Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Light] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

Beautiful and unforgettable in the same room. An irreplaceable girl. From head to toe. No other than... Seiko. Smiling back at me, as if she had been waiting for my long arrival. Sitting by the familiar-looking piano.

(Seiko): "My, my! Where have you been?"

Not a second after, my whole body ached and choked up as I could feel my tears already leaving my eyes. Step-by-step, trembling towards her in complete disbelief. Trying to grasp how this could ever be possible. When I held her in my arms for hours, bawling my eyes out endlessly for her to wake up. And now, here she is.

(Naomi): "H-How... How are you...?"

(Seiko): "Hmm? How am I? Well! I'd be happier if I were to see my favorite person smilin'. Pretty girls deserve to always smile, after all!"

Seiko winked and acted like...nothing had ever changed. Even I almost completely forgotten what the hell was happening outside these walls, as I walked up the stage. Held my chest to the fear of it all being a twisted delusion. Aching so badly, my body couldn't choose how to feel.

(Naomi): "Seriously... This is... This is real, right...? This isn't...a dream...?"

And up Seiko went. From the seat and over to me. Right up close, a perfect resemblance to the girl I've always known. Perfectly fine. Like, if nothing terrible had ever happened to her. Not being able to find any visible wounds or staggering-like injuries. No blood. She was perfectly fine that even her neck showed no bruises.

(Seiko): "It's as real as you want it to be, Naomi."

She didn't have to say more. I just...buried myself deep into her chest, holding her and feeling everything that would make a person alive. From the cozy warmth. The beating of her cheerful heart. The softness in her pristine skin and the tenderness in her curvy body. Everything of her is just as I last remembered. Even her scent of delicious brown sugar. And I never wanted to let go of her. Never again...

(Seiko): "Mmm. I missed this so much."

Seiko squeezed back, and it was just as real as the agonizing delight in my heart.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* I... I don't understand...anything right now... *Sniffles* I thought... I thought I lost you...forever..."

(Seiko): "Hee-hee! You say that like you have. How dare you."

(Naomi): "S-Seiko..."

(Seiko): "Shhhhh. There, there."

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "I'll be taking good care of you now, okay?"

I shook my head, and nothing still made sense. This girl shouldn't be here. But I couldn't deny how happy and relieved I finally felt. As if... this horrible nightmare had finally come to end. No more zombies. No more monsters. No more death. No more haunting memories. Only Seiko and my wish of this beautiful reality.

(Naomi): "You don't have to be doing that much for me... *Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "But oh, I want to."

Seiko then tugged on my uniform collar. Gently guiding me closer to her.

(Seiko): "I want to keep you safe. All to myself."

(Naomi): "Heh... *Sniffles*"

I nervously shuffled. Blank as a wall that I could not find the words no matter how hard I thought or pictured. I was just getting too lost in my shoulders being massaged by those softly firm hands, before Seiko's gentle voice sent all the blood in my body to my head.

(Seiko): "...Hey, Naomi."

(Naomi): "...Y-Yeah, Seiko?"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

The passion in Seiko's eyes deepen drastically. Intensity that had me locked in. As she only drew closer and closer to my face. Reaching in for a soft and tenderly kiss. As the urge inside me sparked, no longer holding myself back as I leaned in also. Leaning in closer and closer before the pounding in my head intensified by loud hammering through the brass wood. Awakening me to...

- Theme: END -

...Dread.

-THUD- -THUD-

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - An Absurd World] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

The blood in my veins froze as the fear inside me throbbed violently. Room shrinking, shadows shifting. Dizziness.

(Seiko): "*Sigh* I knew that was going to be a problem..."

(Naomi): "No...! I-I thought... I thought it was over...! *Sniffles*"

-THUD- -THUD- -THUD-

-THUD- -THUD-

Not only the door was being bombarded, but the building constantly shook, debris crumbling, instrument cases and cabinets in the classroom falling over. The school splitting apart as a massive hole formed right above us in the room, revealing these pitch-black serpent-like creatures trailing through the carved tunnel. Endlessly trailing off into the darkest skies. Catastrophe being felt through the constant vibrations while hearing those blood-curdle screeches. Demonic whispers rupturing every corner while the undead only kept scratching and banging through.

(Naomi): "No! No, no, no! Why...?! Why do they just keep coming...?!"

Unlike me who was scattering in total blinding fear, Seiko managed to keep a level-head for us. Like, if she had figured out a quick solution to all of our problems.

(Seiko): "Y'know! I might have an idea that'll do the trick."

(Naomi): "Wh-What idea...?!"

Before Seiko said anything, she reached for my wrist and guided me towards the untouched piano. Standing right by the seat as she looked at me with pure ease in her heart.

(Seiko): "Play something."

(Naomi): "What?!"

-THUD- -THUD- -THUD-

-Rumbling-

- Theme: END - Next Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Light and Shadow] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

Seiko wasn't kidding around. She only insisted further.

(Seiko): "Yeah! Play the piano! Play...that one song you showed me!"

That one song I showed her...?

Wait! Does she-

-SNAP-

Suddenly, the only door in this room snapped wide open and roughly slammed across the floor. Revealing the sight of the horrifying undead, all moving in slowly together as their constant groaning and moaning which shook the room more than the building itself. With the serpent-like creatures crushing through the wood and causing more surrounding pillars of the school to collapse. Fires could even be seen growing outside as the smoke began fuming through the desolated air.

(Naomi): "Oh my God! Seiko! They're coming in!"

Seiko still didn't panic or struggle. She only grabbed for my arm and insisted even further.

(Seiko): "Naomi. Please. Just trust me on this one. It's your time to shine!"

(Naomi): "*Shivering*"

-Rumbling-

There wasn't any other choice. I had to do this. So, I took my seat and trembled as I prepared my hands over the piano keyboard. Remembering the exact night when I first played for Seiko during our sleepover. A moment that somehow made this all feel even more connected as I began to play that familiar song. Although, what I noticed right away is when song filled the room, the undead remained quiet and still.

Seriously?! The music is stopping them?!

How is this working?!

-Rumbling-

Up until I hit the wrong key, making the zombies stumble towards us with their undying voices rekindling the horror in our surrounding shadows.

(Naomi): "Crap!"

But then, Seiko rested her hand on mine. Calming me down with that beautiful stare and that soothing voice.

(Seiko): "It's okay! Focus. I believe in you."

(Naomi): "..."

And so, I took a deep breath and resumed where I last left off.

Playing the melody of life.

Or one would say... an eternal encore.

-Theme: END - Next Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Reminiscence] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

Key by key, the world around me started to ease, but then dwindle and fade, as if I've finally found us a way to reach the stars above. Remembering what true happiness felt like when I first had Seiko in my arms. All day. All night. Dreaming that one-of-a-kind beautiful future. Where the two of us inevitably end up being together. Living our life together as a young couple, through and through, together forever. Until we redo and start over. From the very beginning until we have our true...happy ending.

(Naomi): "...!"

One glance around the room and we were no longer occupied by the malevolent forces. Rather, what was once risen from the hell had now return to its former state of slumber. Piles of bodies scattered all across the wooden floorboards with no movements detected or sounds to be heard by any corpses. The serpent-like creatures were neither to be seen or heard. Even the school no longer shook. The fires all died out too. It's as if everything had gone back to normal. With the exception of no rain, but clear night skies. Even the full moon displayed beautifully above us. Casting its everlasting, pristine glow. Bringing me to awe and bask in our eternal victory.

(Naomi): "Oh my God... I-It worked! Your idea worked, Seiko! I can't believe it! We're actually safe! We're saved! *Sniffles* You actually saved us...!"

(Seiko): "Hee hee..."

(Naomi): "...?"

However, there was this sudden familiar bluish glow being reflected at the piano frame. The source coming from...Seiko's direction. Turning over to find myself an even more agonizing realization. Standing there in cold, awful utter disbelief.

(Naomi): "Huh...?!"

(Seiko): "Well, well. I can't take all the credit for myself! After all, you're the one with the incredible talent!"

(Naomi): "Seiko..."

Heartbroken as I am, Seiko only moved closer. Idolizing me with those ghostly eyes as she only kept speaking in joy and admiration and with a gentle hint of her own heartache.

(Seiko): "So talented, and yet... so beautiful. A lot of people would be happier if they simply had you in their life! When you can be so cute, so smart...and so, so amazing whenever you put yourself out there!"

(Naomi): "Seiko... *Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "Seriously! You're super-duper amazing, Naomi. I wish you could just realize that all the time."

Before Seiko could say another word, I tried to grab for her cheek, but could only phase through her as I could feel immense cold tickling around my skin. Pulling back with tears streaming down my cheeks.

(Naomi): "No..."

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "This isn't...fair... I... I felt you...! Why... Why are you like this now...?!"

Seiko shared the same pain as she held her ghostly uniform collar.

(Seiko): "I think it's becuz I started...remembering."

(Naomi): "...Remembering? *Sniffles*"

Seiko nodded with a pained smile.

(Seiko): "I don't mean...just the bad stuff here. Or...what happened earlier upstairs. Oh no. I mean, I'm starting to remember things that I think I shouldn't be able to remember. Yeah. Like, that time...when I first cooked that Oyokadon for you."

(Naomi): "...Seriously? ...Y-You do?

(Seiko): "Yeah, I remember it so clearly now. The way you enjoyed my food was unlike any reaction I've ever had... and gosh, you were so adorable too, and just knowing how you got with my cooking, I couldn't help but want to make even more food for you, that even I offered to start packing you school lunches. And then, I mustered up the confidence to finally... Hee hee, to finally ask you out...on that dinner date..."

(Naomi): "That's... Y-Yeah! That's right...! That's exactly right...!"

Seiko's smile only got larger, with her eyes sparkling while my heart ache even more in both pain and delight.

(Seiko): "And then, I remember...a concert...where we took pictures with these two gothy looking girls. Heh heh."

(Naomi): "Seiko..."

(Seiko): "Then afterwards, I remember that we shared a sleepover at your place! Oh man. So much happened throughout that night. The following morning after, I even got to meet your mom for the very first time! But oh, on that same day, you also got to meet my little angels. Wow, we really did so much together on that weekend..."

I rubbed my eyes, shaking harder with a pained smile of my own. No longer feeling like a stranger in this world.

(Naomi): "We totally did...!"

(Seiko): "Like the trip to the aquarium?"

(Naomi): "Yes...!"

(Seiko): "Or like...when we were playing on the crane games together? When I won you that stuffed teddy bear? And left you a little...kiss?"

(Naomi): "Yes...! Th-That did happen! *Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "I also remember that we were sightseeing at the observatory there, and after, I remember us dreaming...at the Hanami festival. *Sniffles* Wow. Why am I only remembering all this now?"

"It's probably due to the integration of the new host."

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "...?!"

- Theme: END - Next Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Stillness of Reality] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

Turning over to the center of the room, and there she was again. Naho. Arms crossed and focused with determination.

(Naho): "Although, it's a gradual process. And guessing those who departed here will now be able to recall memories from various other timelines, various other dimensions. Hmm. Could have some involvement between the Nirvana's connection to the morphogenetic field."

(Naomi): "Morpho-what...?"

Being unable to grasp made Naho casually explained.

(Naho): "Think of it as a universal memory bank. A network of stored memories. Not visible to the eye, but more so as an infinite space based on cognitions of individuals and general matter across all possible dimensions. Compartmentalized and easily accessible only to the minds who have govern such unearthly abilities."

(Naomi): "Huh..."

...Where have I heard this before?

(Naho): "There are centuries worth of testing and research that's been backed up by organizations from all around the world. A phenomenon hugely invested even by occult organizations alike. Although, what's truly fascinating is... you."

(Seiko): "...?"

I stumbled backwards. Feeling overwhelmed by the attention of the two.

(Naomi): "...M-Me?"

(Naho): "It seems you're one of the very incredibly lucky few to have unlocked such an extraordinary ability, Nakashima. To be present here when you shouldn't be. Unless...it involves an outside force beyond our recognition? Even so, you are possibly gifted to have the power to change events."

(Seiko): "Hear that, Naomi? You're even MORE than special! Nyeheh!"

(Naomi): "Heh..."

Already, my mind wanted to pop. I couldn't understand what Naho was going on about, but at the same time, it was refreshing to hear from her again, as it seemed like we were no longer in any danger. Especially after what she said next.

(Naho): "As for the rest of us, well... The breakdown of the Nirvana has granted us easy access to this memory network. Perhaps due to the lack of authority that was once monitoring beyond these walls."

(Naomi): "D-Does that mean...we don't have to go through this horrible stuff anymore...?"

(Seiko): "..."

But of course, Naho went silent before she tilted her glasses.

(Naho): "Not necessarily."

And just like that, I was back on my knees. Feeling immeasurable dread eating at my sanity. With Seiko getting on the floor too, trying to add her support to my side. Meanwhile, Naho just continued in her unsettling explanation of this occultist gibberish.

(Naho): "As the changes are slowly being transferred over, during the time that it's taking, new timelines are being formed and multiplied by numerous preconditioned loops. The root cause of it all will not be resolved until we find a proper way to seal or contain or eradicate the Nirvana. Not to mention the dealings of other dark forces at play. Considering they are only circulating elsewhere. Constantly traveling to one dimension and to another. Rewriting histories and fabricating new catastrophes."

(Naomi): "I... I don't understand... what does that even all mean...?"

(Seiko): "Right?! That already sounds SUPER confusing! No offense to you Naho! But um, is there a way to simplify that for our brains? Pretty please?"

(Naho): "Hmm."

Naho momentarily trailed her attention around the room. Not very long, coming up with a somewhat simplistic explanation.

(Naho): "Think of it as cancer. Treatment will not get rid of it in its entirety until it's all eliminated simultaneously. So, the black magic that's keeping the nexus together, the nexus as in... the chain of other alternative worlds, that same black magic within those worlds will only continue to grow and duplicate and spread around like a pendulum. Due to the curses recreating timelines. As timelines can also be confined spaces which confined spaces are their own separate worlds of the same place."

(Seiko): "Oh, that's right... I do remember that tidbit of information. Don't you remember, Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Sorta... I mean..."

I clenched my uniform while Naho nodded.

(Naho): "Yes. Well. Those confined spaces are made up as the layers of the Nirvana, which are their own separate worlds, and could also be in completely separate time periods by layer. As an example, some confined spaces are separated from one another by hundreds of years compared to other layers. Which is why you're not able to perceive the same as some other spirits here who have been jumbled across through different confined spaces. And with how the black magic works in the Nirvana, well... the manipulation of time certainly does pose as a huge factor in delaying the effects. Like the integration of the new host, or other demonic influences that could tamper the process. Which all that will be an entirely different conversation to have."

(Naomi): "Wow, okay... S-So...? What now...?"

(Naho): "When the day comes, you both still have to manually avoid this tragedy in your own timeline. In other words, when you return to your own world, Nakashima. You cannot forget what I instructed you to do. So, I'm going to repeat myself here another time."

Naho moved up on the stage and met my eyes with hers.

(Naho): "When you first wake up, meet me as soon as possible. Book yourself a train ticket to Tokyo. Find me at Paulownia Academy. And don't let yourself or your friends perform the Sachiko Ever After charm. Understood?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

I looked down, wanting to cry so bad... just trapped in those thoughts of those horrible things. Even after when things seemed to have finally resolved here, all that horrible stuff will only continue. More timelines of Seiko and I... suffering and sharing similar fates. And somehow, I was able to get a glimpse of what those are like. Fragments. So many blurry fragments...

(Naomi): "I'll...I'll try to get to you...as soon as I can."

(Naho): "Good."

(Seiko): "Chin up, Naomi!"

Hearing Seiko's enthusiasm brought my head up, only to catch her contagious yet brilliant haunting smile.

(Seiko): "You're not alone in this one! We're in this together! I'm with you, every step of the way! Got that?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Seiko..."

(Naho): "..."

Naho then turned her attention to the doorless doorway and started walking off.

(Naho): "We should investigate outside and see what's changed. Come along you two."

(Seiko): "Let's go, Naomi!"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* O-Okay!"

- Theme: END -

Our exchanges then were put on hold before we found ourselves on the front school yard. Being able to exit freely without any restraint. No problems whatsoever. Not to mention that we were able to see all the other roaming spirits of the school. Countless flames. Blue and strangely, no red ones. Across the fields of what was once filled of dread, now had this strange overwhelming aura of peace with their endless chatter. All to be sounding like other high school students.

"Hey! The pain... The pain is gone!" "What the hell... does this mean... we can all finally go home?"

"I can see my family again?!" "Oh man! I just want to leave already, how do we leave?"

"Remember when I said school was the worst? Yup, I take it all back..." "We did just die in a school, y'know?" "Pfft! Shut up! You know what I mean man!" "Hahaha! I know, dude."

(Seiko): "Awww."

The discussions among them were truly cathartic yet heartbreaking, and I just couldn't really bring myself to listen into more. Only then to watch for the ocean of flame-like entities wavering in this calming breeze. Being taken by such a supernatural yet beautiful view.

(Naomi): "There are so many of them..."

(Naho): "Indeed. For so long, many have passed away within those walls..."

(Naomi): "...?"

For whatever reason, Naho had her attention away from our eyes. Holding a fist up to her chest, tightening it as hard as her voice had deepen.

(Naho): "The forces involved are truly a threat. Such powerful influences that even a highly spiritual affiliated member of our society could be overcome so easily. Makes you wonder how we could've ever been prepared."

(Naomi): "So, uh... What's going to happen now? Like... is this place going to fall apart or...?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Good question, Naomi! What happens here, Naho?"

(Naho): "..."

Naho wandered a bit further off the school field, using her hand to detect any sort of changes. Her reaction didn't seem at all different.

(Naho): "Hmm. I'm detecting no driving forces or any spiritual barriers. It would be accurate to say that this part of the Nirvana has settled."

Hearing that sort of made me more upset, knowing... Seiko could've still been alive.

(Naomi): "...Seriously?"

(Seiko): "Oh my! Does that mean we can actually return home?"

(Naho): "Can't say for certain exactly where Nakashima will end up, but for us spirits, we can certainly rest now. Wander off to the afterlife if we so choose."

(Seiko): "Ah."

(Naomi): "..."

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - A Different World] / Corpse Party: Blood Drive (OST)

It really didn't take that long before the grim reality struck us deep. As I trembled to the thought of how worse Seiko would feel after asking this specific question.

(Naomi): "So, you're still...all going to be dead?"

(Naho): "Unfortunately. There's no returning to our bodies. It's mostly impossible."

In an instant, my body lit up life.

(Naomi): "Mostly impossible...? Wait, is there...actually a way?"

(Naho): "Hmm. Well, there are theories. Speculations of a certain book that possess such immeasurable power. A Necronomicon."

(Seiko): "Nama-Nama wha?"

(Naho): "A book of the dead. Written and bestowed down by numerous bloodlines of witches."

(Naomi): "Huh."

My mind then immediately went back to Shinozaki's ancestral background. As I began to realize things might be a lot more interconnected than I previously thought. Revisiting even the stuff Naho said earlier relating to the "Nirvana". The backstory of how a particular vengeful spirit as its name ringed through my ears.

Sachiko... Shinozaki.

Witches...

Wait, could that all really connect back to...Shinozaki?

No, that can't be, right?

(Naho): "There are various grimoires in our history. But through personal research. Hmm. One grimoire that comes to mind is... The Book of Shadows. Which could perhaps hold specific spells to resurrect the dead. Though, whoever were to find this item and try to perform such forbidden acts of sorcery, would only pose a danger to themselves and others. Potentially sacrificing their own lives."

Why does this sound so familiar?

(Naho): "Ancient forces are best to be left alone. As you can already tell, we had ourselves a not-so-lovely reunion with their many guests."

(Seiko): "Oh my God! Right! The zombies! They were so scary!"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah, they were... what was up with all that anyway?"

(Seiko): "Tell us, Naho!"

(Naho): "*Sigh* I admire that the two of you are asking, but I don't have all the answers. At least, not yet."

(Naomi): "Not yet..."

Naho then looked back at the demolished school. Perking my ears with more information.

(Naho): "Earlier, you managed to hold off the forces on your own. It's the first I've ever seen anything like that. Music played by others usually attracts demise."

(Seiko): "Oh, you missed out, Naho! Naomi can play a real mean keyboard! Sends your spirits flying!"

(Naomi): "Heh..."

This is so unreal.

(Naho): "Oh, I've heard it well. It was excellent."

(Naomi): "Um... Thank you? Haha. So um, why did the music do that?"

(Naho): "If I had to come up with an explanation as to why your music playing eased the forces, perhaps it has something to do with Murmur."

(Naomi): "Murmur...?"

(Naho): "A musical demon."

(Seiko): "Ooooooo!"

(Naho0: "In some dimensions, it usually will occupy instruments and play its eccentric melodies. Which leads me to believe Murmur acts as a stabilizer for the Nirvana. Could explain why the black magic doesn't animate the corpses in other confined spaces? Other than that, Murmur is indeed one of the many demonic forces encaptured by the witches."

(Naomi): "Huh, you're bringing up witches a lot now... Do they really play that big of a role?"

(Naho): "Of course. The Nirvana is one of their many creations."

(Naomi): "One of their many creations...?"

(Naho): "Though, there are other purposes for why the Nirvana to exist. Not only to be casted as an isolated realm to revisit dearly departed loved ones, but also used to store legendary artifacts and magical data. Even spiritual and demonic essences."

(Naomi): "..."

I looked at Seiko, as confused. Looking for some kind of affirmation.

(Seiko): "Don't look at me!"

(Naho): "What we've experienced earlier is undoubtedly one of the demons, or some part of black magic. But thankfully, they are no longer around. Which means the darkening will not take ahold of you anymore, Nakashima."

(Naomi): "Oh? Yeah, that's a relief, I guess..."

(Seiko): "Say, where are the rest of our school buddies...?"

(Naomi): "...?"

Looking around, I then remembered.

(Naomi): "Wait. That's right! We didn't come to this place alone. Right, Seiko?"

(Naho): "The reason why you don't see the rest of your friends is because they are still trapped in a completely different confined space."

(Naomi): "Huh..."

Naho tilted her glasses.

(Naho): "Remember. The Nirvana is a multidimensional realm. Which means your friends were not fortunate enough to be on this side of the breakdown."

(Seiko): "My head hurts... And my heart hurts as well..."

(Naho): "Time and space here works very differently. So, there's no telling what could even appear here in the next second. Or what could happen to the confined space itself. Luckily, we can relax or choose to explore this new territory beyond the woodlands. Considering there may be something I don't know about yet."

(Naomi): "..."

I didn't really bother to ask any more questions. I just wanted to go already home. I wanted to...wake up again in my bed. But no matter how much I thought about returning, everything about this only kept feeling realer. As if... I might never be able to wake up to the "world" I belong to. But then, it dawned on me.

(Naomi): "So, Naho... will I keep...coming back here?"

(Naho): "Hmm. Well. Your situation is quite drastically different from the other travelers. So, I can't say for certain."

(Naomi): "Other... travelers...?"

"...Naho?"

(Naho/Naomi/Seiko): "...?"

- Theme: END - Next Theme: [Masafumi Takada - This is the Path We Follow (Extended)] / DRA: UDGs (OST)

Before us appeared a very familiar spirit who surprisingly wore similar clothing to Naho. A girl who seemed to be affiliated in the same school and friend group as they instantly walked up to each other, face-to-face. An uncharacteristic energy found in Naho as her voice fell to a unique trembling volume.

(Naho): "Sayaka...!"

(Sayaka): "Oh my God! It's really you, Naho! Naho, Naho, Naho!"

...Have we met her before?

In an instant the other girl hugged Naho in pure glee. The two lost spirits becoming lost into each other.

(Seiko): "Hee hee! Awww!"

(Naomi): "Heh."

Surprisingly, Naho revealed another extreme emotion. Where I could even see her physically trembling and tugging on her friend's spiritual clothing. First time ever seeing Naho being broken up over by sentiments that I could've never pictured her having to herself.

(Naho): "I'm so stupid. So, so stupid and horrible, Sayaka..."

(Sayaka): "Nonsense, Naho! You did what you thought was right."

(Naho): "Sayaka, I-I lost you... I promised you so many times... to keep you save... and I always, always failed-"

(Sayaka): "Uh-Uh! Not another word! I'm not even upset at you. I'm just happy to be with you again. Okay?"

As they shared their words, I then found myself gazing at Seiko, sharing a stare with her of our own filled of inseparable longing and love.

(Sayaka): "I think it's time we move on."

(Naho): "But I'm the reason why...why I caused so many to..."

(Sayaka): "The Naho I know would never do something like that."

(Naho): "H-Huh...?"

(Sayaka): "Deep down, I know that wasn't your doing. You were only influenced by the awful malice of this accursed spirit world."

What are they talking about exactly?

"Oh my God, it's Naho!"

Before I could even catch a glimpse to where the voice originated, the surrounding spirits all came towards the two girls. Groups of spirits who appeared to be excited and well aware of who Naho is.

"I'm your BIGGEST fan! I can't believe you're here!"

"Naho! Is there any way we could all take a picture with you together?" "Tell us a story, Naho!"

"Naho, Naho, Naho is here!" "Save us, Naho! I got a hot date waiting for me at home!" "Oh please, you have more things to be worried about, bud."

"You guys are pressuring her! Stop." "I agree! A beautiful flower like her deserves all the air she can have!"

"Naho! Thanks for saving us!"

(Naho): "*Sniffles*"

Naho shook her head and wiped her face before moving up closer to them and making an unforgettable promise.

(Naho): "From now on, I'll do my very, very best. To stop this from ever occurring again. Do you all hear me?"

The spirits only expressed themselves with utter joy. Some clapping and waving their hands, then others jumping up and down, then others only chanting Naho's name over and over.

(Seiko): "Hehehe! This is just like back at the concert. Right, Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Heh, yeah. Totally feels similar."

(Seiko): "Nyeheh."

I can't believe she remembers everything now.

Could this mean... this Seiko is the same Seiko I know?

As the both of us sat down, Seiko then leaned closer to my side. Then reminding me of that unforgettable promise.

(Seiko): "We're going to have that happy ending. No matter how tougher things can get. Got that, Naomi?"

Although I could feel tears in my eyes, my heart could feel Seiko's love hugging me all over again.

(Naomi): "With you... I'll face anything, Seiko."

(Seiko): "Hee hee!"

(Naomi): "Heh..."

(Seiko): "Together forever?"

(Naomi): "Together forever!"

Even when it was impossible for Seiko and me to physically hold onto each other, my body could still feel that everlasting warmth lingering through her glow. As I began to realize that I can put a stop to this horrible outcome. Once and for all.

- Theme: END -

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Insert Song: [Kalafina - Progressive] / Kalafina Consolation CD (OST)


...


...shi...


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Kish...


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...numa!


The world kept spinning around and around. Fog covered every part of my forest surroundings. But with familiarity haunting me from the shadows of the unknown, as I could tell I was all alone... again. Faintly remembering the man who was supposed to be by my side in my time of darkness.

"...Kishinuma?"

Getting up from the grass, I realized I was indeed alone. Under the dead of the night. Left to the unsettling breezes and this horrifying feeling of being... watched.


Annnnnd that's how I will end the story for now! Lol. Couldn't resist putting in a cliffhanger like that, but hey, I haven't forgotten about them! Don't worry. I hope you all have enjoyed this chapter because I sure have, especially while listening to that song "This is the Path We Follow", seriously that works for every emotional read, and it was so tempting to have that listed at the beginning xD I'll catch y'all on the next one! Take care everybody!

(Update - Feeling teensy weensy talkative haha): Minor changes at the end with music choice, Kalafina band has very Corpse Party-esque songs, I recommend checking them out for inspiration! Also, seriously... CHAPTER 2 = BEST Seiko x Naomi ship on the website, at least that's what I believe xD Seriously, give the chapter a reread if you haven't! Makes this chapter a lot more impactful if you're wondering where the hell did those moments happen during the exchange between Seiko and Naomi becuz yeah! Lol Again thank you all for reading!