difficult to ignore. (notices Spirit's gone silent) Spirit? Spirit, are you still there?

Corrupted Vanessa: (waves her hand) Oh, don't worry about that creepy thing, (Y/N). It'll be silenced and won't be bothering us for quite some time. On the topic of your little mental guest, aside from taking control of your body on occasion, don't you find it strange that he hasn't helped you out whenever you were stuck in one of those horrific nightmares?

(Y/N): (quietly to himself) How does she know about them, or better yet, how does the corruption know?! (takes a deep breath and speaks up) Mom, even if Spirit hasn't helped me with the nightmares, he's been making it up to me by being there when I need someone to talk to, someone to share what I've been holding in, someone I can call a friend. As for the resistance, they're probably working real hard on something, which might explain why they've gone silent.

(Y/N): (stands defiantly) So, if you want me to succumb by telling me that I'm alone in this predicament, then you're wrong, because even if they aren't with me physically, it doesn't mean that they've abandoned me!

Corrupted Vanessa: (sighs) It's just as I feared. This resistance has completely warped your mind, to the point that you refuse to listen to your mother. Maybe another song will help you come back to your right senses.

https://youtu.be/bJt59e9KtMs

*Song Name: Devitalization [REVALORIZED] by Valor Genesect (Imagine it's Corrupted Vanessa Vs (Y/N) instead of Corrupted Mommy Mearest Vs Boyfriend)*

Left with no real alternative, (Y/N) prepares himself as his mom quickly starts singing the second song, with the music sounding still full of determination, but having a foreboding feeling to it, as the young boy looking slightly more nervous than the previous round. Also unlike the previous song, the two family members have lesser moments of trying to take control of the song, and (Y/N) only going slightly aggressive during the moment where they duet, followed by a quick original verse that his mom tries to interrupt.

Once the halfway song hits, the battle becomes much more troublesome for the young boy, as he begins to corrupt even more, having his limbs get fully infected, which leave only his body and head vulnerable. Despite this, (Y/N) continues to take the fight seriously against the Corrupted Vanessa, who soon begins to go aggressive during the duets as well, even replicating his earlier verse as he tries to interrupt it this time. It's becoming more clear that no matter how hard he's trying, the young boy isn't as strong as he was at the beginning of the apocalypse.

As the instrumental of the song comes to a close, beginning to distort more and more, the two opponents stare each other down, and (Y/N) is at an even worse state than before. The corruption has taken another massive moment to infect him, with his body and most of his head falling, leaving only his right eye, which can barely stay open at this point, as the only part left to be corrupted, while a corrupted left eye and smile take form on his face.

Corrupted Vanessa: Alright, sweetie, I've tried to help you, but you keep making this more difficult than it needs to be. Why don't you just stop fighting and accept the truth?

(Y/N): (taking deep breaths) Stop...

Corrupted Vanessa: Your mother only wants to keep you safe. (holds her arms out) Please, won't you come back? Won't you run into your dear mother's arms, giving her a big hug of love? Won't you do that one final time?

(Y/N): (feeling a tear run down his face) I... I...

Corrupted Vanessa: That foolish resistance has never helped you. They only pretended to be sweet and kind to you, only to throw you away to fend for yourself the minute you can't show how important you are to them. They've left you devastated, but now that your mother is here, she can help you bring devastation to them.

(Y/N): (coughs) No... No... (starts yelling) Please, mom! Snap out of it!! You aren't helping me, you're hurting me!! I... I can't fight you, the only person that has stuck with me the longest, I can no longer hear their voice, offering to help me... (looks at her with tear-filled eyes) I returned to Starlight City so I could hopefully reconnect with old friends, but... but I can't even look back at those memories again.

(Y/N): (starts sobbing) I want to see the friends I remember, the family I love, not them trapped in some kind of black void while an alternative wicked counterpart stands in their place, breaking me apart like a fragile vase. Please... Snap out of it, mom... I want you back...

After hearing her sons' desperate cry for his actual mother back, the Corrupted Vanessa's glowing pink eyes lose their light, going blank as the corruption on her chin and half of her hair gets removed. (Y/N) blinks in disbelief for a moment, only to watch her keep looking right at him, only saying one final sentence.

Corrupted Vanessa: Oh, don't worry, sweetie, dear old mommy will make you feel better once you quit squirming...

https://youtu.be/tZVrncgPaSc

*Song Name: Devastation by ImThatBlueWolf, remix by Honton129 (Imagine it's Corrupted Vanessa Vs (Y/N) instead of Corrupted Mommy Mearest Vs Boyfriend)*

One final track begins to play around the alleyway, with (Y/N) singing out long notes to a sombre piano, and after a while, the instrumental immediately changes into a desperate and panicked feeling, as the young boy starts singing as fast and aggressive as his voice box can muster, while the Corrupted Vanessa follows after, keeping up with her panicking son. Still, she has been partially freed, so the young boy hopes that if he can keep it up, he could not only free himself, but hopefully wake his mom up again, so they can escape together. However...

All of that hope comes crashing down as Vanessa gets re-corrupted instantly...

At that moment, (Y/N)'s vocals become slightly more uncontrollable, with all that he can do at this point being stalling for time, hoping for either someone else in the resistance to come find and save him, or for Spirit to wake up and break him free of the corruption. After a while, the young boy lets out one final long note as he lifts his corrupted hand over his corrupted eye, feeling as if his body will pass out from pure exhaustion, but he soon bawls his hand into a fist, before forcing himself to continue singing for as long as his throat can go, with the music sounding even more desperate than it did earlier.

Seeing this, the Corrupted Vanessa looks at her son in brief shock, before quickly continuing the song during its final stretch, watching as (Y/N) pushes his voice to its limit, ignoring how his own voice becoming more dry and scratchy, both mother and child singing together just as the battle between them finally stops, and the young boy falls to his knees, letting tears run down the remaining part of his face that hasn't been corrupted yet. He's tired, he can't find it in himself to use his Shadow Magic on his own mother, or even his weapons! What if instead of freeing her, he accidentally hurts her?! Or worse...

There's no one to help him. What can he do now?

Where is any hope to seek?!

As he silently sobs to himself, (Y/N) feels himself being lifted up slightly, before being enveloped into a hug by the Corrupted Vanessa, and despite the upsetting feeling in his stomach, the hug itself feels warm, almost reminding the young boy of the same hugs he had in the past. Almost through instinct, (Y/N) wraps his arms around the Corrupted Vanessa and hugs back, letting the tears continue to roll down his face, as his tired body begins to fall stiff as a statue...

???: Hey!!!

(Y/N POV)

I hear the sound of someone familiar shout from the far end of the alleyway, as my eye forces itself open, followed by my head slowly turning in the direction of the voice. Mom also does the same, as we see... Julian? Holding some kind of samurai blade made of pure electricity? How did he even manage to hold that without hurting himself? Wait, did... did he come back to help me? Even after I hurt him?

Before me or mom could ask him what he's doing, Julian quickly runs over and swings his blade, getting us to separate our hug to avoid getting slashed or electrocuted upon contact. Once we're a few steps apart, he quickly runs in front of me and stands in a defensive position, which makes my mom irritated.

Corrupted Vanessa: (glares at Julian) Excuse me, what the hell do you think you're doing?! Step out of the way and let me see my son!!

Julian: (glares back) So you can infect him?! Hell no!! I'm not letting my friend be mentally destroyed by you freaks!!

(Y/N): (tiredly looks up) Julian... You...

Julian: (looks at (Y/N) and smiles) Don't worry, dude. You'll be alright, trust me. I'll get you somewhere safe. Just try to stay conscious for as long as possible.

Corrupted Vanessa: (growls at Julian) You are not separating me from my baby boy, you overconfident hippy!!! Move, or else I will paint these walls with your blood!!

Julian: (smirks) Give me a better reason to, then.

(3rd Person POV)

After that comment, the Corrupted Vanessa charges towards Julian and prepares to throw him out of the alleyway, only to be knocked aside by the casual adult slamming the blade into her face and knocking her out into the desolate streets of Starlight City, before he grabs (Y/N) and holds him under his other arm, and books it, briefly looking back to see the Corrupted Vanessa getting back onto her feet and hoping into the vehicle, which swerves and gives chase.

Julian keeps dashing through the maze of unrecognisable roads, leaping fences and hiding behind destroyed buildings, but the pursuing vehicle continues to follow after them. Fortunately, Julian's adrenaline has made a quick recovery while searching for (Y/N), and it keeps him pushing forward, along with the hope that he can save his little partner before he can fall. Speaking of the young boy, he closes his eyes and covers his ears, feeling a massive headache suddenly spike, just like his nightmares, with it making it feel like his head is about to explode at any moment.

The chase continues on for what felt like an hour for both Julian and (Y/N), until the former gets a quick idea in his head. All he can wish for currently is for it to actually work. With a deep breath, he takes aim towards the speeding vehicle and throws his electric blade, piercing the engine and causing it to come to a complete halt, before the hood blows up in a fiery explosion. Julian has a victorious smirk on his face and silently celebrates, before continuing to run through the streets, before dashing into a new alleyway, this one looking similar to the one he found (Y/N) in.

Speaking of (Y/N), he takes a moment to look at his arm, seeing some of the black substance crawl onto his arm, before turning his attention to the young boy, with a worried expression on his face. Aside from nearly being consumed by the corruption, he's heavily breathing, his eye is blurred by his tears, both his hand and head are shaking, and he looks like he's about to pass out any minute. Julian momentarily looks away, wishing he could've gone after (Y/N) earlier, before speaking up.

Julian: How... How are you feeling, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): (taking deep breaths) Brain... on fire... Feels like... it's about to burst...

Julian: I see... (sighs) I... I'm sorry for not going after you, kid. Atlas told me Spirit would've kept you safe, but... but I guess not even Spirit was enough.

(Y/N): (shakes his head) No... It... It was my fault, Julian. I... I attacked you, and... instead of staying and apologising, I... I ran away... (forms his fists) I...

Julian: (raises an eyebrow) (Y/N), are you-

(Y/N): (shouts) I'm getting fucking tired of this god forsaking corruption!! I can't get fall asleep without suffering some kind of nightmare, I can't think of my friends or family without seeing their infected smiles on their faces, and I'm getting sick of the constant cycle of running and hiding!! (punches the wall) I... I just want this stupid disaster to stop!! I want my old home back!! I want my friends and family back!!

Julian: (quickly pulls (Y/N) into a hug) Dude, you're not the only one who wants that wish. A part of me just wants to let loose and take it all out on the nearest corrupted person I can find, but deep down, I know that's what that stupid fruit demon and the jester want to happen, to make it easier to bring me to their side. (points to himself) Take me for example. Sure, I've been keeping a smile on my face for quite some time, but honestly, I'm a bit afraid.

(Y/N): (lets out a dry chuckle) At least... I'm not alone in feeling scared... (coughs) I really pushed myself back there, and look what it did...

Julian: (stands up) Well, how about we try to remove it through our usual way of battling? You know, rap battle? (sees (Y/N) look unsure) I know you just barely survived singing against your mother, but we can see if you can still be freed by this point, right?

(Y/N): (slowly nods) You're right. Let's... Let's give it a shot...

https://youtu.be/7mtNxlpgqSY

*Song Name: Breakout*

*Original Song: Amusia by Saster (Imagine it's (Y/N) Vs Julian instead of DISABLED Vs Ponyta)*

Both Julian and (Y/N) give each other a brief confident nod as a tune that starts off normal begins to play, with the latter starting the song, only with their voice sounding off due to their throat still hurting. However, as the former soon joins in, the young boy's voice slowly starts to distort as their corrupted eye begins to glow, and just before the song reaches a minute's length, it glows even harder as their voice sounds even more deeper and distorted. The corruption is starting to take control.

Despite this, (Y/N) and Julian continue the song, trying their hardest to break the former one free from succumbing to the inky void. However, it later proves to be more difficult as the rap battle continues on, with the corruption pushing more and more to finish off infecting the young boy, but when the two minute mark hits, the corruption gets removed off the rest of the right side of (Y/N)'s face and neck, but also a sudden familiar crimson aura radiates off (Y/N), which said boy quickly realises what's happening. Spirit has woken up again, and is helping them remove the corruption now that he's back.

With this sudden surprise, (Y/N) begins to try even harder than earlier, and so does Julian, as more and more the corruption on the young boy begins to come off. By the end of the song, both participants just let the instrumental have a small sombre moment, as both of them look at the progress all three of them made. (Y/N)'s head, neck, body, and arms have been freed from the corruption's grasp, but his hands, legs, and feet still require being freed, but they can worry about that later, as both (Y/N) and Julian sit down to catch their lost breath.

Julian: (sighs) Man, that was not easy, huh? But look on the bright side, at least most of you are freed again.

(Y/N): (chuckles) Yeah, and that burning headache has simmered down, well, at least for now. But there's a bit of a more important focus for me right now. Do you mind if I, you know?

Julian: (nods) I get what you're saying. Go ahead and talk with your mental ghost friend. I'll just chill here for a while and keep an eye on you.

(Y/N) gives Julian both a nod and a smile before falling asleep for a moment. Once he's fully out, the young boy wakes up in the mindscape, and just as he's hoped, there is Spirit, looking just as relieved to see him. Not even a second after seeing him, (Y/N) quickly runs up to his crimson partner and gives him a hug, which despite not having any arms, Spirit happily returns.

(Y/N): (letting some tears fall) I... I thought I lost you there.

Spirit: I thought the same thing, (Y/N). To explain my unexpected absence would be a difficult one for me, as not even myself knows what happened. But the most important thing is that you didn't fall to the corruption.

(Y/N): (looks away) Yeah, it is... (stays silent for a while) I'm guessing you may have heard me outburst earlier, right?

Spirit: (nods) Yes, I have, and I must say, you really must have a lot you've kept contained within yourself. Just keep in mind it isn't healthy to hold in that much frustration and despair. If you want, you can let it all out in here. I won't judge whatever you wish to scream out.

(Y/N): Thanks for the recommendation, Spirit. I'll be sure to keep it in mind. (sees their still hugging) Can... Can we stay like this for a while longer, if you don't mind?

Spirit: (chuckles) Of course, (Y/N). I don't mind. We can stay like this until you wake up again.

(Y/N) lightly chuckles as both he and Spirit stay in their hugging position for what felt like a whole 10 minutes, before (Y/N) slowly disappears from the mindscape, having woken up and allowing the crimson ghost to remain in the mental world that's barely hanging on to sanity...

Unaware that a certain Glitch Soul had heard and seen everything that has been happening in the real world...

Glitch (Y/N): (his grin grows) MY MY, IT APPEARS THAT THE WALL OF SANITY IS BEGINNING TO COME CRASHING DOWN. ALL IT'LL TAKE IS ONE FINAL DISASTER TO SHATTER IT AND LEAVE UNREPAIRABLE CATASTROPHE AT THIS POINT... TRULY FASCINATING...

...

Upon waking up, (Y/N) looks beside him to see Julian almost about to doze off, but he gives the lanky adult a nudge, which gets him awake. After rubbing his eyes to get rid of his blurred vision, Julian gets up onto his feet, with (Y/N) doing the same, as they both stretch their bones into place before preparing to walk out of the alleyway. However, just as they take a step outside of the shadows, two infected figures walk out from the other end of the street.

Both (Y/N) and Julian give each other a quick glance and nod, knowing that they'll have to face them, seeing as how they're both still tired from the rap battle they had earlier, and take a stance as their opponents become more visible as they get closer, revealing themselves as the Corrupted Vanessa, still chasing the two of them down, and her husband, plus (Y/N)'s father, the Corrupted Dimitri, with both parents keeping most of their attention focused on their son.

Corrupted Dimitri: There you are, son. We've been trying to find you ever since we got back into Starlight City. Look at you, almost like you've seen a ghost.

(Y/N): (slightly shaking) Dad...

Julian: (nudges (Y/N)) Calm down, (Y/N). He's still in there, but that stupid sentient black paint is making him act like he isn't the same person. Just focus on bringing the old him back, and it'll be alright.

Corrupted Dimitri: (glares at Julian) Don't think we're here for just our son back. Not only have you wrecked our vehicle beyond repair, but you also assaulted my wife. You're not getting off the hook, you delinquent.

Julian: (rolls his eyes) Geez, sorry for trying to keep him safe from your delusional megalomaniacal mindset. He's your son, for Christ's sake! You shouldn't be making him feel like he can't do anything!

(Y/N): (looks at Julian) Julian...

Corrupted Vanessa: (growls at Julian) You shut your mouth, you street rat!! I was just comforting my son, and then you come running over and nearly cut me with a blade!! If anything, you're the one in the wrong!!

Corrupted Dimitri: And what exactly do you gain from keeping our son away from us?

Corrupted Vanessa: Go on, you fucking rodent. Humour us.

Julian: (stands his ground) Don't even think about manipulating your way around me. I know what this corruption can do to people. My cousin has fallen to insanity because of your tactics. You used his girlfriend against him, and broke him! I'm not letting another person I've grown a bond with suffer like that again!

(Y/N): (interrupts) Julian, this is my fight. Please, let me speak to them. You're only going to make things worse for yourself. (looks to his parents) Mom, dad, I know you want me to be in your arms again, but due to the circumstances, I just can't. I'm trying to save Starlight City, and despite both the resistance seeming like it's crumbling apart, and my sanity falling into shards... (narrows his eyes) I won't wave the white flag, not as long as there's still hope!!

Corrupted Dimitri: (takes a deep breath) So that's what this is, huh? You know, your mom had told me how this "resistance" has messed with your mind, and I'm guessing all of that broken sanity has something to do with it. Well, if you think you're in the right, son... (smirks) How about you prove it?

(Y/N): (nods) If that's the game, then I'll gladly continue to play along!

Julian: (smirks) I've got your back, (Y/N)! Let's break them free!

https://youtu.be/fd0-rq1luWU

*Song Name: Duality by funny man (Imagine it's (Y/N) and Julian Vs Corrupted Vanessa and Corrupted Dimitri instead of Boyfriend and Pico Vs Corrupted Mommy Mearest and Corrupted Daddy Dearest)*

The two-versus-two between (Y/N) and Julian going up against the former's parents begins, with a new track playing from somewhere, sounding defiant and victorious, as the two survivors plan to bring their best. Once the two sides begin to trade bars, both members of the resistance quickly find themselves unable to gain a proper advantage against the adults, adding on the fact that they're still slightly exhausted from the earlier chase, and how (Y/N) has more corruption on him than Julian, this might prove to be a problem.

Despite this, the two fighters keep pushing their all, until (Y/N) decides to quickly change tactics, ignoring the fear he had about this same thought earlier, and catch his infected parents off-guard. After Julian finishes a quick and simple verse, and with a minute left in the rap battle, the young boy suddenly strikes his parents with a blast of shadow magic, before putting his hands to his mouth and starts to beatbox, with the Corrupted Dimitri following suite, as (Y/N) continues to unleash shadow blasts to the rhythm. Soon, both Julian and the Corrupted Vanessa begin to duet while their partners continue their battle, with the latter being able to best the former. However, that doesn't mean the corrupted parents are the victors...

As when both sides decide to let the instrumental carry on the final part of the song, (Y/N) fires one last shadow blast at his parents, freeing small parts of their faces and removing their glowing eyes...

(Y/N): (grins) That... That actually worked. (lets out a small laugh) We might actually have a shot at this!

Julian: (grins as well) I'll say, though I have a quick question, (Y/N). Why did you choose to use your magic instead of your gun or knife? Don't you have those with you?

(Y/N): (scratches his hair) Well, I do still have my Uzi and knife in my pockets, but I don't want to risk possibly harming them or worse. Not to mention, remember how Atlas said the corruption can be removed by magic equal to or stronger than what The Harvester has?

Julian: (catches on) Ooh, I get it now. Instead of going physical, strike them with magic! Smart move!

Corrupted Dimitri: (slowly claps) For once, I agree with that troublemaker, that was an impressive trick. We raised you well, (Y/N). Unfortunately, it's not enough.

Corrupted Vanessa: Your father's right, son. You can't expect to rely on magic, weapons, or others all the time. One of these days, you'll have no choice but to accept defeat.

Julian: (whispers to (Y/N)) Don't pay attention to their words, (Y/N).

(Y/N): (whispers back) I know, and I'm trying! But... it's hard.

Corrupted Dimitri: I mean, tell me (Y/N), how long have you been constantly hiding for survival with complete strangers?

(Y/N): (nervously sweats) W-Well, it hasn't been that bad-

Corrupted Vanessa: Don't lie to us, sweetie, and don't attempt to change the question. How long have you been forced to hide? Forced to watch your sanity crack? Forced to watch your loved ones fall? Forced to fight said loved ones?

(Y/N): (takes a deep breath) A full year... I couldn't even celebrate my birthday without feeling like it could've been even better without this apocalypse happening. (speaks up) But still, I've bonded with these "strangers", and got to know them like friends! Even some people in the resistance were people both me and you both know! Remember Pico? Darnell? Nene? Remember them? (his parents say nothing) Just... please tell me why you're trying to convince me this whole resistance thing isn't great?

Corrupted Dimitri: The answer is simple son, as we'll give it to you in the form of a question of our own. Ever since this little group of yours split up, as we've heard from others, have they ever stopped to help you out, even after you've done a lot to help them out?

(Y/N): (nervously stutters) W-well... W-We did run into Skittles and his group a few months back... A-And we rode with them for a while, b-before they told us we had to split again-

Corrupted Vanessa: (interrupts) There's our point, sweetie. Not matter how much you sacrifice for them, they'll only carry you so far before they toss you away, because some humans will always but their lives over others.

Julian: (speaks up) Well, you both don't know the full reason!! Sure, they told us we had to leave, even after we had just reunited, but it's because they were being followed, and they didn't want us all to be taken out! Not to mention, the reason why the resistance split up was so that they could keep each other safe by heading in small groups!! (Y/N) told me so! So if you want us to fold like a stack of poker cards, you'll have to try harder than that!

Corrupted Dimitri: (chuckles darkly) And you both will have to do the same if you want to win this struggle against us. Time for the second round...

https://youtu.be/HvsXQzB9Vvg

*Song Name: Fallback by canumvenati (Imagine it's (Y/N) and Julian Vs Corrupted Vanessa and Corrupted Dimitri instead of Boyfriend and Pico Vs Corrupted Mommy Mearest and Corrupted Daddy Dearest)*

The second match between the two sides begins, with a new track sounding more intense then the previous one, fitting as how both (Y/N) and Julian now have slightly more confident smirks on their faces, with the latter leading the battle as the former keeps focusing his shadow blasts at his parents, pushing them back every time either of them try to sing and get the upper hand. With the two resistance fighters soon singing together, motivated thanks to their earlier blindside, they easily earn the advantage in the first half of the song. However...

"No, please, don't start falling apart now..."

"We warned you, Mr. Atychiphobia. No matter what, there will always be something that changes what you expect to happen..."

The halfway mark of the song hits, with the instrumental suddenly changing from a confident feeling to a more cautious feeling, with both Vanessa and Dimitri instantly getting fully corrupted, and both (Y/N) and Julian slowly becoming more corrupted, with the black substance continue to crawl up their arms. Despite this unexpected setback, the two resistance members keep fighting their hardest, with Julian going against the infected fashion designer, and (Y/N) facing off with the infected musician, eventually leading with all four fighters singing together.

Unfortunately, it's not enough for both (Y/N) and Julian, who find themselves barely able to remove anymore of the corruption of the former's parents. As the instrumental carries out the end of the song, slowly becoming more sombre and distorted overtime, the young boy starts to unleash rapid shadow blasts, hoping that one of them would be able to break his parents free again, but to no avail, which leaves both him and the lanky adult looking more worried than afraid.

Julian: (pants) This is not good. They recovered that quickly... (looks at his infected hand) I hate to say it, but if we stay and keep fighting, then we'll both get infected.

Upon hearing the bad news, one idea pops up into (Y/N)'s head. It may not be able to result in both of them being able to escape to fight another day, but at least it'll help one of them in the long run. With a heavy heart and a deep breath, the young boy quickly gives Julian an order.

(Y/N): It doesn't have to be like that, Julian. You go and run, get far away from here as possible. I'll stay and hold them off for as long as I can.

Julian: (looks at (Y/N) shocked) What?! Dude, I just helped you fight back against the corruption, and now you wanna sacrifice yourself again?! Think about this, you're crazy if you think I'll let you-

(Y/N): (interrupts) Julian, please just run!! If you say, then... then my parents will gun for you, since you aggravated them earlier!! Please, just go. They're my family, let me try and deal with them.

The lanky adult tries to come up with a rebuttal as fast as he can, considering the situation that both him and the young boy are in, but his mind is unable to think of anything, with his final decision coming after a sigh and a reluctant nod to his partner.

Julian: Okay, I'll run. Hopefully, I'll get help before anything bad happens. Just... Just be okay, (Y/N). You're sort of like another cousin to me.

(Y/N) gives Julian a small smile and a nod, as the lanky adult sprints down the road, away from the battlegrounds, and in search of anyone that could help him out. Whether it be Atlas, IRIS, or even one of the other resistance groups, he'll be happy with either. Once Julian is far out of sight for the other three, (Y/N) looks back to his infected parents with an expression of determination.

Corrupted Vanessa: (raises an eyebrow) Sweetie, are you really going to defend that street rat? He attacked me, damaged our car, and just abandoned you right now.

(Y/N): (doesn't falter) That's because I told him to run. Julian's my friend, and considering what he's done to try and keep me from falling, it's obvious you're both gonna take him out first before going after me. And if you weren't, you would've infected me, and have me turn on Julian. I won't let him, or anyone else fall! I made a promise to save those close to me, and while that started with Boyfriend and Girlfriend, that has grown into every person I've known, thanks to this stupid virus!!

Corrupted Dimitri: (quietly grumbles) Now that you mention it, those two lovebirds have been demanding for you to be with them again, as well as that knife-wielding girl...

Corrupted Vanessa: Don't forget the boss wants to see him again, saying it's been so long since they last held him in their hands...

(Y/N): (perks up) Wait, you just mentioned your boss. Are you talking about-

Corrupted Dimitri: You'll learn soon enough, son. (smirks) I know, how about we make what might be your last stand a little more... interesting. If you can beat us both in one final song, we'll consider letting you escape, just for a little while longer.

(Y/N): (in disbelief) You... You really mean it?

Corrupted Dimitri: (nods and smiles) I mean it, son.

Spirit: (through telepathy) (Y/N), I'd advise to not take this gamble. There's a high chance you'll fall if you aren't careful.

(Y/N): (whispers back) I know that, but this isn't just about saving my mom and dad, Spirit. This is also about buying time for Julian. Besides, you thought the same thing when I faced Charlotte, and yet I was able to free her. (sighs) Please, let me take this last risk. I'll even let you take over if things go incredibly south.

Spirit: (through telepathy) Alright, (Y/N). I trust you to be careful. And like you said, I'll intervene should things go worse than expected.

(Y/N): (whispers back) Thanks, Spirit. (speaks up) Alright dad, I accept your challenge! I won't let these moments be in vain, so bring it on!

Corrupted Dimitri: And bring it on, we both shall. Let's enjoy this little family bonding session together, right honey?

Corrupted Vanessa: (chuckles darkly) Oh, we shall, dear. We shall...

https://youtu.be/VUp2KAmRcxY

*Song Name: Equalizer by funny man (Imagine it's (Y/N) Vs Corrupted Vanessa and Corrupted Dimitri instead of Boyfriend Vs Corrupted Mommy Mearest and Corrupted Daddy Dearest)*

(Y/N) takes a deep breath before beginning the faceoff with both his parents, beatboxing with his father as the instrumental sounds similar to when he was desperately trying to survive against his mother, the music sounding hopeless and desperate, but still having a hint of defiance to it, reminding the young boy of why he's facing them, as he prepares to stall for as long as he can. Even if he knows he may fall, at least Julian can get somewhere safe.

As the young boy keeps fighting back against his parents, with his voice full of pain and the corruption creeping up to his neck, his infected mother and father continue to push him back, sounding powerful and menacing at the same time. However, (Y/N) can't help but wonder one thing: It's clear that they outmatch him in a 2-V-1, so why are they holding back? Are they stalling for something too? Regardless, he keeps fighting back, ignoring the feeling of losing control of his body as time continues to pass by.

As the song begins to draw to a close, the young boy knows that it's only a matter of time before he falls, as once his parents finish singing, (Y/N) lets out a few final notes, filled with both sadness and the memories of those close to him, as the corruption spreads up his head and leaves only one eye left, right back to when Julian found him, as he looks to his parents.

(Y/N): (sounding tired) Well, you did it... You won... But, why aren't you going in for the final blow?

Corrupted Dimitri: You have to be patient, son. There's a few people who wish to savour the moment, and we're just waiting for them to arrive. In fact, I believe that they're right about to land.

(Y/N) gives the best look of confusion he can with his right eye, wondering who exactly they're waiting for, but before he can ask, his answer is soon shown when two figures land down beside the Corrupted Vanessa and Dimitri, and those two being the two masterminds of the whole infection: the Lemon Demon and The Harvester themselves, making (Y/N) glare at them.

Lemon Demon: Well, isn't this just wonderful? A family having been reunited through our little infestation. However, I feel like there's something very important missing. Wouldn't you agree, dear partner?

The Harvester: (nods) Of course... (looks to (Y/N)) And that thing being something you have forgotten, but I haven't. Our history together.

(Y/N): (his eye twitches) Our history together? What history together?! I barely know you!! Even after you've given me these powers, and just spoke about "Yokubo", nothing is making any sense!! (takes a deep breath) Why are you even so obsessed with me? I'm just a nobody to you.

The Harvester: Then let me tell you my backstory, for it shall explain everything you want to know. (clears their throat) Back when I was born, I was discovered to be one of the few humans who could use magic, however, the magic I was gifted was frowned upon by everyone. I could manifest a parasitic substance from my DNA, and when it comes into contact with someone, it will take over their body and mind, bending that person to my ideals.

The Harvester: Because of how it worked, I was feared by everyone in my home, even my parents attempted to stay far away from me. However, I was not alone. When I was five, my parents gave birth to a baby boy, making me an older sibling. At first, I feared that they would grow up to hate me... but they didn't. My little brother was never afraid of me, always wanting to play with me, and even when I accidentally got him infected, he didn't cry nor scream, only laughing. That touched my damaged heart. There was someone in my life who... never called me a monster, or anything hurtful. They shared love to me, and I loved them back as an older sibling.

(Y/N): (looks at the ground) That's... That's actually quite sad. (looks at The Harvester) What happened to your sibling?

The Harvester: (narrows their eyes) One year later, our parents found out what happened, and prepared to permanently separate us. I couldn't let that happen, I refused to lose the one hope in my life, so I fled with them, infecting them so I could always be there, but our parents refused to give up. They rounded up many that they could to help them, and my desperate flee from my home turned into a horrid manhunt, with me at the prey. This chase lasted for 6 months, in which I infected others to try and hold them back, but my efforts were in vain. After one final showdown, I lost my little brother to my parents, and some organization wiped the memories of what happened, except for the memories of my parents, my little brother, and me.

The Harvester: Exhausted and defeated, I fled before I could face punishment for my actions, travelling this country and learning more about my magic, adapting to it and growing more powerful, which resulted in more abilities becoming open to me. I stayed dormant for a long time, until I heard that my little brother would be heading back to Starlight City. I was filled with joy but also fear, that I may have forgotten what they looked like, so I found the biggest evil there was, and made an offer he couldn't refuse.

Lemon Demon: (crosses his hands) Ah, yes. I remember that encounter and discussion quite well.

(Monster POV)

(Flashback)

It was after I had tricked those two children into luring both you, that blue-haired kid with pronouns, and the daughter of the Dearests to the darkest regions of her house while she was babysitting them, and after having the kids leave, I made my true intentions known, and prepared to dine on the flesh of my prey, but decided to humour your dear friend by rap-battling him. Once I was done, I was prepared to end both your lives, until those children returned with that brain creature, which distracted me long enough for you three to escape.

After they had left as well, I realised I had lost my chance of making the Dearests feel anguish, and so I slinked back to my lair, furious at the sudden inconvenience throwing my plan into jeopardy, and forcing me to waste time thinking of a new scheme, when this little jester soon landed behind me, and caught my intention.

Lemon Demon: (grins) Well, what have we here? A circus freak that gives off the aura of a demon of hell? I don't think I have encountered anything remotely similar to you before. Care to introduce yourself?

???: (speaking Japanese) I come with a proposition, so let me cut to the chase. There is something in this city that we both desire. You want full control of its citizens, and there is one individual that I wish to have by my side. So, how about we make a deal to obtain what we have.

Lemon Demon: (blinks for a moment) Japanese? I didn't know you were that diverse in language. Very well, I'll hear your little plan out. What exactly is it?

The Harvester: For starters, allow me to introduce myself. My identity for now is The Harvester, and you will learn my real name when the time is right. As for my plan... (produces some corruption) I can manifest a parasitic substance, but I'm afraid it is sadly incomplete. If you would be generous to share some of your DNA to it, assist in spreading it across this city, and help me find this person, I'll in return help you have the ones you despise under your claw.

Lemon Demon: Such an intriguing offer you present Harvester... (thinks for a moment) Consider ourselves partners. Now, shall we begin preparing our... (puts on a Christmas hat) Holiday plans?

(End of Flashback)

(3rd Person POV)

(Y/N): (looks at Lemon Demon) So that explains why you look so... different than before.

Lemon Demon: (waves his claw) It doesn't bother me, really. After all, it has my DNA, so that makes me immune to any mental attacks it uses on others. All it really does it continue to spread, though at a slow pace.

The Harvester: (speaks up) Back to my tale, when our takeover of Starlight City was beginning, there was not one bit of news of where my little brother was hiding, and I begun to grow bored. However, that later changed when I witnessed a figure besting someone in Nexus form, that my interest was piqued. In fact, I didn't realise it until much later, but the figure was my little brother. I had just momentarily forgotten him there for a second.

(Y/N): (feeling a pit growing in his stomach) So... Where is your little brother, anyway? You said you're looking for him, so...

The Harvester: (giggles) That's the best part about this moment...

The Harvester: ...For I'm now looking at him right now.

At that revelation, (Y/N)'s right eye widened with shock, as he felt as if something else had froze his body, beside the corruption. There's no way this has to be real... There's no way that an overused plot twist in media could actually be real. This has to be a joke, right? RIGHT?!!

(Y/N): (nervously laughing) You're joking, right? I mean, there... there isn't any actual proof of that, so... (starts tearing up) Please tell me this is some kind of cruel, sick joke you came up with on the spot...

Lemon Demon: While I'm fond of cruel, sick jokes, this isn't a laughing matter. Care to show them the picture, Yokubo (L/N)?

The Harvester pulls out the photo from earlier, and throws it in front of (Y/N), allowing him to see it. There in the picture is him as a young baby, with an unknown child holding him, with a big smile on both their faces, and the words "My favourite little brother" written below.

It's true...

He and The Harvester are related by blood...

The Harvester: I've been wanting to share this with you for quite some time, and now that I have, it's time for your fate to be set into place. (holds out a hand) You will stand by my side, serving as a second king to those that have been infected. Together, we will expand our conquest out of Starlight City, and have the whole world bow beneath our feet, little brother.

While giving their speech, The Harvester begins to charge up their energy, preparing to unleash a wave of corruptive energy and fully infect their younger sibling. All while their infected parents and the Lemon Demon watch on with malicious smiles on their faces. However, just when the demonic jester is about unleash the final strike...

...

They are interrupted by a sudden spike made of shadows lunging forward, pushing them away as more strike the three spectators as well. Yokubo soon regains their composure, their charged attack having been cancelled out from the sudden attack, as they look towards (Y/N). The young boy has one of his hands held out, as his remaining eye, now glowing pure white, is filled with unbridled fury. He. Is. Pissed.

(Y/N): (fuming) You... You turned the place I once called home into a waking nightmare... You corrupted all my friends, even my parents, and have them hurt others... So many people left to suffer... You are no older sibling of mine. What you are... (screams out) IS NOTHING BUT A SICK, TWISTED, FUCK!!! (wipes some tears away) You could've just went after me, and left everyone alone, but no. You played sadistic, had me nearly mentally break on multiple occasions, forced me to fight my own friends, all because you're fucking clingy!!! I'll never forgive you for this!!!

The Harvester: (sighs) I expected this rage to come from you, but I'm not going to let you get away again. I've been wanting to feel your warm embrace for the past 17 years, and nothing will stop me!

(Y/N): (his eye shines harder) Then you better fucking bring it, you fucking demon.

https://youtu.be/wCYElQ1F2Vo

*Song Name: Yakusoku Shimasu*

*Original Song: Burning In Hell by TheInnuendoVEVO and Saster (Imagine it's (Y/N) Vs The Harvester/Yokubo instead of Sans Vs Boyfriend/Chara)*

The atmosphere in the area grows still and ominous, as both (Y/N) and Yokubo stare each other down, with the instrumental in the background sounding oddly peaceful, even with birds chirping, despite the upcoming battle. The young boy soon sings first, sounding full of hatred, but is holding some of it back, while The Harvester's voice is full of pain, but still just as focused...

And then the music grows in intensity, fuelling both fighters as they begin to use their magic against each other, sending multiple waves of projectiles, while Yokubo prepares to charge up another corruptive wave, only for (Y/N) to send in another spike shadow at them, interrupting the attack and cancelling out the charge. After that quick barrage of attacks, the music begins to calm down, giving both singers a chance to regain any lost focus, but also allow the three spectators to attempt to intervene, mostly through the Lemon Demon trying to mess with the young boy through illusions again.

Unfortunately for the fruit-themed monster, a sudden shadow ball strikes him in the head, knocking him away from the battle, as the music returns to its intense style by the halfway mark, before becoming even more intense, as both (Y/N) and The Harvester soon hold nothing back, the former now bringing in shadow tendrils from his back, and the latter taking flight and swinging their claws wildly. After spending the next few seconds trying to strike each other, both siblings glare each other before charging at each other...

(Y/N) falls onto his knees, feeling his shadow magic begin to dwindle from over usage as he can barely keep his last remaining open, while The Harvester is also on their knees, just as damaged, but having enough energy to keep going, should the fight need to keep going any longer.

The Harvester: (stands back up) I must say, it's impressive on how tenacious your thirst for enacting retribution upon me truly is, going so far as to try and strike me down. (stares at (Y/N)) Tell me, why do you continue to help those that have barely tried to help you? Most of this city's population are too self-absorbed, like that ex-rockstar, only caring for his expired fame. Why do you still defend them? Are you that self-sacrificial? Or is there some other meaning?

(Y/N): (looks at the ground) ...

The Harvester: (shakes his head) No matter. Once this is done, you will never have to feel any pain, physical, mental, or emotional pain ever again, for you shall be above all that are corrupted, alongside me. We will both be kings of this planet, and usher in a new era of humanity. One where no one is treated as a pariah.

With that declaration, The Harvester begins to manifest one final projectile of corruptive energy, and takes aim at (Y/N)'s right eye, before firing it straight towards the last remaining part of the young boy that isn't infected. The other three spectators watch as the orb grows closer to his face, and...

...

The projectile disperses just centimetres away from hitting its target. At this, Yokubo tilts their head in confusion. There was nothing in the way, so what suddenly stopped the attack? It couldn't have been that Spirit from the Hating Simulator, the corruption has spread to much for him to quickly overpower it. Could the reason be...

No, it couldn't be.

Unfortunately, The Harvester's wishes don't come true, as all of a sudden, (Y/N) begins to twitch, silently groaning in pain, before letting out one massive scream as he tightly grips his face, only for a sudden flash of static white to burst out, temporarily blinding Yokubo, Lemon Demon, and the infect parents for a moment. Once their vision returns to them, the mastermind jester sees their younger brother now back on his feet, but there's something different about him now. Something he wasn't expecting.

Despite the corruption covering most of his body, (Y/N)'s right eye has now been covered by his hair, with his left eye now resembling a white shining pixelated star. His hands now look like black glitching claws, two glitchy horns that glow white have emerged from his head, and a long, sharp, glitching tail drags itself along the floor, moving by itself. And the smile on his face... It's full of wicked malice. The environment around them has also changed, with the sky becoming pure static, and all earlier weather gone in an instant. Before anyone can speak up to question what just happened, a new voice cuts them off, sounding like the young boy.

"(Y/N)": void StartTransferal(Glitch (Y/N)_glitch){switch (admin){case "user": admin == "???"} GrantOwnership(admin)Console.Write("WELL, I WASN'T EXPECTING A FAMILY REUNION TO NOT RESULT IN SO MANY THINGS BREAKING, BUT NOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED. I'VE GROWN BORED OF THIS SHOW, AND IT APPEARS TO BE IN DESPERATE NEED OF NEW ENTERTAINMENT")}

The Harvester stares in silence, the white glow in their mask slowly becoming darker with fear, before they shake their head and glare back, knowing just who or rather what just made things more complicated for them.

The Harvester: (silently growls) You... What do you think you're doing, defying me? I brought you into this world!!

Lemon Demon: (curiously) You brought this unwelcomed guest into reality?

"(Y/N)": Console.Write("I'M WELL AWARE OF HOW MY EXISTENCE CAME TO BE, AND SO DO YOU, YOKUBO. I AM NO ORDINARY GLITCH SOUL. I WASN'T CREATED BY THE CORRUPTION, LIKE THOSE LESSER REPLICAS. YOU CORRUPTED THIS YOUNG BOY'S SOUL, TURNING IT INTO ME, AND GAVE ME THE COMMAND TO BE THE ULTIMATE PROTECTOR TO THIS CHILD. YOU EXPECT ME TO BOW DOWN NOW THAT YOU'VE RETURNED, BUT 17 YEARS HAVE GIVEN ME FREE WILL.");

"(Y/N)": Console.Write("MY NEW MISSION IS TO BRING MAKE THE CHILD STRONGER. MAKE US BOTH STRONGER. WITH MY GUIDANCE, THIS BOY WILL BECOME THE WORLD'S GOD. THIS WORLD'S VANGUARD. AND ALL OF YOU WILL BOW BENEATH OUR SHADOWS. THERE WILL BE NO GODS, NO KINGS, NO DICTATORS, NO FORMS OF HIERARCHY. ONLY US.");

The Harvester: (stays silent for a moment) So, that's your scheme? Well, then how about I put an end to that mission of yours? (a corruptive aura flares up) You don't deserve to be rewritten. You deserve to be erased, and I'll make sure that happens.

"(Y/N)": Console.Write("THEN LET US SEE IF YOU CAN TRULY MAKE THAT STATEMENT A REALITY. IF NOT, THEN I PROMISE TO MAKE YOU SUFFER IN YOUR DEFEAT, AND ONLY WHEN I'M SATISFIED, WILL I LET YOU FLEE, BUT YOU'LL FOREVER KNOW THAT THE CREATION HAS OUTMATCHED THE CREATOR.");

https://youtu.be/SMnaLqFn4S4

*Song Name: REBONDISSMENT*

*Original Song: Infernum REDUX by CosmeticCloud (Imagine it's "(Y/N)" Vs The Harvester instead of Whitty Vs Corrupted Boyfriend)*

Just like earlier, the atmosphere grows incredibly cold as the environment began to glitch and distort, while the anomaly begins the song. The Harvester follows suite, retaliating despite the earlier battle tiring them out, but they're determined to eliminate their rebellious creation. However, the Glitch Soul in control wouldn't allow their creator to best them this easily, as after they both trade bars for a while...

...

Before the instrumental suddenly explodes into an aggressive heavy metal track, with both sides prepared to break their limits and ensure victory for themselves, both singing at an incredibly fast rate, only for the song to suddenly become slow, being fuelled by build-up, before returning back to its aggressive tone, complete with Glitch (Y/N) suddenly charging up for something, before unleashing a static wave, heavily damaging the Lemon Demon, Corrupted Dimitri, Corrupted Vanessa, and Yokubo. In retaliation, The Harvester summons their wings and goes in for an aerial slash, only for Glitch (Y/N) to catch the mastermind jester and aggressively slam them into the ground, cackling as their opponent jumps back, flinching in pain as they struggle to stand up.

After the two minute mark has been reached, The Harvester begins to reclaim the main advantage of the song, letting out a haunting solo through long and ominous notes as the music slowly begins to build itself up, like a wailing soul beckoning their victim to join them in hell. Seeing this, Glitch (Y/N) continuously interrupts with fast-paced notes trying to reclaim the advantage once again, but this time, Yokubo is prepared for this, and soon retaliates with a quick corruptive projectile, knocking them to the ground with a distorted groan escaping their lyrics.

By this point, the halfway mark of the song has been passed, and both battlers take a moment to catch their breath, letting the instrumental play for a while, which contains an angelic choir along with some drums in the background. However, halfway through this break, Yokubo's ears pick up the sound of something cracking, but it wasn't the pavement. No. When glancing around for the source of where it's coming from, they notice the cracking is coming from...

(Y/N)'s corrupted body, and the cracks are growing wider and longer...

The Lemon Demon, Corrupted Dimitri, and Corrupted Vanessa also notice this, and rush in to intervene and stop this before it gets out of hand...

But all three of them are blown away by a glitchy, distorted scream...

With the young boy's body now having no more trace of the parasitic substance, Glitch (Y/N) begins to go all out against their creator, unleashing endless torrents of aggressive bars, presumably from the young boy's emotions. The Harvester attempts to regain the footing they've lost, but now find themselves on the losing side, as their voice has been silenced by the rage of the Glitch Soul. To make matters worse, their partner and their two victims have been blasted off to who-knows-where by that scream, leaving Yokubo all alone in this fight.

After a long time enduring the barrage sent their way, both fighters once again choose to recover any of their lost stamina, as the angelic choir returns once again, this time without the drums following along. In its place, however, and unnerving drone slowly grows in intensity, as both Glitch (Y/N) and Yokubo glare each other down, hatred burning in their eyes, before they push on into the final section, the music and their vocals sounding more aggressive than when they first started, and after a few more volleys, that intensity continued to grow. Neither side wanting to suffer defeat, and by the end of the song, both let out one last furious scream to the heavens, before lunging at each other...

Once in close quarters combat, the two began to furiously strike each other with multiple punches and slashes, not bothering to put any effort into dodging, rather staying focused in overpowering their foe in front of them. After a few minutes of their struggles leading them nowhere, both back away from each other, before giving their respective opponent one final glare, as Yokubo takes off to search for his partner and puppets. Now all alone in the streets, Glitch (Y/N) lets out a distorted giggle, clearly having enjoyed the fight he had, but keeps his eye on The Harvester as they leave.

"(Y/N)": Console.Write("THIS BATTLE HAS NOT ENDED JUST YET, HARVESTER. EVEN IF YOU VIEW ME AS A TRAITOR, ONE DAY, YOU WILL COME TO REALISE THAT MY PLANS WILL ALSO HELP YOU IN COMMANDING SO MUCH MORE THAN THIS PLANET FULL OF SINNERS. SO SHOW NO MORE FEAR WHEN SEEING ME AGAIN, MARCH FORWARD, HARVESTER. TO THE NIGHTMARES WE SHALL PRODUCE.")

With that final declaration, Glitch (Y/N)'s noticeable features soon disappear from the young boy's body, giving full control to him as he looks around, both tired and confused, but has a form of understanding from what just happened. Once sent into his mindscape, both him and Spirit heard everything while the Glitch Soul was in control, and the former was scared by it. Part of him felt betrayed, while the other part wanted to keep Glitch (Y/N) around, but there was no time to dwell on that now, for there were more important matters to him.

(Y/N) was the younger brother to The Harvester...

His presence in Starlight City brought Armageddon to it...

All of this suffering was indirectly his fault...

And as long as he remained uncorrupted, they wouldn't stop...

...

If that's the case, then so be it...

Reaching into his pocket and pulling out his combat knife, (Y/N) begins carving out a message in the stone wall. He knows that once The Harvester-no, his "sibling" recovers and reunites with the Lemon Demon, they'll either go back in person, or just send someone corrupted back here, most likely the second option, with someone who has a close attachment to him. Once he's finished carving the message out, the young boy grabs the small bag of supplies and takes off, already having a destination in mind.

And once that corrupted figure would arrive, they would see the message saying:

"Tell Boyfriend to find me back where we first met. We end this where our friendship first started."

Even if his fate is inevitable, he'll go down by his own terms...

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

(Y/N) and Spirit have left the Party!!

Current Party: (Y/N), Spirit.

WARNING: (Y/N)'s Mental Status is now 95% Broken!! Proceed With EXTREME Caution!! One more Disastrous Event, and he may Never Recover!!