12/10/22 - Update below lol


Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Unrest] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to lunge at Naho and choke her senseless. I wanted to do everything in my power to get her to understand how unbearable my life had felt in every waking dull second. And yet, the tears running down my face and the lifeless girl who I've held for so long could still not sway the heart of this phantom. Cold detached demeanor never once changing as Naho's words were only being driven further into me like an ice pick. No matter what she knew.

(Naho): "It's not as it seems."

Naho only moved closer as I shivered and revolted in pure disgust and hate. I wanted nothing to do with this cold-hearted monster before me. And somehow, she could only feed my spiteful fires with her cold, evasive nature.

(Naomi): "How... How do you...expect me to trust anything you have to say?!"

(Naho): "There's no benefit in me lying to you, Nakashima."

(Naomi): "But you knew where to find her! And... And you left her! All by herself! When she needed you the most! So why?! W-Why should I trust you...?!"

(Naho): "It's not in my power to spare your friend from an inevitable demise."

In an instant, all the pain and fear and sadness crushed together into emotional rage. Petrified anger that couldn't keep my voice stable as everything in my field of vision had turned blurry.

(Naomi): "Why the FUCK not...?!"

(Naho): "..."

(Naomi) "You saved me! You put me back together! But you couldn't do the same for her?!"

(Naho): "Because she would've died regardless."

(Naomi): "WHY?!"

(Naho): "Because-"

(Naomi): "NO! SERIOUSLY! WHY DAMMIT?! Why the fuck didn't you save her?! WHY did you let her die?! ANSWER ME!"

(Naho): "Because she's not meant to survive."

"I'm not meant to survive..."

(Naomi): "...!"

- Theme: END -

And there it was again. Seiko's dying words coming back to haunt me. Remembering the exact usage as Naho only appeared to be telling the simple yet dark truth. But I just couldn't accept that. I didn't want to believe in something so awful. There had to be some kind of misunderstanding. A misconception.

(Naomi): "N-No..."

(Naho): "If you're doubting me, then you also doubt her."

(Naomi): "Sh-Shut up!"

Naho moved up further, fixing her glasses with her conviction piercing straight at me.

(Naho): "Tell me. How much longer will you deny the truth? Your friend wouldn't lie to you in her final moments. So, what's there left for you to really doubt?"

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Witch Hunt (Extended)] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

(Naomi):" B-But... But that can't be... that can't be! No..."

(Naho): "It's an undesirable truth. No matter how hard you want to deny, the fact is that we ARE trapped in a perpetual death cycle."

Death cycle...

"Because that's how I've first died here..."

"And I'll be dying...in similar ways...every time we return here..."

And again, more of Seiko's dying words continue to haunt me. Reminding me what Naho is saying now has to be fact.

(Naho): "These events have been repeated numerous times. More than enough times that the structure of the Nirvana has severely changed. Allowing for the ancient black magic that's been contained here to evolve in extreme phases of demonic upbringing. Unleashing new creations. New disasters. As every new timeline loop will result in even worser outcomes. For you and your friend."

(Naomi): "I don't trust you... I... I can't let you confuse me...!"

(Naho): "That's fine. I'm sure you'll be unconscious before the darkening takes complete control of you."

(Naomi): "...The...darkening?"

(Naho): "After all. The only reason why you and your friend first separated is because you fell under the influence of it. And because of that, you lost control of yourself. Letting the darkening consume you and take complete form in your heart. And because of that, you lost everything. Exactly...just like me."

(Naomi): "I...I don't understand you... what the hell are you getting at now...?"

Naho then moved up closer and lowered herself to my level. Sitting down on the wooden floor as she put her back against the mossy wall.

(Naho): "We are not that far apart, Nakashima. Like you, I lost someone too. Which is why...I'm willing to make sacrifices of my own to put an end to this merciless cycle. Even if I'll never see him again..."

Him?

(Naho): "*Sigh*"

Naho grabbed her chest. Holding herself as she had physical pain strumming in her voice.

(Naho): "No matter what I do, it'll always...be my fault. I let him walk freely into this death trap. I didn't consider what might've happened to him. And because of that, I'll never be able to save him. Which is why...I desperately need your help."

(Naomi): "Okay, what does your situation...have to do with mine...? Actually. No, how am I involved in that darkening stuff? How the hell does that even relate to us?"

(Naho): "Are you asking what it is?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah... what is it?"

(Naho): "A severe condition that will lead to death."

(Naomi): "Like... a disease?"

(Naho): "Technically. It's actually better to view it like that. As everyone who gets trapped here will automatically be a carrier. Infectious and practically incurable."

What the hell?

(Naho): "Worsen by negative emotions as it'll gradually deteriorate the sanity and mental function of its victims. Until the host can no longer tolerate its influence over the soul and mind. Necrosis to the body and erratic behavior are some symptoms to look out for. Luckily for you, your condition is stable."

Why is she bringing up this weird disease or whatever it is? Does it explain what happened to... her?

Like... that vision I saw of her... hanging?

And then, I looked at Seiko's peaceful expression, trying to not burst into tears as I had many unspeakable yet horrifying thoughts. From all sorts of deaths involving "hanging". As if I could faintly remember...how and why.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* H-How...How did Seiko even get those bruises?"

(Naho): "Hmm?"

(Naomi): "Her neck... What...happened to her neck?"

Naho shook her own head.

(Naho): "Some truths are best left untold."

(Naomi): "...You know what did this?"

Naho didn't deny, she only gave an annoying answer that could never ease my pain.

(Naho): "A lot of awful things occurred here, Nakashima. And since you don't recall everything, it's best that you return back to your own world before you do remember. Before it's too late."

(Naomi): "Why are you saying that...? Why can't you just answer the question-"

(Naho): "For your sake, I won't."

(Naomi): "...For my...sake?"

Naho's powerful stare and the way she uses her words only had me more confused. As this sort of emotional attentiveness in her didn't exist prior. What could the real reason be for her to have this much thought and care over my life? And thinking that, I just couldn't take it too seriously, when I knew she could've felt and thought the same way... for Seiko. And every time she went on about me, it only agonized me more and more...

(Naho): "You cannot die here, Nakashima. But the truth is that you won't survive here for very long either. Even if I were to offer you my ongoing support, it'll only be a matter of time before you die by natural causes. If not by the darkening or the forces that are at play here. Which is why we need to figure a way out for you to return back home safely. As soon as possible."

I looked down at Seiko. Holding her close to me as my eyes completely welled up.

(Naomi): "You're not making any fucking sense... *Sniffles* You... You left her to die... You let...Seiko...die..."

(Naho): "I did."

I shook harder. Trembling in tears as I hugged Seiko tighter.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*...Then why? ...Why didn't you save her...?! I-I need an actual answer."

(Naho): "She wouldn't be able to escape."

(Naomi): "Unable...to escape...?"

Naho nodded.

(Naho): "Sometime ago, she lost her piece of the charm. As those who perform the Sachiko Ever After ritual will keep a piece with the rest of their belongings."

(Naomi): "...Okay. *Sniffles* And...? Why the hell is that so important?"

(Naho): "Performing the ritual incorrectly sends you here."

(Naomi): "Huh."

Suddenly, my head began to feel large pressure. Not only a strong sensation could be felt, but also, I began having glimpses of a time... that shouldn't exist. Where everyone gathered in a familiar homeroom. All from the night at Satoshi's, with an unrecognizable teacher, but who's also... too familiar. That I just rubbed my head to this strange recollection of Shinozaki and I talking.

"Since we're losing one of our own, do you mind...if we try it? It's called Sachiko Ever After."

"Who's Sachiko? And what's with the paper doll? Is this another one of your occult things?"

"Yeah, kind of. This is... Well, it's a charm that I found on the internet. If we do it right, then all of us will be together forever! ...Or we'll always be friends, anyway. That's the gist of it."

(Naomi): "No... Why would we ever do something like that...? That...doesn't make sense... Why would we...?"

(Naho): "Ignorance."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Naho): "In your friend group, nobody knew the origins of the charm and its true purpose. Because of that, the charm was incorrectly performed, which is how you all ended up...here. Confined and sealed off from the real world."

...This shouldn't be possible.

(Naho): "The charm gets divided into the amount of people who participated. In this case, all nine of you have a piece. As it serves as a key for your survival. Without it, say... the person who has lost theirs, as in... your friend, she wouldn't be able to escape past these walls."

It was becoming more painfully familiar. For my head, it kept swelling and swelling as I began remembering Seiko's words when we were at the custodian closet.

"This might have something to do with that earthquake back at our school..."

"Looking back at it. Nobody could've made it out. All of us fell in."

"After the culture festival, those who stayed behind for cleaning duty were the ones who got caught in it. That being of course... you and me and the rest of our class... since we were the unlucky ones who had to stay."

"Not everybody! Just...our closest friends."

(Naomi): "What the hell... None of this is... None of this is adding up... I mean, it does... yet...it doesn't..."

(Naho): "Of course. It's not something you'll quite fully grasp in one conversation. But you cannot let yourself be overpowered by the curses here. Death is not an escape. As there's no telling what will really happen to your soul. You could end up being trapped here forever just like the rest of us. Of course, there's no telling whether or not if that'll be the indefinite outcome. Not that you'd want to find out for yourself."

I trembled, shaking in the thought of how easily Seiko's death could've been avoided, as a part of my really wanted to hate Naho, but at the same time, understand her. As another part of me wanted to find a justifiable reason as to why Seiko couldn't be saved by her.

(Naomi): "...Again. How...am I supposed to trust you?"

(Naho): "...?"

(Naomi): "Like... *Sniffles* If what you're saying is all true, then why... why did you let her die? Why...couldn't you let us be together? *Sniffles*"

(Naho): "Haven't I already explained?"

I lowered my head.

(Naomi): "N-No... Y-You're not telling me everything... And... And the stuff you spout out isn't making all that sense... Like, if you're able to remember all these horrible things, or how we even get here in the first place, then why... why does it always turn out like this? Why does it always lead to this...if you already know what's going to happen..."

(Naho): "Well. Simply put. That's because my memories return only at a certain point."

But for whatever reason, hearing that answer from Naho pissed me off more than it should. Which had me remembering all the disgusting praise Shinozaki had for her back at school. Making me angrier.

(Naho): "Due to that, I'm not able to alter fate as I wish. Or we wouldn't be having this discussion here."

(Naomi): "...I thought you were a psychic..."

Saying this evoke a new emotion within Naho. One filled of bitter and spite.

(Naho): "Excuse me?"

(Naomi): "...Psychics are supposed to predict the future, right? ...So, what's your excuse?"

(Naho): "Don't be foolish, Nakashima. Supernatural forces are more powerful than a mere cognition. Considering they can easily manipulate time and space on a whim. Where we are standing, that should be abundantly clear to you."

(Naomi): "No, it's not... *Sniffles* I still don't get why...you let this happen...to her *Sniffles*"

(Naho): "..."

I held Seiko tighter, trying to not cry...

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Even if she... she couldn't leave this place... *Sniffles*. I... I was screaming for help... I... I wanted you to save her..."

(Naho): "Look. There are countless situations where her life could've ended far worse. I did what I thought was best."

This fucking monster...

(Naho): "I did you a favor. Trust me."

(Naomi): "...You don't understand how much I wanna kill myself."

(Naho): "Nakashima."

(Naomi): "Seriously, if I don't have Seiko... then what's the point of me even living? Why even care...? Why even try...?"

(Naho): "Nakashima. You know you can't be like that."

(Naomi): "..."

After gently resting Seiko down, I stood up and started walking for the exit.

(Naho): "Where...are you going...?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

I walked past Naho and left the restroom without saying a word.

Wake me up from this nightmare.

Please, wake me up...

If I wake up, then I'll be back home, right?

Everything will be back the way it first was? Right?

- Theme: END -

However, I still wasn't alone. I could hear Naho's footsteps. Regardless, I kept moving forward. Not turning back once, even when Naho kept trying to convince me.

(Naho): "Nakashima. What are you planning to do?"

(Naomi): "...Why do you care so much?"

(Naho): "There's nowhere else for you to go. You should just wait back in the room until-"

(Naomi): "...Until I die?"

(Naho): "No. That's not what I was going to say."

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

And I didn't stop, I only continued walking for the stairwell.

(Naho): "If you die here, you might never return to your own world. Do you really believe you'll be safe wandering around these halls? After what happened to you earlier? When you were first attacked?"

(Naomi): "..."

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Omen] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

I stopped, then clenched my fist. Tightening it as I thought of all the horrible nasty stuff I could've said.

(Naho): "Because I won't be there next time to save you."

Before taking the first step down the shadowy infested stairs, I turned around for one last look. Still seeing the same phantom with that same indifferent expression. An undesirable being that I could not stand being around for any longer. Giving one final word.

(Naomi): "I'll take my chances. Goodbye, Naho..."

(Naho): "..."

Back at me, she gave a look mixed of frustration and sorrow. Like if she truly believed I would fall for more of her lies.

No way she's giving me the full truth.

She knows way more than she's letting on.

And even then, how could I ever forgive her?

In my book, she's just like the rest of those monsters. Letting Seiko... die... making that horrible choice for me...

I can't stand it...

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

(Naho): "...Tch ...Idiot."

Few steps forward, I then re-entered the shadows. Being consumed by permafrost cold of the so-called Nirvana. Walking until I arrived at that familiar intersection. Unlike before, the massive debris of chairs and stacked desks cleared up completely from the hall on the right side.

(Naomi): "Huh...? Wasn't this area blocked off before...?"

Strangely, that wasn't the only noticeable change. Even the corpses that were once piled up in the halls were no longer seen anywhere. Was this all part of Naho's work? That would explain what Naho did while she abandoned Seiko and me.

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

Not like I was in any rush. But even then, I still couldn't wrap my mind around everything I was told. At that point, I just wanted to simply breathe and move at my own slow pace. Noticing how the absence of lighting and sound made the school even more horrifying than it used to feel. A layer of unspeakable dread crawling from every corner of these empty, hollow halls.

(Naomi): "*Shiver*"

Did it really get worse?

I don't remember it being this cold and this dark either...

(Naomi): "*Shivering*"

Whatever Naho said, those things can't all be true...

I can't believe in her...

Even if she wants to keep me safe, Seiko was left to die...because of her.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

I kept rubbing my arms. Rubbing and... rubbing. Realizing how much Seiko's blood was left on me. From my clothes being covered to my hands. As I could see and feel that same wet yet sticky crimson glossing under the dim candlelight.

(Naomi): "..."

Seiko died...because of her? Right...?

The more I stared at Seiko's blood, the more I realized how numb I really felt. This blood belonged to the person that mattered to me the most, and yet... I wasn't that terrified or as broken up as I should've been. Which my mind could only just think back to what I was told. Remembering Naho's words as they gradually unsettled me more than they did before.

"I'm sure you'll be unconscious before the darkening takes complete control of you."

"After all. The only reason why you and your friend first separated is because you fell under the influence of it. And because of that, you lost control of yourself."

"Letting the darkening consume you and take form in your heart. And because of that, you lost everything."

"Some truths are best left untold."

- Theme: END -

(Naomi): "*Shivering* ...How the hell do I get out of here? There's gotta be a way for me to wake up... Or leave... Yeah, I just need to find a way out..."

Few more steps ahead... suddenly... the rotting wood beneath my feet felt... lighter. Followed by an intensifying creak.

(Naomi): "...?!"

A loud and horrifying sound. Reaching from one end of the hallway to the other. Seemingly alerting the entire school as it seemed like the shadows within the distances were rapidly changing in greater size.

(Naomi): "...Ohhh! ...Crap!"

At that point, I felt like running back up the stairs. But I was so, so... so scared out of my mind. Like if... any movement I made now would be the worst possible thing for me to do. But then, I started to hear something... horrifying.

-Snap-

(Naomi): "...Wh-Wh-Wha...?!"

In return, another intensifying creak. Coming down from the hall leading to the area of the infirmary... and what followed immediately after were the sounds of something...being dragged.

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Dark Writings] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

No, that's not it...

It wasn't something being dragged...

It had a distinct sound... like...someone... who's been struggling to walk normally. Dragging themselves with only one working leg.

(Naomi): "*Shivering*"

-Thud- -Dshhhhh-

-Thud- -Dshhhhh-

Who the hell is that?!

Why are they walking like that...?!

-Thud- -Dshhhhh-

I tried to rationalize it, and well... who else could've it been?

(Naomi): "N-Naho...?! Hey! Naho! Is that...you...?!"

I hesitantly called out. But my voice didn't change the rhythm of their movements. Not even a response back to my call.

Wait, no... what the hell am I thinking?

There's no way she's down here! The last place I saw her is upstairs!

Whoever this is... they kept...coming towards my way...

-Thud- -Dshhhhh-

(Naomi): "...!"

And the worst part? I couldn't run. I couldn't even...hide. I was beyond terrified that all I could do was just watch in horror. Which didn't take very long before the mysterious person reached the dim candle lighting. In the distance. Still unrecognizable as they remained mostly hidden within the shadows, but they were close enough that I could faintly see... a school uniform.

- Theme: END -

(Naomi): "*Gasp*"

I'm not alone!

They aren't wearing the same colors as my school, but it's definitely a uniform. And seeing that was enough to free myself from the encapsulating tension. At least, just a bit relieved. As I moved closer and tried confronting them.

(Naomi): "H-Hey! Are you...another student?"

"..."

Were they trying to hide something? Or perhaps... were they that much afraid too? For whatever reason they continued standing in the same place without ever addressing me. They just... stayed utterly silent. Which made sense considering... anybody in our shoes would be speechless and terrified. And perhaps, this person couldn't accept that I'm real. I mean, that's how I had been feeling.

Although, something seemed... terribly off.

(Naomi): "Don't worry! I'm also scared too! But um, you seem...really hurt? Did something...happen to you...?"

"..."

(Naomi): "I'm... I'm Naomi Nakashima! Class 1-7. Kisaragi Academy! You...You must be another... student? Right? I...I see you're wearing a school outfit too! Just like me! So, um..."

"..."

Okay! What the hell is going on with them...?

The lack of human interaction just convinced me more that I wasn't talking to another human being... No way this could be an actual person. And it wasn't even the silence that was getting to me, but more so of not being able to hear their breathing... considering how awfully mangled their body looked at one distorted angle. I mean, in the current state they're in, they would be expressing their agony without holding back on a nerve.

(Naomi): "U-Umm... H-Hello...?!"

Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Something's Coming] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

But then... they moved further through the dim lighting, and there...true horror...finally revealed. From missing eye to lacerations over the rotting face. A busted open hanging Jaw and parts of their bones jutting out through their torn clothing.

WHAT THE FUCK?!

Even when they looked like...that, I still tried to reason with them... trying to find any source of HUMANITY left inside whoever... whatever this was. As I panicked and begged and paced myself backwards.

(Naomi): "P-Please! St-Stay where you are! I... I can get you help! Just... don't move! Please?!"

But they didn't listen. They only moved closer, and closer. Every part of my body screaming at me to "run for my life", and so, I turned around and-

(Naomi): "...!?"

OH GOD!

More of them came down the stairs. The horrifying sight of them throwing me off balance that I tripped over myself and landed on the hard wood, crawling on my side as I gradually picked myself up in scattering panic. Witnessing all of their bodies in similar terrifying conditions. What are they? Why are they like that? What happened to the bodies from earlier? The only rational answer... the undead.

(Naomi): "H-Hey! Stay back! I-I want no trouble!"

"Raaaagh..."

"Uuuraaaaagh..."

How are they alive?!

Are these things actual zombies?!

(Naomi): "S-Stay back!"

But they didn't listen. They kept limping and dragging themselves towards me as I began seeing more and more of these things coming out from the obscure shadows. Dozens. Neither of them focused on each other. Only on me. As if my beating heart is what they need.

- Theme: END - Next Theme: [Mao Hamamoto - Black Magic] / Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (OST)

Without hesitation, I immediately bolted for the clearest path. Running through the unexplored hallway. Until I felt... my ankle being shackled by an undying force.

(Naomi): "...?!"

"Yaaaaargh..."

The next second, my body slammed into the hard wooden floor. Fully collapsed as I was being grabbed and dragged into the shadows of pure pitch-black death.

(Naomi): "Gaaaaaah! Ahhh! NO! STOP! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

I screamed and flailed around the floor, but it wasn't stopping whatever was grabbing me. The only choice I had was to kick them, and so, I bashed my heel in with all my strength. Bashing and bashing their face in as much as possible.

(Naomi): "LET GO! LET GO!"

Few more relentless kicks in, and finally, I was set free. Only then to be surrounded by more of those zombies. Coming from both ends of the corridors. No escape. They were only developing in numbers while leaving me less and less room. Forcing my back into the wall.

(Naomi): "A-A-Ahhhhh...!"

"Raaaaagh..."

"Gargh gaaaarghhh..."

"Laaaalaaaaa ahh ahhhh..."

The last option I had left was to...scream for help.

(Naomi): "N-Naho! NAHO! Save me!"

Screaming for her only added daggers into my chest. As anything I screamed out couldn't have been heard through the constant groans and moans of the undead monsters. Leaving me to scatter my attention all over the place until I instantly caught wind of a door right by my side. Leading into "Classroom 3-A".

(Naomi): "...!"

Without hesitation, I latched onto the door, then for a split-second felt HUGE relief.

THANK GOD! IT'S OPEN!

In matter of seconds, I ended up safely inside. Immediately locking and barricading the door. Somehow, being able to use the desks as it seemed like I could just move about anything in the room like normal. Pushing and stacking desks while I did the same for the other door.

-THUD- -THUD- -THUD-

-THUD- -THUD-

Stay calm! Block the door! Block the door!

- Theme: END -

Once I realized there were no more desks to use, I then moved back and fell to my knees. Hopelessly watching them bang on the glass and doors as I knew this extremely corroded fortitude couldn't last very long.

(Naomi): "Oh my God... Oh my God... this isn't happening...!"

I held myself. Shuddering in tears as I couldn't think of anything else but how I will be torn apart and eaten by those things.

(Naomi): "What the hell are they...?!"

-THUD- -THUD-

(Naomi): "Dammit! Why didn't I listen to Naho...!?"

-THUD- -THUD- -THUD-

-THUD- -THUD-

(Naomi): "...Oh my God!"

-THUD- -THUD- -THUD-

-THUD-

Constant door hammering made my heart stop here and there. Every second, I could just FEEL them getting closer to breaking down the doors.

(Naomi): "What do I do...?! What do I do...?!"

But then, my head started to feel this immeasurable weight of pain. Being struck in as I held on from both sides.

(Naomi): "Hrrrgh!"

"There's no way out!"

"Oooooh... What do we do?"

"This is your fault, you know!"

(Naomi): "...!"

Another memory, but this one... took place in this room. As it turned out being the same room when "we" found that newspaper together.

(Naomi): "What... What is... going on...?!"

-THUD- -THUD-

One second, the wood of the doors started to snap, as desks began to shake and topple, one falling down and creating a hole down.

THUNK* *CREAK*

(Naomi): "Oh my God!"

Any second from now, they will be inside. And I just couldn't find a way out. As I was unable to break the windows on the opposite side of the classroom. As there's a massive crater. Splitting me off from getting across. Even when I wanted to jump, the length of the gap was too huge for me to make it over. There was just no way to make it.

(Naomi): "*Shuddering*"

This is not fair...

Please, wake up!

Wake me up already!

But then, the whole entire room began to violently shake, as if... an earthquake had erupted. Before hearing sounds of clawing and chunks of rock being ripped out deep within the massive crater. Like if...something below me...something huge...was climbing up in a terrifying speed.

(Naomi): "...?!"

And in a blink of an eye. Monstrosity appeared out of the gaping hole. Bringing my heart to shriek in terror as I wobbled against the wall, holding for dear life. Sealed with the unfathomable nightmare of bitter black demise.


What a weird month to be posting these kinds of chapters, eh? Instead of "Holiday joy", now it's Holiday fright? xD Seriously though! I have surprises in stores for all of you my lovely readers! Thank you for reading! AND PS... If you're still heartbroken about what happened last chapter, just get lost in the chapter 1 and chapter 2 remake :)

12/10/22 *Update* - I had accidentally uploaded the wrong version of this chapter but it's fixed now! No major changes! Thank you haha