The bloodthirsty phantoms knew exactly where I was. Death drawing nearer as the heavy pounding in my ears got louder by the second. Before the throbbing pains in my body reminded me worse has yet to come.
(Naomi): "*Pant* *Pant* *Pant* *Pant*"
C'mon! Get up! C'mon! C'mon! C'mon!
"...HeeHee..."
"...Haha... Haha..."
I need to move NOW!
(Naomi): "Hnnnghhh!"
No matter how hard I tried; I just couldn't lift myself up. Dragging is all I could do, but...
(Naomi): "Gyaaaah!"
Every inch of movement ripped my insides further apart. Glass being crunched louder. Blood pouring out. Agony forcing their way out through my screams and struggles as I felt my broken arm vibrate across through the hollow wooden floor. Joint being snapped and rupturing all the pain receptors in my withering body to where I almost completely forgotten to where I was. Until the swells on my back shot me back up again.
(Naomi): "Gahhhh! Oh God!"
It was too much that I just couldn't move anymore. That all I could do then was shudder in tears and be consumed by the thought of brutal death. Wrapped by the cold and burned by the stares of the bloodthirsty phantoms as they tormented me in their melody of curses.
"Big sis looks super tired! Why don't we put her to rest?"
"Yagh! Glut har ayes wif yur sezzurs!"
"Glagh! Glagh! Glagh!"
I'm gonna die, aren't I...?
(Naomi): "*Hic* *Sniffles*"
"Hee... Hee... Hee..."
Why... how...?
How did everything...end up like this...?
My vision was only getting blurrier. I was getting weaker and colder. Barely conscious with the hopes of Seiko coming to my rescue. Crying out for her with little energy I have left.
(Naomi): "...Seiko *Sniffles* Save me...!"
But just like my body, my voice barely had any volume to go anywhere. This was it for me. I was going to die. With Seiko being my last thought. And even when my demise was seen as the inevitable, I could only keep repeating her name.
(Naomi): "Seiko... Seiko... save me, Seiko..."
Again, nobody came. It was still just them. And they were only getting closer. Or... so I thought.
"...!"
(Naomi): "...?"
Looking down, I realized they weren't moving.
What...?
What's going on...?
The ghost children weren't focused on me. Rather, their sights were on the room by our side. And for whatever reason, they were... afraid. No. Terrified. Even for ghosts who seemed to have all this unwavering power behind them, something in that room set them off.
"Ahhh...!"
It wasn't just them backing away, the terror could also be heard in their breathing and groans, as they quickly faded before my very eyes. Disappearing completely without a single trace of their existences.
(Naomi): " *Pant* *Pant* *Pant* *Pant*"
Wait, what...?
Is it really over...?
No, that can't be...
Looking around again, traces of them could still not be found. The hallway remained in normal color.
(Naomi): "...God. How am I not dead yet...?"
I shouldn't be alive, and yet... I was still here. Still breathing. Still feeling...all sorts of anxiety and agony.
There's no telling what those ghosts will do to Seiko when they find her...
I have to save her...
Before it's too late...
Even so, my wounds never stopped bleeding. Blood kept gushing and spilling all over the broken wooden floorboards. And seeing the trail I left behind was obviously too frightening to ignore. Any moment, I could just pass out and die from sheer blood loss.
No, I can't die here...
Not now...
Seiko needs me!
(Naomi): "Ghhhh! Aghhh...!"
The thought of Seiko managed to make me pull myself together, as I reached for the corroding walls and raised myself up until I could stand again. Standing beside that very same door.
The infirmary...
Just like all the previous attempts, my body still refused to let me enter.
I'm bleeding so much...
(Naomi): "*Heavily breathing*"
God, I'm so weak...
I really am dying...
Placing my hand on the door handle came to me as one of the worst ominous feelings I've ever had. Even in near death, my soul could still detect an evil meticulous force lurking inside the room. Preparing its rounds for another victim.
If I go in here, I might never see Seiko again...
But if I don't take care of myself now... I'll die before I can get to her...
I can't stop now...
I need to go in... and patch myself up...
I need to...
Even then, I still struggled to go forward with my decision, like if... what I'm doing is absolutely the wrong choice. But it wasn't just what I felt. Even a voice agreed to my second guessing.
"You will repeat the cycle if you go inside that room."
(Naomi): "...?!"
A monotonous voice, out of nowhere, echoed across the hall. Finding that it wasn't a delusion. It actually came from somebody.
Oh my God! A living person! An actual living person!
A girl who looked to be my age, wearing a school uniform affiliated to a different district. Though, she had much more to her crimson clothing which revealed her to be some sort of occult enthusiast. Shown by the red pentagram-shaped hair ornament. Apart from that, her red framed glasses to her cobalt eyes added more to her aura of mystery. But here she was. Directly speaking to me.
"Have you lost too much blood?"
(Naomi): "Wh-Who are you...?!"
"...?"
(Naomi): "...?"
I didn't get an answer. The mysterious girl only stared back. Puzzled as she seemed to have been analyzing me in every context and angle of the situation. Though, the next words that came out of her made the hallway feel colder and warped and severely obstructive. Like if I was being swallowed into a vortex of nightmares with no return. As she just kept speaking in that dead voice.
"Now that confirms my suspicions. You are not from here. Are you?"
(Naomi): "I... I don't really understand what you mean..."
She moved closer, taking a few steps as she tilted her glasses at me.
"What I'm trying to get at is that you exist from an alternative world. That your consciousness belongs to a different body."
(Naomi): "..."
Impossible. What she was saying shouldn't make any sense. But the way she had been speaking, it's like she understands the situation from the get-go. More so that these horrible circumstances have already happened more than enough times for her to even point out. Even the conviction in her voice remained solid throughout our encounter.
"The aura you give off now is unlike the other repeats."
(Naomi): "What does that...mean exactly...?"
"Let's just say, this isn't our first-time meeting each other."
(Naomi): "Does that mean... we're friends...?"
"..."
Of course, the silence I received couldn't have been any more discomforting. Not that she seemed like a threat, but it did feel like she only viewed me as a mere lab experiment. Not at all frightened over my critical injuries or by the scenario that's been played out. Rather, she seemed too accepting of the whole situation to hardly resonate any human emotion. A red flag for sure. But I was extremely exhausted to care. I was just glad enough to be talking to someone who's actually alive.
(Naomi): "A-Anyway... I'm looking for somebody... I need...help finding them..."
"And what about you? You're going to die in your current state."
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah... I guess so... But her life matters more to me... That's why... I need your help... I need you to make sure she stays safe... when I'm gone..."
Again, my dying words weren't breaking this girl's detached demeanor. She remained completely indifferent. But I could tell she was listening. I mean, she never once took her eyes off. And I needed her to watch over Seiko if I was going to die.
(Naomi): "...What's your name...?"
"..."
(Naomi): "...?"
There was some hesitance. But not very long, the mysterious girl surprised me yet again. Making the whole hallway shake once she uttered that familiar name.
"Naho Saenoki."
(Naomi): "...!"
That name. I remember it too well. And it's all because of that one person.
(Naomi): "Wait...! You're that paranormalist a friend of mine spoke to me about...! Are you supposed to be a psychic...?"
Wait, that's not it...
Suddenly, my vision flashed. And then... I started to see a glimpse of a moment. Rather, a "forgotten" memory... of me riding the train with Shinozaki. Where I was being shown an article made by this girl. A memory that I shouldn't even have.
What's going on...?
(Naho): "Beginning to remember?"
(Naomi): "...Huh?"
(Naho): "You might not be able to remember it all, but the memories of that vessel...that body you're occupying, will eventually be a part of you. You could even say that your own consciousness will be overwritten. By various timelines you lived through. Although, that's only a hypothetical of mine."
Again, what she's saying shouldn't have made any sense. Yet somehow, it just did. But the ongoing loss of blood made me collapse. Bringing me down to the floor hard.
(Naomi): "Gyhhahhh...! Ohhh...!"
*Thunk*
(Naomi): "*Pant* *Pant* *Pant* *Pant*"
This didn't scare Saenoki in the slightest. She could only stare. As I tried to stop the bleeding. But it was pointless. I was going to die at any moment.
(Naomi): "Crap..."
Although, the strange girl moved up close and got to my level. Close enough that she was only a few inches away.
What's she planning to do with me...?
(Naho): "Let me view your wounds."
(Naomi): "Huh...?"
Next second, Saenoki placed her hand to my stomach. What felt like undying agony at first, but then instantaneously turning the pain into huge relief. Accompanied by this blinding shining white glow lasting for mere seconds.
(Naomi): "...!"
(Naho): "How do you feel now?"
Looking at the area of where the wound used to be, there wasn't even a scarring of any kind. It's like... the wound had never existed.
(Naomi): "Uhhh! N-Normal? What the...?! H-Hey! How did you do that?!"
(Naho): "Show me your arm."
Without hesitating, I let her examine my arm. And again, she treated me exactly the same way as before. Except this time, my arm felt tingling until it looked completely normal. Like if my arm never had been broken in the first place. Being able to use it again with no issues.
(Naomi): "Oh my God! Seriously! How are you able to do that...?!"
(Naho): "When you die here, you're capable to perform some miracles."
(Naomi): "Wait a second... Y-You're actually dead...?"
Saenoki stared. Still devoid of emotion.
(Naho): "For good reason, yes."
God! Why is she so creepy?!
What does she even mean by "good reason"...?
(Naho): "Does that frighten you?"
(Naomi): "S-Sorta... I mean! No! It's just... I'm at a complete loss! You're unlike those horrible children who attacked me."
(Naho): "They are an unfortunate case. Those spirits have lost their way long ago. Completely blinded by their hate and eternal suffering. As their only means of cope is by inflicting their own personal curses onto the helpless wandering victims who get trapped here. However, for you? You haven't lost yourself to the curses here. You've survived thus far."
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah... but that's because you're here! I really owe you my life, Naho. Thank you for saving me!"
Wait, oh crap!
(Naomi): "Oh. Uh, I mean Saenoki! Sorry."
(Naho): "No. That's absolutely fine. Call me Naho."
I really can't tell what's on her mind...
(Naho): "And don't thank me just yet. You still have more injuries I need to fix up."
But it wasn't just my arm and stomach she healed, she also went for my back and removed all the foreign objects from my body. She even fixed my ankle. Again. All done by a simple touch.
I really owe my life to Naho... without her, I'd totally be dead right now!
(Naho): "Well. My job here is done. But I'm sure there are questions you'd like to ask me."
(Naomi): "Umm... I guess so...? I mean! Yeah! I just don't know where to even begin! Like, you keep mentioning 'loops' and 'repeats' and 'timelines'... and before that, you mentioned that I belong to a different world... that I belong...to a different body?"
(Naho): "Yes."
(Naomi): "...Could you explain to me what all that stuff even means?"
(Naho): "You don't belong here, Nakashima."
And she knows my name...
Have we actually spoken before...?
Could it be possible that she has already talked... to the other me...?
Is that what happened?
(Naho): "In given time, you'll return back to your own world. Back to your very own body. Like if nothing had ever happened."
(Naomi): "But that's the thing...! I remember being here last time...!"
(Naho): "...!"
For the first time, something sparked in Naho. Finally, a human emotion. One full of awestruck.
(Naho): "Which means you can finally set things on the right path."
Without even needing to look at Naho, guilt could be heard barely suppressed behind her voice. Even seen in her eyes, as she tried to hide them by staring off at a different direction.
(Naho): "In the real world, you can prevent this from ever reoccurring. And what I need you to do is very important."
(Naomi): "Umm... What do you need me to do?"
She then turned back at me. Eyes fueled with brimming passion.
(Naho): "Don't perform the Sachiko Ever After Charm."
(Naomi): "Huh...?"
(Naho): "When the day comes, stop your friends from performing the charm. But that's not the only request I have for you. What I also need you to do is meet me at Paulownia Academy as soon as you wake up."
(Naomi): "...That's the school you go to?"
(Naho): "Yes. It's urgent that we meet. Your recollections of these events will be picked up when I'm reading into your psyche. From that point, I'll learn everything I need to know. And maybe then, we can finally undo all the remaining curses of the Nirvana."
(Naomi): "Curses of the Nirvana...?"
(Naho): "That's right. I suppose you don't know where we really are, huh?"
(Naomi): "Uh... Not really... I mean, I was told this was an elementary school... and it looks like one... is that what this place is...?"
(Naho): "Yes and no."
(Naomi): "...Huh?"
(Naho): "Where we lie isn't the world that we once knew and love. But rather, a part of a multidimensional nexus formed by black magic, concealing those who get summoned. After death, wiping their existences on the outside, and while, permanently trapping their souls in here. Here being, the Nirvana."
(Naomi): "...But why does it look like a school? Why not another place?"
(Naho): "The Nirvana uses the memories of the host to form an undesirable appearance. In this case particular, she was murdered in Heavenly Host Elementary."
(Naomi): "Heavenly Host...? Huh..."
Again, I started to feel this sudden heaviness take form of a cloud. Immeasurable pressure crushing my head which left me to see another one of those "memories". A particular moment of me and Seiko reading a newspaper in one of the classrooms here.
"I think I heard about this, though, once before..."
"Not me. But I guess it did happen long before we were born, so I shouldn't be too surprised."
(Naomi): "...!"
That actually happened!
Me and Seiko were trapped inside that room... reading headlines of a certain tragedy that occurred at our hometown. Long, long ago...
But when did this happen...?
How... How am I remembering this moment now...?
(Naho): "Seems like you're recalling more events."
(Naomi): "Heavenly Host... is the same school that got shut down and demolished...? Because of the...serial kidnappings and murder of a few...children? Wait... those ghosts who chased me, aren't they-"
(Naho): ""Yes. That's correct. They are the same victims of that awful tragedy. And the one who's responsible for their deaths is the vengeful spirit herself, Sachiko Shinozaki."
That name...
It's somehow coming all together...
(Naho): "Sachiko was also a former student of Heavenly Host Elementary. Before her life was taken by the principal."
(Naomi): "What...? She was murdered...by the principal...? And her spirit...killed more...?"
(Naho): "Horrible, isn't it?"
(Naomi): "..."
I kept rubbing my head, but Naho had much more to share. Every sentence pushing me further and further into madness. Until I could no longer listen.
(Naho): "It's the same case for her mother... Yoshie Shinozaki. Who also happened to be the nurse of the school. Both of their lives were taken on the same day by the same man. As their deaths unleashed the Nirvana and directed the Shinozaki family curses onto us. It's why we've been destined to face these hopeless circumstances. Again, and again. Because the one who controls this dimensional realm...the one who harbors the Nirvana would be that same little girl. Sachiko. Which is why I need you to see me first thing once you wake up. Before our fates follow the same destination."
(Naomi): "...Can we leave?"
(Naho): "Hmm?"
(Naomi): "S-Sorry if I'm being rude, but the way you're speaking, you must know a way out of this place? Do you...?"
Naho hesitated, but after she adjusted her glasses... that same conviction carried through her voice.
(Naho): "I do actually."
(Naomi): "...!"
Why didn't she say so sooner?!
(Naho): "However..."
Then in an instant, a cold shiver ran down my back, as she uttered those cold words.
(Naho): "In your case, it's impossible now."
(Naomi): "Impossible...? W-What do you mean by impossible...?"
(Naho): "You don't have enough people to escape. And even if you reunited with your friend, she's-"
(Naomi): "Seiko! Oh my God! Have you actually seen her?!"
(Naho): "*Sigh*"
Why is she sighing?!
(Naomi): "Hey! Don't go silent on me! Please! I need to find her! Do you know where she's at? Is she okay?"
(Naho): "..."
Why is she being quiet all of a sudden!?
Before this point, Naho seemed prepared for any questions I might've had. But when it came to Seiko, total silence. Yet, it's like she knew something. Something... awful. Something... permanent.
No! Please!
Please! Don't tell me she's dead!
I couldn't maintain myself. Which I grabbed for Naho's shoulders. Clinging onto her as she began to show genuine concern.
(Naho): "...?"
(Naomi): "Naho. Please. Tell me that she's okay. She's okay...? Right...?"
With enough pleading, her silence turned into stone hard conviction.
(Naho): "This way."
(Naomi): "..."
That already sounds bad...
Seiko can't be dead... She can't be...!
Everything has to be fine!
Regardless, I quietly followed Naho. Passing by the hall with the horrifying blood splatter and the alarming number of dead bodies piled up in all directions. Even stranger, was how one hall had been barricaded by countless chairs and stacked desks. Still, that didn't stop us. Up until, we found ourselves at the third floor of the school building. An area specifically set for restrooms. Just as horrifying as the other floors. Though, being with Naho removed a lot of that fear. But I was definitely feeling uneasy, as if... I've been in this specific area many times throughout my life. Only to face a horrible outcome that always turned out the same. While feeling an undying tension that latched itself to my soul. Corrupting me with its nightmares.
Song: [Yumi Hara - Hotarubi] / Corpse Party: Tortured Souls ED (OST)
(Naho): "She's in the girl's room."
No!
Why is she talking like that?
(Naho): "You should go first. I'll follow you inside."
(Naomi): "..."
No way...
No fucking way...!
Even when she's giving me the opportunity to see Seiko first, it just...felt that way. I felt like I was about to walk into something unforgettable. Which I could feel the unsettling dread inside me build up in every slow step. A weight being hammered hard into my chest every time I got closer. Though, those feelings only got worse once I stood by the doorway, peering in as I saw... my biggest fear. Revealing itself in that dim lighting. Instantly recognizing those shoes. That blood-soaked school uniform... and her hair.
(Naomi): "S-Seiko!?"
She was on the floor. Slumped against the wall with her blood-covered hand pressed to her neck. Remaining completely motionless.
(Naomi): "S-Seiko! Oh my God! Seiko!"
I immediately ran to her side and placed my hands all over her. Desperately searching for any sign of life. But she wasn't reacting to me at all. All I could see was her devastating neck wound leaking more blood. Was she recently stabbed? How did this happen to her neck?
No! No! No! No! Please!
(Naomi): "Are you alright?! Seiko! Can you hear me?! God! Please, Seiko! Please answer me!"
(Seiko): "...?"
Oh my God! She's alive!
(Naomi): "Naho! NAHO! Get in here! She's bleeding! She needs medical help!"
(Seiko): "Naomi...?"
(Naomi): "Seiko! Don't move! I got...I got somebody who can help you! She...She fixed all my wounds! Just hold on!"
Who the fuck did this to her?!
How the hell did she end up like this?!
Yet, Naho didn't come through the door. It's like... if she decided to completely abandon me. And all I could do was scream for her as Seiko's neck seemed to have worsen whenever I applied pressure. Somehow, her flesh kept tearing off on its own... like if her neck is meant to dissolve away.
(Naomi): "N-No! N-N-No! How did this happen...?! *Sniffles* Dammit!"
Turning around, I screamed again.
(Naomi): "Naho! Where are you?! NAHO! PLEASE! Please get in here and help!"
But then I felt Seiko gently pulling me back to her.
(Naomi): "...?!"
(Seiko): "Naomi... it's only...you and me..."
(Naomi): "N-No! No! *Sniffles* You don't understand, Seiko! I've been attacked by ghosts! But there's this girl! Yeah! This girl found me, and she saved my life! I'd be dead if it weren't for her! I mean! She literally healed all my wounds just by touching them! You have no idea!"
(Seiko): "I'm glad...she took care of you... she really sounds like... a guardian angel..."
Even when Seiko was dying, she just kept smiling back. In a way, like if she knew things were going to turn out this way no matter what.
(Naomi): "Dammit! *Sniffles* Where the hell did she go...?! God fucking dammit! Why am I so fucking useless...?! *Sniffles* How did I let this happen to you...?! Why didn't I wake up sooner...?!"
(Seiko): "Naomi... Don't be...so hard on yourself... It's not like...you could've prevented this..."
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* What do you mean...?"
Seiko placed her hand over mine. Resting it there as her eyes sparked the bit of life left in them. Squinting at me. But her words, they were becoming too painful for me to not tear up. I couldn't keep it together. It's impossible to not cry... especially, after what she said next.
(Seiko): "I'm not meant to survive..."
(Naomi): "...?!"
(Seiko): "I've died here...enough times...to know that..."
(Naomi): "You've...You've died?! Wh-What are you talking about...?! I'm right here with you! Don't you see me...?!"
But then, I saw a sudden flash of light. Temporarily blinding me to an image of Seiko...hanging.
(Naomi): "...!"
What the hell is that?! What am I seeing?!
Looking around, this was the exact same place when it happened. In one of the stalls.
(Seiko): "You might...not remember... But that's okay... I'd prefer you forget...everything...that's happened to us here..."
(Naomi): "We've...already been through this before...? *Sniffles*"
(Seiko): "Many times, yeah..."
I was so overwhelmed and confused, I didn't know what to say to that. But Seiko kept talking.
(Seiko): "You know... I was really, really hoping...this time around...it would be different. But... No matter what...the bruises would still...not go away..."
(Naomi): "...Bruises? *Sniffles* ...What bruises?"
(Seiko): "The ones on...my neck... See...?"
Again, another flash... as this particular moment in my head took place at my house. Where me and Seiko seemingly had another sleepover. During our shower, it's when I first saw that haunting bruise wrapped around her neck. But then another flash, this moment took place later in the night. As we were sharing the bed together. And again, that horrifying bruise remained.
What the hell is going on...?!
Why am I suddenly remembering these things...?!
But then, I remembered the sleepover we had. The same day when we went to that Vein Artery concert. Remembering how her neck looked perfectly fine there, and yet... it somehow all came back to bite me.
Is this something I've been fearing for a long time?
How is any of this possible...?
Why are these memories... contradicting each other?
When did this all actually happen?!
What the hell is going on?!
(Seiko): "Don't worry... it's not as painful...like the other times. That's why...I had to leave you alone. If you woke up to me...like this...next to you-"
(Naomi): "H-How... How did you get those bruises...?!"
(Seiko): "Because that's how I've first died here..."
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "And I'll be dying...in similar ways...every time we return here-"
(Naomi): "Stop saying that! Stop saying that horrible stuff!"
(Seiko): "Naomi..."
(Naomi): "You're not dying! You're not gonna die here! *Sniffles* We're gonna get out of this alive together! You hear me?! *Sniffles* When this is all over, I'll take you out on a date! We'll be eating oyokadon and we'll be listening to Vein Artery! Then we'll make out! And... *Sniffles* And it'll be the best night of our goddamn lives!"
(Seiko): "My, my... someone's been really dreaming about us... heh heh..."
(Naomi): "It won't be a dream! That'll be our reality! Just like... just like the day when we eventually get married. *Sniffles*"
(Seiko): "Ohhhh Naomi..."
(Naomi): "I promise you Seiko! You and I... we'll get married. And it'll be the best thing we'll ever have together! We'll buy that home! We'll have that wonderful family! It'll be everything we ever wanted!"
(Seiko): "Awww..."
(Naomi): "I mean all that...! From the bottom of my heart...!"
(Seiko): "I know you do, and that...makes me really...really happy...to know...you put so much thought into our future."
(Naomi): "Then don't give up on me...! Please...! Just...Just hold on! *Sniffles* Just hold on for a bit longer. Just hold on."
(Seiko): "Naomi..."
(Naomi): "It'll...It'll all be fine...! Just...don't give up on me! Please..."
No matter what I said, it was just pure wishing. And the more Seiko spoke, the more those wishes felt painfully hollow, as she was slowly drifting away. But she still didn't let go, even if it was unbearable for her, she kept holding on...just for me...
(Seiko): "There's something...I'd like to do with you... Will you...let me do it?
(Naomi): "A-Anything."
Without saying a word, Seiko held my cheek, then gently guided me to her face. Without question, I followed along and gave in to her easily. Meeting those soft lips as we passionately kissed.
*Smooch*
Firework after firework. Until I could feel my tears trailing off to her face. Opening my eyes to see her crying as well. Though, she kept that same pained smile. Still staying strong for me.
(Seiko): "Still such an amazing kisser... how can I leave behind...those amazing lips?"
(Naomi): "...Seiko!"
(Seiko): "Look after my family... Let them know how much they mean to me..."
(Naomi): "S-Seiko! N-Noooo...!"
(Seiko): "Even when I'm gone... I'll always...always...always be with you..."
(Naomi): "Stop it! Don't you... Don't you start talking like that...!"
(Seiko): "When you miss me, just remember our times together... okay?"
(Naomi): "Please...! Please don't leave me...!"
(Seiko): "I don't want to leave you either, Naomi... *Sniffles* Trust me... I'd stay with you... forever... if I could..."
(Naomi): "*Hic* *Hic* *Sniffles* Seiko...!"
(Seiko): "Shhhh..."
Seiko began caressing my cheek. Softly caressing me as my heart quivered both in cold and heat.
(Seiko): "Just hold me tightly...until this is over... Let's...make this moment...last... Okay?"
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* O-Okay...! *Hic* *Hic* *sniffles* Ohhhkay...!"
And that's what we did with the rest of our time. Spending our final moments cuddling as I tried to not break down. Keeping it together for a bit longer. But Seiko's words...were so painful. My tears couldn't stay inside me. Neither Seiko's.
(Seiko): "I love you so...so much, Naomi..."
(Naomi): "I-I love you too, Seiko..."
(Seiko): "Heh heh... That's still crazy to me..."
(Naomi): "W-What...?"
(Seiko): "This entire time... Naomi loved me... but she also wants... to marry me... and have a family... with me... Who would've ever thought that..."
(Naomi): "Of course I do! I love you more than life itself, Seiko... I'll *Sniffles* I'll never stop loving you, Seiko...!"
(Seiko): "And I'll...always...love...you...too...Naomi... Always..."
(Naomi): "...Seiko!"
Next second, Seiko eyes went completely shut as I could no longer feel any of her movements. Even when she had a firm smile that'll last forever, I couldn't last a second without bursting myself into tears.
(Naomi): "N-No...!"
And all I could in that moment was hold Seiko. Keep her in my arms as I still couldn't accept this ever being a reality. That I even started... begging for her to wake up. I just couldn't accept this. I just...couldn't.
(Naomi): "Seiko... please... don't...don't leave me!"
But it wasn't working. No amount of crying and begging will reverse this horrible outcome. No matter how hard I held her. No matter how loud I cried for her. She remained cold and lifeless. And that's the reality I had to accept. But I just couldn't. There's no way I could ever allow this to be real.
(Naomi): "*Hic* *Hic* *Sniffles* Seiko... don't... leave me alone...! Please! Come back to me...! I need you! Don't... Don't leeeaave me...!"
- Song: END -
And I just couldn't let her go. Even when she was never returning, I never once left her side. As I had been sitting there, holding her body for what felt like mere hours. Noticing how numb my body got and how heavier the desolate air became. That I couldn't handle the silence anymore.
(Naomi): "Why... Why did you break your promise?"
And yet, I still asked more of these questions. In some way, thinking they'd get answered by her somehow.
(Naomi): "...Why didn't you stay with me? What made you leave and come here? How...did you even get those bruises? *Sniffles*"
But then, I remembered being at home. Being in bed. Having that late night phone call with Seiko before I ended up... here again.
(Naomi): "What's even...real anymore...? *Sniffles* Why is this all... so, so real...? Why can't I wake up already...? Why can't I just...go back...and start all over...?"
"I wonder that too."
(Naomi): "...?!"
That voice...
Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - The onset of demise] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)
"The large amounts of blood you've lost. The emotional trauma over your dear, dear friend's demise. All that should've been more than enough to put you to sleep. And yet, you are still here. Still unable to return to the world where you belong. Hmm. Such a tenacious will you have."
How this person spoke, there was no way it could've been her. But reality casted its own shadows in the direction of the wicked. Distortions of hope being muddled by despair as the figure before me was no other than Naho. Unlike the spirit who spared my life, this one seemed to embrace the thought of malintent in such hollowness. One confined in an eternal bastion of deep-rooted sadism. No regard to human life as if I had been a part of an ongoing experiment.
(Naho): "This is only the start, Nakashima. As there will be plenty more trials for you to overcome. Sacrifices you'll be making in order to break the cycle. Even the cost of seeing the one you love, die repeatedly, over and over. As her death will be unavoidable until you're able to set things right. Once and for all. Which is why you will listen and do exactly as I say."
(Naomi): "...You are no different than them, are you?"
(Naho): "...?"
(Naomi): "The girl of my dreams...is dead...in my arms... and now you're here, telling me...it doesn't matter what I do because she'll end up dead anyway...? Without your help...? Why...the hell would you say that? No... Why would you think that...?"
But then, it became even clearer. Realizing how I even found Seiko in the first place. That I had to confront Naho, right then and there.
(Naomi): "...You knew."
(Naho): "..."
(Naomi): "You knew the whole time...and you just sat back and allowed for this to happen. Didn't you?"
Naho didn't say a single word, but by how she tilted her glasses and how she intently stared, no doubt I was wrong.
This bitch!
Just as before, she remained completely emotionless. No sign of humanity in her for me to connect with as she came off as a phantom of menace than a guardian angel. When this all could've been prevented. Knowing damn well... she could've saved Seiko.
- Theme: END -
12/04/22 - Not all stories have happy endings. Oh, this isn't the end. Just trolling lol. But yeah, I know a lot of you are going to hate me for publishing this since this chapter will continue to reopen more wounds. So, what I suggest for you lovely readers, is to "reminisce" to your favorite chapters. Maybe each and one of you will learn something new when you reread. Especially chapter 1 and 2. Chapter 2 most especially. Yes.
In the meantime, here are some great suggestions to get lost to as well. Starting with video games: Omori, Persona 5 Royal, Undertale and Zero Escape. Next are anime which are: Hibike! Euphonium, Gakkou Gurashi, Lycoris Recoil and Re Zero (Again because oh my God that anime is something else, also Gakkou Gurashi since that is a very sweet innocent anime -wink-). Music suggestions, uh? Hmm: Rex Orange County, Desired, Android Department, Tenma Tenma, KuuAden, BIGWAVE, MARI (not from Omori), and Fujifire.
Bringing up Omori right there, okay... even when I got spoiled, I actually ended up playing the whole game after knowing the fact of how it ends and I did both the Hikkimori and true routes which is like 40 hours together (with an additional 20hrs because I 100% it lol) so let me tell you, that game is SOMETHING else. It has a unique art style and a story that you will never see coming. Honestly, if you look into it, you might be saved by the fandom/community and be a part of SOMETHING greater that's alive and different.
But really, Corpse Party will always have a place in my heart. And I hope this story will inspire a few of you to actually create things you always wanted to do. And on a more serious note, you guys should seriously reread chapter 1 and chapter 2, I highly recommend it. Consider them as... new game plus. Lol. Well, for the old readers. Newer readers, well you guys are going to be stumped for a long time xD Make use of my recommendations! Anyway, thank you for reading.
