Part 61: Apocalypse: Savior’s Sorrow
Apocalypse: Savior’s SorrowSo now we’re setting out to get the Bad Ending. This is triggered if we have seen those three Cursed Sword rumors, recruited all the CPUs, and defeat CFW Magic in the first fight we’re intended to be able to win while Planeptune’s World Share is above 55% (in other words, you absolutely will not absolutely trigger it). Some hints on how to do this: Don’t. Fucking don’t. Turn around and pretend there isn’t even a bad ending. It might not even be worth it to read it, let alone go through hours of effort to move Shares just for the game to take a monster shit on you. Anyway things change as of when we beat Magic so let’s start there.
Yes! I finally got payback for three years ago!
You may have gained some strength… But you lack sufficient power.
Let’s not make excuses, now.
Planeptune’s probably liberated by now. We prevented Arfoire from reviving. This is where your ambition ends. The Deity of Sin’s revival is in progress, and my body’s demise is the catalyst to complete our goal.
What does that mean? The Four Felons’ only reason to exist is to become vessels containing fragments of the Deity of Sin, who lacks form.Our demise removes our body, but not our souls. We will just return to our mother’s womb…
How does that relate to Arfoire’s revival? The Four Felons are a vessel? That would mean we’ve- Correct, our souls are returning to the Deity of Sin. Though imperfect, she should have the power to revive.
No way… Then, because we beat the Four Felons… For you to have struggled so much against one of the four… There’s no chance for you to win.Gamindustri is doomed.
She’s gone… If she was speaking the truth, then… Whoa! This is huge… It has to be Arfoire!
The Deity of Sin, Arfoire, awakens from her ancient slumber.The goddesses accept there is no means to counter her overwhelming power. Emerging victorious seems impossible…
Until they spot a glimmer of hope shining on the horizon.
Is it truly hope? Or is it something less desirable, masquerading as their only option?
Next time, Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2, Apocalypse: The Savior’s Sorrow.
I’m sorry. It’s our fault.
Please, don’t apologize to us. Let’s think of the children, the future.
What about the future? Our only choice is to defeat the Deity of Sin. That’s a bit cold. However, we struggled so hard against one of the Four Felons. How can we stop the Deity of Sin? I hate to say it, but she’s right. At our rate… I need to think.
…
… … No, no, no! We can’t sit on our rumps! That won’t solve nothin’! Um… How was that? Did it spark any genius plan? Maybe…I mean, do you remember the story that one citizen told us?
I might remember it if you tell me. An unused cursed sword that can only be used to defeat evil, like Arfoire. That’s the one. If we had that… You’re going to buy that bull? We don’t have a single clue. B-But it’s better than nothing.
Any port in a storm, they say. I don’t think our chances are high. If such a sword exists, I’m interested. I’ll go ahead and do some research on my end about it. Our time remaining is unclear. I can’t leave it to you alone. I will inform you when we uncover some more details. Please do. We should take a stroll and ask the fine folks out there, too!
Do you know anything about the sword?Dubious Man: I have some passing knowledge. Have you hardened your heart and prepared yourself mentally?
What are you trying to say?
It must be located in a dangerous place.Dubious Man: Hmm, that’s fine, I suppose. I’ve never seen it actually used.
The sword is located in a hidden passageway underneath LAN Castle.
Thanks, pops. All right, I’mma go now. Pardon me, but why do you leave the weapon there if you know so much about it?Dubious Man: I’m no longer the adventurous youth I once was. I can’t travel that path.
Besides, if the legend is accurate, it is best for no human to ever possess such a weapon.
That concerns me. You keep saying cryptic things. Who are you?Dubious Man: Hmph. Just an old man fond of old tales.
This is about when you need to take all of the equipment from the CPUs who aren’t Nepgear and Neptune, by the by.
Whaaaat? It’s totally less tubular than I imagined. It’s rusty and stuff. It’s hard to believe this is supposed to be an instrument of death made to kill the Deity of Sin. We don’t know that yet. Maybe when we polish the sword, it’ll shine like new. That’s a bit optimistic… A-Anyway, let’s try to restore it. If that doesn’t work out, we can always think of a different approach.Video- Sword’s Secret
Watch
Hmm, I guess it’s pretty or whatever, but I can’t say it looks like some kinda super special sword. I don’t feel any particular power coming from it. A rumor’s a rumor. I figured. Ugh, did we waste our time?Oops, it’s Histoire. Hello?
Nepgear, is it true that you have obtained the sword? Y-Yes, but it’s nothing like what I imagined. Why so frantic? You haven’t used it, have you? Everyone is fine? Yes, we were restoring it. Is that so? What a relief. It would seem I contacted you in time. What’s going on, Histoire? It’s not like you to lose your cool. I will go into detail at the Basilicom. Please come here with everyone.Bring the sword, but carry it with the utmost of care.
Okay…
Nepgear, you have finally returned. … … … Wh-What happened? You all look so scary. We’ve stumbled upon the lore pertaining to that legendary sword. If what we read was accurate, we might be able to beat the Deity of Sin. Is that so? It doesn’t look very legendary.. If we use this, we could win? Are you for really reals? Yes, if only one of you wields it. I hardly believe we would share its use. That is not what we mean. It has no power on its own, but to unlock its potential, you must give it something.
Something?
Hey, stop teasing us and just say it! …
Wh-!? Our lives? Eight CPUs are gathered here, right? If one of you decides to take the lives of the other seven, then… S-Stop! You can’t be serious. Who’d use such a ridiculous thing!? It’s not our desired method, but with its power, the chance we can defeat the Deity of Sin rises significantly.We’ve searched for it this long. The world is already facing changes because of the Deity of Sin’s revival.
You want them to kill each other!? I’m merely stating the facts. I don’t have the authority to command such an act. Only you CPUs do. We don’t even have to think about it. We won’t lose, even if we don’t have that stupid thing! I don’t want anyone to go. (The life of a CPU…)(Uni, Rom, Ram…and my sister… I can’t let anyone be sacrificed!)
(But if we do it, we’ll be able to stop the Deity of Sin and save Gamindustri.)
Nepgear, snap out of it! Wh-What? What’re you thinking about? You at a loss for ideas? I-It’s not that. We cannot eliminate this from our possible countermethods. There is not much time, but please sleep on it.Nepgear, whatever you conclude, I will follow your decision.
Y-Yes…
Yes. What did you decide? I won’t take anyone’s life.Even if I offered my own life, I don’t think they would accept it.
You’re so right, Nep Jr.! I knew you’d say that. We knew that much already. I can’t believe you made us sleep on such an obvious decision. The guaranteed power to defeat the Deity of Sin sounds nice, but… I don’t think it’s wrong to sacrifice others…if there’s no other way. But I can’t approve of it, either. Keep in mind that if we don’t use the sword, our chance to win is slim. Though I promised to follow your decision, I still hesitate to send you into battle with the odds against you. I considered that, too. Well…
You mean to combine our shares? Do you realize what you’re saying? We’ll gather all the shares into Planeptune. Using that, my sister and I will fight against the Deity of Sin. W-Wait, that does sound like it could be an effective way to counter her enormous strength, but… What’ll happen to the other nations? If you take all of our shares, the CPUs will be incapacitated! But nobody will die. That may be true, however… Jeez, is this naivete or the blissful ignorance of youth? There’s no way I can permit this strategy. I cannot support it, either. Same. If you really want to do this, put all the shares into Leanbox.There’s no reason for us to give it all to Planeptune.
No, please understand. Impossible. You’re asking for too much. Can’t you consider a different solution? If you insist on it, I’ve no choice but to consider this a declaration of war. If you threaten Lowee’s prosperity, we’ll regard you as an enemy, as well. You’ve made such a stupid decision. You’re a dummy, a real dumb CPU! Miss Nepgear… Why? We can’t afford to argue over something so trivial right now… Looks like it’s just a waste of time to talk the sense back into her.
Uh, sis… I mean, um, don’t be discouraged. Okay? Why don’t they understand? I was trying to avoid using the sword. It can’t be helped, really. I wouldn’t want to sacrifice my nation before myself, either. Do we have to fight our friends? If you try to take their shares, it’s inevitable.
I don’t really follow any of this, but this is the choice we have to follow through with, right? Yes, that’s right. I can’t think of any other way to keep everyone alive.
… Oh, yeah. What about you? Don’t you want to go back to Leanbox? No, I’ve followed you this far because I believe in you. That hasn’t changed, so I’ll stay here until the end. You might regret it. It’s pretty much the same situation if I chose to return to Leanbox. I see. Whatever the case, I don’t want to hear any complaints. Yeah, I’m always gonna be your bestest buddy, Nep Jr.! Sure…
How do you feel, Nep-Nep? Ge-Ge? I think I’ve got a little more spring in my step or whatever, but not much. I’m not sure what to do… This isn’t nearly enough. If we dawdle, the Deity of Sin will completely revive. This method isn’t going to work, is it? We made enemies of our allies for a decision that isn’t good enough. Keep your chin up. When you’re hard on yourself, it turns into a vicious downward spiral. You’re right…So, things start in Lastation.
Video- “At Lastation”
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I see. Noire, are you really just going to sit back and take this? I haven’t decided. If this continues, Lastation as we know it will cease to exist. Yeah, so- Can you really fight her? She’s your friend, right? Well, but she started it! Prepare your mind. Let it sink in. Just getting more shares isn’t enough to stop the Deity of Sin.I don’t know if it’ll be us or them.
What? Noire? As this nation’s CPU, I can’t let them steal all of our hard-earned shares. I’ll go stop them right now! I-I’m going too! Prepare our minds, huh? I thought we did that long ago.
Yes, but it’s not enough… I’m not feeling much stronger. Do you think we gotta bite off more of everyone else’s? If we take any more from Lastation, they’ll be in big trouble… Then how about you stop now? I smell Noire! Uni… You’re taking shares that rightfully belong to Lastation and its CPU. We can’t let you get away with this. May as well ask, but if we refuse? I’ll reverse the question. How would you respond if we came out and didn’t listen to what you had to say?I doubt our answers would be different.
Resorting to force? We’d rather avoid that path. Uni, I don’t want to fight you. I’m Lastation’s CPU Candidate. How can I sit idly by and watch our shares slowly deplete? But… With your rubber resolve, I don’t see you putting your heart into saving Gamindustri.That said, I’ll take your place…after taking away all of Planeptune’s shares.
N-No, I’m going to do this myself! It’s not my cup of joe to fight my friends, but we can’t really avoid it this time, huh, Noire? I don’t know about that. I’ve always wanted to teach you discipline, the Lastation way. Fine, but don’t hold a grudge! I won’t go easy on you. I wouldn’t expect any mercy!
Boss Battle: Uni and Noire
We fight Uni and Noire together here. They’re both pretty tough but it’s not really much harder than CFW Magic just was. Kill one then the other while keeping healed, not much else to it.
Anyway I’m not transcribing the next scene. If you don’t feel like watching it I’ll summarize it in a spoiler below.
Video- “The Fall of Lastation”
Watch I Guess
Noire throws herself on the Cursed Sword and then Uni insists that Nepgear execute her as well.
You’re the ones who came back. I assume this means you’ve eliminated Noire and Uni. That’s correct. I… Don’t even start to apologize.I supported the use of the sword from the beginning. It’s not wrong to go so far as to say I encouraged this.
… But… I can’t deny this seething feeling.It may be selfish of me, but I don’t wish to be in your presence for any longer than I must.
I understand. I’m leaving. I appreciate it. There’s nothing more for you here.I’m not so empathetic as to sit down and share in your remorse.
Farewell. Tch. I could barely contain my anger.This isn’t like me, is it, Noire? Uni?
Now we have to go to Lowee. Get prepared, we are coming up on The Worst Scene In The Game.
Video- “Showdown in Lowee”
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I see. Did Uni…die? What is that dummy thinking!? She promised never to use the sword! It’s useless to point fingers. She’s probably suffering the most. B-But… Have they already arrived in Lowee? Yes, it seems so. We have to make our final decision. We will take the sword for ourselves, but if they beat us, we will… Blanc… Are you two fine with it? Yes. It doesn’t matter because we won’t lose! Right. I’ll apologize in advance if something happens to me. Heavens…Where did we go wrong? We’re all on the same side…
Blanc, I wish you just stayed cooped up and read some books. Rom, Ram… Hmph, you’ve come to kill us using that stupid sword. I knew you were a really evil goddess all along. Miss Nepgear… Maybe…you’re right.But I can’t back down now. I can’t betray Uni and Noire’s wish.
I get the situation, but there’s no way in hell we’ll just kneel down and let you take our heads. We’ve really got to fight you, huh. It’s the only way we can both be satisfied. The winner takes the sword. It’s a pretty clear path. I’m so sorry, Rom and Ram. Why’re you apologizing, dummy? You haven’t beaten us. I hate this. But I’d hate it more if Ram and Blanc disappeared. I really don’t want any of you to go, either. There’s just no other way left.
Boss Battle: Blanc, Ram, and Rom
There are three of them but they’re all really weak so it’s pretty much a joke. Probably the second easiest fight of this sequence. Anyway, here it comes. The Worst Scene In The Game.
Video- “The Worst Scene In The Game”
I Cannot In Good Conscience Suggest Anyone Watch This
Once again, we execute Blanc, Ram, and Rom.
Though it’s not much of a Basilicom now. The CPU of Lowee is no longer with us. Blanc, Rom, and Ram are gone. It’s because of me. Don’t you feel any guilt, any regret? You murdered such young children… Of course it bothers me, but… It couldn’t be helped, am I right? It’s for Gamindustri’s sake. Th-That’s… I can’t see things through a lens of such wicked, frozen logic.Get out. Before I say what’s really on my mind.
The Leanbox section is tolerable enough that I’ve transcribed it all, enjoy I guess? I can’t imagine anyone is still reading this bullshit if they watched that last video anyway.
Video- “The Battle of Leanbox”
Nobody’s Watching These Anymore
It’s our final stop. All that’s left is… To kill me? Vert! Don’t say that! Oh, was what I said not correct? Aren’t you here to reap my life away? Well… Yes. That’s right. You look awkward, child. Are you forcing yourself? N-Not really. It is too heavy a cross to bear for such young shoulders. I advise you to give up. I will take charge from here. Not happening! We have the shared goal of defeating the Deity of Sin, no? If that is achieved, it doesn’t matter who does the deed. I’ve already soiled my hands with the blood of five CPUs. I won’t let anyone else live with that feeling. If I kill the two of you here and now, would that not make me your equal? You’re serious, aren’t you? Yes. I will not die. I cannot leave behind the one girl who has treated me lke a true sister. … If you are able to die with your dear sister, you won’t have to bear the regret that I would. Give me the sword. No! I promised them…I promised both Noire and Blanc to do this. I can’t break my oath with them! We have to defeat the Deity of Sin… We have to do it for those who gave their lives, those who count on us! I suppose it was a foolish notion to believe we could talk this out in a civil manner.It’s not part of my etiquette to become anyone’s sacrifice so easily.
Then…
I will take the sword by force. If you do not wish for that outcome, resist me with all your might!
Boss Battle: Vert
Vert’s moderately tough, though again really no worse than Magic was. She can hit pretty hard but doesn’t do anything weird status wise so it’s easy.
Video- “Underling’s Last Mistake”
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Vert, you’re so strong. If you’re this powerful alone… Jeez, you still want to fight? Of course I do. As you can plainly see, I yet draw breath. Please stop, Vert. We can’t watch you like this. Then still my beating heart. Or do you cling onto a false innocence, unable to take a life that does not wish to end? Th-That’s… You’re weak. I can’t entrust you with this task. Give me the sword!N…Not yet...I can still…
You’re at your limit. I can’t believe you’re this persistent. Vert, I can feel your passion. I can…I can still… What’re you gonna do? We’re at our limits, too. Urgh… If you can’t finish her off, this is a waste of time. Let’s retreat for now. I-I’m sorry… *pant, pant *Did I…survive? I’ve long exceeded my strength’s ceiling…
If we kept fighting, I would have most certainly lost. If that happened, I’d… No. I mustn’t lose.
Hehe, this is kinda interesting. The CPUs are killing each other? Who’s there!?
Yes, she’s incredibly strong. She’s probably stronger than I am. There you go again, spouting self-deprecating crap. Don’t think about such nonsense! I’m not, but… No use arguing anymore. If we wait around for too long, the Deity of Sin will be at full strength, as well. … Huh? What was that? I think it was… I’m certain that was Vert. Yep, that was Vert’s scream, all right. You’re all just hearing things. I don’t think so, Iffy. That sounded just like her. Maybe. She seemed like she was about to pass out. What if she’s being attacked by somebody? Oh, no! Vert!
Ugh… Oh, you’re still breathing? C’mon, gimme a break and die.Looking at your pathetic face makes me want to leave you here to bleed out for a while.
I can’t…die like this… Vert! Not you again… Oh, too little, too late, dumbasses. She’s about to get on the ferry, y’know. No! Lady Vert! I’ve dismissed your petty crimes until now, but this is something nobody can ever be allowed to walk away from! What’re you talking about? You were gonna off her a second ago. That’s not the same! I just did your dirty work for you. You can send me a check to thank me. I’m fuming so much right now I can’t even make words. I’ll never forgive you! Don’t try to act like heroes now. You’re both weak, and you’re all evil.Heh. I’ll get my revenge for all the times you beat me right now!
Boss Battle: Underling
Our penultimate boss fight is against Underling. She works just the same way she always has and is probably the easiest fight of this sequence. Just beat her down.
Video- “Kill Them All”
I’d Tell You To Watch But You’ve Probably Killed Yourself By Now
Yaaaaaaaaaaaah! Grrk! What…?H-hey, what’s this? Something’s…stabbed into me?
You gotta be kidding… I…can’t…die here…
*pant, pant * I should’ve done that a long time ago. Ge-Ge? Vert, stay with us! Vert! Not the ending I had hoped for. To be struck down by a peon… Don’t talk right now. C’mon, Compa. Help me take care of her wound. There is no need. Why try to heal the person you intend to kill? As usual, your actions make no sense. That’s a separate issue entirely! My heavens, you two are unbelievable. I already feel the warmth of life leaving me. I won’t survive this. C’mon, don’t give up! It may be a bit late, but could you please finish me off using that sword? But, Vert… Dying for naught doesn’t suit me. At least put my death to good use. Please, Neptune, do this for me. Nepgear…give me the sword. B-But I… Okay… Thank you.Also, please look after Chika. She is such a fragile flower.
I promise. Goodbye, Vert.
Why even bother to come? Vert asked me to take care of you in her last breaths. Her last…breaths?How dare you have the gall! Who do you think made her draw those final breaths!?
I’m sorry. Oh, a half-assed apology. Do you really feel sorry?If you do, give her back! Give me back my Vert, right now!
I…can’t. She finally came home… She was finally back after three years!I was lonely witout her, but I could bear with it because I knew in my heart she would return home someday.
This time…this time, she’s never, ever going to come back through that door!
… Give her back! Give her back! U-Urghhh…Nooooooooooooooo!
Anyway here’s the third scene I’m not transcribing. Guess what happens?
Video- “Down To One”
Is It Possible To PM Me Tequila?
We kill Neptune.
Oh, you get the cursed sword as a proper weapon now. It’s about as strong as the DLC weapons but I don’t really like it because it’s a 30 AP to attack wide weapon and those are godawful against bosses.
Video- “Arfoire”
Watch
We made it before the Deity of Sin completely revived. It’s all because of her… There aren’t many of us left. This is kind of sad. … Dumbass, have some tact! Ge-Ge, um…: Don’t speak. Let’s just kill her.Arfoire: …
Arfoire, the Deity of Sin. Is she…asleep?Arfoire: …
It’s our chance. We should defeat her while she’s sleeping! What? That’s the coward’s way out. We’ve got to fight her legit. It’s her own fault for napping in front of her enemies. We can’t afford to be legit. Uh-oh, we might not be so lucky.Arfoire: Console Patron Unit.
Yes. I’m here to take your life.Arfoire: I quake with laughter. A sole CPU thinks she can best me?
I know I will. I’m fighting for all my friends!Arfoire: Even though you live a solitary life, pushing everyone away…such a desire to be erased is worthy of my attention.
My body may be incomplete, but it is more than sufficient to negate your very existence!
Boss Battle: CFW Arfoire
As a final fuck you, Arfoire is really quite hard here. All your durable characters but Nepgear are gone and Arfoire is basically guaranteed to get the first turn and nearly wipe your whole party out with a barrage of attacks. Throw your items around as best you can and get spread out so she can’t kill more than one person a turn and hopefully you’ll manage to pull this off. That or just reload your save and pretend you didn’t even try this stupid ending.
Video- “The End of the World”
That’s All Folks
We’ve been fighting for this long and she still isn’t getting weaker. Nepgear, draw the sword! Right!Arfoire: Hmm, that sword is…
This is the blade that will slay you.Arfoire: Hmhmhmhm. Hahahahahaha!
I see, you actually used it. You’ve slain the other CPUs.
What of it?Arfoire: You’ve denied the lives of many. Every single one is gone-your friends, your family…only you remain.
Yes, I killed them. They are all gone except for me! That is why I will not lose, not now!Arfoire: Amusing, so very amusing! Come, strike me down with your cursed blade!
I wasn’t going to wait for your permission! Hiyaaaaaaaaaah!What? You didn’t even dodge.
Arfoire: No, I did not. This blade has bathed in enough blood to defeat me. Feel free to imagine this is your victory, CPU.
Wh-What? Are you saying you’ve lost on purpose?Arfoire: There is no reason for me to annihilate a world that has damned itself to destruction.
This world shall perish, sooner or later.
That’s impossible! As long as you’re gone, Gamindustri will never die!Arfoire: One nation, a single nation covering the whole world, ruled by one CPU. It will be peaceful, indeed.
What’s wrong with that? Why are you saying it’s doomed?Arfoire: Without conflict, there can be no competition, no advancement.
Mankind will live their complacent lives day after day in a world that is stagnant and decaying.
I won’t let that happen! As long as I’m the CPU, that won’t happen!Arfoire: As long as you rule the world, you mean? What about in one hundred years? One thousand? They will demand freedom.
Hmhmhmhm…hahaha! I am eternal and formless, so I will bide my time until the day I am called upon to depose you.
She’s gone. Yes, we are victorious. We’ve vanquished the source of evil! I’m glad we did it. Now Nep-Nep and the CPUs can rest… … Are you still thinking about what Arfoire said? No… No, not really. Don’t take what your enemies say seriously. Let’s go home. We need to let the world know Arfoire is no more. Yes. Let’s do that.
Nepgear, are you prepared? I am. I wish I could let you rest. There’s no time. The world’s been chaos ever since the Deity of Sin and all of the CPUs…vanished.I have to bring about order.
I see. You intend to calm the people down by letting them see the only remaining CPU in a public showing. You’ve come here, Kei? Though they’re all dead, even I know how directionless the people must feel without a leader. And the other Oracles? Lowee’s Oracle is not over it. Leanbox’s refused, naturally. I see. They know why their CPUs disappeared. The people, who remain ignorant to the truth, will accept a new CPU right away.I pray you don’t drown in the guilt you will feel from deceiving them.
That is entirely uncalled for! No, she’s right. Thank you for coming. Then, as head of state, it’s my duty to say I look forward to the establishment of this new nation.
As the only CPU in this world, my duty is to travel to each region that was once independent and have them join us. You’re still here. We made it. IF, Compa. You’ve come to see…me? Of course. If we passed on this chance, we’d never get to see you again. You’re both going away soon, as well? I’ve neglected my studies long enough. Nisa, Gust, and 5pb. have all gone to the places they call home. We’ve decided to do the same. I see. You’ll be missed, you know. Don’t try that pathetic face on me. She’s right. You’re an independent CPU. It’s not like we’ll never meet again, even if the circumstances are different. I know. I’m sorry that I worried you. All right. We’re going now. Good luck. They’ve left me. I really do have to stand on my own two feet from now on.
The most prevalent being the disappearance of their CPUs, who had just returned after a long absence.Another is understanding that their nation has been dissolved into mine.
Some people are actually upset that there’s no more crime.
Arfoire: One nation, a single nation covering the whole world, ruled by one CPU. It will be peaceful, indeed.
Yes, a peaceful world without war.
This is the dark path I’ve chosen to walk alone.Even so, Arfoire’s final words continue to echo in the corners of my mind…
Arfoire: Without conflict, there can be no competition, no advancement.
Mankind will live their complacent lives day after day in a world that is stagnant and decaying.
I won’t let that happen. I’m still determined to keep that from happening, and I’ll use any means necessary.Still, what if the people’s decision is inevitable, like she said?
What if I’ve chosen the wrong solution?
These thoughts… Sometimes I feel they’re suffocating me…
So like I said, fuck this ending, fuck you for wanting to see it, and most of all fuck me for doing it. Wasn’t worth it.